Opposition United Progressive Party MP and deputy leader Sherfield Bowen said new U.S. visa restrictions have shut the door on opportunities that once allowed determined Antiguans to study, work and build lives abroad, calling the development a national tragedy.
In remarks posted on Observer on Wednesday, Bowen contrasted his own journey four decades ago with the prospects facing young people today. “Forty years ago, on a morning like this, I had a dream of becoming a Lawyer and an Accountant,” he said, recalling his decision to go to the United States “without money and without any support whatsoever” and work to achieve that goal.
Bowen said that path is no longer available to others. “Forty years later, I cry for many others, similarly situated, with similar dreams and resolve, but as of 12:01am this morning, can no longer entertain that dream,” he said.
He accused the government of damaging the country’s international standing, arguing that Antigua and Barbuda has effectively placed itself on what he described as a U.S. “banned countries list.” Bowen used sarcastic language to criticize Prime Minister Gaston Browne, adding, “What an achievement Mr. World Boss!”
Bowen said the consequences extend beyond elite travel, affecting ordinary citizens seeking first-time visas to visit family, pursue education or employment, or travel for tourism. “No longer can today’s young person’s harbor the American dream,” he said, listing destinations and experiences he said are now out of reach.
He also criticized the Citizenship by Investment Programme, saying it has undermined confidence in the country’s passport. “Our precious passport has now become worthless,” Bowen said, asserting that multiple jurisdictions no longer respect it and describing the programme as a “golden calf” now “on life support.”
Bowen said his concern was not for the investment programme itself, but for young Antiguans. He said their aspirations for education, health care, travel and work in the United States have been “suddenly ignited into a ball of fire.”
“Antigua and Barbuda, I cry for thee,” he said.