Politics
1478 articles
Fernandez Touts $1.5B Tourism Pipeline, Calls Sector 'Lifeblood' of Economy
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has unveiled an approximately US$1.5 billion investment pipeline and declared tourism the "lifeblood" of Antigua and Barbuda's economy at the ABLP's 2026 manifesto launch. The minister cited record cruise arrivals and major upcoming developments as evidence of sustained growth and international confidence in the destination.
PM Browne Dismisses UPP's Six-Month Stay Proposal, Says Policy Already Exists
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has dismissed a UPP opposition proposal to extend CARICOM nationals' legal stay to six months, saying the policy is already in place. According to Antigua News Room, Browne made the remarks in response to opposition leader Jamale Pringle's campaign pledge.
Browne Fires Back at Pringle Land Proposal, Cites Existing $3-Per-Square-Foot Programme
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has rejected a UPP land proposal by opposition leader Jamale Pringle, contending that Crown land is already being sold for as little as $3 per square foot under an existing government programme. Pringle had pledged during a campaign rally to offer 8,000-square-foot plots to Antiguans and Barbudans under 35 at no more than $5 per square foot.
NSWMA Workers Stage Protest Over Back Pay and Poor Working Conditions
Around 60 NSWMA workers staged a protest Wednesday outside the Multipurpose Cultural Centre, demanding outstanding back pay, improved working conditions, and better communication from management. Several workers also called openly for the removal of General Manager Indira James-Henry.
China Donates Solar Kits to Antigua and Barbuda to Aid Vulnerable Households
The Department of Environment received a donation of solar energy kits from the People's Republic of China in a formal handover ceremony, with the kits set to benefit low-income and vulnerable households across Antigua and Barbuda. The initiative includes a technical training component to build local capacity in solar energy installation and maintenance.
PM Brown Defends Infrastructure Spending, Urges Public Patience
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended the government's multi-hundred-million-dollar infrastructure programme, urging patience from residents while outlining ongoing road and water improvement projects nationwide. The remarks came during the ABLP's 2026 manifesto launch at the American University of Antigua, as reported by Antigua.news.
ABLP's Johnson Pledges Roads, Lighting and Water in First 100 Days
ABLP candidate for St. Philip's South Kiz Johnson has outlined road improvements, street lighting upgrades and water access as her top priorities for the first 100 days should she win the April 30 election. Johnson pointed to infrastructure work already underway in the constituency, including road paving in Lyons Estate and Christian Hill, as a sign of her commitment to delivery.
Candidate Peters Pledges Crime Alert App and Rural Bus Service for South Antigua
Candidate Peters has promised to launch a crime alert app and introduce a dedicated bus service for elderly residents in rural south Antigua. The pledges form part of the candidate's campaign platform for the southern constituency.
Trade Union Releases Formula to Help Public Servants Calculate Retroactive Pay
The Antigua and Barbuda Trade Union Congress has issued a step-by-step formula to help public servants verify their retroactive pay entitlements for the 2018–2023 contract period. The guidance covers two groups of workers and includes example calculations illustrating final payment amounts.
Johnson Vows to Put St. Philip's South Residents at Centre of Public Projects
Labour Party candidate Kiz Johnson has outlined plans to direct public infrastructure contracts toward local workers in St. Philip's South while helping small businesses, particularly in agro-processing, scale up to commercial viability. The first-time candidate will face the incumbent UPP representative in the April 30 general election.
Voter ID Replacement Drive Tops 31,000 Applications as Election Approaches
Antigua and Barbuda's voter ID replacement programme has surpassed 31,000 applications, with the Electoral Commission reporting a cumulative total of 31,120 as of late April 2026. Completion rates vary significantly across constituencies as preparations for the upcoming general election intensify.
ABLP Candidate Proposes Bolands–Jennings Bridge to Boost Access and Economy
ABLP candidate for St. Mary's South, Dwayne George, is proposing a new bridge connecting Bolands and Jennings to improve transportation, emergency access and economic activity in the constituency. The proposal comes ahead of the April 30 general election, though key details on cost and feasibility remain outstanding.
St. Mary's South Candidate Pledges to Pool Constituency Allowance for Community Development
ABLP candidate for St. Mary's South Dwayne George has pledged to channel his entire constituency allowance, if elected, into a dedicated community development fund rather than personal income. The proposal raises questions about how the fund would be administered and what oversight mechanisms would be in place.
Sanitation Workers Walk Off Job Over Pay Disparity and Management Concerns
Around 60 sanitation workers at the National Solid Waste Management Authority walked off the job Wednesday, citing unequal pay and poor treatment. The action has disrupted garbage collection services, with talks now underway between workers and management.
Letter: UPP Candidate Accused of Suggesting Foreign Powers Should Influence Antigua's Vote
A concerned citizen has published an open letter sharply criticising UPP candidate Sheffield Bowen after he allegedly suggested at a party meeting that foreign powers are seeking a change in Antigua and Barbuda's government. The author argues the remarks represent a direct threat to national sovereignty ahead of the April 2026 general election.
UPP's Pringle Pledges Six-Month Stay for Caribbean Nationals and Affordable Land for Youth
UPP political leader Jamale Pringle has promised to extend legal stay periods for Caribbean nationals from three to six months and to sell Crown land plots to young citizens at no more than $5 per square foot if his party forms the next government. The pledges were made at a rally ahead of the April 30 general election.
UPP's Bowen Claims U.S. and Europe Seeking 'New Government' in Antigua
UPP Deputy Political Leader Sherfield Bowen has claimed at a party rally that the United States and Europe are looking for a change in Antigua and Barbuda's government, linking existing U.S. visa sanctions and a threatened EU ban to the policies of the Gaston Browne administration ahead of the April 30 general election.
UPP Promises Crown Land for Young Antiguans at $5 per Sq Ft, Easier Stays for CARICOM Nationals
UPP Political Leader Jamale Pringle has promised Crown land plots for young Antiguans at up to $5 per square foot and extended legal stays for CARICOM nationals, among a suite of pre-election pledges announced at a St Mary's North rally. The proposals come ahead of the April 30 general election, though some overlap with existing government programmes.
UPP's Peters Pledges Full Parliamentary Salary to Uplift St. John's Rural South
UPP candidate Emanuel Peters has pledged to donate his entire parliamentary salary to the residents of St. John's Rural South, unveiling a sweeping development platform ahead of the April 30 general election. His proposals include rebuilding the North Grove Community Centre into a facility with a clinic, pharmacy, and police station, alongside new sports infrastructure, transportation services, and business support initiatives.
Antiguan Diplomat Calls for Structured Path to Resolve CARICOM Leadership Crisis
Antiguan diplomat and Ambassador Dr. Clarence E. Pilgrim has outlined a five-step framework for resolving the current crisis within CARICOM, centred on de-escalation, transparency, and institutional reform. Writing in an opinion column, Pilgrim urges Member States to prioritise dialogue and structured engagement over public confrontation to preserve the integrity of the regional integration movement.