News

Elderly Man Found Dead at Home in Ovals

An elderly man was found dead inside his home in Ovals on Wednesday morning. Police say there is currently no indication of foul play, and investigations are ongoing.

Government Moves to Establish More WIOC Gas Stations Amid Fuel Supply Concerns

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says he has directed WIOC to invest in additional fuel storage tanks and gasoline and diesel pumps, saying new gas stations are coming as the Government seeks to protect the country against future disruptions to fuel supplies.

Cuban and Chinese Visitors Can Enter Antigua and Barbuda Visa-Free for 30 Days

Cuban and Chinese nationals can visit Antigua and Barbuda visa free for up to 30 days, but longer stays require immigration approval. Visitors seeking additional time must apply before their authorized stay expires, with an approved extension currently costing EC$300.

Canada and Antigua and Barbuda Explore Deeper Trade and Agricultural Cooperation

Canada and Antigua and Barbuda have discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture and food security as preparations continue for CHOGM 2026 in St. John’s.

Longfords Man Killed After SUV Overturns at Dry Hill

Shomari Ajamu Charles, 44, of Longfords died after the SUV he was driving left a by-road at Dry Hill, went through a fence and overturned on Monday. Police are investigating the cause of the crash.

Choksi Ends UK Legal Case Over Alleged 2021 Abduction From Antigua

Mehul Choksi has discontinued his remaining UK legal claims over his alleged 2021 abduction from Antigua after other claims were struck out over failure to provide security for legal costs. The case ended without a British court ruling on his kidnapping allegations.

Four Killed in U.S. Military Strike on Suspected Drug Boat in Caribbean

Four people were killed in an October 4 U.S. military strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean. SOUTHCOM says intelligence linked the boat to narcotics trafficking, but it has not publicly identified those killed or released evidence of the alleged drugs aboard.

Residents Targeted to Move Into Pelican Court by January 2027

Residents are expected to begin moving into the newly named Pelican Court development in January 2027. The EC$50 million, 150-unit project will rehouse more than 300 former Booby Alley residents, with government rules being developed to govern allocation and maintenance of the new community.

Government Receives First $7M Under $167M Financing Arrangement

Antigua and Barbuda has received the first $7 million of a $20 million advance under a wider $167 million financing arrangement. Another $13 million is expected this week, while an additional $80 million is expected later. Of the overall financing, $67 million will be used to settle existing government debt.

Bendals Armed Robbery: Two Men Face Charges After Woman Held at Gunpoint

Deshonte Charles, 21, and Nathaniel Benjamin, 18, are due in court on October 2 after being jointly charged over an alleged armed robbery in Bendals. A woman was reportedly held at gunpoint and robbed of jewelry, EC$1,200 and personal belongings.

62-Year-Old Woman Hospitalized After Early-Morning Knife Attack in Browne’s Avenue

A 62-year-old woman is hospitalized after a knife-wielding intruder allegedly attacked her inside her Browne’s Avenue home around 5:50 a.m. Thursday. She sustained injuries to her arm and face before raising an alarm that sent the attacker fleeing.

Two Remanded to Prison in Villa Shooting and Ottos Robbery Cases

Javia Peters and Saquami Christian have been remanded to His Majesty’s Prison until December 2 as they face charges stemming from the shooting of Francis Dennis in Villa and two separate robberies in Ottos.

Electricity Bills Set to Rise in October as APUA Raises Fuel Charge

Electricity customers in Antigua and Barbuda will pay more in October after APUA increased its fuel variation rate from 80 to 88 cents per kilowatt-hour. A household using 300 kWh could pay approximately EC$24 more in fuel charges for the month.

Court Orders Deportation of Three Jamaican Women Over Immigration Violations

Three Jamaican nationals have been ordered deported after appearing before a St. John’s magistrate for remaining in Antigua and Barbuda beyond their authorized stay. Their removal is scheduled for Thursday

Airfares Surge Nearly 16% in Antigua and Barbuda During August

Airfares in Antigua and Barbuda climbed 15.8% in August, contributing to a 13.2% increase in transport services. Overall consumer prices rose 0.8% during the month, while annual inflation reached 5.5%.

Two Men Face Multiple Charges Following Villa Shooting and Ottos Robberies

Javia Peters and Saquami Christian have been jointly charged following investigations into the shooting of a 47-year-old man in Villa and two robberies in Ottos on September 27. Both men are expected before the court on Wednesday.

Fuel Prices Rise Again as Browne Points to Higher Global Energy Costs

Motorists in Antigua and Barbuda are facing another fuel price increase, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne pointing to rising international energy costs and the effects of overseas conflicts as factors putting pressure on local prices.

Aaron Williams Remanded Following Series of Alleged Break-Ins in Barbuda

Aaron Williams of Barbuda has been remanded to His Majesty’s Prison after being charged in connection with four alleged break-ins reported between September 17 and September 25. He is expected back in court on December 18.

Browne Says Police Have Raised Concerns Over Criminal Sentencing

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says police officers have complained to him about the judiciary’s handling of some criminal cases, arguing that short sentences can allow repeat offenders back onto the streets too quickly and place additional pressure on law enforcement.

Father Demands Answers as Rashawn Shabazz Autopsy Remains Pending Months After Prison Death

More than two months after Rashawn Shabazz died following an attempted extraction from his prison cell, his father says the family is still waiting for an overseas pathologist to conduct an autopsy and is considering legal assistance to move the process forward.

Transport Board Worker Jailed for Four Years Following Scissors Attack on Colleague

Transport Board employee Rockell Browne has been sentenced to four years in prison for stabbing a female colleague three times with scissors during a 2022 workplace altercation. The High Court rejected her claim of self defense and also ordered her to undergo anger-management counselling.

PM Browne Outlines Tougher Prison Terms for Firearms and Ammunition Offences

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says firearms offences can carry penalties of up to 10 years on summary conviction and 30 years on indictment. He also outlined penalties for the importation, exportation and transshipment of firearms and ammunition, including a minimum sentence of five years.

Police Seize EC$126,000 Worth of Suspected Cannabis at Deep Water Harbour

Approximately 21 pounds of suspected cannabis valued at EC$126,000 has been seized at Deep Water Harbour following a joint operation involving the Narcotics Department and Customs Enforcement personnel.

Antigua and Barbuda Sets Proposed Conditions for U.S. Third-Country Transfers

Antigua and Barbuda has proposed strict conditions for accepting third-country nationals transferred from the United States, including valid passports, confirmed options for onward travel and written approval for every individual. Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the terms remain under negotiation with Washington.