Politics
1478 articles
Attorney General: Smoking Laws Under Review After Next General Election
Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin has announced that laws governing public smoking will be reviewed after the next general election, with authorities considering alternatives to arrest as the primary enforcement tool. Existing restrictions under the Tobacco Control Act 2018 and the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act 2024 remain in force in the interim.
Senate Passes Stricter Anti-Money Laundering Rules for Special Economic Zones
The Antiguan Senate has passed amendments to the country's Special Economic Zone legislation, introducing stricter anti-money laundering rules and expanded regulatory powers for both new applicants and existing operators. Existing businesses within the zones have six months to comply with the new requirements.
Solar Street Lights Being Installed Across St. Peter Constituency
ABLP St. Peter candidate Rawdon Turner says upgraded solar street lights are being installed across the constituency, with new fixtures already lighting sections of the community.
Festivals Commission Postpones Antigua Carnival 2026 Launch from April Date
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has postponed the official Carnival 2026 launch, originally scheduled for April 11 at the Rising Sun Grounds, due to scheduling conflicts. A new date is expected to be announced soon.
Antigua and Barbuda Enters Election Mode as Parliament Dissolved
Parliament has been dissolved in Antigua and Barbuda, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne invoking Section 60 of the Constitution and setting the stage for a general election expected within weeks. The ABLP enters the race leading in the polls, while the Democratic National Alliance has confirmed it will not contest the vote.
MP Maria Browne Completes Three-Day Bulk Waste Drive in St John's Rural East
MP Maria Vanessa Browne led a three-day bulk waste collection exercise in St John's Rural East over the weekend, resulting in the removal of large volumes of waste and the targeting of derelict vehicles across several communities. The initiative was praised for its strong community participation.
UPP Candidate Warns of Possible UK, EU Visa Restrictions on Antiguans and Barbudans
UPP candidate Ashworth Azille has warned that Antigua and Barbuda could face visa restrictions from the United Kingdom and European Union, linking the potential measures to concerns over the country's Citizenship by Investment Programme. Azille also raised alarm over high US visa refusal rates and shortened approved stay durations for Antiguan travellers.
Minority Leader Withholds Support for Festivals Commission Bill, Demands Broader Consultation
Senate Minority Leader David Massiah has refused to support the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Bill 2026, citing inadequate consultation and insufficient time for senators to review the legislation. While backing the concept of a formal festivals authority, Massiah is calling on the government to pursue a more inclusive process before moving the bill forward.
US Appeals Court Rejects Bid to Obtain Financial Records Tied to Alfa Nero Case
A US appeals court has upheld the quashing of subpoenas sought by Russian claimant Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov for financial records linked to Prime Minister Gaston Browne, ruling her application too speculative to meet the legal threshold required under US law. The decision marks a significant procedural win for Browne and other parties named in the Alfa Nero-related case.
Senate Majority Leader Outlines Powers and Structure of New Festivals Commission Bill
Senate Majority Leader Shenella Govia has outlined the structure and powers of the proposed Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, a new statutory body that would oversee the management and financing of national festivals including Carnival. The bill establishes a 13-member Cabinet-appointed board, a dedicated Festivals Commission Fund, and wide-ranging operational and licensing powers.
Letter: Seasonal Gifts or Genuine Governance? A Call for Accountability from Every Candidate
A public letter published by Antigua News Room is calling on citizens to distinguish between genuine community service and election-driven gift-giving, while urging candidates ahead of the 2026 general election to sign a formal accountability pledge. The writer, identifying as "The Mirror Holder," criticises both sides of the political divide for failing to uphold electoral law and demands a citizen-led social contract to hold representatives accountable.
Government Launches Island-Wide Road Rehabilitation Drive
The government has launched a nationwide road rehabilitation programme targeting communities including Seaton's Hill, Fry's Hill, Bendals, and Glanvilles, with round-the-clock crews deployed to address long-standing infrastructure concerns. Works on the heavily criticised All Saints Road are also expected to begin shortly.
Government Launches Round-the-Clock Road Repair Campaign Across Antigua and Barbuda
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has launched a major round-the-clock road repair campaign, responding to years of public concern over crumbling infrastructure.
Parham Residents Demand Action Over Alleged Illegal Dumping in Crabbs Mangroves
Parham residents are demanding urgent government intervention after trucks allegedly linked to Jumby Bay contractors were seen dumping seaweed and construction waste onto the sensitive mangrove areas at Crabbs. As reported by Antigua.news, community members warn the dumping poses a serious threat to the fragile ecosystem and nearby fishing grounds.
Festival Commission Bill Passes Senate Amid Accountability Dispute
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Bill 2026 passed the Senate on Tuesday, with Deputy Commission Chairman Senator Michael Freeland defending the board's record amid unresolved allegations of financial misconduct and calls from the opposition for greater stakeholder consultation.
Appeals Court Ruling a Vindication for PM Browne, Says Senior Counsel Astaphan
Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan says a U.S. Court of Appeals ruling upholding the rejection of a bid to access Prime Minister Gaston Browne's financial records is a major legal and reputational victory for both the Prime Minister and Antigua and Barbuda. The court also quashed related subpoenas and ordered the destruction of all previously obtained documents.
Senator Shoul Defends Stage Purchase, Says Antigua Must 'Go Big or Go Home'
Senator Phillip Shoul defended the government's purchase of a new stage during Tuesday's Senate debate on the Festivals Commission Bill 2026, arguing that Antigua and Barbuda must invest boldly in its entertainment infrastructure to remain competitive. Shoul also criticised the opposition for opposing the bill without proposing alternatives.
U.S. Appeals Court Affirms Ruling in Alfa Nero Case, Deals Blow to Russian Claimant
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has affirmed a lower court ruling dismissing an appeal by Russian claimant Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov in a case tied to the Alfa Nero superyacht dispute, dealing a significant legal blow to the claimant and bolstering the position of Prime Minister Gaston Browne and associated respondents.
US Appeals Court Upholds Rejection of Guryeva Discovery Bid Against PM Browne
A US Court of Appeals has affirmed a lower court ruling blocking Russian claimant Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov from accessing financial records linked to Prime Minister Gaston Browne, finding her discovery request too speculative under US law.
St. Philip's North MP Donates Medical Supplies to Glanvilles Polyclinic
St. Philip's North MP Randy Baltimore has donated medical supplies — including wheelchairs, walkers, gauze pads, and bedding — to the Glanvilles Polyclinic to support patient care and frontline staff. Baltimore described the contribution as part of his ongoing commitment to improving healthcare services in the constituency.