In a poignant address published Wednesday, United Progressive Party Deputy Leader Sherfield Bowen delivered a scathing critique of Antigua and Barbuda’s diminished international standing following recent U.S. visa restrictions. The opposition parliamentarian contrasted his personal journey four decades ago—when he pursued American educational opportunities without financial means or support—with the current reality facing young Antiguans.
Bowen emotionally recounted how contemporary youth with similar aspirations now face insurmountable barriers since the implementation of stringent U.S. visa policies effective midnight Tuesday. He attributed these developments to the current administration’s diplomatic failures, asserting the nation has effectively placed itself on a U.S. ‘banned countries list.’
The ramifications extend beyond elite travel, significantly impacting ordinary citizens seeking first-time visas for family visits, educational pursuits, employment opportunities, and tourism. Bowen particularly highlighted how the Citizenship by Investment Programme has undermined confidence in the nation’s passport, rendering what was once ‘precious’ now ‘worthless’ in multiple jurisdictions. He described the program as a ‘golden calf’ now on ‘life support.’
While emphasizing his primary concern rests with young citizens rather than the investment scheme itself, Bowen lamented how their aspirations for education, healthcare, travel, and work in the United States have been ‘suddenly ignited into a ball of fire.’ The opposition leader concluded with a solemn declaration: ‘Antigua and Barbuda, I cry for thee.’