The first week of 2026, has been turbulent for Antigua and Barbuda.
On day ONE, the Prime Minister called for the nation to “rise above division, misinformation and petty quarrels”. This admonition was tested in short order; evidenced by him discrediting his Foreign Affairs Minister, failing to adequately disclose relevant information on the arrangements for our acceptance of ‘third-country nationals’ removed from the United States of America (USA) and once again engaging in conduct unbecoming of the Office of the Prime Minister by expressing vile and callous language on a social media platform.
On day ONE, Prime Minister Gaston Browne declared that the nation entered 2026 “… more confident, more hopeful, more prosperous than any other moment in the country’s history…”. Within a few days, this glowing assessment and his classification of us as a “globally admired nation” encountered some challenge. The recent visa restrictions by the United States of America were compounded by our country being listed among those whose citizens are required to pay a bond between US $5,000.00 and US $15,000 on application for certain types of US visas.
There has been no shortage of commentary analysing the state of affairs regarding our relations with the United States. Yet the government’s response falls well below our collective expectation. Added to its all too frequent disregard for the Opposition members in Parliament, we are now facing a severe erosion of the people’s trust in the entire governance structure, increased levels of frustration and nationwide disquiet. The Prime Minister’s New Year’s Day posturing aside, we in fact feel less prosperous, less hopeful and certainly less confident in his administration.
The ABNC is of the view that Prime Minister Gaston Browne, in both his official and personal capacity, remains a primary cause of the degradation of our nation’s reputation and the harsh restrictions and demands imposed upon its people. We are persuaded that his capacity to singly conduct or direct negotiations with the United States is severely compromised by his strained relations with his Minister of Foreign Affairs and his legal entanglements with interests in the USA.
We, of course, acknowledge the tremendous challenges currently faced by Caribbean leaders and our own limitations in terms of our bargaining power as a small island state. We however cannot excuse our government’s failure or refusal to facilitate open dialogue on matters of such magnitude.
For these reasons, the ABNC wish to register our support for the full revelation of the terms of the ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ relating to our acceptance of third-country nationals who are to be removed from the USA. We invite the government to consider the immediate suspension of the MOU (if necessary) to allow for its non-partisan review. While the decision ultimately rests with the ruling administration, we believe that engaging the Leader of the Opposition, independent Members of Parliament for Barbuda and All Saints West, Senators, local NGOs, and church and community leaders will benefit our national response. The people of Antigua and Barbuda deserve nothing less.
May God grant us the wisdom and grace to navigate these unchartered times as we endeavour preserve our democracy and return our nation to a position that reflects the international standing we once held.
Respectfully,
Antigua & Barbuda National Congress (ABNC)