Politics
1944 articles
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.
Opinion: Should Antigua Accept US-Deported Third Country Nationals?
Opinion writer Franchesca Sterling raises serious legal, public health, and human rights concerns about Antigua and Barbuda potentially accepting third country nationals deported from the United States, questioning the arrangement's compliance with local immigration law and the principle of non-refoulement.
Building Materials to Be Distributed to Barbuda Residents in Need
ABLP caretaker for Barbuda Kendra Beazer has announced that building materials are being prepared for distribution to vulnerable residents on the sister island. No timeline or beneficiary numbers were provided.
Joel Rayne Sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary in Finance Ministry
Senator Joel Rayne has been sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Corporate Governance and Public Private Partnerships. The ceremony also marked the completion of the government's Senate appointments, with Tiffany Anthea Lauren Strann-Peters officially joining the Upper House.
Joel Rayne Elevated to Parliamentary Secretary; Tiffany Strann-Peters Appointed to Senate
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has appointed Tiffany Strann-Peters to the Senate and elevated Senator Joel Rayne to Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, with both appointments taking effect from 14 May 2026. A swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Thursday at Government House.
Strann-Peters Named to Senate as Rayne Elevated to Parliamentary Secretary
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has appointed Tiffany Anthea Lauren Strann-Peters to the Senate and elevated Senator Joel Anderson Rayne to Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, with both appointments taking effect 14 May 2026. A swearing-in ceremony is scheduled at Government House on Thursday.
Centenarian Receives EC$10,000 Grant as Government Fulfils Manifesto Pledge
Mrs. Ruth Henrietta Georgiana Henry celebrated her 100th birthday with a EC$10,000 cheque from the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, fulfilling an ABLP manifesto pledge to support citizens who reach the remarkable milestone. The grant is part of a newly announced Centenarian Grant initiative aimed at providing practical support and recognition to the nation's oldest citizens.
Cuba's Antigua Embassy Condemns US Sanctions as 'Extraordinary Escalation'
The Cuban Embassy in Antigua and Barbuda has condemned newly announced US sanctions as an "extraordinary escalation" of aggression, warning the measures extend penalties to foreign entities doing business with Cuba. The statement, issued following executive action by President Trump, rejected claims that Cuba poses a security threat and cautioned against any potential military intervention.
Sanders: Antigua and Barbuda Will Not Accept US Pressure to Take More Third-Country Nationals
Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders says Antigua and Barbuda is resisting US pressure to accept more third-country nationals than it originally offered, warning that larger numbers would strain the nation's limited resources and pose serious integration challenges.
Ambassador Sanders: Antigua and Barbuda Cannot Accept Large Numbers of US-Deported Third-Country Nationals
Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders has stated that Antigua and Barbuda cannot accept more third-country nationals from the United States than it originally offered, citing limited resources and integration challenges. The ambassador confirmed that negotiations with Washington are ongoing but that the government's position remains firm.
Venezuela's Acting President Rejects Trump's 51st State Remarks, Defends Essequibo Claim
Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez rejected Donald Trump's suggestion that Venezuela could become the 51st U.S. state, declaring her country "not a colony, but a free country." Her remarks came on the final day of International Court of Justice hearings in The Hague over Venezuela's territorial dispute with Guyana over the resource-rich Essequibo region.
Health Minister Completes Island-Wide Clinic Tour for Nurses Week 2026
Health Minister Michael Joseph has completed visits to all 22 public clinics in Antigua during Nurses Week 2026, presenting personally sponsored gift baskets to nursing staff in recognition of their dedication and service. Visits to clinics in Barbuda are expected to follow.
Historic 1893 Broadwood Grand Piano Donated to Government House Museum
A 131-year-old Broadwood grand piano, originally purchased for £110, has been donated to the Government House Museum by Melanie Etherington, enriching the institution's Georgian-era collection. The instrument comes from the world's oldest continually operating piano maker, whose instruments were once gifted to both Chopin and Beethoven.
Ambassador Ali Outlines UAE-Antigua Ties After Labour's Landslide Election Win
Following the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party's landslide election victory and Prime Minister Gaston Browne's return for a fourth term, Ambassador Theon Ali has outlined the ongoing priorities shaping UAE-Antigua relations, including direct air links, digital cooperation, and a landmark renewable energy project on Barbuda.
Antigua and Barbuda Nominates Former UN Assembly President Espinosa for Secretary-General
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has formally nominated former UN General Assembly President María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés as its candidate for UN Secretary-General, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne citing her experience, credibility and strategic vision. Espinosa has put forward a five-pillar transformation agenda aimed at making the United Nations more effective, accountable and credible.
PAHO Secures Reserved Pandemic Flu Vaccine Supply for Latin America and the Caribbean
The Pan American Health Organization has signed a historic agreement with CSL Seqirus to reserve pandemic influenza vaccine supplies for Latin America and the Caribbean, offering the region, including Antigua and Barbuda, a more equitable footing in future global health emergencies. The deal, reported by Antigua News Room, also includes regional manufacturing in Argentina through Sinergium Biotech.
ABEC Demands Retraction from Former Chairman, Threatens Legal Action Over Election Claims
The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission has demanded a retraction from former chairman Bruce Goodwin over comments questioning the Commission's independence and the legitimacy of the April 2026 General Elections, threatening legal action if necessary.
Senator Kirwan Vows Service Over Rhetoric as She Returns to the Senate
Independent Senator Jamilla Kirwan has called for a politics of service over confrontation as she returns to the Senate, describing today's political climate as "caustic" and pledging to lead by example rather than rhetoric. The senator also paid tribute to her late mother while reaffirming her commitment to advocating for vulnerable communities.
Governor General Honours Senator Kirwan's Resilience as She Takes Oath Amid Bereavement
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams praised the courage of Senator-designate Jamilla Kirwan, who was sworn into the Senate on Monday while mourning the recent death of her mother. The ceremony at Government House marked Kirwan's return to the Upper House following her initial appointment as an independent senator in November 2025.