Antigua and Barbuda’s Health Minister, Sir Molwyn Joseph, has announced plans to introduce national health insurance legislation in Parliament during the first quarter of 2026. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the nation’s journey toward universal healthcare coverage. Speaking at the reopening of the Cobbs Cross Clinic, Sir Molwyn emphasized that consultations with the University of the West Indies on the design of the scheme have been finalized, setting the stage for its implementation. ‘By the first quarter of next year, we’ll have legislation before Parliament to establish a national health insurance,’ he stated. ‘Our policy ensures that healthcare is accessible to every citizen, regardless of their financial status.’ The announcement is part of a broader government effort to enhance healthcare delivery, including the renovation of 17 out of the nation’s 23 clinics and the modernization of diagnostic capabilities at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre. Sir Molwyn highlighted that the initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to equitable healthcare access and reducing financial barriers for low-income families. The upcoming legislation will complement ongoing reforms in primary healthcare and the revitalization of community clinics, such as the recently reopened Cobbs Cross facility.
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CARICOM nationals claim right to live and work in Barbados under freedom of movement regime
In a landmark development for Caribbean integration, Barbados has granted indefinite stay and employment rights to ten CARICOM nationals under its newly enacted Full Free Movement Regime. Ambassador to CARICOM David Comissiong announced this historic milestone on Tuesday, marking a significant step forward in regional cooperation. The beneficiaries, hailing from Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines, were among 99 residents who arrived in Barbados last Wednesday, the inaugural day of the initiative. Statistics reveal that Vincentians constitute the majority of new immigrants, with 75 arriving on the first day, compared to 17 from Dominica and seven from Belize. While the new arrivals are entitled to live and work indefinitely, they must reside in Barbados for at least three years before gaining voting rights, as stipulated by Commonwealth migration laws. Ambassador Comissiong emphasized that this initiative is a critical breakthrough in the decades-long effort to establish the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), enabling Caribbean nations to pool resources and compete effectively in the global market. The regime excludes individuals deemed a threat to national security or public health, as well as those likely to burden public finances. Comissiong highlighted the broader context of the initiative, addressing the ‘brain drain’ phenomenon and demographic challenges facing Barbados, including an ageing population and low birth rates. He urged Caribbean nations to create an attractive environment for youth to remain and contribute to regional development, calling for complementary initiatives to enhance the appeal of the Caribbean community.
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PM Browne: One or two offshore banks may end up being placed under liquidation
Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has revealed that one or two offshore banks in the country may face liquidation due to persistent difficulties in maintaining correspondent banking relationships. Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM, Browne highlighted that these institutions have struggled to secure or retain international correspondent partners, which are essential for processing cross-border transactions. This challenge has been exacerbated by increasingly stringent global banking regulations. Browne emphasized that the issue is not isolated to Antigua and Barbuda but is part of a broader trend affecting small financial centers worldwide, a phenomenon often referred to as ‘de-risking.’ The government is closely monitoring the situation and collaborating with the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) to safeguard depositors and ensure compliance with international standards. Despite these challenges, Browne reassured that the domestic banking system remains stable, with local banks maintaining robust correspondent relationships and strong liquidity positions. The prime minister reiterated the country’s commitment to upholding the integrity of its financial sector while navigating these global pressures.
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SunEye Security Services Denies Claim of Unpaid Wages
SunEye Security Services has firmly refuted claims that it failed to pay its employees’ salaries and statutory deductions. The company’s legal representative has dismissed the allegations as unfounded, asserting that all employees have signed payment sheets confirming receipt of their wages. To substantiate their stance, SunEye Security Services has provided copies of these signed records to Antigua Newsroom, reinforcing their position that the accusations are entirely false. The company remains committed to transparency and compliance with labor regulations, emphasizing its dedication to fair treatment of its workforce. This development comes amidst heightened scrutiny of corporate practices in the region, underscoring the importance of accurate reporting and accountability in the business sector.
