Local News
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ECAB to Permanently Close Woods Branch on June 1, 2026
The Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank Limited has announced the permanent closure of its Woods Branch (ECAB Legacy) effective June 1, 2026, with key transition deadlines set for May 29, 2026. The bank has outlined arrangements for night deposit, safe deposit box, and other services to ensure continued access for affected customers.
Voter Turnout Builds Steadily at Villa Primary on Election Day
Villa Primary, the main polling station for St. John's City West, is seeing a steady surge in voter turnout as both morning and afternoon crowds show up on Election Day. According to Antigua.news, activity has been strong since the early hours.
Ambassador Pilgrim Outlines Vision for Antigua and Barbuda's National Renaissance
Ambassador Dr. Clarence E. Pilgrim outlines a sweeping vision for Antigua and Barbuda's national development, arguing that peace, institutional strength, and regional cooperation form the foundation of the country's ongoing Renaissance. The opinion piece, as reported by Antigua.news, highlights key advances in education, infrastructure, governance, and global diplomacy as evidence of deliberate and sustained progress.
Closed Season for Lobster and Parrotfish Takes Effect May 1
The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force and Fisheries Division have announced the annual closed season for spiny lobster and parrotfish, beginning May 1, 2026, with fines of up to $50,000 XCD for violations.
Caribbean Groups Can Apply for Grants to Fight Plastic Pollution
Organisations and small businesses in Antigua and Barbuda can now apply for grants of up to EUR 80,000 under the Sustainable Small Grants Programme, a regional initiative to combat plastic pollution through community-driven circular economy solutions. The application deadline is 31 May 2026.
Antigua and Barbuda Delegation Heads to UN for Global Education Summit
A five-member Antigua and Barbuda delegation, comprising senior education officials and youth leaders, is participating in the Transforming Global Education Summit at the United Nations on May 1st. The delegation will represent the country across multiple panel discussions focused on education reform for Small Island Developing States.
Man Remanded Over Bomb Threat at Antigua Police Headquarters
Kadeem Isaac, 22, has been remanded to prison until May 5 after appearing before Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel in connection with a bomb threat made against Antigua's Police Headquarters. His arrest followed an early-morning CID Task Force operation on April 28.
Sanders: Caribbean Stands Firm on Law as Venezuela Brooch Row Exposes Deeper Dispute
Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders argues that the controversy over a Venezuelan official wearing a brooch depicting Essequibo as part of Venezuela is not a matter of personal attire but of state conduct, and that CARICOM's firm response upholds the integrity of ongoing International Court of Justice proceedings. The commentary, as reported by Antigua News Room, calls on all parties to match their stated commitment to international law with actions consistent with it.
Volunteer Divers Pull Nearly 300 Pounds of Debris from Barbuda Yacht Wreck
A team of 18 volunteers, including nine young eco-divers, removed nearly 300 pounds of debris and ghost nets from the wreck of the yacht Jonah off Barbuda to protect surrounding coral reefs. The operation was supported by Adventure Antigua, the Barbuda Ocean Club, and the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme.
Grays Farm Man Remanded on Firearm Charges After Queen Elizabeth Highway Shooting
Coteen Francis, 32, of Grays Farm has been remanded to prison until July 22 on charges including shooting with intent to murder, following a shooting near an ABLP concert on Queen Elizabeth Highway in the early hours of April 26.
UPP Leader Pringle Casts Ballot, Urges High Turnout Ahead of Election Results
UPP leader Jamale Pringle cast his ballot Thursday in Antigua and Barbuda's general election, urging strong voter turnout and declaring confidence that his party will emerge victorious. Pringle outlined economic issues including the cost of living, road conditions and water shortages as top priorities for the party's first 100 days in office.
Team Antigua and Barbuda Head to St Lucia for ECVA Beach Volleyball Championships
Team Antigua and Barbuda departed Thursday for St Lucia to compete in the 2026 ECVA Beach Volleyball Championships, set to take place from May 1 to 3. Volleyball Antigua and Barbuda has expressed full support for the national squad ahead of the regional tournament.
Antigua and Barbuda Ranks 154th in Global AI Readiness Index, Report Finds
Antigua and Barbuda has been ranked 154th out of 195 countries in the 2025 Government AI Readiness Index published by Oxford Insights, placing it among the lower tier of CARICOM nations. The region's scores reveal stronger digital infrastructure than national AI strategy or applied AI development.
Antigua and Barbuda Ranks 154th in Global AI Readiness as Region Lags Behind
Antigua and Barbuda has been ranked 154th out of 195 countries in the 2025 Government AI Readiness Index, with CARICOM as a whole showing stronger digital infrastructure than coherent national AI strategies. Jamaica is the only regional member state to place within the global top 100.
Man Sentenced to 38 Months for Sexual Offences Against Teen He Met Online
A man in his late twenties has been jailed for 38 months after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl he met on social media in 2022. The offences came to light in November 2022 following a police report.
Man Sentenced to 38 Months for Sexually Abusing 13-Year-Old He Met Online
A man in his late twenties has been sentenced to 38 months in prison for sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl he groomed through social media, according to Antigua.news. The defendant pleaded guilty after a failed bid to suppress his confession.
Court Blocks Audit Bid in Butch Stewart Estate Battle, Executors File Appeal
A Jamaican Supreme Court has struck out an application by executors of the late Butch Stewart's estate seeking to conduct an audit before transferring ATL Group shares to his son Adam, as reported by Antigua News Room. The executors have since filed an appeal, keeping the high-profile succession dispute ongoing.
Adam Stewart Wins Court Battle Over Audit of Butch Stewart Estate Companies
Jamaica's Supreme Court has struck out a bid by executors of the late Butch Stewart's estate to conduct a red-flag audit of companies including Gorstew Limited, ruling they lacked legal standing under the Trusts Act. The decision marks a significant legal victory for Sandals Hotels boss Adam Stewart in a protracted family dispute over his father's estate.
Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Raping 8-Year-Old Girl in Position of Trust
A man who sexually abused an eight-year-old girl on multiple occasions has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty before the High Court. The defendant, who had posed as the child's father, entered his plea just one day before sentencing, sparing the victim from testifying at trial.
PM Gaston Browne and Wife Maria Cast Their Ballots on Election Day
Prime Minister Gaston Browne and his wife, Minister Maria Browne, cast their ballots together on Election Day, displaying ink-stained fingers as a mark of civic participation. The couple was photographed by Wayne Mariette at the polling station.