Local News
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Senator Freeland Builds Momentum in St. George Through Community Engagement
Senator the Hon. Michael Freeland is making his mark in the St. George constituency through a series of community contributions, infrastructure initiatives, and daily canvassing, as the constituency prepares for an electoral contest. According to Antigua News Room, his hands-on approach is generating growing confidence among residents on the ground.
ECCB Reaffirms EC Dollar Peg to US Dollar Ahead of 50th Anniversary
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has reaffirmed there are no plans to change the EC dollar's fixed peg to the US dollar, with Governor Timothy N.J. Antoine citing a near-99 percent backing ratio as the bank prepares to mark the arrangement's 50th anniversary in July.
Police Warn of Rising Road Collisions Ahead of Busy Easter Weekend
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda is urging drivers to take extra care on the roads this Easter weekend, as collision numbers have risen to 637 so far in 2026, up from 621 during the same period last year. Two road fatalities have already been recorded this year, with authorities citing speeding and inattentive driving as key factors.
Tourism Authority Backs 12th AUA Rohrman Trail & Swim Fest as International Athletes Flock to Antigua
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has returned as Gold Sponsor for the 12th AUA Rohrman Trail & Swim Fest, set for April 11–12, 2026, with over 100 international athletes already registered from more than a dozen countries. The partnership aims to boost sports tourism and generate global exposure for the twin-island destination.
Attorney General: Smoking Laws Under Review After Next General Election
Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin has announced that laws governing public smoking will be reviewed after the next general election, with authorities considering alternatives to arrest as the primary enforcement tool. Existing restrictions under the Tobacco Control Act 2018 and the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act 2024 remain in force in the interim.
ABFC Partners With Caribbean Music Producer Kitwana Israel to Elevate Antiguan Sound
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has partnered with internationally recognised Caribbean music producer Kitwana Israel to develop a Carnival rhythm and provide local artistes with professional industry exposure. The initiative is part of the Commission's broader strategy to grow and elevate the nation's creative industries.
Construction Begins at Pares Community Center
Construction is underway at the Pares Community Center, according to ABLP St. Peter candidate Rawdon Turner, with the project aimed at fostering community growth and opportunity.
Solar Street Lights Being Installed Across St. Peter Constituency
ABLP St. Peter candidate Rawdon Turner says upgraded solar street lights are being installed across the constituency, with new fixtures already lighting sections of the community.
Festivals Commission Postpones Antigua Carnival 2026 Launch from April Date
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has postponed the official Carnival 2026 launch, originally scheduled for April 11 at the Rising Sun Grounds, due to scheduling conflicts. A new date is expected to be announced soon.
Young Farmers Shine as Inter-school Garden Competition Reaches New Heights
Antigua and Barbuda's 2026 Inter-school Garden Competition has concluded with judges praising record levels of student knowledge and participation across preschool, primary, and secondary categories. Ottos Comprehensive School claimed the top prize as overall champion.
Antigua and Barbuda Enters Election Mode as Parliament Dissolved
Parliament has been dissolved in Antigua and Barbuda, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne invoking Section 60 of the Constitution and setting the stage for a general election expected within weeks. The ABLP enters the race leading in the polls, while the Democratic National Alliance has confirmed it will not contest the vote.
MP Maria Browne Completes Three-Day Bulk Waste Drive in St John's Rural East
MP Maria Vanessa Browne led a three-day bulk waste collection exercise in St John's Rural East over the weekend, resulting in the removal of large volumes of waste and the targeting of derelict vehicles across several communities. The initiative was praised for its strong community participation.
UPP Candidate Warns of Possible UK, EU Visa Restrictions on Antiguans and Barbudans
UPP candidate Ashworth Azille has warned that Antigua and Barbuda could face visa restrictions from the United Kingdom and European Union, linking the potential measures to concerns over the country's Citizenship by Investment Programme. Azille also raised alarm over high US visa refusal rates and shortened approved stay durations for Antiguan travellers.
Minority Leader Withholds Support for Festivals Commission Bill, Demands Broader Consultation
Senate Minority Leader David Massiah has refused to support the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Bill 2026, citing inadequate consultation and insufficient time for senators to review the legislation. While backing the concept of a formal festivals authority, Massiah is calling on the government to pursue a more inclusive process before moving the bill forward.
Antigua and Barbuda Records Nearly 14,000 Cruise Visitors in a Single Day
Antigua and Barbuda recorded more than 13,900 cruise passengers and crew arriving in a single day at the close of March, with four vessels docking across St. John's and Falmouth Harbours. The milestone underscores the continued strength of the country's cruise tourism sector.
Norway-Funded Recycling Pilot Launches in Fitches Creek Bay to Tackle Household Waste
The Fitches Creek Residents Association has launched a household waste sorting pilot in Fitches Creek Bay, receiving sorting bins through the Norway-funded ReMLit Project to promote recycling and protect a key wetland biodiversity area. The initiative, years in the making, is implemented locally by the National Solid Waste Management Authority and the Department of Environment.
US Appeals Court Rejects Bid to Obtain Financial Records Tied to Alfa Nero Case
A US appeals court has upheld the quashing of subpoenas sought by Russian claimant Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov for financial records linked to Prime Minister Gaston Browne, ruling her application too speculative to meet the legal threshold required under US law. The decision marks a significant procedural win for Browne and other parties named in the Alfa Nero-related case.
Senate Majority Leader Outlines Powers and Structure of New Festivals Commission Bill
Senate Majority Leader Shenella Govia has outlined the structure and powers of the proposed Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, a new statutory body that would oversee the management and financing of national festivals including Carnival. The bill establishes a 13-member Cabinet-appointed board, a dedicated Festivals Commission Fund, and wide-ranging operational and licensing powers.
Champion Bodybuilder Melissa Seaforth Inspires ABAA Athletes Ahead of CARIFTA Games
Champion bodybuilder and back-to-back Sportswoman of the Year Melissa Seaforth addressed Antigua and Barbuda's CARIFTA Games team in a motivational session hosted by the ABAA. She shared practical advice on preparation, mental focus, and performing under pressure ahead of regional competition.
Letter: Seasonal Gifts or Genuine Governance? A Call for Accountability from Every Candidate
A public letter published by Antigua News Room is calling on citizens to distinguish between genuine community service and election-driven gift-giving, while urging candidates ahead of the 2026 general election to sign a formal accountability pledge. The writer, identifying as "The Mirror Holder," criticises both sides of the political divide for failing to uphold electoral law and demands a citizen-led social contract to hold representatives accountable.