Politics
1944 articles
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.
Antigua and Barbuda Signs Aviation MoU to Boost Caribbean Regional Cooperation
Antigua and Barbuda has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with France's Directorate General for Civil Aviation during a regional directors' meeting held in Antigua from June 1 to 3. The agreement establishes a Regional Technical Cooperation Committee aimed at strengthening collaboration on aviation safety, security, and sustainable development across the Caribbean.
National Performing Arts Centre on Track for CHOGM Opening, Minister Turner Says
Minister Rawdon Turner says the National Performing Arts Centre, currently under construction at the former Deluxe Cinema on High Street, remains on schedule for completion ahead of the November 2026 CHOGM opening ceremony. The nearly 900-seat venue, featuring a double-roof acoustic system and two-tier balcony, is being described as the most advanced performance facility in the Eastern Caribbean.
Commonwealth Observers Urge Constitutional Protection for Antigua's Electoral Commission
A Commonwealth Observer Group has recommended that Antigua and Barbuda amend its Constitution to formally entrench the Electoral Commission, citing the need to strengthen institutional independence and public confidence in the country's electoral process. The recommendation is part of a wider set of reforms proposed in the group's final report on the April 30, 2026 general election.
Barbuda Senator's Office Marks First Month with 20 New Driver's Licence Registrations
Senator Kendra Beazer's office reports that 20 Barbuda residents obtained first-time driver's licences in the office's first month of operation. The office is also urging the Barbuda Council to prioritize a proposal for improved road infrastructure across the island.
Commentary: Why Making Spanish an Official Language Is a Strategic Investment for Antigua and Barbuda
Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders makes the case for Antigua and Barbuda's landmark decision to adopt Spanish as a second official language, arguing it carries far-reaching implications for tourism, trade, security, and diplomacy. The policy, announced at the OAS on 3 June, drew immediate enthusiasm from Latin American delegations.
Antigua Showcases Flood Gains, Eyes Regional Disaster Hub at EU Programme Meeting
Minister of State Kiz Johnson has highlighted Antigua and Barbuda's progress under an EU-funded disaster resilience programme, including flood mitigation works and a new community command centre. The country is also advancing plans to become a regional search and rescue training hub.
Public Consultation Opens on Barbuda Road and Wharf Rehabilitation Project
The Ministry of Housing and Works has opened a public consultation on a major Barbuda road rehabilitation project spanning 12.6 kilometres across six corridors, releasing environmental, engineering and social planning documents for public review. The project, funded through the Caribbean Development Bank as part of post-Hurricane Irma recovery efforts, includes climate-resilience measures and is expected to take up to 24 months to complete.
Apostle Defends Resurrection as Historical Fact at Senator Hurst's Funeral
Apostle Dr. Stephen Andrews used the funeral of former Senator Cheryl Mary-Clare Hurst to deliver a vigorous defence of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, calling it a historical fact supported by eyewitness accounts. His remarks reignited one of Christianity's longest-running debates, drawing on scripture and early church history while rejecting secular scholarly skepticism.
Antigua and Barbuda Delegation Advances Blue Economy Agenda at Tokyo Ocean Summit
Antigua and Barbuda is attending the Island States Ocean Summit 2026 in Tokyo, where Minister of Fisheries and the Blue Economy Anthony Shamari Smith Jr. is leading a national delegation to advance ocean governance, climate resilience and sustainable fisheries on the global stage.
Minister Browne's Road Works Push Reshapes Infrastructure Across Antigua
Road works are expanding across Antigua and Barbuda under Housing Minister Maria Browne, with major projects on All Saints Road, Newgate Street, and numerous communities island-wide. Opinion contributor Justin Preston argues the sustained momentum, continuing even after elections, reflects a meaningful shift in infrastructure delivery and government accountability.
Antigua and Barbuda Suspends Visa Waivers for All Travelers Departing Africa
Antigua and Barbuda has suspended visa waivers for all travelers departing from African countries and will deny entry visas to anyone who has recently visited regions affected by Ebola or other serious viral outbreaks. The measures, announced following the May 27 Cabinet meeting, include the reinstallation of thermal cameras at V.C. Bird International Airport and enhanced coordination among border agencies.
Minister Baltimore Elected Chair of Caribbean Regional Fisheries Council
Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of State Hon. Randy Baltimore has been elected Chair of the CRFM Ministerial Council, assuming leadership of the CARICOM regional fisheries body. The Council's twentieth meeting produced 19 resolutions, a new five-year aquaculture action plan, and a 2026–2027 work plan and budget.
Performing Arts Centre on Track for September Completion Ahead of CHOGM
Minister Rawdon Turner says the new Performing Arts Centre is on track for completion by the end of September, with balcony seating the last major construction phase remaining. The 875-seat venue is set to host the opening of CHOGM 2026 in November before becoming a permanent cultural facility.
High Court Weighs Landmark Ruling on Barbuda Airport Development
A High Court judge is now considering arguments in a landmark case challenging the legality of the Barbuda airport development, after environmental activist John Mussington and Barbuda Council member Jackie Frank completed their court proceedings this week. The ruling could have significant implications for environmental protections and development approvals across Antigua and Barbuda.
Barbuda Airport Legal Challenge Heads to Judgment After Full High Court Hearing
Environmental activist John Mussington and Barbuda Council member Jackie Frank are awaiting a High Court ruling after the full hearing of their legal challenge against the Barbuda airport development, which they allege proceeded without proper environmental approvals or public consultation. The case, backed by the Global Legal Action Network, follows a landmark 2024 Privy Council ruling that affirmed their legal standing to bring the challenge.
Minister George Meets Carnival Committees as Antigua Ramps Up Preparations for 2026 Festival
Minister of Sports and Creative Industries Dwayne George has met with the Festivals Commission and its subcommittees to accelerate planning for Carnival 2026, pledging government support for what is expected to be one of the country's largest carnival celebrations in recent years.
Youth Ambassador Makiba Ward Completes Leadership Exchange Programme in China
National Youth Ambassador Makiba O. Ward has returned from a two-week leadership exchange seminar in China, where she represented Antigua and Barbuda alongside youth leaders from Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and Latin America. The programme, held from May 19 to June 1, focused on youth development, entrepreneurship, and international cooperation.
Fernandez Pushes for Cheaper Intra-Regional Airfares at Caribbean Tourism Forum
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez used a regional ministerial panel during Caribbean Week in New York to call for lower intra-regional airfares and greater collaboration among Caribbean governments to drive tourism growth.