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Barbados Ambassador calls for end to alleged ‘Zone of Peace’ violations
Barbados’ Ambassador to CARICOM, David Comissiong, has issued a strong appeal to the United States government to dismantle its 63-year-old economic blockade against Cuba and revoke its designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. Speaking at a ceremony marking the 49th anniversary of the Cubana Airliner tragedy and the third year of CARICOM-Cuba Day Against Terrorism, Ambassador Comissiong labeled the US actions as both fraudulent and unjust. He emphasized the need for the US to align with international consensus, citing the annual United Nations resolution that overwhelmingly condemns the blockade as illegal. Comissiong argued that the terrorism designation exacerbates Cuba’s economic challenges, hindering trade, financial operations, and access to essential goods. He also highlighted Cuba’s history as a victim of terrorism, with 713 documented acts largely orchestrated from US soil. Furthermore, Comissiong referenced the 2014 Zone of Peace Declaration, adopted by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), which underscores principles of non-intervention, sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence. He criticized recent US military actions in the Caribbean, particularly against Venezuela, as a violation of these principles. The ambassador’s call reflects broader regional concerns over US policies in the Caribbean and their impact on regional stability.
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Spragga Benz disrespected Caribbean women at Cannabliss 2025
Cannabliss 2025, a prominent event in the medicinal cannabis and cultural calendar, faced significant criticism this year due to controversial lyrics and organizational delays. The festival, now in its second year, aimed to blend cannabis education, cultural events, and entertainment into a cohesive experience. However, the performance by Spragga Benz, featuring lyrics deemed offensive and disrespectful, overshadowed the event’s achievements. Attendees, including regional government officials and CEOs, expressed disappointment, particularly given the mature and professional audience. The Rastafarian community, present at the event, also voiced their displeasure, emphasizing the inappropriateness of the song in such a setting. Beyond the lyrical controversy, the festival struggled with punctuality, with key events starting over 30 minutes late, some delayed by up to an hour and a half. Despite these setbacks, many visitors appreciated the overall experience and expressed enthusiasm for future editions. Organizers have acknowledged the issues and are committed to refining the event for Cannabliss 2026, promising a more polished and respectful celebration.
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Caribbean Disability Conference starts next week
The Caribbean Disability Network (CDN), in partnership with the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, is set to organize the Caribbean Disability Conference from October 17 to 22 at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle Resort. The event, themed ‘Breaking Barriers: Advancing Inclusive Education for All Abilities,’ will convene over 200 delegates, including Education Ministers, disability affairs officials, educators, advocates, youth leaders, researchers, and service providers from across the Caribbean and beyond. Participating nations include Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Guyana, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and The Bahamas. The conference aims to promote inclusive education policies, amplify the voices of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and their families, facilitate regional knowledge sharing, strengthen legislative frameworks, showcase innovative best practices, and foster inter-sectoral collaboration for sustainable development. The CDN, a regional alliance dedicated to advancing the rights and inclusion of PWDs, serves as a vital platform for collaboration among officials, social development agencies, and civil society.
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Of free movement, and stalled promise
The ongoing discourse surrounding free movement within the Caribbean has brought Barbados and three other nations to the forefront of efforts to fully implement this concept. However, the pace of progress raises questions about whether the reality aligns with the promise.
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Masked men rob man of vehicle, cash, and personals in Abaco
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Authorities in Abaco are intensifying efforts to unravel the details of a brazen armed robbery that unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday, October 7, 2025, on Earnest Dean Highway. According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred shortly after 2:00 a.m. when a man seated in a Grey Chevy Impala was approached by a red Japanese vehicle. Two masked individuals armed with firearms emerged from the vehicle, forcibly seizing a substantial amount of cash, valuable jewelry, and the victim’s car before fleeing the scene in an undisclosed direction. Law enforcement officials are currently pursuing multiple leads as the investigation remains ongoing.
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SDA Members Say Saturday Independence Parade Excludes Them
A letter addressed to the editor has highlighted growing concerns over the scheduling of Antigua and Barbuda’s Independence Ceremonial Parade and National Food Fair. The events, set to take place on a Saturday, have inadvertently excluded members of the Seventh-day Adventist community, who observe the Sabbath on this day. This decision has been criticized as unfair and dismissive of the nation’s religious diversity. The letter, penned by an SDA member, emphasizes that the choice of a weekend day prevents approximately 15,000 individuals from participating fully in the celebrations. The author suggests that holding the event on the following Monday would have ensured inclusivity, allowing all citizens to partake in the festivities. The letter underscores the importance of national events being accessible to everyone, fostering unity and respect for all communities. It calls on organizers to consider these concerns for future celebrations, ensuring that such significant occasions are representative of the entire population. The issue has sparked a broader conversation about the need for sensitivity and inclusivity in planning national events, particularly in a country as culturally and religiously diverse as Antigua and Barbuda.