The Antigua and Barbuda government has launched a comprehensive effort to address widespread misinformation regarding U.S. visa processing changes affecting the Caribbean nation. The initiative follows international media reports that triggered public concern and required immediate diplomatic verification.
Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, revealed during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing that officials swiftly engaged verification protocols upon learning of the purported changes. “The Cabinet immediately made contacts to verify, because it was coming from news portals,” Merchant stated, emphasizing the government’s proactive approach to information validation.
The administration deployed Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders, the nation’s top diplomat in Washington, to seek direct clarification from U.S. officials. Leveraging his strategic position in the American capital, Sanders conducted thorough research and established high-level contacts to ascertain the factual situation, subsequently advising the Cabinet of his findings.
In response to growing public anxiety, the government implemented a multi-channel communication strategy. This included issuing official statements from senior officials, coordinating regular media appearances, and disseminating accurate information through authorized platforms. Merchant specifically noted that certain reports had significantly mischaracterized the scope of actual visa restrictions, creating unnecessary alarm among citizens.
The communications director emphasized that current visa holders remain unaffected by any changes. “As it stands, persons with current visas, valid visas, can travel back and forth between Antigua and the United States and its territories,” he clarified, aiming to reassure the public about continued travel privileges.
Merchant concluded by affirming the government’s commitment to transparency, noting that official channels would provide continuous updates as discussions between Antiguan and U.S. authorities progress toward resolving the situation.