Politics
1942 articles
Joel Rayne Sworn In as Parliamentary Secretary Days After Senate Appointment
Senator Joel Anderson Rayne was sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Corporate Governance and Public Private Partnerships on Wednesday, just days after his appointment to the Senate. The ceremony at Government House was presided over by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams.
Cabinet Approves Spanish as Antigua and Barbuda's Official Second Language
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a national policy to make Spanish the country's official second language, mandating its inclusion as a core subject across all school levels. The initiative also includes the launch of the Dominican Republic Integration Programme and the establishment of a Spanish Desk within the Office of the Prime Minister.
Government Tables Sweeping Legislative Agenda Covering Harassment, Child Protection and Health
Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin has presented a sweeping legislative agenda for the upcoming parliamentary sitting, covering workplace sexual harassment, child protection, electronic crime, health reform, and border security. The package spans multiple ministries and reflects what the Government describes as a whole-of-government approach to modernising national laws and institutions.
Antigua and Barbuda Launches US$12.3M Project to Strengthen Disaster Early Warning Systems
Antigua and Barbuda has launched a US$12.3 million, five-year project in partnership with UNDP to modernise the nation's disaster early warning systems and weather forecasting capabilities. Funded by the Green Climate Fund, the initiative aims to ensure life-saving hazard information reaches every resident, including those in the most remote communities.
Cabinet Approves New Equipment and Experts to Boost National Road Repair Drive
Cabinet has approved two new specialised road-repair machines and additional technical experts to expand Antigua and Barbuda's national road rehabilitation programme, with a sharpened focus on rural communities.
Cabinet Approves Safe Haven Facility, Road Equipment and Mourns Loss of Key Figures
Cabinet approved the establishment of a national Safe Haven facility for vulnerable women and children, backed by EC$850,000 in combined public and private funding, while also greenlighting new road equipment and experts to accelerate infrastructure works. The meeting also addressed mounting road safety concerns following the death of a sanitation worker and paid tribute to two recently deceased national figures.
Cabinet Reaffirms Essential Workers Must Report on Public Holidays
Cabinet has reaffirmed that essential service workers scheduled to work on public holidays are legally required to report for duty under the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code. In a separate decision, the ONDCP building was declared safe for occupancy following a Ministry of Works technical assessment.
Antigua and Barbuda Tables Sweeping Legislation on Child Abuse, Workplace Violence and E-Crimes
The Antigua and Barbuda government is preparing a sweeping package of new legislation covering child abuse, workplace violence, electronic crimes and public safety reforms ahead of next week's opening of the new parliamentary session. The push follows alarming statistics showing the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation handles more than 50 weekly interventions involving abused or neglected children.
Cabinet Mourns NSWMA Worker's Death, Warns Motorists After Two Road Incidents
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has called on motorists to drive with greater care following the on-duty death of NSWMA sanitation worker O'Keen Lightfoot and a second incident in which another NSWMA employee was struck by a vehicle while working roadside.
Cabinet Makes Spanish Antigua and Barbuda's Official Second Language
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved Spanish as the country's official second language, mandating its inclusion as a core subject from preschool to secondary school. The move is part of a broader regional integration strategy that also includes a new Dominican Republic Integration Programme and the establishment of a Spanish Desk within the Office of the Prime Minister.
Cabinet Approves National Safe Haven for Women and Children, Secures $850K in Funding
Cabinet has approved the establishment of a national Safe Haven for Women and Children, securing EC$850,000 in combined government and private funding. The trauma-informed facility will provide emergency shelter and support services under the joint leadership of the Family and Social Services Division and the Directorate of Gender Affairs.
Egypt and Afreximbank Gear Up for 33rd Annual Meetings in Alamein This June
Egypt's Central Bank Governor and Afreximbank President held a joint press briefing on May 13, 2026, outlining preparations for the 33rd Afreximbank Annual Meetings to be held in Alamein from June 21 to 24. The event, held under the patronage of President El-Sisi, is expected to draw global leaders and address key issues shaping Africa's economic future.
PM Browne Heads to New York for Climate, Energy and Reparatory Justice Talks
Prime Minister Gaston Browne is in New York this week for a series of high-level talks on climate resilience, renewable energy and reparatory justice, with discussions also aimed at advancing Antigua and Barbuda's profile ahead of hosting CHOGM 2026.
Reparations Commission Congratulates Senator O'Donoghue on Appointment to Upper House
The Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission has congratulated Senator Angelica O'Donoghue on her appointment to the Upper House of Parliament, praising her record as a consistent advocate on social and economic issues. She was among ten government senators sworn in following the April 30 general election.
Browne's Fourth-Term Victory Signals Continuity for Antigua-UAE Partnership
Prime Minister Gaston Browne's landslide re-election to a fourth consecutive term is being seen as a signal of continuity for Antigua and Barbuda's expanding partnership with the UAE, spanning aviation, renewable energy, digital cooperation, and investment. According to Antigua.news, ongoing discussions across all areas are expected to advance under the returning administration.
Reparations Commission Backs Senator O'Donoghue After Upper House Appointment
The Antigua-Barbuda Reparations Support Commission has congratulated newly appointed Government Senator Angelica O'Donoghue, expressing confidence in her ability to serve with distinction in the Upper House of Parliament following her swearing-in last week.
Education Minister Matthew Represents Antigua at Global AI Education Conference in China
Education Minister Daryll Matthew joined global leaders and technology experts in Hangzhou, China for the 2026 World Digital Education Conference, exploring how artificial intelligence can reshape education systems worldwide. The minister expressed hope that Antigua and Barbuda would eventually adopt innovations discussed at the three-day event.
US Waives $15,000 Visa Bond for World Cup Fans From 50 Countries
The Trump administration has waived a $15,000 visa bond requirement for football fans from 50 countries who hold valid tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Five of those nations — Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia — have qualified for the tournament, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
PM Browne Heads to New York for Climate, Energy and Justice Talks
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has departed for New York City to participate in high-level climate, energy and justice discussions as part of the Global Citizen NOW initiative. The engagements include panel appearances and key bilateral meetings aimed at advancing Antigua and Barbuda's international agenda ahead of CHOGM 2026.
Antigua and Barbuda Seeks Access to $250M Climate Loss and Damage Fund
Antigua and Barbuda joined Caribbean nations in Bridgetown for a two-day training workshop on accessing the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, which has launched an initial $250 million grant financing window. Representatives focused on preparing the country to submit competitive funding proposals ahead of the June 15, 2026 deadline.