Local News
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Antigua Pursues Japanese Grants and Technical Aid for Fisheries and Agriculture
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has received a briefing on the Agriculture Minister's recent visit to Japan, where discussions focused on securing grants and technical assistance for fisheries infrastructure, market modernisation, sargassum management, and educational exchanges.
Facebook and Instagram Down for Millions of Users Worldwide
Millions of Facebook and Instagram users worldwide experienced widespread outages on Friday, with nearly 5,000 disruption reports logged within 24 hours. Meta had not publicly commented on the issue at the time of publication.
Department of Culture to Train Carnival Adjudicators Ahead of 2026 Season
The Department of Culture will host a Soca and Calypso Adjudicators' Training Workshop on 20th June, 2026, at the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies. The full-day session aims to enhance the fairness, consistency, and professionalism of judging across major Carnival competitions.
PM Browne Challenges DPP's Stance on Public Accountability Over Dropped Cases
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly challenged DPP Clement Joseph's position that he owes no explanation to the public for prosecutorial decisions, warning it could erode trust in the justice system. The dispute follows criticism over the recent dismissal of two criminal cases.
Man Sentenced to Six Years for Raping, Impregnating 14-Year-Old Stepdaughter
A man has been sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to raping his 14-year-old stepdaughter, an assault that resulted in pregnancy. Justice Ann Marie Smith handed down the sentence in the High Court on Friday, citing the abuse of trust and a 23-year age difference as aggravating factors.
Cabinet Backs U-20 Football Team, Approves Premier League Return to ARG
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has congratulated the national Under-20 football team on its historic CONCACAF championship qualification and approved the return of Premier League football to the Antigua Recreation Ground on a pilot basis this September.
Two Antigua Resorts Publicly Welcome LGBTQ+ Travelers in Social Media Campaign
Pineapple Beach Club Antigua and The Verandah Resort and Spa have launched nearly identical social media campaigns affirming that LGBTQ+ travelers are welcome at their properties. The advertisements, which feature same-sex couples and messages of inclusion, have sparked online discussion both locally and regionally.
U.S. Sanctions Cuba's State Energy Firm Over Alleged Repression Support
The U.S. has sanctioned Cuba's state-owned energy firm CUPET, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio accusing the Cuban government of diverting fuel resources to sustain political control while citizens face chronic shortages and power outages.
PM Browne Calls for Bolder OECS Leadership Ahead of Chairmanship
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called on OECS leaders to move beyond "routine leadership" and pursue transformative regional projects, including a joint airline and geothermal energy cooperation. Browne is set to assume the rotating OECS chairmanship later this month when leaders meet in Antigua and Barbuda.
Cabinet Tightens Work Permit Rules to Put Antiguans and Barbudans First
Cabinet has announced tighter work permit rules requiring employers to more broadly advertise job vacancies before hiring foreign nationals, following a review of employment trends and labour market conditions. The measures aim to ensure Antiguans and Barbudans are given full opportunity to fill available positions.
Sandals Eyes Major Antigua Expansion With 100 Rooms and Overwater Bungalows
Sandals Resorts International is planning to add approximately 100 rooms to its Antigua property, including 16 overwater bungalows, as disclosed during Wednesday's Cabinet meeting. The expansion is expected to boost the country's luxury tourism market and create new employment opportunities.
Over 800 Volunteers Sign Up as Antigua and Barbuda Ramps Up CHOGM 2026 Preparations
More than 800 individuals have volunteered to support the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, as Antigua and Barbuda steps up preparations for the landmark summit coinciding with an anticipated state visit by King Charles III.
Japan Eyes Technical Partnership to Turn Antigua's Sargassum Into Commercial Products
Japan has signaled its readiness to send a technical team to Antigua and Barbuda to explore converting sargassum seaweed into commercial products, following talks with Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. during his recent visit to Japan. The initiative could turn a long-standing coastal environmental problem into an economic opportunity for the twin-island nation.
Cabinet Tightens Work Permit Rules to Prioritise Local Hiring
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved new work permit rules requiring employers to advertise vacancies across multiple platforms before hiring foreign workers. The measures aim to strengthen labour market protections and prioritise local job seekers.
CARICOM Moves to Standardise EV Charging Infrastructure Across the Region
The CARICOM Secretariat hosted a webinar to advance the standardisation and harmonisation of EV charging infrastructure across Member States. Key challenges identified include small technical workforces, limited budgets, and the need for locally relevant, technology-neutral standards.
Government Presses Ahead with Barbuda Land Registry as Council Digs In
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has reaffirmed plans to establish a Barbuda Land Registry and proceed with Crown land sales, setting up a direct confrontation with the Barbuda Council, which insists the island's communal lands are not for sale. Court proceedings related to the dispute are ongoing, with the registry expected to become operational by end of August.
Cabinet Warns Illegal Barbuda Land Deals Will Be Void, Structures Face Demolition
The Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet has warned that unauthorised land sales and development activities in Barbuda will carry no legal weight and that illegally erected structures could face demolition. The warning was issued as the government advances efforts to establish a formal Barbuda Land Registry.
CBH Urges Family to Claim Body of Grays Farm Woman or Face Government Burial
The Central Board of Health has renewed its appeal for relatives of Silvie Martin of Grays Farm Village, who died on April 4, 2026, to claim her unclaimed body from Barnes Funeral Home within 14 days or face a government-arranged public burial.
Spain to Help Antigua and Barbuda Make Spanish the Country's Second Language
Antigua and Barbuda is pursuing technical assistance from Spain, including lecturers, teaching materials and teacher-training programmes, as part of a government initiative to establish Spanish as the country's second language. The plan also includes proposals for a Spanish Language and Cultural Institute and specialised training for workers in key economic sectors.
Cabinet Approves Return of Premier League Football to the Antigua Recreation Ground
Cabinet has approved the return of Premier League football to the Antigua Recreation Ground for the September-to-December season under a new pilot framework allowing football and cricket to share the historic venue. The arrangement will be managed on a trial basis with a dedicated structure overseeing scheduling and maintenance.