Local News
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Government: 5% Public Sector Pay Rise Already Budgeted, No Treasury Strain Expected
The Antiguan government says a five percent interim salary increase for public servants, due at the end of March, has already been budgeted for and will not strain the national treasury. Officials describe the adjustment as temporary, with broader compensation negotiations still underway.
5,000 Join Caribe Wave Tsunami Drill as Officials Flag Preparedness Gaps
Around 5,000 Antiguans and Barbudans took part in the annual Caribe Wave tsunami drill on Thursday, with officials praising overall coordination while identifying issues including sirens sounding at incorrect times. The National Office of Disaster Services said the exercise highlighted both the progress made and the work still needed to bolster national disaster readiness.
Antigua and Barbuda Consulate in New York Launches Diaspora Youth Engagement Drive
The Consulate General of Antigua and Barbuda in New York is hosting its first Diaspora Networking Mixer on March 25, bringing together young Antiguans and Barbudans in the Northeast to strengthen ties with their homeland. The event, backed by Ambassador Walton Webson, is part of a broader initiative to engage the diaspora's younger generations in the country's social and economic development.
Lovell Calls on UPP to Sharpen Messaging and Rebuild After By-Election Loss
Former UPP leader Harold Lovell has called on the party to sharpen its messaging, boost grassroots engagement, and rebuild its organisational machinery following the March 16 St. Philip's North by-election. Lovell framed the result as a learning experience and urged a collective effort to prepare for future electoral contests.
Lovell Calls for Unity Over Blame After UPP Loss in St. Philip's North By-Election
Former UPP leader Harold Lovell has urged the party to avoid internal blame and focus on reflection after suffering a decline in voter support in the St. Philip's North by-election held on March 16. Lovell also criticised the ruling ABLP for accelerating development projects in the constituency ahead of the vote, questioning the quality and sustainability of the work.
Elite Island Resorts Launches 'Love Letter to Antigua' Campaign for Travel Advisors
Elite Island Resorts has launched 'A Love Letter to Antigua,' a campaign providing travel advisors with curated itineraries, an interactive island map, and a fifth-night-free summer promotion at The Verandah Antigua. The initiative also highlights the group's sustainability and community engagement efforts across its portfolio of Antiguan properties.
UPP's Emanuel Peters Distributes 318 Meals to Rural South Residents in Pre-Election Outreach
UPP candidate Emanuel Peters distributed 318 bowls of bullfoot soup to residents in Rural South as part of community outreach efforts, with the initiative also extending to a neighbouring constituency through collaboration with Senator Johnathan Joseph.
Bolans Playing Field Gets Long-Awaited Lighting Upgrade, MP Simon Says
St Mary's South MP Kelvin "Shugy" Simon has welcomed the installation of lights at the Bolans playing field, saying years of advocacy have finally delivered a long-awaited upgrade for the community. The new lighting is expected to allow local teams to once again host matches within the community.
No Tsunami Threat to Antigua After 6.9 Earthquake Strikes Mid-Atlantic Ridge
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has confirmed there is no tsunami threat to the country following a 6.9 magnitude earthquake on the Northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge, located approximately 1,818 kilometres northeast of Antigua. No public action is required, though authorities are urging residents to stay informed and review coastal evacuation plans.
Antigua and Barbuda Earns Third Place at Inaugural OECS Robotics Challenge
Antigua and Barbuda's debut team at the inaugural OECS Super Regional Robotics Challenge 2026 finished third, defeating St. Lucia in the bronze medal match held in St. Kitts. St. Vincent and the Grenadines claimed the overall title.
ABLP Schedules April 12 Convention as Election Speculation Mounts
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party has scheduled a national convention for April 12, where key candidates are expected to be formally endorsed ahead of a potential early general election. Political sources suggest the event could mark the official start of Labour's election campaign.
Nearly Half of Antiguan Voters Yet to Replace Expired ID Cards
Nearly half of the 40,000 Antiguans and Barbudans required to replace expired voter ID cards have yet to apply, with submission rates declining sharply in recent weeks. The Electoral Commission is calling on eligible voters to act promptly.
AGHS Hair Policy Under Fire After Student Sent Home for Natural Twists
A member of the public has written to express outrage after a student at Antigua Girls' High School was sent home over natural twist extensions, despite having already complied with a previous hair-related instruction from the school. The letter calls on the administration to review its policies and adopt a fairer, more culturally sensitive approach.
20,000 Antiguans Yet to Replace Expired Voter ID Cards as Deadline Looms
Approximately 20,000 Antiguans and Barbudans have yet to replace their expired voter identification cards, nearly half of the estimated 40,000 required to do so. The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission is urging residents to act promptly, as weekly application numbers continue to decline.
ABLP Taps Benjamin for St Mary's North, Beazer to Challenge Walker in Barbuda
The ABLP has chosen physician Dr Philmore Benjamin to contest St Mary's North and former Barbuda Council member Kendra Beazer to challenge long-serving MP Trevor Walker in Barbuda. Both candidates are set to be confirmed at the party's delegates convention on April 12.
ABLP Set to Replace Sir Molwyn with Dr Benjamin; Beazer Tapped for Barbuda
The ABLP has reportedly chosen Dr. Philmore Benjamin to replace Sir Molwyn Joseph in St. Mary's North, while environmental advocate Kendra Beazer has been selected to contest the Barbuda seat ahead of the party's April 12 delegates convention.
High Court Petition Challenges Randy Baltimore's St. Philip North By-Election Win
A High Court election petition filed by constituency elector George Wehner challenges the validity of Randy Baltimore's March 16 by-election win in St. Philip North, alleging Baltimore was still a public officer on Nomination Day and therefore constitutionally disqualified from standing as a candidate.
ECAB to Permanently Close Jolly Harbour ATM Starting March 26
ECAB has announced the closure of its Jolly Harbour Commercial Centre ATM effective March 26, 2026, with no replacement location yet identified. The bank is directing customers to its island-wide ATM network and electronic payment services in the interim.
Public Divided on Government's Ban on Smoking in Public Spaces
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has introduced a ban on smoking in public spaces, sparking debate among residents over public health priorities versus personal freedoms. According to Antigua News Room, the move raises questions about how far the government should go in regulating individual behaviour.
Antiguans Back Government's Public Smoking Ban
Residents across Antigua and Barbuda are expressing widespread support for the government's decision to ban smoking in public spaces, according to Antigua.news.