268 News Network

30/07/2026

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30/07/2026

29/07/2026

HISTORIC EDUCATION REFORM: ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA ADOPTS SPANISH AS NATION’S OFFICIAL SECOND LANGUAGE
ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA — In a landmark policy decision aimed at transforming the national education landscape and boosting regional competitiveness, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, has officially declared Spanish as the nation’s official second language.

The executive mandate directs the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology to execute a phased rollout between 2026 and 2030, embedding Spanish as a mandatory core subject across all levels of public education.

A Complete Overhaul of the National Curriculum
Under the mandate, curriculum developers are restructuring the academic syllabus across every tier of instruction:

Preschool & Early Childhood: Early immersive language play to establish foundational vocabulary.

Primary Schools: Conversational Spanish and grammar structured into the daily schedule.

Secondary Schools: Core subject status alongside English, ensuring students achieve full fluency prior to graduation.

To support the expansion, the Ministry plans to recruit up to 20 specialized Spanish language educators over the next three years to meet classroom demand. Government officials reassured the public that traditional foreign language options, such as French, will remain intact and unaffected within secondary schools.

Key Pillars Driving the Policy Shift
1. Integration of the Dominican Republic Diaspora
A primary catalyst for the reform is the significant contribution of the local Hispanic population, particularly immigrants from the Dominican Republic who have settled in Antigua over recent decades. To support social cohesion, Cabinet approved two complementary initiatives:

The Dominican Republic Integration Programme (DRIP): A framework aimed at deepening economic, cultural, and institutional linkages between Antigua and Barbuda and the Dominican Republic while providing structured support for local Dominican residents.

The Spanish Desk: A dedicated assistance desk established within the Office of the Prime Minister to serve as a direct point of contact for Spanish-speaking residents accessing public services.

2. Unlocking Economic, Tourism, and Strategic Opportunities
By establishing nationwide bilingualism, the government aims to position Antigua and Barbuda as a premier commercial, diplomatic, and air-transport hub in the Eastern Caribbean.

Trade & Aviation: Enhanced language infrastructure is expected to unlock direct commercial and aviation links with regional hubs like Panama and Santo Domingo.

Workforce Competitiveness: Future generations will gain a competitive edge in regional tourism, cross-border commerce, and international diplomacy.

Regional Security: Strengthening national Spanish competency will facilitate smoother cooperation between local law enforcement, coast guard units, and judicial bodies when coordinating with Latin American counterparts.

Government officials emphasized that in the 21st century, language acts as essential strategic infrastructure, ensuring Antiguans and Barbudans are fully equipped to thrive in an interconnected global market.

268 News Network will continue to track the Ministry of Education's implementation roadmap as schools prepare for the upcoming academic year.

29/07/2026

DOROTHY PETERS-NICHOLLS APPOINTED NEW CHAIRMAN OF ANTIGUA PORT AUTHORITY
ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA — In a ceremony celebrated at Government House on Tuesday morning, July 28, 2026, JCI Senator Dorothy Peters-Nicholls was officially appointed as the new Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority.

Her appointment leads a fresh slate of commissioners tasked with steering the operations and strategic direction of the nation’s primary maritime gateway.

This leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment for the Deep Water Harbour as it continues to strengthen its position as a central logistics and transshipment hub for the Eastern Caribbean. As Chairman, Peters-Nicholls will oversee board initiatives focused on driving operational efficiency, enhancing maritime security, modernizing port infrastructure, and maximizing revenue opportunities.

Government officials commended the outgoing board for their service while expressing full confidence in Chairman Peters-Nicholls and the newly appointed commissioners to guide the Port Authority into its next phase of growth and regional development.

268 News Network will continue to monitor updates from the Port Authority as the new board begins its tenure.

29/07/2026

REGIONAL NEWS: GUYANA FERRY CAPTAIN AND TWO CREW MEMBERS CHARGED WITH 72 COUNTS OF MURDER
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — The captain and two crew members of the state-operated ferry MV Barima appeared in a Georgetown magistrate’s court facing 72 counts of murder following Guyana’s deadly maritime disaster.

The accused—40-year-old Captain Kevin Price, 42-year-old Chief Mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts, and 33-year-old Loading Superintendent Delon Granderson—were formally read the charges following legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions. They were not required to enter a plea and were remanded to prison until their next court appearance on August 3.

The charges stem from the July 18 capsizing of the 87-year-old MV Barima, which sank while traveling from Georgetown toward Port Kaituma. Authorities report that at least 73 people died, 76 were rescued, and around 30 remain missing.

Outside the courtroom, an emotional Captain Price maintained his innocence, telling reporters that the vessel had long-standing mechanical issues, including a lack of radar and search-and-rescue equipment, known to officials since 2022. Meanwhile, investigators cited operational failures, including overcrowding, manifest discrepancies, and reports that crew members tested positive for narcotics following the rescue.

Defence attorney Dexter Todd stated that the legal team will request early disclosure of evidence to challenge the prosecution’s claims regarding vessel weight and operational responsibility.

268 News Network will continue to track regional updates on this developing case.

29/07/2026

SOCIAL SECURITY BOARD APOLOGIZES FOR DELAY IN JULY PENSION PAYMENTS DUE TO TECHNICAL ISSUES
ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA — The Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Board (ABSSB) has issued an official notice apologizing to pensioners across the nation for a delay in processing pension payments scheduled for the end of July.

According to a statement released by the Board, the disruption in disbursement was caused by unforeseen technical difficulties.

Assuring the public that the issue was actively being resolved, the Social Security Board confirmed that all outstanding pension payments due for July would be processed on Tuesday, July 28. The Board expressed its sincere gratitude to all pensioners for their patience and understanding while technicians worked to rectify the technical glitch.

The Social Security Board administers essential pension and social security benefits to thousands of eligible contributors and retirees across Antigua and Barbuda.

29/07/2026

TRAGEDY AT FORT JAMES BEACH: YOUNG LIFEGUARD DIES AFTER MEDICAL EMERGENCY IN THE WATER
ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA — A medical emergency at Fort James Beach ended in tragedy today after a young lifeguard died after falling ill while on duty.

According to initial reports, the lifeguard experienced sudden medical complications while in the water carrying out his duties. Fellow lifeguards on duty noticed he was in distress and responded immediately, rushing into the water to bring him ashore.

Colleagues administered CPR on the beach while urgent calls were placed to emergency medical services. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel arrived shortly after, continuing life-saving efforts before transporting the young man to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.

Despite the immediate intervention of his fellow lifeguards and medical staff, he could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The exact cause of the medical emergency remains under investigation.

268 News Network extends our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during this painful time. We will update this story as official details are released.

29/07/2026

POLICE LAUNCH HUNT FOR MASKED GUNMAN FOLLOWING BELLEVUE ESTATE SHOOTING
ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA — Police in Antigua and Barbuda have launched an intensive investigation following a violent shooting incident in Bellevue Estate that left one man injured.

According to preliminary reports, authorities are searching for a masked assailant who opened fire in the Bellevue Estate area. During the incident, a male victim sustained a gunshot wound to the neck.

Emergency medical personnel responded swiftly to the scene to render aid, and the victim was transported for emergency surgery. Investigators have secured the crime scene to gather forensic evidence, interview potential witnesses, and trace the movements of the suspect prior to and following the attack.

At this stage, a motive for the shooting remains unclear. Law enforcement officials are appealing to members of the public who may have been in the Bellevue Estate area or who possess any information regarding the identity or whereabouts of the masked shooter to contact the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) or reach out anonymously via Crime Stoppers.

268 News Network will continue to monitor this developing story and bring you official updates as more information becomes available.