Politics
1478 articles
UPP Pulls Candidates from ABS 'Know Your Candidates' Programme Over Bias Claims
The United Progressive Party has pulled its remaining candidates from ABS Television's Know Your Candidates programme, alleging bias in the host's approach and post-appearance news coverage. ABS has rejected the claims, defending the programme's commitment to accountability and transparency.
PM Browne Accuses UPP of Pushing Tax Relief That Favours Luxury Goods Over Poor
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has accused the UPP of proposing a tax policy that would remove duties on luxury foods, arguing the measure would benefit wealthy consumers and the tourism industry rather than ordinary citizens. Browne also alleged that private sector lobbying is driving the opposition's position.
PM Browne Slams UPP's $3,600 Electricity Bill Cut Plan, Cites Risk to APUA
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has criticised the UPP's proposal to cut $3,600 from household electricity bills, warning the plan would cost tens of millions of dollars and threatens the financial stability of APUA, which already relies on government subsidies to operate.
UPP Pulls Candidates from ABS 'Know Your Candidates' Programme, Citing Host Bias
The United Progressive Party has withdrawn its remaining candidates from ABS TV's 'Know Your Candidates' programme, accusing the host of bias and combativeness. ABS TV has rejected the allegations.
Lewis vs Joseph: St. John's Rural West Set for Closely Watched Electoral Battle
The St. John's Rural West constituency is poised for a compelling electoral contest between UPP incumbent Richard Lewis and ABLP challenger Michael Joseph, two candidates who share the same community roots, academic backgrounds, and broad respect — but are set to face off in what could be a tightly fought race.
ABLP to Launch 2026 General Election Manifesto at AUA
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party is launching its 2026 General Election manifesto today at the American University of Antigua, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne set to deliver the feature address ahead of the April 30 elections.
Viral Photo Atop V.C. Bird Monument Ignites National Debate Over Respect and Heritage
A viral image of a woman posing atop the bust of Sir Vere Cornwall Bird, Antigua and Barbuda's revered 'Father of the Nation,' has sparked fierce online debate over cultural respect and the treatment of national heritage sites. Public opinion remains sharply divided between those calling for consequences and those urging a more measured response.
ABLP Set to Launch Election Manifesto at AUA as Campaign Enters Final Stretch
ABLP leader and Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed the party will launch its election manifesto today, April 20, at the American University of Antigua. The announcement comes as political parties intensify their campaigns ahead of the general election.
PM Browne: New CMC Complex to Boost Local Food Production, Reduce Import Costs
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has unveiled plans for a new Central Marketing Corporation complex at Cassada Gardens, including a food emporium, agro-processing facilities and new abattoirs, aimed at cutting food imports and lowering consumer prices. The government has already purchased the 5.5-acre former Kennedy's Club property for $9 million to anchor the development.
Browne Accuses UPP Candidates of Seeking Office for Income, Warns of Tax Hikes
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has accused UPP opposition candidates of seeking office out of financial desperation, warning that a UPP government could reintroduce personal income tax and retrench public sector workers if elected.
ABLP Chairman Dismisses Pringle's Claims on U.S. Visa Restrictions as False
The ABLP has rejected claims by Jamale Pringle that the government is responsible for U.S. visa restrictions, citing direct statements from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and noting that Prime Minister Browne recently raised the matter with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
PM Browne Turns Doctored Image Into Inclusivity Message During Election Campaign
Prime Minister Gaston Browne responded to a doctored image falsely showing him kissing an ABLP candidate by reposting it himself and using the moment to champion his message of non-discrimination. As reported by Antigua News Room, Browne said the stunt backfired, drawing support from communities across the Caribbean.
ABLP Candidate Baltimore Denies Agreeing to Debate Advertised on Social Media
ABLP candidate Randy Baltimore has denied agreeing to a candidates' debate being advertised on social media, calling the circulating flyer false and misleading. Staff at the listed venue, the Glanvilles Polyclinic, are also reported to be unaware of any such event.
ABLP's Baltimore Denies Agreeing to Debate Advertised in Circulating Flyer
ABLP candidate for St. Philip's North Randy Baltimore has rejected as false a social media flyer advertising a candidates' debate at the Glanvilles Polyclinic, stating he agreed to no such event and that the facility itself has no knowledge of it.
PM Browne Pledges to Expand Entrepreneurial Development Fund After Elections
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has admitted the Entrepreneurial Development Fund faces a high loan delinquency rate but vowed to expand the programme after the upcoming general election. The fund, currently valued at an estimated $4 million to $5 million, offers low-interest loans to small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Voter ID Replacement Applications Top 30,000 as Election Preparations Accelerate
The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission has recorded more than 30,000 voter ID replacement applications so far this year, with a dramatic surge in March and April pointing to heightened public engagement ahead of the general election.
PM Browne Announces Free University Education Starting September
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that university education in Antigua and Barbuda will be offered free of charge beginning this September, with further details expected at a Monday manifesto launch at AUA.
PM Browne Disputes UPP's Ownership of Four-Day Work Week Proposal
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has disputed the UPP's claim to the four-day work week proposal, insisting his administration was already exploring the idea while cautioning that implementation requires careful, structured planning ahead of the April 30 general election.
PM Browne Warns UPP Promises Could Bring Back Personal Income Tax
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has warned voters that UPP campaign promises could lead to higher taxes, including a return of personal income tax, citing the party's record following the 2004 election. Browne made the remarks on Pointe FM as campaigning heats up ahead of the April 30 general election.
PM Browne Slams UPP Plan to Use Social Security Funds for Loan Programme
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has criticised a UPP proposal to use Social Security funds for a public loan programme, calling it financially risky and contradictory to the opposition's own stated positions. His remarks come as both parties trade competing economic policy proposals ahead of the April 30 general election.