Local News
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Three Urlings Fishermen Missing After Failing to Return from Sea
Three fishermen from the Urlings community have not returned home after heading out to sea Thursday night, with family members unable to reach them by phone. A public appeal is circulating widely on social media seeking information on their whereabouts.
Dwight Laviscount Wins Instrumentalist of the Year at National Music Awards
Musician Dwight Laviscount has been named Instrumentalist of the Year at the National Music Awards, recognised for his contributions to music education and performance in Antigua and Barbuda. Laviscount, who founded the Integral Music initiative and conducts school clinics for young musicians, beat out finalists Dalma "Boogie" George and Javonte Chattel for the honour.
Minimum Wage Hike to $13 Per Hour Set to Benefit Nearly 8,000 Workers
Cabinet has approved a national minimum wage increase to $13 per hour, a move expected to benefit approximately 7,264 workers currently earning between $9 and $12 per hour. The adjustment will be phased in over three years and will affect workers across sectors including hospitality, security, and government programmes.
All Saints Clinic Repairs Near Completion, Official Announcement Expected Soon
Repairs to the All Saints Clinic are nearing completion, with Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant saying an official announcement from the Ministry of Works is expected within the coming days.
Public Sector Pay Increase On Track for Late June, Government Confirms
The Antigua and Barbuda government has confirmed that a planned salary increase for public sector workers remains on track and is expected to take effect in late June. The adjustment is separate from a recently accepted proposal to raise the national minimum wage to $13 per hour over three years.
ABS Television to Move to Caribbean Cinemas Complex Within Two Months
ABS Television is set to relocate to the Caribbean Cinemas complex on Friars Hill Road within two months, following the signing of a contract for the new space. The Department of Works will begin reviewing the new facilities this week.
Minister Joseph: Health Reform Begins at Home, Not Just in Hospitals
Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph has urged a whole-of-society approach to health reform, warning that 82 percent of deaths in Antigua and Barbuda are now caused by non-communicable diseases. Speaking at a South Leeward Conference of Seventh-day Adventists health event, the Minister outlined several government initiatives focused on prevention, mental health reform, and the advancement of National Health Insurance.
PMS Serenaders Named School Steel Band of the Year at National Music Awards
The PMS Serenaders of Princess Margaret School were named School Steel Band of the Year at the National Music Awards on Tuesday night, edging out Irene B. Williams Secondary School for the top honour. The winning band expressed hopes of expanding their reach beyond school competitions to operate as a year-round community band.
ABHC to Launch Youth Mental Health Fund on March 18, Offering Vouchers to Young Antiguans
The Antigua and Barbuda Holistic Coalition will launch its Youth Mental Health Fund on March 18, 2026, offering eligible youth aged 6 to 25 up to EC$240 in vouchers to access professional mental health services. The programme will run through three application cycles during the year, with funding available while resources last.
Antigua and Barbuda Launches Sweeping Mental Health Reform with PAHO Support
Antigua and Barbuda is rolling out a sweeping reform of its national mental health system, including a new Behavioural Health Centre and community social enterprise space, following a technical mission with PAHO in February 2026. The initiative prioritises prevention, early intervention, and integrated care across all age groups.
Sir Vivian Richards Represents Antigua and Barbuda at Commonwealth Day in London
Cricket icon Sir Vivian Richards represented Antigua and Barbuda at the 2026 Commonwealth Day celebrations in London, engaging with diplomats and officials in his role as the country's official Envoy for CHOGM 2026. Antigua and Barbuda is set to host the 29th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November 2026.
Sanders: Haiti Must Not Be Forgotten as TPS Debate Reaches U.S. Supreme Court
Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to the United States and the OAS, argues that Haiti's ongoing security and political crisis makes large-scale repatriation unsafe, urging the international community to invest in stabilising Haiti rather than withdrawing protections from Haitians abroad. The commentary, as reported by Antigua News Room, comes as the U.S. Supreme Court considers ending Temporary Protected Status for a significant number of Haitian nationals.
Antigua Carnival 2026 to Launch April 11 at Rising Sun Grounds
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has announced a free public launch event for Antigua Carnival 2026, set for April 11 at the Rising Sun Grounds, featuring live performances, cultural displays, and a tribute to legendary Calypsonians.
PM Browne Visits Grace Christian Academy, Donates to Tree-Planting Initiative
Prime Minister Gaston Browne visited Grace Christian Academy, where he addressed students and contributed financially to a campus tree-planting project, according to Antigua.news.
Florida Woman Held on $10M Bail After Firing Rifle at Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's LA Home
A Florida woman has been arrested and held on over $10 million bail after allegedly firing multiple shots from an AR-15-style rifle at the Los Angeles home of Rihanna and A$AP Rocky. No injuries were reported in the incident, and investigators believe the shooting may have been targeted.
Charity Henry to Represent Antigua and Barbuda at International Mothers Pageant in St. Martin
Antiguan makeup artist and entrepreneur Charity Henry will represent Antigua and Barbuda at the BTA 8th Annual Miss International Elegant Mothers Pageant 2026 in St. Maarten/St. Martin on March 15. Henry, a mother of two, says she hopes to inspire young girls through her participation.
Antigua and Barbuda Inflation Turns Negative as Prices Fall Into 2026
Inflation in Antigua and Barbuda turned negative in January 2026, with prices falling 1.3% year-on-year and 1.9% month-on-month, driven largely by declining transport and food costs. Separately, CPI data reveals that housing and food together account for nearly half of all household spending in the country.
Charity Henry to Represent Antigua and Barbuda at International Elegant Mothers Pageant
Antiguan makeup artist and entrepreneur Charity Henry will compete at the BTA 8th Annual Miss International Elegant Mothers Pageant 2026 in St. Maarten on March 15th, representing Antigua and Barbuda. As reported by Antigua.news, Henry brings over a decade of experience in the beauty industry and a history of pageant titles to the international competition.
Antigua's Bethesda Tissue Culture Lab Set to Open, Boosting Food Security
A new Tissue Culture Laboratory in Bethesda is set to open within the coming week, according to Antigua News Room. The facility will produce disease-free, high-quality plant material to strengthen food security and modernise agriculture across Antigua and Barbuda.
WIOC Urges Public to Stop Stockpiling as LPG Supply Remains Adequate
West Indies Oil Company Limited (WIOC) has confirmed there is no shortage of LPG or cylinders in Antigua and Barbuda, urging the public to stop stockpiling amid a sudden surge in purchases driven by speculation.