Kelvin Simon, an opposition lawmaker, has launched a scathing critique against the Antiguan government, accusing its policies and inaction of creating a national crisis in human resource development. Speaking in parliament, Simon articulated that systemic failures are severely compromising the educational and athletic prospects of the nation’s youth at a pivotal stage in their development.
The core of the issue, according to Simon, lies in the diminished international standing of the Antigua and Barbuda passport. He described it as a ‘red flag’ in visa application processes, creating significant uncertainty and disadvantage for students seeking to study abroad. This is particularly critical given the limited academic offerings at local institutions like the University of the West Indies, which Simon noted fails to cover ‘many areas of study,’ making overseas education unavoidable for numerous students pursuing specialized careers.
Simon highlighted concrete consequences, pointing to visa delays and denials that are already disrupting educational pathways and athletic careers. He supplemented his argument with data from the Open Doors Report, noting that 183 Antiguan students are currently in U.S. higher education institutions, whose futures remain uncertain regarding visa renewals and degree completion.
The lawmaker further criticized the domestic sports infrastructure, stating that local shortcomings compound these external barriers. He directly challenged Prime Minister Gaston Browne to address what he characterized as a national emergency, emphasizing that investment in youth must become an urgent priority.
Simon concluded that while the government cannot control foreign visa policies, it bears full responsibility for protecting citizens from their impact and for developing comprehensive strategies to overcome these challenges, stating that the current situation is ‘preventing us from being as competitive as we should in order to drive this country forward.’