https://antiguanherald.com Your trusted source for Antigua and Barbuda news en-ag Fri, 08 May 2026 03:10:34 +0000 https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/imf-urges-antigua-and-barbuda-to-reform-financial-sector-boost-connectivity.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/imf-urges-antigua-and-barbuda-to-reform-financial-sector-boost-connectivity.html The IMF has called on Antigua and Barbuda to reform its financial sector, improve connectivity and address skills shortages as part of a broader push to strengthen the country's long-term economic resilience. The Fund estimates real GDP growth of 3 percent in 2025, supported primarily by construction activity. Thu, 07 May 2026 23:14:12 +0000 BusinessPolitics https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/all-saints-road-detour-in-effect-tonight-for-major-infrastructure-works.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/all-saints-road-detour-in-effect-tonight-for-major-infrastructure-works.html The Ministry of Works has announced a traffic detour along All Saints Road between FADI Building Supplies and Fresh and Eazy Supermarket, in effect from 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 7th until 7:00 am the following morning, as part of the All Saints Road Project. Thu, 07 May 2026 18:42:14 +0000 Local News https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/letter-civil-servants-call-for-fairness-and-due-process-in-complaint-handling.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/letter-civil-servants-call-for-fairness-and-due-process-in-complaint-handling.html An anonymous letter published by Antigua.news raises serious concerns about fairness, bias, and due process in how complaints are handled within Antigua and Barbuda's civil service. The writer calls for stronger accountability measures, impartial investigations, and renewed commitment to the principles of natural justice. Thu, 07 May 2026 18:04:32 +0000 PoliticsLocal News https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/imf-cites-steady-growth-and-declining-debt-in-antigua-and-barbuda.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/imf-cites-steady-growth-and-declining-debt-in-antigua-and-barbuda.html The International Monetary Fund estimates Antigua and Barbuda's economy grew by 3% in 2025, with public debt falling to 68% of GDP, though the Fund warned that arrears and financing pressures continue to pose challenges. Thu, 07 May 2026 17:45:37 +0000 BusinessLocal News https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/imf-antigua-and-barbuda-economy-grows-3-in-2025-but-debt-risks-persist.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/imf-antigua-and-barbuda-economy-grows-3-in-2025-but-debt-risks-persist.html The International Monetary Fund estimates Antigua and Barbuda's economy grew 3 percent in 2025, supported by construction activity and improved fiscal discipline, though significant debt arrears and financing pressures remain concerns. The findings were published this week in the IMF's latest Article IV consultation, as reported by Antigua.news. Thu, 07 May 2026 17:36:13 +0000 BusinessLocal News https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/antigua-port-authority-staff-pay-tribute-to-trailblazing-former-chairman-mary-clare-hurst.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/antigua-port-authority-staff-pay-tribute-to-trailblazing-former-chairman-mary-clare-hurst.html Staff at the Antigua Port Authority held a tribute ceremony in St. John's for former chairman and Government Senator Mary-Clare Hurst, who died suddenly. Hurst was a trailblazing figure in Antigua and Barbuda's public life, serving as one of the first female chairpersons of the Port Authority Board and the first female General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party. Thu, 07 May 2026 17:03:36 +0000 Local NewsPolitics https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/port-authority-holds-emotional-tribute-for-former-chairman-mary-clare-hurst.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/port-authority-holds-emotional-tribute-for-former-chairman-mary-clare-hurst.html The Antigua Port Authority held an emotional tribute this morning for former chairman and Government Senator Mary-Clare Hurst following news of her sudden death. Port Manager Darwin Telemaque led the ceremony, reflecting on her pioneering legacy and transformational contributions to the institution and the nation. Thu, 07 May 2026 16:58:26 +0000 Local NewsPolitics https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/who-confirms-five-hantavirus-cases-linked-to-cruise-ship-as-passengers-disperse-globally.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/who-confirms-five-hantavirus-cases-linked-to-cruise-ship-as-passengers-disperse-globally.html The World Health Organization has confirmed five hantavirus infections linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius, with three people dead, as health authorities across dozens of countries work to trace and monitor exposed passengers. As reported by Antigua News Room, 146 passengers from 23 nations remain aboard under strict precautionary measures, with the vessel expected to dock in Tenerife, Spain, this weekend. Thu, 07 May 2026 16:47:54 +0000 Local NewsPolitics https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/antigua-bids-farewell-to-teen-shooting-victim-omari-lewis.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/antigua-bids-farewell-to-teen-shooting-victim-omari-lewis.html Antigua and Barbuda mourns the loss of 17-year-old Omari Lewis, killed in a Villa shooting on 26 March, as family and friends gather for his funeral service at Beacon Light Nazarene Church. His death has reignited concern over gun violence and its impact on young people across the nation. Thu, 07 May 2026 16:40:27 +0000 Local NewsCrime https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/young-antiguan-swimmers-shatter-national-records-at-wadadli-invitational.