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)
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Before ABNC starts this journey the people deserves to know who is this party’s leadership and Executives. A very poor rollout and introduction was made to the nation – which already does not put y’all in good standing. No media launch, press tours just a half dead press release. Mind you, I’m not opposed to any group of people creating a third and court party… but if you a come – come correct. This is not it.
ABNC cannot type…….
At least the ABNC is engaging in the conversation, but not a word from the DNA. Joann do you really care about Antigua or you are just bent on destroying UPP. Time for you to show your true colours
@ Born and Bred Antiguan
The DNA is stuck in first gear and can’t find a competent mechanic to get the engine to turn over. I hear they are planning to get the one that keep The Big Red Machine moving
I do agree Gaston alone has brought a bad light on Antigua. Even though h was correct in not allowing the americans to install a radar here, the arrogant way in which he informed the nation, in my opinion, is one reason, in addition to the CIP, why Antiguans have to pay a bond for visa’s. He does not learn. He is like Trump, its just that Trump’s country is extremely rich, so h can back up his chat with money. And even though the US is rich, Trump’s bad attitude is affecting america. But Gaston is poor and know he has to cower when the big boys come around. It just does not make sense.
Incase you are not aware; the Traitor from All Saints West is not an independent. He’s now an ALP candidate in the next general elections. As a newbie, you need to deal with the issues in chronological order. At center stage is the more than FIFTEEN MILLION DOLLAR VEHICLE FRAUD/THEFT. We have been overwhelmed with troubling issues, one after the other, by this treacherous gang but the police who just stated that there’s a no tolerance policy towards crime, seem unwilling to act. You need to state the issues as they happened; however, a bit of professionalism, as you are seeking recognition, is needed so I think that you owe us some introduction.
We know the Donald says he’s doing all of this to protect the sovereignty and security of his country…. My question is, “who is protecting us?”
I know Gaston is the PM and he overseas and directs his ministers, but this thing with America and Visa also involves the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Why the hell aren’t we hearing more out of Chet, are you telling me Gaston has so demoralized him that he cannot open his mouth. Chet in my opinion is more level headed and should be playing a bigger role