Local News
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Browne: Back Pay Delays Stem from Missing Ministry Documents, Not Funding Shortfall
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says more than $30 million in back pay has been disbursed to over 90 percent of eligible public servants, with remaining delays caused by ministries failing to submit required documentation to the Treasury — not a lack of funds.
ABFC Wraps Four-Day Music Masterclass Aimed at Building Local Creative Industry
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has concluded a four-day Music Development Masterclass that brought together local creatives for hands-on training and mentorship from leading Caribbean music industry professionals. The initiative forms part of the ABFC's broader effort to build a sustainable creative economy in Antigua and Barbuda.
Carnival City's New Eastern Caribbean-Largest Stage Completed Ahead of Schedule
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has completed installation of a new stage and roof system at Carnival City, described as the largest and most modern of its kind in the Eastern Caribbean, with preparations for Antigua Carnival 2026 running well ahead of schedule.
Census Office Deploys Second Wave of Enumerators as 2025 Count Resumes
The Census Office has deployed a second cohort of enumerators to the Greenbay Primary School community as field operations for the 2025 Population and Housing Census resume following a pause during the General Elections. Residents are urged to cooperate with enumerators and provide accurate information.
Commentary: Antigua's Ambassador Pilgrim on the Moon Race Reshaping Humanity's Future
Antiguan Ambassador Dr. Clarence E. Pilgrim examines the two competing lunar programmes — the US-led Artemis Program and China-Russia's International Lunar Research Station — arguing that broad international participation, including from small island states like Antigua, is essential to ensuring space exploration becomes a truly global endeavour.
NYPAAB Completes Elections, Names Full Executive Committee and Youth MPs
The National Youth Parliament Association of Antigua and Barbuda has completed its elections, naming a full Executive Committee and eight Youth Members of Parliament to represent constituencies across the country. President Ezekiel Francois said the newly elected team reflects the talent and diversity of the nation's youth.
Automotive Arts Donates Over EC$10,000 to Rotary Club's Colours 2026 Fundraiser
Automotive Arts and Outdoor World Antigua has donated more than EC$10,000 to the Rotary Club of Antigua in support of Colours 2026, the organisation's flagship fundraising fete, scheduled for July 4 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground. The event, themed "Welcome to Smurf Village," will raise funds for community projects across Antigua and Barbuda.
Missing Teen Deshawn James Found Safe, Family Confirms
Fifteen-year-old Deshawn James has been found safe after being reported missing earlier this week, with family members confirming his return and expressing gratitude for the community's support during the search.
Aircraft Goes Missing Over Caribbean Sea on St. Vincent-to-Tobago Flight
A Beechcraft 58P Baron aircraft travelling from St. Vincent to Tobago has gone missing after air traffic controllers lost contact during the flight. Authorities in both Trinidad and Tobago and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are investigating, with the aircraft currently classified as overdue.
Pastor Faces Drug Charges After 60 Pounds of Cannabis Seized at VC Bird Airport
A Cedar Grove pastor was detained at V.C. Bird International Airport after police seized nearly 60 pounds of suspected cannabis, valued at EC$357,000, from his luggage. Dean Robert Gould, 54, arrived on an American Airlines flight and is expected to be charged on Monday.
Pastor and Barber Faces Charges After EC$357,000 Cannabis Seizure at V.C. Bird Airport
A 54-year-old Antiguan-born pastor and barber, identified as Dean Robert Gould, was taken into custody after police seized approximately 59.5 pounds of suspected cannabis valued at EC$357,000 from his luggage at V.C. Bird International Airport on Saturday. He is expected to be charged on Monday.
PM Browne: DPP Must Justify Controversial Prosecutorial Decisions to Maintain Public Trust
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly rebuked Director of Public Prosecutions Clement Joseph over his reported refusal to explain controversial prosecutorial decisions, warning that a lack of transparency could damage public trust and Antigua and Barbuda's international reputation. Browne's comments were prompted by the discontinuation of two recent narcotics-related prosecutions that have drawn significant public scrutiny.
130 Students Enrolled in UWI Five Islands Law Programme, PM Browne Reveals
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has revealed that approximately 130 students have already enrolled in the UWI Five Islands Campus' new law degree programme, calling the response a sign of growing demand for local tertiary education. Browne also floated the possibility of requiring highly profitable companies to contribute to education financing as enrolment at the campus approaches 2,000 students.
PM Browne Floats Windfall Tax Expansion to Boost Education Funding
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has proposed extending the country's windfall tax to include other highly profitable businesses, with the additional revenue intended to fund tertiary education and the expansion of the UWI Five Islands Campus. Browne outlined the idea during his weekly radio programme on Saturday, though no specific industries or tax rates were identified and no final decision has been made.
PM Browne Eyes Harrison and Cort to Lead UWI Five Islands Campus Council
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has revealed that businessman David Harrison is giving "serious consideration" to becoming chairman of the UWI Five Islands Campus Council, with former finance minister Dr. Errol Cort named as a possible alternative. The search for a successor follows the recent death of inaugural chairman Sir Aziz Hadeed.
PM Browne Defends Sandals Overwater Bungalows, Calls for Expanded Luxury Tourism
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended plans for overwater bungalows at Sandals Grande Antigua, saying the US$100 million expansion is essential to keeping Antigua competitive in the global luxury tourism market. Browne confirmed the structures will be positioned away from the main beach area to preserve public access to Dickenson Bay.
PM Browne Confirms Construction Underway on Willoughby Bay Residential Development
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed that construction is underway at Willoughby Bay, where a Citizenship by Investment Programme investor is developing a high-end residential tourism project on Antigua's southeast coast. Browne provided the update during his weekly radio programme, highlighting the development as part of a broader push to attract foreign investment and expand the country's tourism offerings.
Sandals to Pay $6.5M Tax Settlement, Plans $100M Antigua Expansion
Sandals Resorts International has agreed to pay the Antigua and Barbuda government $6.5 million to resolve outstanding tax issues, while also advancing a US$100 million expansion of its Grande Antigua property that will include over 100 new rooms and approximately 16 overwater bungalows. Prime Minister Gaston Browne disclosed the developments during his weekly radio programme on Saturday.
PM Browne Unveils 'Peace Beach' Project at Barnacle Point Ahead of CHOGM 2026
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced plans for 'Peace Beach,' a new public beach and artificial reef project at Barnacle Point aimed at recreation, marine conservation and education. The development is targeted for substantial completion ahead of Antigua and Barbuda's hosting of CHOGM in November 2026.
Club Med, TUI Eye Jolly Beach Resort as PM Vows to Protect Room Stock
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed that Club Med and TUI are among entities interested in acquiring Jolly Beach Resort, while stressing that the government will not accept any deal that significantly reduces the property's room inventory. The resort currently generates approximately US$4 million in annual profits and welcomes around 75,000 visitors each year.