标签： Antigua and Barbuda

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda engaged in high-level diplomatic discussions on Monday with Fiona Ramsey, the European Union’s newly appointed Ambassador to the Eastern Caribbean. The meetings, held with Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene, centered on reinforcing the longstanding partnership between the Caribbean nation and the European bloc.

Prime Minister Browne characterized the EU as a crucial development partner since the country’s independence, advocating for a more strategic framework for regional funding mechanisms under the existing Economic Partnership Agreement. He identified transportation infrastructure as a critical barrier to Caribbean economic integration, noting that exorbitant shipping costs continue to hamper intra-regional trade. Browne proposed innovative, EU-supported maritime solutions—specifically multi-island service vessels—as a potential mechanism to enhance regional connectivity and economic cooperation.

Foreign Minister Greene described the diplomatic engagement as particularly timely given ongoing reevaluations of EU support structures. While acknowledging decades of productive assistance, Greene expressed optimism that divergent perspectives on key issues—including European Development Fund allocations and concerns regarding Citizenship by Investment Programs—could be resolved through sustained diplomatic dialogue.

Ambassador Ramsey reaffirmed the European Union’s dedication to maintaining open channels of communication and collaboration. She highlighted climate change mitigation and maritime connectivity as primary areas for continued cooperation, indicating potential advancements in these sectors during her tenure. The discussions established a framework for addressing both immediate concerns and long-term strategic priorities between the EU and Eastern Caribbean partners.

In a landmark address marking the opening of the 2026 legal year, Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin unveiled sweeping constitutional reforms aimed at asserting national sovereignty. The centerpiece announcement confirmed that Antigua and Barbuda will initiate national consultations on acceding to the appellate jurisdiction of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), terminating its reliance on the British Privy Council as its final court of appeal.

Benjamin characterized the prolonged dependence on foreign judicial oversight as ‘an affront to our sovereignty,’ emphatically stating that ‘we are now the masters of our own destiny.’ The government simultaneously revealed plans to commence discussions on transitioning to republic status, with a national referendum to be scheduled following comprehensive public consultation.

A Constitutional Review and Reform Committee has been established to steer these transformative initiatives. Chaired by Benjamin with former Attorney General Justin Simon KC serving as Vice Chair, the committee comprises distinguished members including Dobrene Omarde, Dr. Lenworth Johnson, MP Richard Lewis, Debra Burnette, Beverly Benjamin, and Ralph Bowen. In a gesture of cross-party collaboration, opposition leaders Jamale Pringle and Trevor Walker have received invitations to nominate representatives.

The Attorney General concurrently addressed judicial administration concerns, acknowledging persistent delays in criminal case resolutions while noting the High Court’s civil division operates without significant backlog. Justice system reforms will feature prominently in the 2026 legislative agenda. Benjamin called upon legal professionals to actively educate citizens about CCJ integration and emphasized that constitutional modernization must balance judicial independence with public confidence built upon transparency, integrity, and equitable justice.

The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) has launched its 2026 judicial term with a comprehensive modernization agenda targeting artificial intelligence governance, digital service expansion, and criminal justice acceleration across its nine-member jurisdiction.

During the ceremonial opening of the High Court, Acting Chief Justice Margaret Price Findlay outlined groundbreaking initiatives that position the regional judiciary at the forefront of legal technology adaptation. The court is developing a formal regulatory framework to govern AI utilization by judicial officers and legal practitioners, responding to increased technological integration in court proceedings and record management.

Substantial enhancements are underway for the court’s AI transcription system, initially implemented in 2024, to boost record accuracy and dramatically reduce judgment delivery timelines. Justice Findlay emphasized that while embracing technological efficiency gains, the judiciary remains committed to safeguarding judicial independence and procedural fairness, asserting that technology must augment rather than replace human judicial decision-making and ethical responsibilities.

The court leadership urged universal adoption of the Electronic Litigation Portal, revealing that despite full integration of all case types, inconsistent usage has hampered system effectiveness. Technical assistance programs are being intensified to address operational challenges encountered by court personnel and users.

Substantial criminal justice reforms show promising advancement, with judge-alone trials now operational in Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Lucia. This transformative approach aims to eliminate delays associated with jury selection and alleviate chronic case backlogs.

The ECSC has completed comprehensive revisions to criminal procedure rules, is finalizing updated sentencing guidelines, and has circulated a draft criminal mediation framework for public consultation as part of a broader shift toward alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
In a historic development, Justice Findlay announced the acquisition of a permanent, purpose-built headquarters for the ECSC in Saint Lucia, concluding a two-decade pursuit for a dedicated institutional home that symbolizes the court’s enduring regional presence.

The United Progressive Party (UPP) has finalized candidates for fifteen constituencies, with only the substantial St. George electoral district remaining undecided. This key constituency, which boasted over 5,100 voters in the last election cycle, has become a competitive arena with multiple contenders vying to succeed outgoing MP Algernon ‘Serpent’ Watt.

The primary race features three prominent figures: Antigua Barbuda Workers Union President Kem Riley, newly qualified lawyer Kelton Dalso, and media personality Jermaine ‘Buffy’ Kentish. An analysis of the political landscape suggests significant disparities in candidate viability. Two contenders face substantial challenges—one lacks name recognition beyond his immediate community, while another demonstrates inconsistent political positioning. Conversely, Kentish emerges as a formidable candidate with nationwide recognition, charismatic appeal, and deep community connections transcending traditional political boundaries.

Kentish’s candidacy is bolstered by his multi-generational roots throughout the constituency. Born in New Winthorpes and raised in Barnes Hill, his family connections extend through Pigotts (his father’s birthplace) and Potters. His political heritage traces back to his grandfather, Samuel Kentish, an early member of the Progressive Labour Movement renowned for advocating workers’ rights and agricultural community interests.

Political observers note Kentish’s potential to disrupt the electoral dominance of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s Michael Freeland. His widespread popularity and cross-party appeal could potentially achieve vote totals exceeding 3,000 ballots—a threshold unmatched since Sir Adolphus’s political era. The January 19th primary at Potters Primary School represents a critical juncture for UPP’s electoral strategy and St. George’s political future.