Politics
1478 articles
Voter ID Transactions Top 29,000 as Antigua Heads Toward General Election
The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission has recorded more than 29,000 voter ID transactions through mid-April, with a notable weekly surge of over 2,500 replacement applications processed between April 12 and 18. The figures signal intensifying voter preparation ahead of the general election.
Poll Shows 93% of Respondents Back Mandatory Election Debates in Antigua and Barbuda
An informal online poll has found that 93 percent of respondents support mandatory election debates in Antigua and Barbuda, while a second poll revealed that 86 percent of voters would abstain rather than support an underperforming candidate from their preferred party.
Poll: 93% of Antiguans Support Mandatory Pre-Election Debates
An informal online poll conducted on the Pineapple Express 268 Facebook page found that approximately 93 percent of respondents support making pre-election debates mandatory in Antigua and Barbuda. A second poll from the same page revealed that 86 percent of voters would abstain rather than cross party lines if their preferred candidate was underperforming.
ABLP Launches 100-Home Housing Project in Five Islands for First-Time Buyers
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party has announced a 100-unit housing development in Five Islands aimed at first-time homeowners, with two- and three-bedroom concrete homes to be built to climate-resilient standards. The project falls under the ABLP's broader national affordable housing strategy, which has delivered over 2,395 homes since 2014.
CARICOM Faces Its Toughest Test Amid Shifting Global Order, Foreign Policy Rifts
CARICOM is confronting what analysts describe as its toughest test yet, as foreign policy divisions among member states — exposed by the so-called Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine and the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran — strain regional unity at a moment of sweeping global change. St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew holds the bloc's rotating chairmanship as it navigates the turbulence.
Letter: Campaign Workers Demand Fairness and Recognition After Elections
A letter published by Antigua News Room calls on political leaders, particularly within the ABLP, to recognise and fairly reward the grassroots campaign workers whose efforts drive electoral victories, warning that a culture of neglect risks undermining future political movements.
Letter: US Visa Ban Draws Criticism of ABLP's Response
A published letter, reported by Antigua News Room, criticises the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party for allegedly failing to act or communicate publicly on the US suspension of visa and green card issuance to Antiguan and Barbudan nationals. The author, who describes themselves as an immigration professional, says clients are suffering and calls for immediate government intervention.
UWI Five Islands Expands Community Ties, Launches Law Programme
The UWI Five Islands Campus is expanding its community partnerships, regional academic links, and programme offerings, including a forthcoming law programme developed with the Mona Campus. Marketing Officer Shavar Maloney outlined the institution's recent achievements and upcoming initiatives in an interview with state media, as reported by Antigua.news.
ABLP Candidate Joseph Unveils Sweeping Development Plan for St. John's Rural West
ABLP candidate Michael Joseph has outlined an ambitious platform for St. John's Rural West, promising infrastructure repairs, 100 new low-income homes, an entrepreneur hub, and a beachfront development corridor ahead of the April 30 general election. As reported by Antigua News Room, Joseph made his case during an appearance on ABS television's Know Your Candidates programme.
Newton Makes Personal and Policy Case for All Saints East and St Luke Seat
ABLP candidate Lamin Newton has outlined an ambitious platform for All Saints East and St Luke, centring on infrastructure rehabilitation, affordable housing, improved healthcare facilities and agricultural development. Speaking on ABS Television, Newton drew on personal ties to the constituency and pointed to completed flood mitigation work as evidence he can deliver on his commitments.
UWI Five Islands Campus Celebrates Top Students on Honour Roll and Principal's List
The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus honoured dozens of top-performing students at a ceremony marking the first semester of the 2025-2026 academic year, with awards presented across the Honour Roll and the Principal's List. Campus Registrar Dr. Camille Samuel challenged honourees to channel their academic success into community service and real-world execution.
Over Half of Antiguan Voters Have Replaced ID Cards, Electoral Commission Reports
The Antigua & Barbuda Electoral Commission reports that more than half of eligible voters have completed their voter ID card replacements, with St Peter leading at 87% and over 29,000 applications processed nationwide as of April 2026.
Former Barbuda MP Nibbs Endorses ABLP's Beezer, Calls for Change Ahead of April 30 Vote
Former Barbuda MP Arthur Nibbs has publicly endorsed ABLP candidate Kenja Beezer ahead of the April 30 general election, calling for political change and outlining a development agenda spanning healthcare, infrastructure, tourism, and renewable energy. According to Antigua News Room, Nibbs urged voters to back Beezer as the key to unlocking long-delayed progress for the island.
Greene Defends St. Paul's Roadworks as Planned Infrastructure, Not Election Rush
MP Chet Greene has defended the pace of roadworks in St. Paul's, telling residents the programme follows a long-term plan and is not being rushed ahead of elections. Greene highlighted the commencement of works on All Saints Road as a key component of the current infrastructure phase.
Three Antiguan and Barbudan Writers Earn Spots on 2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize Longlist
Three Antiguan and Barbudan writers — Ulah Wijnaldum, Jonella B. Solliegne, and Lester Simon — have been named to the longlist for the 2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize, selected from a field of 7,806 entries. The announcement places Antigua and Barbuda among the recognised literary voices across the Commonwealth.
Sir Robin Yearwood Demands Apology After UPP Website Falsely Reports His Death
The United Progressive Party's official campaign website falsely declared sitting MP Sir Robin Yearwood dead, with the erroneous claim attributed to unverified AI-generated content. The ABLP is demanding an immediate retraction and public apology.
UPP's Pringle Doubles Down on Duty-Free Vehicle Promise, Vows to End Ministerial Concessions
UPP Leader Jamale Pringle has doubled down on his party's pledge to eliminate import duties on personal vehicles, vowing that duty-free access will no longer depend on political connections or ministerial approval. Pringle also rejected claims that the policy would lead to the reintroduction of personal income tax.
Gray's Farm and Clare Hall Health Centres to Offer Extended Hours Starting April 13
Gray's Farm and Clare Hall Health Centres will begin offering extended hours from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, starting April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen primary healthcare and ease pressure on the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.
Sir Ronald Sanders Calls on CARICOM Secretary General to Resign Amid Reappointment Row
Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to the US and OAS, Sir Ronald Sanders, has publicly called on CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett to resign on principle amid an escalating dispute over her reappointment, driven largely by opposition from Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
Lower Ottos Road Upgrade Underway as Minister Matthew Pushes Constituency Infrastructure Drive
Road upgrade works are underway in Lower Ottos, with Minister Daryll Matthew highlighting the project as part of a broader push to improve infrastructure and road access for constituency residents.