Politics
622 articles
Wayne Marsh Withdraws from St Paul Race in Strategic UPP Move
Attorney Wayne Benjamin Marsh has pulled out of the St Paul constituency race under the UPP banner, calling the move a tactical response to legal eligibility challenges he describes as a "political ambush."
Antiguan Crown Counsel Named AOSIS Legal Coordinator Ahead of COP31
Antiguan Crown Counsel Zachary Phillips has been appointed as the AOSIS legal coordinator ahead of COP31, placing him at the center of international climate negotiations on behalf of small island states. According to Antigua Observer, Phillips is also using the milestone to inspire young Antiguan legal and diplomatic professionals.
UPP's Alex Browne Vows to Contest General Election After By-election Loss
UPP candidate Alex Browne says he remains undeterred and ready to contest the general election, despite a heavy defeat in the St Philip's North by-election. Browne made the declaration in a telephone interview with Antigua Observer.
ABLP Sets April 12 Convention Date as Party Eyes Snap Election
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party has announced its convention for April 12, 2026, with the ruling party reportedly preparing for a possible snap general election shortly after.
Questions Swirl Over Sir Molwyn Joseph's Departure from St. Mary's North
Questions are mounting over whether veteran ABLP politician Sir Molwyn Joseph voluntarily stepped back from St. Mary's North or was eased out as the ruling party repositions ahead of a possible early election. According to Antigua Observer, no clear public account has emerged from Sir Molwyn or party leadership.
Voter ID Replacement Drive Slows as Most Constituencies Lag Behind Halfway Mark
New figures from the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission show the expired voter ID card replacement programme is progressing unevenly, with most constituencies below the halfway mark and application rates slowing sharply in recent weeks.
PM Browne Signals Early Elections Within 90 Days
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that general elections will be held within 90 days, potentially far ahead of the constitutionally due date of 2028. The declaration was made on his weekend radio programme.
Ministry of Agriculture Doubles Student Intake for 2026 Summer Internship Programme
The Ministry of Agriculture is doubling its student intake for the 2026 Agriculture Internship Summer Programme, signalling a stronger push to develop the next generation of agricultural professionals in Antigua and Barbuda.
NODS Reviews Caribe Wave 2026 Drill to Strengthen Antigua's Tsunami Preparedness
Antigua and Barbuda's National Office of Disaster Services is reviewing results from the Caribe Wave 2026 tsunami drill, aiming to refine emergency protocols and broaden tsunami-ready designations nationwide. NODS Public Relations Officer Midcie Francis confirmed the ongoing audit to Observer Media over the weekend.
CARICOM Health Chair Urges Innovation and Funding to Combat Caribbean HIV Crisis
CARICOM's COHSOD Chair, Guyanese Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, has called for greater innovation, equity, and financing to address the Caribbean's HIV crisis, as approximately 15,000 new infections are recorded annually in the region. A quarter of those new cases occur among young people aged 15 to 24.
US Visa Restrictions on Antiguans and Barbudans Unlikely to Ease, Expert Warns
A Washington-based foreign policy expert warns that Antiguans and Barbudans may face a lengthy wait for relief from US visa restrictions, with the current administration showing no signs of reversing course. According to Antigua Observer, the US has been using visa access as a deliberate political tool.
Cabinet Approves Discounted Land Sales for Long-Term Occupants of State Property
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a new policy allowing long-term occupants of state-owned land to purchase their residential plots at heavily discounted rates. The initiative targets citizens who have lived on government land for over a decade.
Cabinet Approves Minimum Wage Increase and Public Sector Pay Rise
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved an increase to the national minimum wage and an interim pay rise for public servants, both set to take effect on April 1st, 2026. The measures are aimed at addressing the rising cost of living across the twin-island nation.
Government Announces Two-Day ABST Holiday to Ease Back-to-School Costs
The Antiguan government has announced a two-day ABST holiday on April 10 and 11, suspending sales tax on essential items to help families manage back-to-school expenses. The Cabinet confirmed the measure as reported by Antigua Observer.
MP Simon Urges Government Action on Rural Youth Neglect in St Mary's South
St Mary's South MP Kelvin Simon is urging the government to urgently address what he calls the systematic neglect of rural youth, warning that without investment in agriculture, fishing, and vocational training, entire communities will continue to be left behind.
ABEC Chairman Reaffirms Push for Electronic Voting in Antigua and Barbuda
ABEC Chairman Ambassador Arthur Thomas has confirmed the commission remains committed to exploring and implementing electronic voting in Antigua and Barbuda, as reported by Antigua Observer.
Pollster Wickham Urges PM Browne to Call Snap Election, Citing ABLP Momentum
Prominent regional pollster Peter Wickham is advising Prime Minister Gaston Browne to call a snap general election, citing strong momentum for the Antigua Barbuda Labour Party following the election of Randy Baltimore as a new MP.
US Policy Risks Fracturing CARICOM Unity, Foreign Policy Expert Warns
A leading US foreign policy expert has warned that Washington's strategy toward the Caribbean is deliberately aimed at fracturing CARICOM unity, cautioning that island states which break from the bloc risk long-term sovereignty for short-term gains that may never materialise.
PS Accuses Festivals Commission Chair of Financial Misconduct in Letter to PM Browne
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries has written to Prime Minister Gaston Browne alleging financial misconduct, unauthorised expenditure, and contracts signed in her name without her knowledge at the Festivals Commission.
Ex-Chief Health Inspector Urges Urgent Action on St. John's Sanitation Crisis
Former Chief Health Inspector Lionel Michael is urging immediate action from residents, businesses, and government to address what he describes as a deepening sanitation crisis in St. John's, as reported by Antigua Observer.