Politics
1942 articles
Switzerland Votes June 14 on Cap That Could Reshape Its EU Ties
Swiss voters head to the polls on June 14 to decide on a constitutional initiative that would cap the country's population at 10 million — a vote that could unravel Switzerland's free movement agreement with the EU and destabilise the broader bilateral treaties underpinning its access to the European single market. Polling shows the race too close to call, with campaigning costs reaching record levels.
Antigua to Restrict Travel from Ebola Outbreak Zones, Health Minister Confirms
Health Minister Michael Joseph has announced that Cabinet will soon consider proposals to restrict entry for travellers from Ebola outbreak regions, as the Ministry of Health reinforces screening measures at ports of entry. No cases have been confirmed in Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua and Barbuda Confirms Two Malaria Cases, Tightens Port Health Screening
Two cases of malaria have been confirmed in Antigua and Barbuda, prompting the Government to expand health screening at ports of entry and place the Infectious Disease Centre on heightened readiness. The Ministry of Health is expected to provide further details at a press briefing on Friday.
APUA Apologises to Electoral Commission Over Water Disruptions at Registration Centres
APUA has apologised to the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission after water supply disruptions affected registration centres and interrupted public services. The authority says teams are working to restore service while ongoing efforts aim to improve network reliability.
ABEC Temporarily Closes Two Registration Units Due to Water Outage
The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission has closed two voter registration offices for the day after both locations lost access to running water. Constituents in St. Peter, St. John's City East, St. John's City South, and St. John's Rural East are affected.
400+ Eye Surgeries and 10,000 Student Screenings Planned Under Expanded Vision Care Drive
More than 400 eye surgeries are planned for Antiguans and Barbudans this year as part of an expanded national vision care drive that also includes eye screenings for approximately 10,000 students and a forthcoming distribution of free eyeglasses.
Cuban Ambassador Condemns U.S. Indictment of Raúl Castro as Politically Motivated
Cuba's Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda has condemned the U.S. Department of Justice indictment of Army General Raúl Castro as a politically motivated escalation, dismissing the charges as a manipulation of events from over three decades ago. The opinion piece, as reported by Antigua.news, reaffirms Cuba's commitment to sovereignty and self-determination in the face of what the Ambassador describes as ongoing U.S. aggression.
Jolly Harbour Freeholder Takes APUA to Court Over Utility Regulation Failures
A Jolly Harbour freeholder has filed a judicial review challenging whether APUA has lawfully overseen the supply of water and electricity to approximately 850 freehold parcels in the gated community. The case, as reported by Antigua.news, alleges that utility provider CDAL has operated without the required permissions, delegations, or approved tariffs under the Public Utilities Act.
Antigua and Barbuda, Japan Reaffirm Diplomatic Ties at COFCOR Sideline Talks
Senior diplomats from Antigua and Barbuda and Japan held bilateral talks in Suriname, reaffirming ties and discussing cooperation on climate change, CHOGM logistics, and the possible establishment of an Antiguan mission in Tokyo. The meeting, reported by Antigua.news, took place on the sidelines of the 29th COFCOR meeting.
Barbuda Land Registry Set for August 2026 Launch as Cabinet Approves Reform Plan
Cabinet has approved a centralised framework to launch the Barbuda Land Registry by August 31, 2026, following the near-completion of the island's Land Adjudication process. The move is part of broader land reform efforts, including a separate initiative to sell 216 acres at Louis Hill to Barbudans for $1.
Antigua and Barbuda Secures Sustainability Partnership Ahead of CHOGM 2026
Antigua and Barbuda has forged a partnership with the King Charles III-founded Sustainable Markets Initiative to drive green investment and climate resilience ahead of CHOGM 2026. Talks held in London on May 21 identified several areas for collaboration, including sargassum management, renewable energy, port modernisation and Barbuda's green transition.
U.S. Charges Raúl Castro Over 1996 Shooting Down of Civilian Aircraft
The United States has charged former Cuban leader Raúl Castro and five others over the 1996 shooting down of two civilian aircraft that killed four people, including three Americans. As reported by Antigua.news, prosecutors announced the charges in Miami nearly 30 years after the incident, though a trial is considered unlikely given Cuba's non-extradition policy.
Antigua and Barbuda Hosts Regional Workshop to Build Waste-to-Energy Expertise
Antigua and Barbuda's National Solid Waste Management Authority, alongside UNEP and regional partners, hosted a capacity-building workshop at the Villa Community Centre to strengthen the country's ability to evaluate and implement Waste-to-Energy technologies. The training forms part of broader efforts to advance circular economy principles and sustainable waste management across the twin-island state.
UWI Five Islands Campus Strengthens Regional Ties with St. Vincent Visit
UWI Five Islands Campus Principal Professor Justin Robinson led a high-level delegation to St. Vincent and the Grenadines to explore a joint academic programme with the SVGCC and strengthen regional partnerships. The visit included meetings with government officials and the business community, as well as public engagement sessions for prospective students.
Senate Honours Late Mary-Clare Hurst, Trailblazer for Women in Public Life
The Senate observed a moment of silence on Wednesday in honour of former senator and leader of government business Mary-Clare Hurst, who died on May 5. A trailblazer for women in Antiguan public life, Hurst will be remembered at an official government funeral on June 2.
Govia Celebrates Women and Youth in New Government Senate Lineup
Senate Majority Leader Shenella Govia has praised the new government bench in the upper house, spotlighting the appointment of five women and several young, first-time senators as a reflection of the ABLP's focus on building future leadership. Govia also called for the Barbuda Council to fill its vacant Senate seat with a young woman.
Hughes vows research-driven debate as he takes minority leader role in new Senate
Newly appointed Senate minority leader Chester Hughes has pledged a research-based, principled approach to opposition debate in the upper house, declaring that "the politics is over" following today's swearing-in ceremony. Hughes also outlined the opposition's approach to scrutinising legislation, emphasising respect and reasoned engagement.
Senate President Williams-Grant Re-Elected for Fourth Term, Calls for Greater Female Representation
Alincia Williams-Grant was re-elected Senate President for a fourth consecutive term and called on new senators to advocate for all Antiguans and Barbudans, while urging stronger action to improve female representation across both houses of parliament.
New Antigua and Barbuda Senate Sworn In, One Seat Remains Vacant
Sixteen of seventeen senators were sworn into the new Antigua and Barbuda Senate on Wednesday, with only the Barbuda Council seat remaining vacant following the April 30 general elections. The Throne Speech is scheduled for May 26.
St. Peter MP Turner Kicks Off Bulk Waste Cleanup Drive in Lightfoot Community
St. Peter Parliamentary Representative Rawdon Turner will launch a Bulk Waste Cleanup Initiative in Lightfoot this weekend, with plans to expand the community beautification campaign across the constituency in the coming weeks.