The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda convened on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Acting Prime Minister the Honourable Steadroy Benjamin, beginning its final meeting for the year with reflections offered by Pastor Baltimore of the Church of God of Prophecy in Cooks Hill. Drawing from Psalm 46:1, the pastor urged Cabinet members to place their trust in God’s guidance, reminding them of their responsibility to govern with compassion, generosity, and love for the people, particularly during the Season of Giving.
Cabinet’s deliberations quickly turned to a proclamation issued by the Government of the United States suspending, with effect from January 1, 2026, the issuance of U.S. visas to nationals of Antigua and Barbuda. Ministers received updates directly from Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who participated by telephone, as well as from Minister of Foreign Affairs E. P. Chet Greene and Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders.
Cabinet was advised that diplomatic engagement is actively underway to seek clarification of the proclamation and to restore normal visa access for Antiguans and Barbudans. In the absence of further official communication, Cabinet reaffirmed its endorsement of the public statement previously issued by Prime Minister Browne on the matter. The Government assured citizens that it remains fully engaged with U.S. authorities and will provide updates as soon as additional information becomes available.
