Politics
1478 articles
Cabinet Rejects Election Inducement Claims as Campaign Period Begins
The Antiguan government has rejected claims that recent policy announcements are intended as electoral inducements, with the Director General of Communications insisting the measures are consistent with the administration's long-standing record of governance. The comments follow the dissolution of Parliament, with general elections expected within 90 days.
Parliament Dissolved, Executive Retains Governing Authority Ahead of General Elections
Antigua and Barbuda's Parliament has been formally dissolved, with Cabinet set to continue governing the country as the nation enters a general election period expected within 90 days. Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant urged eligible voters to ensure their registration and identification cards are in order ahead of the upcoming polls.
SLBMC Medical Director Calls for Stronger National Support on World Autism Awareness Day
Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre's Medical Director Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis used World Autism Awareness Day to call for stronger national action on autism care, urging earlier intervention, greater community awareness, and improved school and therapy resources across Antigua and Barbuda.
Halo Foundation Joins Global Coalition to Protect Children Online
The Halo Foundation has launched the Fostering the Future Together initiative in Antigua and Barbuda, joining a global coalition led by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump to promote children's digital safety and education. Her Excellency Lady Sandra Williams announced the partnership, which includes plans for a national programme featuring STEM labs, digital literacy training, and EdTech access.
Government Waives Utility Arrears for Long-Disconnected Households
The Antiguan government has approved an amnesty waiving all utility arrears for residents disconnected from electricity, water, or landline services for more than six months. Affected households are encouraged to contact APUA to arrange reconnection under the programme.
Opinion: Five Young Women Who Deserve a Seat in Antigua's Senate
As Antigua and Barbuda nears its next general election, a new opinion piece reported by Antigua.news makes the case for appointing five accomplished young women — Janet Simon, Kristine Louisa, Kaiesha Joseph, Makiba Ward, and Tanya Ambrose — to the Senate, citing their proven records in community service, youth advocacy, and national development.
Commentary: Have We Crucified Our Own Healthcare System?
In a wide-ranging commentary published by Antigua News Room, Dr. Lester Simon argues that the departure of Cuban healthcare workers has exposed deep failures in Antigua and Barbuda's health planning, calling for a fundamental overhaul of how the country develops and sustains its own medical infrastructure.
Treasury Begins Retroactive Pay for Public Servants Covering 2018–2023
The Treasury Department has begun issuing retroactive payments to public servants for the contract period January 2018 to December 2023, with no statutory deductions to be applied in accordance with a Cabinet decision. Payments are being processed by Ministry and Department in tranches, with former employees also encouraged to come forward.
Gray's Farm and Clare Hall Health Centres to Extend Hours from April 13
The Gray's Farm and Clare Hall Health Centres will begin extended operating hours from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, starting April 13, 2026, following a brief delay from the originally announced start date. The move is aimed at improving community access to primary care and reducing pressure on the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.
UPP Supporter Refuses to Vote Amid Leadership Confusion Between Lovell and Pringle
A UPP supporter has publicly declared they will abstain from voting in the party's leadership contest, citing a troubling personal encounter with Harold Lovell and expressing firm support for rival Jamal Pringle. The letter, reported by Antigua News Room, highlights deepening divisions within the opposition party.
Lewis Tackles Illegal Dump Sites, Calls for Structured Bulk Waste Collection
St. John's Rural West candidate Richard S. Lewis led a clean-up of illegal dump sites in his constituency this week, calling on the NSWMA to implement scheduled bulk waste collection to address what he described as a persistent public health concern.
Letter to Editor: Concerns Raised Over Academic Standards and Accountability in Local Schools
A member of the public has written to the editor raising formal concerns about academic misconduct, literacy gaps, and administrative practices said to be undermining standards and fairness in Antigua and Barbuda's education system. The letter, published by Antigua News Room, calls on the Ministry of Education to strengthen policies and enforcement across all schools.
Road Works Ministry Reports Surge in Infrastructure Upgrades Across Antigua
The Ministry of Works says road upgrade efforts intensified across Antigua in March, with the execution phase of the All Saints Road project now officially underway. The Ministry credited Public Works teams, contractors, and partner agencies for sustaining the increased pace of improvements.
Former Gov't Worker Decries Repeated Backpay Delays by Treasury
A former government employee has written to Antigua News Room to voice frustration over months of delays in receiving backpay from the Treasury, with deadlines repeatedly pushed back since December 2024. The writer says Treasury staff have been unable to provide clear answers either in person or by phone.
Parliament Dissolved, Setting Stage for Antigua and Barbuda General Election
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams has signed a proclamation dissolving Parliament, with effect from April 1, 2026, officially triggering the countdown to a general election in Antigua and Barbuda. A polling date has yet to be announced.
Census Field Operations Suspended Ahead of Antigua and Barbuda General Elections
The Census Office has temporarily suspended all field operations for the 2025 Population and Housing Census ahead of the upcoming general elections in Antigua and Barbuda. Officials say the pause is intended to safeguard the integrity of both the census process and the electoral process.
Nearly Half of Antigua's Voters Yet to Renew ID Cards, ABEC Data Shows
Nearly half of Antigua and Barbuda's eligible voters have yet to renew their voter ID cards, with ABEC data showing just over 23,000 of an estimated 40,000 required transactions completed. The shortfall raises concerns about voter eligibility ahead of a general election expected in the coming months.
Letter: Antiguan Calls for Two-Year Election Cycle to End Pre-Poll Service Spree
A letter published by Antigua News Room calls on the next Parliament to implement constitutional reform establishing two-year election cycles, arguing that basic public services are only delivered in the lead-up to by-elections and general elections.
ABLP's Dwayne George Defends Bolans Playing Field Amid Unfit-for-Play Claims
ABLP candidate for St. Mary's South Dwayne George has rejected claims that the Bolans playing field is unfit for use, citing a recent football match held under newly installed lighting as proof of the facility's operational condition.
Senator Freeland Builds Momentum in St. George Through Community Engagement
Senator the Hon. Michael Freeland is making his mark in the St. George constituency through a series of community contributions, infrastructure initiatives, and daily canvassing, as the constituency prepares for an electoral contest. According to Antigua News Room, his hands-on approach is generating growing confidence among residents on the ground.