Local News
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Lions Club and Cool & Smooth Donate Refrigerator to Boost Zion Church Feeding Programme
The Lions Club of Antigua and Cool & Smooth Store have donated an EC$8,500 refrigerator to the Zion Church of God, bolstering a feeding programme that has served vulnerable residents for more than 35 years.
Government Eyes Compulsory Acquisition of Derelict Properties to Boost Housing
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the government is weighing compulsory acquisition of derelict properties in St. John's to advance the national housing programme. The move comes amid an ongoing campaign to demolish abandoned structures across the capital.
WIOC Mourns Death of Businessman Lawrence 'Larry' Gonsalves
The West Indies Oil Company Ltd. has paid tribute to businessman Lawrence "Larry" Gonsalves following his passing, describing him as a respected community figure, mentor, and longtime operator in the fuel retail sector.
Civil Liberties Group: Barbudans Must Have Final Say on Land Ownership Changes
The Antigua and Barbuda Civil Liberties Movement is demanding that Barbudans provide free, informed and meaningful consent before any major changes are made to the island's communal land ownership system or development plans. The group is urging the government to respect the constitutional role of the Barbuda Council in all decisions affecting the island's lands and resources.
Labour Department to Hold Free Health and Wellness Fair on Thames Street Friday
The Labour Department will host a free Health and Wellness Fair on Thames Street this Friday, June 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring health screenings, HIV/AIDS testing, and outreach services from multiple government agencies.
Visa Issues Force Abigail Piper Out of Miss Caribbean Universe Pageant
Miss Abigail Piper will not compete at the Miss Caribbean Universe Pageant on June 13 after visa-related challenges prevented her participation. The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission confirmed she will instead represent the nation at the Miss Caribbean Beauty and Intelligence Pageant this August.
US Launches Second Day of Airstrikes on Iran as Trump Vows More Attacks
The US has launched a second day of airstrikes against multiple targets in Iran, with President Trump vowing further attacks after negotiations with Tehran failed to produce a deal. The offensive follows an Iranian drone strike that downed a US helicopter off the coast of Oman.
Government Seeks Family of Deceased Grays Farm Woman Before Public Burial
The Central Board of Health is seeking relatives of Ms. Silvie Martin of Grays Farm Village, who passed away on April 4, 2026. Family members have 14 days to contact Barnes Funeral Home to arrange a private burial, or the government will proceed with a public interment.
Chief Magistrate Brings Court Expertise to Police Academy Recruits
Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel visited the Sir Wright F. George Police Academy on June 9, delivering a lecture on court procedure and the Child Justice Act while urging recruits to uphold integrity, discipline, and service above self. The engagement followed a firsthand visit by recruits to the St. John's Magistrate's Court earlier this month.
Potters Playing Field Complex Set for September Completion Ahead of CHOGM 2026
The Potters Playing Field multi-sport complex is on schedule for substantial completion by September 30, ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting set to take place in Antigua and Barbuda. Minister of State Michael Freeland and High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill toured the site this week to review progress on the facility.
Antigua and Barbuda to Host Regional Services Sector Training Programme in 2026
Antigua and Barbuda will host a regional OECS Specialised Services Sector Training Programme from June 29 to July 2, 2026, aimed at strengthening the trade policy and negotiation skills of public and private sector stakeholders. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration is inviting interested parties to register for the hybrid training initiative.
U.S. Revokes Hundreds of Visas in Global Birth Tourism Crackdown
The U.S. State Department has revoked hundreds of visas and moved to dismantle organised birth tourism networks operating across West Africa, Europe and North Africa. According to Antigua News Room, investigators uncovered schemes using fraudulent documents and coaching services to help foreign nationals obtain U.S. visitor visas under false pretences.
Potters Playing Field Multi-Sport Complex on Track for CHOGM 2026 Deadline
Senior government officials have toured the Potters Playing Field redevelopment project, with the multi-sport complex on track for substantial completion by September 30, 2026 — ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in St. John's this November.
Urlings Fisherman Hospitalised After Shark Attack During Spearfishing Trip
A young Urlings fisherman is hospitalised with serious hand injuries after a shark attack during a spearfishing trip on Tuesday. The incident has heightened concerns within the local fishing community amid reports of increasing shark activity along the Urlings coastline.
Air Canada Pilot Charged After Flying 900+ Flights Without Proper Licence
A former Air Canada pilot has been charged after allegedly flying more than 900 passenger flights between 2009 and 2025 without a proper airline transport pilot licence, according to Antigua News Room. Geoffrey Wall, 59, of Barrie, Ontario, is also accused of using fraudulent licensing documents and filing a false police report, and earned approximately $2.9 million Canadian during his time as captain.
Masked Gunman Opens Fire on Vehicle on Dickenson Bay Street, Injuring Man
A masked gunman opened fire on a vehicle on Dickenson Bay Street around 4 a.m. Tuesday, injuring the male occupant with glass debris from a shattered window. The victim was treated at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, and police investigations are ongoing.
Urlings Fisherman Hospitalized With Severe Hand Injuries After Shark Attack
A young fisherman from Urlings remains hospitalized after a shark nearly severed his hand during a spearfishing trip on Tuesday. The attack has alarmed the local fishing community, where shark sightings have reportedly increased in recent months.
Land Buyer Demands Refund from Social Security Over Missing Infrastructure
A land buyer in the Paynters area is calling on Social Security to refund over forty thousand dollars after nearly two years of waiting for basic infrastructure — including roads, water, and electricity — that has yet to materialise.
Bottle Cap Mural of Sir Rodney Williams and Sir Vivian Richards Unveiled for CHOGM 2026
A mural made from recycled bottle caps featuring Sir Rodney Williams and Sir Vivian Richards has been unveiled as part of Antigua and Barbuda's CHOGM 2026 preparations, promoting sustainability and community involvement ahead of the historic summit.
SLBMC Launches Online Appointment System for Clinic and Radiology Services
The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre is urging patients to use its 24/7 online appointment request system for outpatient clinic and radiology services, eliminating the need for in-person booking visits.