Politics
1944 articles
Antigua and Barbuda Delegation Attends Global Ocean Summit in Japan
Antigua and Barbuda's delegation, led by Minister Anthony Smith Jr., is attending a two-day international ocean summit in Japan, advocating for climate resilience support and stronger ocean protections for Small Island Developing States.
CDEMA Director Meets Antigua Ministers to Bolster Regional Disaster Preparedness
CDEMA Executive Director Elizabeth Riley met with Ministers Rawdon Turner and Kiz Johnson on Wednesday to advance discussions on regional disaster management cooperation. The visit includes field assessments and the anticipated signing of a five-year Country Work Programme for Antigua and Barbuda.
Minister Calls for Tight Coordination as Carnival 2026 Planning Gets Underway
Minister of Sports and Creative Industries Dwayne George has met with Festivals Committee members to advance preparations for Carnival 2026, emphasising the need for proper coordination across all areas of the event. The minister pledged to put the necessary systems and structures in place to ensure a safe and memorable celebration.
Antiguan Youth Leader Peetron Thomas Named SDGs Coordinator for the Americas
Antiguan youth leader Peetron Thomas has been appointed Sustainable Development Goals Coordinator for the Americas by global youth-led nonprofit Next Generation Global Connect. In the regional role, Thomas will coordinate SDG-aligned initiatives across North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
AT&LU Mourns the Passing of Labour Movement Stalwart Cheryl Mary-Clare Hurst
The Antigua and Barbuda Trades and Labour Union has issued a heartfelt tribute to the late Cheryl Mary-Clare Hurst, honouring her decades of service as a labour advocate, ABLP General Secretary, Minister of State, and Senator. AT&LU President Bernard de Nully praised her unwavering dedication to protecting workers' rights across Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua and Barbuda Eyes Data Embassies at Regional Digital Resilience Workshop
Antigua and Barbuda is participating in a UN ECLAC-hosted workshop in Belize focused on strengthening digital resilience across the Caribbean, with discussions centred on the implementation of data embassies to safeguard critical government data and services.
Antigua's Analytical Services Director Joins Regional Food Safety Talks in Barbados
Dr. Linroy Christian, Director of Antigua and Barbuda's Department of Analytical Services, attended a two-day regional meeting in Bridgetown, Barbados, focused on strengthening Caribbean laboratory testing and food safety systems under the EU Food Security Programme.
Education Minister Urges Grade 6 Students to Show Confidence in National Assessments
Education Minister Daryll Matthew has offered words of encouragement to Grade 6 students across Antigua and Barbuda as they sit their two-day National Assessments. The minister urged students to approach the exams with confidence, perseverance, and belief in their own abilities.
Letter: Antiguan Mother Urges PM Browne to Reject All US Deportees
A St. John's resident has written an open letter urging Prime Minister Gaston Browne to reject all US deportees, arguing that Antigua and Barbuda's small size and existing social pressures make any such arrangement an unacceptable risk to public safety. The letter raises concerns about the unresolved status of background checks as negotiations continue.
Commentary: Patriotism or Xenophobia? Writer Challenges Use of Term to Silence Immigration Debate
A commentary published by Antigua News Room argues that the term "xenophobia" is being weaponised to shut down legitimate debate over immigration policy, alleging that the government is exploiting Caribbean migrants to maintain political power.
Deportee Talks Between Antigua and U.S. Stall Over Numbers and Security Concerns
Negotiations between Antigua and Barbuda and the United States over the acceptance of deported third-country nationals have stalled after the U.S. reportedly proposed sending up to 120 individuals — far exceeding the 10-person annual limit Antigua agreed to. Prime Minister Gaston Browne says his government will not accept any arrangement that threatens national security, while Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders has been directed to seek clarification from the U.S. State Department.
Urban Renewal Minister Demolishes Sidewalk Obstruction on Popeshead Street
Urban Renewal Minister Rawdon Turner has overseen the demolition of a set of steps that had long obstructed the sidewalk on Popeshead Street, forcing pedestrians into traffic. The removal is intended to improve pedestrian safety along the busy St. John's thoroughfare.
Health Minister Pushes for Data-Driven Fight Against Rising Kidney Disease
Health Minister Michael Joseph is urging a research-driven response to a notable rise in kidney disease cases in Antigua and Barbuda, citing diet, medication use and lifestyle as possible contributing factors. The Ministry of Health is partnering with regional organisations, including PAHO, to expand data collection and guide evidence-based health policy.
Indian Navy Training Ship Departs Antigua After Four-Day Goodwill Visit
The Indian Navy sail training ship INS Sudarshini has departed Antigua and Barbuda after a four-day port call under the Lokayan 26 expedition, during which it hosted Prime Minister Gaston Browne and held defence exchanges with local military officials. The ship is now bound for the United States to join celebrations marking 250 years of American independence.
Nation Bids Farewell to Former Senator Mary-Clare Hurst
Antigua and Barbuda bid farewell to former Senator Cheryl Mary-Clare Hurst on Tuesday in a state funeral attended by the Governor General, Prime Minister and other senior officials. Tributes celebrated her legacy as a pioneering Labour Party leader, advocate for youth and women, and devoted public servant.
Health Minister Moves to Establish Autism Support Centre After Families' Emotional Appeals
Health Minister Michael Joseph has announced urgent plans to establish a Cognitive Behaviour Centre for children with autism spectrum disorder, citing emotional encounters with struggling families during the recent Rural West election campaign. The initiative includes recruiting specialists and a potential collaboration with an Atlanta university specialising in autism.
Antigua Bids Farewell to Political Trailblazer Mary-Clare Hurst
Antigua and Barbuda held an official funeral service on June 2, 2026, for Mary-Clare Hurst, the pioneering politician and first woman to serve as General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, who died on May 5. Hurst is remembered as a trailblazer for women in leadership and a dedicated public servant who shaped political and civic life across the nation.
Letter: Calls Grow for Police Review of Senator's 'Hit List' Remark
A member of the public is calling on the Royal Police Force to review a statement by Senator Philip Shoul, who reportedly described opposition Senator Jonathan Wehner as being on his "hit list." The letter, published by Antigua News Room, argues that such language is irresponsible and damaging to public discourse, regardless of whether it was intended literally.
Senator Shoul Puts Wehner on 'Hit List' After Post-Swearing-In Radio Criticism
Government Senator Philip Shoul has publicly declared opposition Senator Jonathan Wehner to be on his "hit list" after Wehner criticised the Labour Party and Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant following last week's parliamentary walkout. Shoul, speaking on Pointe FM, said Wehner's post-swearing-in radio appearance changed his plans to give the first-term senator room to find his footing in Parliament.
Health Minister Launches Autism Support Centre After 'Wow Moment' on Scale of ASD
Health Minister Michael Joseph has announced plans to establish a Cognitive Behaviour Centre for children with autism and their families, saying encounters with affected families during his campaign and emotional parental testimony compelled him to act. The centre will initially operate from the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, with international partnerships and specialist recruitment already underway.