Local News
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Labour Department Corrects National Day of Prayer Date in Official 2026 Holiday List
The Labour Department has corrected an error in Official Gazette nos. 60 and 61, confirming that the National Day of Prayer will be observed on September 10, 2026. The full updated list of public holidays for Antigua and Barbuda has been reissued.
Urgent Call for Blood Donations to Support Jacqueline Wetherill
An urgent appeal has been issued for blood donations for Jacqueline Wetherill, with members of the public asked to visit the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Blood Bank between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. All blood types are accepted.
CARICOM to Dispatch Humanitarian Aid to Cuba Following Regional Summit
CARICOM governments have agreed to send humanitarian supplies to Cuba, including food, medical supplies and solar equipment, following a decision made at the bloc's 50th Heads of Government summit. Mexico is supporting the effort by identifying suppliers and providing free shipment.
Letter: Calls for Transparency Over Michael Freeland's ABLP Candidacy in St Georges
A member of the public has written an open letter, as reported by Antigua News Room, calling on ABLP general election candidate Michael Freeland to publicly account for the circumstances surrounding a Customs auction funds controversy that led to his Senate resignation in December 2017.
CHTA and Triptease to Host Second Direct Booking Summit Caribbean in Antigua
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association and Triptease will bring their Direct Booking Summit back to Antigua on May 15, 2026, offering hoteliers practical strategies on AI, digital marketing, and reducing reliance on third-party booking channels. Registration is now open, with limited capacity available.
St. Mary's South Candidate Dwayne George Stays the Course After 2023 By-Election Loss
Dwayne George, who lost the 2023 by-election in St. Mary's South, is mounting another electoral bid — and his decision to remain active in the constituency after his defeat is drawing attention as the next election approaches.
Journalist Azara Lavia Turns Down UPP Offer to Run in St Paul Constituency
Journalist Azara Lavia has turned down an offer from the United Progressive Party to contest the St Paul seat in the upcoming general elections, saying her focus remains on her professional and academic development. The UPP continues to seek a candidate for the constituency following the earlier withdrawal of Wayne Benjamin Marsh.
Herberts Man Charged With Smoking Cannabis Near Potters Primary School
A Herberts man, Jamie Darroux, has been arrested and charged with smoking cannabis near Potters Primary School following a Narcotics Department patrol on March 23. He faces charges of smoking cannabis in a public place and possession of cannabis.
Long-serving UPP Member Desmond Charles Resigns, Blasts Party Leadership
Longtime United Progressive Party member Desmond Charles has resigned from the opposition party, citing failures in leadership and a loss of core values. In his resignation letter, Charles levelled pointed criticism at both UPP Chairperson Gisele Isaac and Political Leader Jamale Pringle.
UPP Veteran Desmond Charles Resigns, Condemns Party Leadership Ahead of Elections
Veteran UPP member Desmond Charles has resigned from the opposition party after more than three decades, blasting the leadership of Political Leader Jamale Pringle and Chairperson Gisele Isaac as the party heads into an election period. Charles declared the UPP has "lost its way completely" and stated he will "never put party over country."
Beazer Vows to Put Barbudans First as He Eyes ABLP Barbuda Seat
Former Barbuda Council member Kendra Beazer is set to contest the Barbuda seat for the ABLP, pledging to prioritise infrastructure, health, education, and people-centred development for the island's residents.
Eastern Caribbean Cybersecurity Officials Convene in Antigua for Regional Workshop
Cybersecurity officials from across the Eastern Caribbean are meeting in Antigua and Barbuda for a two-day workshop on regional cyber governance, hosted by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in partnership with the OAS and supported by the United Kingdom.
APUA Absorbing Fuel Cost Increases to Keep Electricity Rates Stable, Minister Says
Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas says APUA is absorbing rising fuel costs to keep electricity rates stable in Antigua and Barbuda, while outlining renewable energy plans aimed at long-term relief. The government is targeting up to 50 megawatts of solar production over the next three to four years.
PM Browne Confirms Agriculture Minister Smith to Contest Election on ABLP Ticket
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith will run on the ABLP ticket at the next general election, though Smith has not yet formally applied for party membership. Smith left the UPP in July 2024 and has since aligned closely with the governing party.
Agriculture Minister Smith Set to Formally Join ABLP, PM Browne Confirms
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith will run on the ABLP ticket at the next general election, though Smith has not yet formally applied for party membership. The move formalizes a political transition that began when Smith left the UPP in July 2024.
Appeal Court Reduces Sentences for Five Men Convicted in Firearms Cases
The Court of Appeal has reduced prison sentences for five men in separate firearms cases, citing errors in sentencing calculations by Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel. The reductions stem from issues including misapplied firearms classifications and charges filed under legislation not yet in force.
Ministry of Agriculture Expands Heavy-Duty Fleet to Boost Farmer Support
The Ministry of Agriculture has begun receiving new heavy-duty equipment and tractors to expand its support capacity for farmers across Antigua and Barbuda. Minister Anthony Smith says the machinery will be used for land clearing, construction, land preparation, and farm road repair.
Workers Union Appeals Industrial Court Ruling on Job Abandonment
The Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union has filed a Court of Appeal challenge against an Industrial Court ruling that deemed a hotel employee had abandoned his job rather than being dismissed. The case is expected to have broad implications for how job abandonment and dismissal claims are handled in Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua and Barbuda Delegates Head to Bangkok for Critical Climate Talks
Antigua and Barbuda will be represented at the IPCC-64 climate talks in Bangkok from March 24–27, as the nation pushes for progress on unresolved climate report timelines and improved financing mechanisms for small island states.
PM Browne: Emirates Direct Flight to Follow One & Only Resort Completion
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says a direct Emirates flight from Dubai is expected to materialise once the One & Only resort at Half Moon Bay is completed, as he outlined a series of major luxury tourism investments currently underway across Antigua and Barbuda.