Politics
622 articles
Government Expands Housing Support With New Building Materials Shipment and Duty Waiver
The Antiguan government has announced a new shipment of building materials alongside an expanded duty waiver programme aimed at broadening housing support for residents. The initiative is intended to ease the financial burden on citizens seeking to build or repair their homes.
UPP Names Adrian Williams as St. John's City South Candidate for General Election
The United Progressive Party has selected Adrian Williams as its candidate for St. John's City South, with the party's full slate of candidates set for formal ratification on April 7. The party waived its standard membership requirement to allow Williams to contest the seat.
Census Field Operations Suspended Ahead of Antigua and Barbuda General Elections
Antigua and Barbuda's Census Office has temporarily halted all 2025 Population and Housing Census field operations, including household visits and data collection, ahead of the country's impending general elections. Officials say the suspension is necessary to protect the integrity of both processes, with field work set to resume after the elections conclude.
UPP Names Adrian Williams as St. John's City South Candidate Ahead of General Election
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has confirmed Adrian Williams as the UPP's candidate for St. John's City South, with the party's full candidate slate set to be ratified by the General Council on April 7.
Government Approves Second $1M Building Materials Shipment to Aid Vulnerable Homeowners
The government has approved a new shipment of building materials, valued at approximately $1 million, expected to arrive within two weeks to support housing repairs for low-income and vulnerable residents. The announcement follows a previous delivery of equal value and an expanded duty waiver programme on construction materials.
Cabinet Rejects Election Inducement Claims as Campaign Period Begins
The Antiguan government has rejected claims that recent policy announcements are intended as electoral inducements, with the Director General of Communications insisting the measures are consistent with the administration's long-standing record of governance. The comments follow the dissolution of Parliament, with general elections expected within 90 days.
Parliament Dissolved, Executive Retains Governing Authority Ahead of General Elections
Antigua and Barbuda's Parliament has been formally dissolved, with Cabinet set to continue governing the country as the nation enters a general election period expected within 90 days. Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant urged eligible voters to ensure their registration and identification cards are in order ahead of the upcoming polls.
SLBMC Medical Director Calls for Stronger National Support on World Autism Awareness Day
Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre's Medical Director Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis used World Autism Awareness Day to call for stronger national action on autism care, urging earlier intervention, greater community awareness, and improved school and therapy resources across Antigua and Barbuda.
Halo Foundation Joins Global Coalition to Protect Children Online
The Halo Foundation has launched the Fostering the Future Together initiative in Antigua and Barbuda, joining a global coalition led by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump to promote children's digital safety and education. Her Excellency Lady Sandra Williams announced the partnership, which includes plans for a national programme featuring STEM labs, digital literacy training, and EdTech access.
Government Waives Utility Arrears for Long-Disconnected Households
The Antiguan government has approved an amnesty waiving all utility arrears for residents disconnected from electricity, water, or landline services for more than six months. Affected households are encouraged to contact APUA to arrange reconnection under the programme.
Opinion: Five Young Women Who Deserve a Seat in Antigua's Senate
As Antigua and Barbuda nears its next general election, a new opinion piece reported by Antigua.news makes the case for appointing five accomplished young women — Janet Simon, Kristine Louisa, Kaiesha Joseph, Makiba Ward, and Tanya Ambrose — to the Senate, citing their proven records in community service, youth advocacy, and national development.
Commentary: Have We Crucified Our Own Healthcare System?
In a wide-ranging commentary published by Antigua News Room, Dr. Lester Simon argues that the departure of Cuban healthcare workers has exposed deep failures in Antigua and Barbuda's health planning, calling for a fundamental overhaul of how the country develops and sustains its own medical infrastructure.
Treasury Begins Retroactive Pay for Public Servants Covering 2018–2023
The Treasury Department has begun issuing retroactive payments to public servants for the contract period January 2018 to December 2023, with no statutory deductions to be applied in accordance with a Cabinet decision. Payments are being processed by Ministry and Department in tranches, with former employees also encouraged to come forward.
Gray's Farm and Clare Hall Health Centres to Extend Hours from April 13
The Gray's Farm and Clare Hall Health Centres will begin extended operating hours from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, starting April 13, 2026, following a brief delay from the originally announced start date. The move is aimed at improving community access to primary care and reducing pressure on the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.
UPP Supporter Refuses to Vote Amid Leadership Confusion Between Lovell and Pringle
A UPP supporter has publicly declared they will abstain from voting in the party's leadership contest, citing a troubling personal encounter with Harold Lovell and expressing firm support for rival Jamal Pringle. The letter, reported by Antigua News Room, highlights deepening divisions within the opposition party.
Lewis Tackles Illegal Dump Sites, Calls for Structured Bulk Waste Collection
St. John's Rural West candidate Richard S. Lewis led a clean-up of illegal dump sites in his constituency this week, calling on the NSWMA to implement scheduled bulk waste collection to address what he described as a persistent public health concern.
Letter to Editor: Concerns Raised Over Academic Standards and Accountability in Local Schools
A member of the public has written to the editor raising formal concerns about academic misconduct, literacy gaps, and administrative practices said to be undermining standards and fairness in Antigua and Barbuda's education system. The letter, published by Antigua News Room, calls on the Ministry of Education to strengthen policies and enforcement across all schools.
Road Works Ministry Reports Surge in Infrastructure Upgrades Across Antigua
The Ministry of Works says road upgrade efforts intensified across Antigua in March, with the execution phase of the All Saints Road project now officially underway. The Ministry credited Public Works teams, contractors, and partner agencies for sustaining the increased pace of improvements.
Former Gov't Worker Decries Repeated Backpay Delays by Treasury
A former government employee has written to Antigua News Room to voice frustration over months of delays in receiving backpay from the Treasury, with deadlines repeatedly pushed back since December 2024. The writer says Treasury staff have been unable to provide clear answers either in person or by phone.
Parliament Dissolved, Setting Stage for Antigua and Barbuda General Election
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams has signed a proclamation dissolving Parliament, with effect from April 1, 2026, officially triggering the countdown to a general election in Antigua and Barbuda. A polling date has yet to be announced.