Politics
622 articles
Government to Review Public Smoking Laws, Eyes Shift to Ticketing System
The Antiguan government has announced a review of public smoking laws under the Tobacco Control Act of 2018 and the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act of 2024, with a possible shift toward a ticketing-based enforcement system. The move signals a potential change in how smoking violations in public spaces are handled across Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua Carnival 2026 Launch Postponed Due to Scheduling Conflicts
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has postponed the April 11 launch of Antigua Carnival 2026, citing scheduling conflicts with external service providers. ABFC Chairperson Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul confirmed the delay, as reported by Antigua Observer.
Commissioner Jeffers Attends First Regional Security Meeting Since Taking Office
Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers has returned from St. Lucia after attending the Regional Security System Chiefs of Security Meeting — his first regional engagement since taking office. The two-day meeting was held from March 25th to 26th.
Alex Browne Takes Oath as Newest Member of Antigua's Senate
Alex Browne was sworn in as the newest member of Antigua and Barbuda's Senate yesterday, taking his oath of allegiance before the President of the Upper House.
Senate Passes Festivals Commission and Special Economic Zone Bills Before Parliament Dissolves
The Antigua and Barbuda Senate has passed the Festivals Commission Bill 2026 and the Special Economic Zone (Amendment) Bill 2026 in its final sitting before Parliament dissolves for the upcoming general elections.
Antigua and Barbuda Joins Regional Push for Disaster Protection Treaty
Antigua and Barbuda was represented at a regional roundtable in Kingston, Jamaica, aimed at advancing a Treaty on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters. Dr. Jose Humphreys of the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society and Crown Counsel Annetta Jackson attended the meeting.
Educators Champion the Panyard as a Powerful Tool for Youth Development
Educators and academics are calling for greater recognition of the steelpan yard as a vital, yet underutilized, tool for youth development in Antigua and Barbuda. The discussion, aired on Observer AM, highlighted the panyard's role in fostering discipline, cultural identity, and community among young people.
Nation Bids Farewell to Former Minister Eustace 'Teco' Lake
A thanksgiving service celebrating the life of former Minister of Works and Housing Eustace 'Teco' Lake was held on March 30 at St. Andrew's Anglican Church, before he was laid to rest at Tranquility Park Cemetery. Lake, who died on February 20, was 62 years old.
Red Cross President Highlights PIRAC Ready 360 as Key to Caribbean Resilience
ABRCS President Dr. Jose Humphreys has shed light on PIRAC Ready 360, a French Red Cross-led initiative aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and resilience across the Caribbean. The programme emphasises innovation and regional partnership as cornerstones of its approach.
Retiring Deputy Commissioner Unveils Five-Point Plan to Reform Antigua Police Force
Deputy Commissioner Albert Wade, with 43 years of service and retirement approaching, has presented a five-point reform blueprint for the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, warning that structural change is essential to the force's future effectiveness.
Antigua's Reparations Commission Hails UN Resolution on Transatlantic Slavery
Antigua and Barbuda's Reparations Support Commission has welcomed a United Nations resolution, led by Ghana and adopted on March 25th, that formally declares the transatlantic trafficking and chattel enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity. The Commission described the landmark decision as historic, timely, and necessary.
Cabinet Moves to Relax Dress Code Rules at Government Offices
The Antiguan government is set to relax strict dress code rules at public offices, with Cabinet calling for common sense guidelines that ensure services remain accessible to all residents.
MP Richard Lewis Vows Return to Parliament, Cites Record of Service in Rural West
St John's Rural West MP Richard Lewis has publicly declared his intention to return to Parliament, citing his deep ties to the constituency and his record of service. His comments, reported by Antigua Observer, come amid recent changes in the House of Representatives.
Baltimore Sworn In as St. Philip's North Rep Amid Ongoing Eligibility Challenge
Randy Baltimore has been sworn in as St. Philip's North representative for the ABLP, even as attorney Sheffield Bowen continues to challenge his eligibility in the High Court, arguing Baltimore held public officer status on Nomination Day.
DNA Withdraws from Snap Elections, Urges Free and Fair Vote
The Democratic National Alliance has confirmed it will not field candidates in the upcoming snap general elections following a unanimous decision by its Management Committee. The party is also calling for the vote to be free and fair.
UPP Banks on Family Ties in St Paul, but Political Analysts Express Doubt
The UPP has replaced its St Paul candidate with Frantz DeFreitas, reportedly banking on his maternal ties to the constituency to gain an electoral edge. According to Antigua Observer, at least one veteran political scientist is doubtful the strategy will succeed.
Pringle Names De Freitas as UPP Candidate for St. Paul Ahead of General Elections
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has named Franz De Freitas as the UPP's candidate for St. Paul, replacing Wayne Benjamin Marsh, who withdrew ahead of the upcoming general elections.
DNA Opts Out of Upcoming Snap General Elections
The Democratic National Alliance has unanimously decided to sit out the upcoming snap general elections, expected to be called by the Prime Minister next month. The decision was made following a meeting of the party's Management Committee.
Antigua and Barbuda Names Jamaican Dancehall Star Masicka as Cultural Ambassador for Youth
Antigua and Barbuda has appointed Jamaican dancehall star Masicka as Cultural Ambassador for Youth Talent, with three young local artistes set to benefit from the initiative. The announcement was made by the Director General for Communications in the Prime Minister's Office.
CARICOM Hails UN Resolution Declaring Transatlantic Slave Trade a Crime Against Humanity
The UN General Assembly has adopted a historic resolution declaring the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans the gravest crime against humanity, with all CARICOM Member States voting in favour of the Ghana-led measure.