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/young-antiguan-swimmers-shatter-national-records-at-wadadli-invitational.html Multiple national records fell at the 10th Wadadli Aquatic Racers Developmental Invitational Swim Meet, with Isabel Nicholas of Wadadli Aquatic Racers breaking five national age group records across the weekend. Vipers Swim Club members Madison MacMillan, Anya DeGannes, and Alessandro Bazzoni also claimed national records at the three-day event. Thu, 07 May 2026 16:38:14 +0000 SportsLocal News https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/antigua-and-barbuda-records-one-of-caricoms-lowest-maternal-mortality-rates.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/antigua-and-barbuda-records-one-of-caricoms-lowest-maternal-mortality-rates.html New UN estimates rank Antigua and Barbuda among CARICOM's safest nations for maternal health, with a lifetime pregnancy-related mortality risk of just 1 in 2,108. While most Caribbean countries have made progress since 2000, the pace of improvement has slowed across the region. Thu, 07 May 2026 16:28:15 +0000 Local NewsPolitics https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/pm-browne-signals-uncertainty-over-leading-ablp-into-fifth-election.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/pm-browne-signals-uncertainty-over-leading-ablp-into-fifth-election.html Prime Minister Gaston Browne has said there is "no guarantee" he will lead the ABLP into a fifth consecutive general election, calling on the party to develop its next generation of leadership. The comments came days after the party's landslide April 30 election win. Thu, 07 May 2026 15:32:34 +0000 PoliticsLocal News https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/pm-browne-signals-he-may-not-lead-ablp-into-a-fifth-election.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/pm-browne-signals-he-may-not-lead-ablp-into-a-fifth-election.html Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly stated for the first time that there is "no guarantee" he will lead the ABLP into a fifth general election, signalling that succession planning is becoming a priority within the governing party. The remarks come shortly after the ABLP's sweeping April 30 election victory, in which the party won 15 of 17 parliamentary seats. Thu, 07 May 2026 15:29:10 +0000 PoliticsLocal News https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/antigua-and-barbuda-secures-fourth-spot-among-caribbeans-strongest-passports-for-2026.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/antigua-and-barbuda-secures-fourth-spot-among-caribbeans-strongest-passports-for-2026.html Antigua and Barbuda has ranked fourth among the Caribbean's most powerful passports for 2026, with holders enjoying visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 154 destinations worldwide. The country trails only Barbados, the Bahamas, and St. Kitts and Nevis in the regional ranking. Thu, 07 May 2026 15:10:39 +0000 Local NewsBusiness https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/twelve-ablp-representatives-sworn-in-as-browne-calls-for-unity-and-national-renewal.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/twelve-ablp-representatives-sworn-in-as-browne-calls-for-unity-and-national-renewal.html Twelve newly elected ABLP representatives were sworn into office on Tuesday, with three taking oaths as Ministers of State following the party's decisive win in the 2026 General Elections. Prime Minister Gaston Browne called on the new administration to pursue excellence, unity, and national renewal. Thu, 07 May 2026 15:09:46 +0000 PoliticsLocal News https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/antigua-and-barbuda-passport-ranks-22nd-globally-in-2026-henley-index.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/antigua-and-barbuda-passport-ranks-22nd-globally-in-2026-henley-index.html Antigua and Barbuda's passport has been ranked 22nd in the world in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, granting holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 154 destinations globally. The ranking keeps the nation among the top-performing passports in the Caribbean and the OECS. Thu, 07 May 2026 15:04:08 +0000 Local NewsBusiness https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/four-young-antiguans-named-official-social-media-correspondents-for-chogm-2026.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/four-young-antiguans-named-official-social-media-correspondents-for-chogm-2026.html The CHOGM 2026 Secretariat has appointed four young Antiguans and Barbudans — Janet Simon, Gabrielle Hamlet, Lutrell John and Joshua Edwards — as official Social Media Correspondents for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, set to be held in Antigua and Barbuda in November 2026. Thu, 07 May 2026 14:58:43 +0000 Local NewsPolitics https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/antigua-and-barbuda-eligible-for-up-to-80000-in-caribbean-plastic-waste-grants.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/antigua-and-barbuda-eligible-for-up-to-80000-in-caribbean-plastic-waste-grants.html Antigua and Barbuda is eligible to apply for between €30,000 and €80,000 through the Sustainable Small Grants Programme, a new Caribbean initiative targeting plastic waste reduction and circular economy development. Registered community groups, CSOs, and MSMEs may submit one application each, with projects required to conclude by August 2027. Thu, 07 May 2026 14:38:40 +0000 Local NewsBusiness https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/antigua-and-barbuda-joins-regional-drive-to-eliminate-mercury-from-skin-lightening-products.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/antigua-and-barbuda-joins-regional-drive-to-eliminate-mercury-from-skin-lightening-products.html Antigua and Barbuda participated in the launch of a new WHO behavioural insights toolkit in Panama City on 25 February 2026, joining a regional effort to eliminate mercury-containing skin-lightening products. The toolkit helps countries identify and address the drivers behind harmful skin-lightening practices, which pose serious health and environmental risks. Thu, 07 May 2026 14:35:47 +0000 Local NewsPolitics https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/proposed-us-visa-changes-could-create-hurdles-for-antiguan-and-barbudan-students.