Cabinet Endorses PM’s Position as Antigua Seeks Clarity on U.S. Visa Restrictions

Cabinet Endorses PM’s Position as Antigua Seeks Clarity on U.S. Visa Restrictions

Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet has endorsed the government’s existing public position on newly announced United States visa restrictions, as officials continue diplomatic efforts to clarify the scope and implications of the U.S. proclamation.

The issue was discussed during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, chaired by Acting Prime Minister Sir Steadroy Cutie Benjamin in the absence of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who is off-island. Cabinet received updates from Browne by telephone, as well as from Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene and Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said Cabinet agreed to stand by the statement previously issued by the Prime Minister until official clarification is received from U.S. authorities.

“In the absence of any new information, Cabinet endorsed the statement previously issued and published by Prime Minister Gaston Browne regarding these U.S. visa restrictions,” Merchant told reporters during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing.

Merchant said active efforts are under way to engage U.S. officials, noting that Antigua and Barbuda is seeking further details on the proclamation, which is expected to take effect on January 1.

“Our ambassador in the United States, Ronald Sanders, is working feverishly to get clarification on this,” Merchant said. “The Honourable Prime Minister himself is working closely on this, along with the foreign minister and members of his staff.”

He added that the government is not yet in a position to advise nationals on travel to the United States, citing the lack of verified information.

“We cannot give advice until all information is received and verified,” Merchant said. “Until additional information is received, then the government will be in a position to advise nationals on what course to take.”

Merchant noted that the proclamation is lengthy and complex, underscoring the need for detailed review before any conclusions are drawn.

“I understand this document is about 40-plus pages long,” he said. “Some details definitely are needed and clarification.”

He said Cabinet remains focused on restoring normal visa access for Antiguans and Barbudans and will keep the public informed as soon as official communication is received from U.S. authorities.

“The aim is to have visa access by all Antiguans and Barbudans reinstated,” Merchant said.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]