Residents share starkly different but equally emotional reactions as Antiguans and Barbudans grapple with sweeping new U.S. visa restrictions set to take effect in 2026.
Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.
Sad thing is that our opposition will never grow the balls to admit that this ban comes from the fact that we do not support the war in our waters. That’s why their backside are going to rot in opposition for another 50 years
Since when has the opposition owned America? Trump made his decision because he has the right to do so. It has nothing to do with Venezuela 🇻🇪, it is about our CIP program. We are selling our passports to too many criminals. Do you know how many criminals and terrorists have our passports in their possession right now?? America is protecting its borders from these criminals. A lot of people get passports and apply for a U.S. visa, go to America and never come back, staying in America illegally; some stay there and commit crimes. Even our own people are no exception in staying in America illegally, too.
Phil you are crazy. I want to blame America but let’s be real there is one government and one person to blame for this and that is Gaston Browne. Other countries in our region alone, CIPs and they also gave PMs. Yet we are affected by this almost alone. The difference is how their program is managed and by extension how their countries are managed. People like you cuddling Gaston calling him “works Boss” and all kind of crap gave Gaston “pluck”-if you are an Antiguans you wii to understand- to say and do things other PMs would not and that is why we are in this position.
We all need to look at the bigger picture. Trump has chosen to resurrect a long dormant US policy.
The policy is of pure domination of all. He has not seized that, that type of policy in the 21st century will and cannot work. Same ole American playbook different actors.
Diplomacy is the new model.
Those with eyes can see and read the “ tea leaves”.The real target is the vast oil reserves. Not drugs as is touted!
Did we consider that this visa ban means our tourism is crippled?
No airline is going to come here and not have passengers on their return leg.
No more tourism access. Thousands out of work hotels, taxi operators, tour companies . Think of all the agencies dependent on the tourism $$$$
The PM’s push to sell Antigua as a conference destination will definitely tank.
This
These eleties only got the weak in panic one thing Antigua not isand that’s weak who want to help the USA with it’s evil plans will suffer with them we stay in the good frequency no matter what dumb stuff they do …f your visas …the time of these oppressors and bullies are numbered who Wana roll with them will fall with them
This is frightening. My daughter is supposed to start university in the U.S. next year now we don’t even know if that dream is dead. We need this matter rectified. SOON.
People don’t understand how serious this is. Almost every family here has someone studying, working, or getting medical care in the States. How can a prez like dat still be in power
@unruly. I think the better question is: how can a PM and a party like ABLP stay in power? If you lived in St Kitts, St Lucia,Barbados etc you would have had no problem. It is clear that our problem stems from leadership or lack thereof. I hope that you will remember this when the opportunity arises to change this government. It is clear now that we cannot be worse off for this change
It’s unfortunate that neither the political parties, the media or the intellectuals provide the public with an expansive view on the issues.
This is not a one layered decision. The US chooses to provide only the CIP program as the reason; while there are many others.
Antigua snd Barbuda has had a long history with Venezuela going back to when Sidney Prince was able to get funding from Venezuela to save LIAT.
The PDVCab is a more recent project as well as its involvement and partial ownership in WIOC. There are many good as well as bad reasons for supporting Venezuela.
The Prime Minister has failed in explaining his position. The OppositionParties have failed in providing a clear explanation and position to the Venezuelan and the Visa ban issue.
The politicians are spineless; most are the immortal and confused. They don’t have the temerity to inform snd explain the various issues and factors.
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Comments (18)
Apex Jones December 18, 2025, 7:38 PM
Cleopatra December 18, 2025, 7:41 PM
Phil-less Moore December 18, 2025, 9:50 PM
Donna December 19, 2025, 4:39 AM
Zackie January 11, 2026, 5:50 AM
Kutabv December 18, 2025, 10:50 PM
Diplomacy is the new model. Those with eyes can see and read the “ tea leaves”.The real target is the vast oil reserves. Not drugs as is touted! Did we consider that this visa ban means our tourism is crippled?
No airline is going to come here and not have passengers on their return leg. No more tourism access. Thousands out of work hotels, taxi operators, tour companies . Think of all the agencies dependent on the tourism $$$$ The PM’s push to sell Antigua as a conference destination will definitely tank.
This
Nat turner December 19, 2025, 2:39 AM
Depressed December 19, 2025, 9:31 AM
Hijah December 19, 2025, 9:50 AM
Kol December 19, 2025, 9:58 AM
Rain December 19, 2025, 10:12 AM
Unruly One December 19, 2025, 10:18 AM
Zackie January 11, 2026, 5:59 AM
Tian December 19, 2025, 11:37 AM
Informed citizen December 19, 2025, 12:10 PM
Concerned Antiguan December 19, 2025, 5:21 PM
Bernice December 19, 2025, 7:12 PM
Donald Blair January 4, 2026, 9:14 AM