Politics
1942 articles
Antigua and Barbuda Reaffirms Support for CDEMA's Long-Term Sustainability
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has reaffirmed its strong support for the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), backing efforts to establish sustainable long-term financing for the organisation. The pledge follows a Cabinet presentation by CDEMA's Executive Director, who warned of growing climate-related disaster risks and mounting financial pressures on the regional body.
Commonwealth Observers Commend Antigua Election, Call for Sweeping Reforms
Commonwealth election observers have praised Antigua and Barbuda's April 30, 2026 general election as peaceful and transparent, while calling for reforms in areas including campaign finance, constituency boundaries and media independence. The Commonwealth Observer Group's final report commended ABEC and polling staff, but identified several areas requiring legislative and regulatory attention.
Antigua Weighs Salary Deductions to Enforce Child Support Payments
The Antiguan government is considering direct wage deductions and other enforcement measures to combat chronic non-payment of court-ordered child support, as it prepares to launch the MainCollect digital payment platform. No final decisions have been made, with legislative changes and ongoing Family Court consultations still under review.
Govt Maintains Fuel Subsidies as APUA Daily Costs Nearly Double
The Antigua and Barbuda government is maintaining fuel subsidies for consumers even as APUA's daily fuel costs have nearly doubled — rising from $460,000 in January to approximately $886,000. Officials say the subsidy will continue, though no end date has been specified.
Antigua Night Court for Traffic Cases to Launch Within Weeks After Cabinet Approval
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved the establishment of a dedicated night court for traffic matters, which is set to become operational within weeks. The court aims to clear a growing backlog of traffic cases and serve as a deterrent against road offences, according to Antigua.news.
Parliament Set to Debate Expanded Powers Over Derelict Properties on June 16
The Antiguan government is set to bring legislation before Parliament on June 16 that would expand its powers to remove derelict and hazardous properties from communities across Antigua and Barbuda. The planned measures were announced at Friday's post-Cabinet media briefing by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant.
Commonwealth Observers Call for Polling Station Vote Counts to Boost Electoral Transparency
Commonwealth election observers have recommended that Antigua and Barbuda count votes at polling stations immediately after polls close, citing improvements to transparency and public confidence. The proposal is part of a broader set of electoral reforms outlined in the group's final report on the April 30, 2026 general election.
PAHO Urges Caribbean Nations to Bolster Health Preparedness Ahead of 2026 Hurricane Season
The Pan American Health Organization is urging countries across the Americas, including those in the Caribbean, to strengthen health system preparedness ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, despite forecasts of below-normal activity. PAHO warns that even a single severe storm can pose serious public health risks and disrupt essential services.
Saint Lucia to Host 51st CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in July 2026
Saint Lucia will host the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Gros Islet from July 5 to 8, 2026, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. Regional leaders will deliberate on key issues, with the Opening Ceremony to be held at Sandals Saint Lucia and streamed live online.
Cabinet Backs App to Tackle Child Support Arrears Affecting Thousands of Families
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has endorsed the MainCollect app, a digital platform designed to improve child maintenance payment collection, targeting up to 2,500 fathers in the country listed in court records as having outstanding obligations. The system, approved by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, is expected to be operational within six months and eventually extended across OECS member states.
Cabinet Backs Digital App to Address Child Maintenance Crisis in Antigua and Barbuda
Cabinet has endorsed MainCollect, a locally developed digital app designed to modernise child maintenance payment collection in Antigua and Barbuda, where between 1,500 and 2,500 fathers are recorded as having outstanding obligations. The platform, already approved by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, is expected to be operational within six months and rolled out across the OECS.
PM Browne Joins Villa Primary Students to Build CHOGM 2026 Bottle Cap Mural
Prime Minister Gaston Browne joined Villa Primary School students on Thursday to contribute to a recycled bottle cap mural being created in anticipation of CHOGM 2026, scheduled for November 1–4 in Antigua and Barbuda.
Cabinet Backs Digital Maintenance App, Fisheries Overhaul, and Fort James Redevelopment
Cabinet has backed a new digital child maintenance platform, overhauled management of the nation's fisheries complexes, and approved a government-led redevelopment plan for the Fort James Beach area. The decisions emerged from the Cabinet's sitting on Thursday, June 4th, 2026.
Health Minister Inspects Morgue, Renal Facility and Other Key Infrastructure Projects
Minister of Health Michael Joseph toured several key healthcare facilities and construction projects, including a new renal facility, morgue, and a centre for children with special needs, as part of a broad assessment of the nation's health infrastructure.
Ghana Parliament Passes Bill Criminalising Homosexuality with Up to Three Years' Jail
Ghana's parliament has passed legislation criminalising homosexuality and LGBTQ+ identity, proposing prison sentences of up to three years. The bill now awaits the signature of President John Dramani Mahama, who has indicated his support.
UPP Senator Flags $236M in Unaccounted CBI Funds, Demands Parliamentary Oversight Reform
UPP Senator Jonathan Wehner is calling for parliamentary oversight reform and a restructured Public Accounts Committee, citing EC$236 million in CBI programme funds he says have gone unaccounted for over the past decade. Wehner argues that gaps in CIU reporting and a 2016 ministerial powers amendment have created conditions ripe for financial mismanagement.
Cabinet Appoints New Leadership for Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Board
Cabinet has approved new leadership for the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre board, naming Dr. Philmore Benjamin as executive chairman and Dr. Edward Mansoor as deputy chairman, alongside a series of other statutory appointments under the Ministry of Health.
Antigua Cabinet Approves Dedicated Night Court to Fast-Track Traffic Cases
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved the establishment of a dedicated night court to hear traffic cases, aiming to clear a growing backlog and improve road safety enforcement. The initiative follows a recommendation by Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin.
Government to Absorb Sir Luther Wynter Pre-School Into National Early Childhood Network
The Antiguan government will take over the Sir Luther Wynter Pre-School Child Development Centre, a UNESCO-designated model school founded over 50 years ago, as part of an expanding national early childhood education network. New preschool centres are also planned for Judges Hill and Jennings.
Antigua Cabinet Backs Digital Child Support Platform, Eyes Public Defaulter Register
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved the Main Collect digital platform to streamline child maintenance payments, while also considering a public register of delinquent fathers and stronger enforcement measures to combat widespread non-compliance.