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/proposed-us-visa-changes-could-create-hurdles-for-antiguan-and-barbudan-students.html Antiguan and Barbudan students planning to study in the United States could face new hurdles under a proposed overhaul of the US international student visa system, which would replace open-ended status periods with fixed admission windows of up to four years. The changes, if approved, could take effect before the Fall 2026 academic intake and may also affect post-graduation work opportunities. Thu, 07 May 2026 12:11:47 +0000 Local NewsPolitics https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/barbuda-food-vendors-complete-safety-training-ahead-of-caribana-festival.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/barbuda-food-vendors-complete-safety-training-ahead-of-caribana-festival.html Public health officials in Barbuda have trained more than 30 food vendors in food safety practices ahead of the Caribana festival, with authorities emphasising that all vendors must hold a valid Food Safety Badge to operate. Thu, 07 May 2026 09:46:11 +0000 Local News https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/vigo-blake-day-celebration-scheduled-for-may-31-a-national-history-not-just-a-village-story.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/vigo-blake-day-celebration-scheduled-for-may-31-a-national-history-not-just-a-village-story.html The Bethesda School Heritage Foundation has invited the entire nation to attend its annual Vigo Blake Day celebration on May 31, with organizers stressing the event honours a story central to Antigua and Barbuda's national history. Thu, 07 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000 Local News https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/pm-browne-challenges-new-cabinet-to-prioritise-service-over-status.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/pm-browne-challenges-new-cabinet-to-prioritise-service-over-status.html Prime Minister Gaston Browne has challenged his newly sworn-in Cabinet to treat their appointments as a duty rather than a political reward, calling on ministers to lead a national renaissance. The instruments of office were formally issued on Tuesday at the American University of Antigua. Thu, 07 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000 PoliticsLocal News https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/kiz-johnson-makes-history-as-second-female-mp-after-st-philips-south-win.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/kiz-johnson-makes-history-as-second-female-mp-after-st-philips-south-win.html Kiz Johnson has been sworn in as Minister of State in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation after winning the St. Philip's South constituency on April 30, 2026, becoming the second female Member of Parliament in Antigua and Barbuda's history. Thu, 07 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000 PoliticsLocal News https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/aviation-pioneer-heather-nanton-passes-away-at-81.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/aviation-pioneer-heather-nanton-passes-away-at-81.html Heather Nanton, a trailblazing figure in Caribbean aviation who began her career at age 24 with Caribair Airlines, passed away on May 3, 2026, at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre. She is remembered for her lasting contributions to ground handling and customer service across the region. Thu, 07 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000 Local News https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/guydadli-jets-and-young-lions-earn-promotion-as-first-division-title-race-heats-up.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/guydadli-jets-and-young-lions-earn-promotion-as-first-division-title-race-heats-up.html Guydadli Jets and Young Lions have clinched promotion to the ABFA First Division after each losing just one of their 19 matches this season. Meanwhile, three teams remain locked in a tight race for the First Division title. Thu, 07 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000 SportsLocal News https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/ex-west-indies-bowler-pushes-for-fewer-teams-in-abca-top-tier-cricket.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/ex-west-indies-bowler-pushes-for-fewer-teams-in-abca-top-tier-cricket.html Former West Indies fast bowler and Liberta Sports Club President Kenneth "Flipper" Benjamin is renewing calls for fewer teams in the ABCA's Super 40 competition, pointing to a rise in match forfeitures as evidence the league is overstretched. Thu, 07 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000 SportsLocal News https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/gunners-and-phoenix-claim-game-one-victories-in-abba-playoff-opener.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/gunners-and-phoenix-claim-game-one-victories-in-abba-playoff-opener.html Cedar Grove Gunners and Phoenix both claimed Game One victories in their respective best-of-three ABBA Playoff series on Tuesday at the JSC Basketball Complex. Scotty Nelson led the Gunners with 15 points in the double-header opener. Thu, 07 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000 SportsLocal News https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/kashyap-clinches-double-gold-at-caribbean-youth-table-tennis-championships.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/07/kashyap-clinches-double-gold-at-caribbean-youth-table-tennis-championships.html Antigua and Barbuda's Stuti Kashyap claimed the Under-19 Girls Singles and Girls Doubles titles at the Caribbean Youth Table Tennis Championships in the Dominican Republic, while also qualifying for major upcoming tournaments. Thu, 07 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000 SportsLocal News https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/06/all-saints-road-night-closure-in-effect-from-may-6-for-infrastructure-works.html https://antiguanherald.com/articles/2026/05/06/all-saints-road-night-closure-in-effect-from-may-6-for-infrastructure-works.html The Ministry of Works has announced a nighttime traffic detour on All Saints Road, between FADI Building Supplies and Fresh and Eazy Supermarket, running from 7:00 pm on May 6 to 7:00 am the following morning as part of the ongoing All Saints Road Project. Wed, 06 May 2026 22:01:18 +0000 Local News