Statement by the Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party and Minister for Foreign Affairs
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party rejects as false and misleading the claim by Jamale Pringle that visa restrictions imposed by the United States are the fault of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda or that he can somehow “fix” them.
The position of the United States Government has been stated plainly by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio:
“In support of this critical objective, the Department of State is announcing a significant expansion of an existing visa restriction policy that targets those working on behalf of U.S. adversaries to undermine our national interests in our hemisphere, including regional security and democratic sovereignty.”
He has also made clear the principle that governs all such decisions:
“Getting a U.S. visa is not a right; it is a privilege which we alone decide.”
These are decisions of the United States Government, taken in pursuit of its own national interests and applied across the Western Hemisphere. They are not determined by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, and no Opposition politician in this country can reverse them by campaign slogan or empty boast.
Antigua and Barbuda is not alone in this matter. Other countries in the Caribbean are also affected, and many nationals across the region are denied visas every day under U.S. law and policy.
The difference is that while others play politics, this Government has been doing the serious diplomatic work. Antigua and Barbuda has been at the forefront of discussions with the United States to secure improved arrangements. Indeed, as recently as two days ago, Prime Minister Gaston Browne discussed this matter directly with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
That is how responsible governments act. They engage, they represent, and they persist. They do not mislead the public with promises they have no power to fulfil.
Mr Pringle’s statement is either a sign that he does not understand how relations between states work, or a calculated attempt to deceive the people for political gain. Neither is a qualification for leadership.
The people of Antigua and Barbuda deserve the truth. U.S. visa policy is made in Washington, not in St John’s. No amount of political posturing can change that reality.
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Pringle CANNOT READ, REASON or SPEAK properly
Based on the information posted here, it is clear the visa restriction would not have applied to Antigua and Barbuda had the ABLP and the ABLP PM Gaston Browne had not been constantly defending tyrannical and authoritarian government and policies. So, yes, ABLP could have done something about it but haven’t and do not intend to do anything but let you suffer and hope the next US President will change policy but until then, ABLP says you must suffer.
I was also going to write an article about a US diplomat I represented who expressed that had the government of Antigua and Barbuda supported my crime and terrorism victim advocacy services (in Antigua and Barbuda) that provide vital support to Americans and US lawful residents when they are victimized abroad in places like Antigua and Barbuda and other Caribbean Islands, it is likely this would have shown ABLP to be in support of the US and prevented the Visa suspension and bans.
I actually informed ABLP PM Gaston Browne in 2022 that giving me support in my endeavor would encourage the US to bring an embassy in Antigua and Barbuda and show other good-faith. Please ask him to show you my text and also I posted on this news forum in 2022 and 2023 about 100 times..
I told ABLP PM Gaston Browne to start taking the advice of competent people. But he fail to listen and believe the way to success is to buy you before election without strategic and longterm actions throughout his governing.