The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a major policy initiative aimed at strengthening multilingual education and deepening regional integration by establishing Spanish as the country’s official second language.
Under the policy, the Ministry of Education and Science and Technology has been mandated to begin restructuring the national curriculum at the preschool, primary and secondary levels to make Spanish a core subject within the education system.
Cabinet said the decision reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s expanding regional and international engagement and recognizes the importance of equipping citizens with language skills capable of enhancing educational, professional, diplomatic and economic opportunities.
The Government also cited the longstanding historical and cultural relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and the Dominican Republic as a key factor influencing the decision.
Cabinet acknowledged the significant contribution made by the Dominican community to national development and noted the strong people-to-people ties that continue to exist between both countries.
According to Ministers, improved Spanish language competency is expected to strengthen regional integration, tourism, trade, workforce competitiveness and communication with Spanish-speaking countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
Cabinet also approved the DRIP initiative — the Dominican Republic Integration Programme — which will guide efforts aimed at strengthening economic, cultural and institutional cooperation between Antigua and Barbuda and the Dominican Republic.
The programme is expected to facilitate trade and investment, improve cooperation in education and tourism, and provide additional support services for Dominican nationals living in Antigua and Barbuda.
In a further move aimed at improving communication and support services for Spanish-speaking residents, Cabinet approved the establishment of a Spanish Desk within the Office of the Prime Minister.
The unit will serve as a direct point of engagement between Government and the Spanish-speaking community and is intended to improve access to public services and support greater social integration.
Cabinet said the policy forms part of a broader national development strategy focused on inclusion, education, regional cooperation and economic competitiveness in an increasingly interconnected global environment.
