Local News
1364 articles
ABLP to Launch 'Big Red Machine' Campaign with April 7 Concert
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party will host its 'Big Red Machine' launch event on April 7 at People's Place, featuring performances from TeeJay, Burning Flames, Claudette Peters and others. The event marks the party's ramp-up in political activity ahead of an anticipated general election.
Commissioner Jeffers Attends Regional Security Summit in St. Lucia
Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers has returned from St. Lucia, where he represented Antigua and Barbuda at the Regional Security System Chiefs of Security Meeting — his first regional engagement in the role. Talks covered maritime security, disaster response, artificial intelligence in policing, and energy security.
Antigua Sailing Week Launches Riddim & Tides Beach Event for April 2026
Antigua Sailing Week is set to debut a new beachside lifestyle event, Heineken Riddim & Tides, on April 25, 2026, at Ffryes Beach, offering music, food, and an on-water tie-up to engage the broader public during the annual regatta. The event has been created in partnership with Anjo Wholesale Distributors, the official Heineken distributor in Antigua and Barbuda.
Commissioner Jeffers Completes First Regional Security Meeting Since Taking Office
Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers has returned to Antigua and Barbuda after attending the RSS Chiefs of Security Meeting in St. Lucia from March 25 to 26, his first regional engagement since taking office. Discussions at the two-day meeting addressed maritime security, disaster management, artificial intelligence in law enforcement, and regional energy security.
Cathedral Mourns Dean Emeritus Smithen, A Pillar of Anglican Ministry for Over 50 Years
The Very Reverend James Rudolph Smithen, Dean Emeritus of the Cathedral and Parish of St. John the Divine, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026, after more than five decades of distinguished service to the Anglican Church across the Caribbean. A recipient of the GCM from Antigua and Barbuda and the CSM from St. Kitts and Nevis, Dean Smithen leaves behind a legacy of faithful priesthood, mentorship, and historic leadership.
Body of Child Killer Ian Huntley Lies Unclaimed in Prison Morgue
The body of convicted child-murderer Ian Huntley lies unclaimed in a prison morgue weeks after he was fatally attacked by a fellow inmate at HMP Frankland, with no family member willing to claim him and his home community of Soham refusing to accept his remains.
Man Convicted for Mill Reef Club Home Invasion Against Three Elderly Victims
Marlon Carr has been found guilty on three counts of aggravated robbery for his role in a 2022 home invasion at the Mill Reef Club, in which three elderly victims were bound and robbed. Sentencing is scheduled for April 30.
Caribbean Airlines Rejects Closure Rumours, Confirms Normal Operations
Caribbean Airlines has categorically denied rumours of closure, with its board of directors confirming that operations remain fully active and no discussions about shutting down have taken place.
Magnitude 3.8 Earthquake Recorded Near Antigua Tuesday Morning
A magnitude 3.8 earthquake was recorded near Antigua at 7:33 a.m. Tuesday, with its epicentre approximately 79 kilometres southeast of St. John's. No damage or injuries have been reported.
All Saints Man Remanded on Murder Charge in Stabbing Death of Jahmarley Pierre
Jermaine Nicholas, 24, of All Saints, has been charged with the murder of Jahmarley Pierre and remanded in custody, with committal proceedings set for June 3. Pierre, 29, died on March 25 after being stabbed near the All Saints traffic lights.
Letter: Constituent Accuses MP Kelvin Simon of Opening Office Only Ahead of Elections
A constituent has written an open letter accusing MP Kelvin "Shugy" Simon of leaving his branch office closed for over two years and only reopening it ahead of elections, calling the move a political gimmick. The letter, published by Antigua News Room, urges voters not to be swayed by what the writer describes as last-minute theatrics.
Lightning Strikes Burj Khalifa as Violent Storms Batter Dubai
A lightning bolt struck the Burj Khalifa during violent storms that swept the UAE, producing dramatic footage while causing no harm to the building or its occupants. Wider flooding and travel chaos affected Dubai as authorities activated emergency measures across the country.
Antigua and Barbuda Marks 20th Gillian Brazier Basketball Tournament with International Competitors
Antigua and Barbuda is hosting the 20th edition of the Gillian Brazier Basketball Tournament, with teams from Canada and Barbados competing through April 4. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is backing the event, which combines youth development with the nation's sports tourism goals.
High Surf Advisory in Effect for Antigua Through Sunday as Dangerous Waves Approach
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a High Surf Advisory for Antigua, with dangerous surf of 2 to 3 metres forecast along mainly north-facing coastlines from Tuesday morning through Sunday. Residents and visitors are warned of life-threatening rip currents, potential coastal flooding, and beach erosion.
New CMC Hub to Connect Local Farmers Directly with Hotels and Supermarkets
The government is developing a new Central Marketing Corporation facility at the former Tennis Club property in Cassada Gardens to purchase produce directly from local farmers and supply it to hotels and supermarkets. Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. described the project as a "game changer" for local agriculture and food security.
Antigua and Barbuda Takes Active Role in High Seas Treaty Negotiations
Antigua and Barbuda is actively participating in United Nations negotiations on the High Seas Treaty, with several officials taking on key roles to advocate for fair outcomes for Small Island Developing States. The country's engagement spans marine services, diplomatic leadership, and legal coordination through the AOSIS framework.
UWI Five Islands Campus Posts EC$3.7M Surplus, Expands Regional Footprint
The UWI Five Islands Campus posted an EC$3.7 million surplus for its last academic year while absorbing a EC$4.2 million investment in a new digital platform. The campus also announced expanded regional government funding, a US$50 million endowment target, and new academic programmes in technology and other fields.
Antigua and Barbuda Advances CHOGM 2026 Preparations at Key Planning Meetings
Antigua and Barbuda held two key virtual planning meetings on March 26 to advance preparations for CHOGM 2026, with officials reporting progress across logistics, security, media, and communications ahead of the November summit in St. John's.
Pregnant American Woman Fined $3,000 After Cannabis Found in Airport Luggage
A pregnant 40-year-old American visitor has been fined $3,000 after police discovered multiple packages of cannabis in her luggage at the airport. Keishell Labeach pleaded guilty before Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel and must pay the fine within 14 days or face six months in prison.
Voter Re-registration Surges After PM Signals Election Within 90 Days
Thousands of Antiguan voters rushed to update their voter identification in the final week of March following the Prime Minister's suggestion that a general election could be called within 90 days. New data from the Electoral Commission shows 2,270 replacement ID applications and 507 new registrations recorded between March 23 and 28.