UPP Vows to Resolve U.S. Visa Issue “In the Shortest Time Possible”

Published
UPP Vows to Resolve U.S. Visa Issue “In the Shortest Time Possible”
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle promises a fix to the visa restriction issue if the UPP is returned to governance

The United Progressive Party (UPP) is promising decisive diplomatic engagement to restore new U.S. visa processing for Antiguans and Barbudans, should it return to office.

During his New Year’s Address, Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle accused the Government of mismanagement and failed diplomacy, which led to the visa restrictions that took effect on January 1st.

“Unless you are already in possession of a valid visa, you will not be granted one in the foreseeable future,” Pringle warned.

He pledged that a UPP administration would leverage its longstanding relationship with Washington to swiftly reverse the policy.

“We will work in your interest to avoid any further restrictions or sanctions that could disrupt our economy,” he said.

The visa issue has generated widespread concern across business, education, and healthcare communities.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/01/01/upp-vows-to-resolve-u-s-visa-issue-in-the-shortest-time-possible. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

Step 1

Add Antigua.news to your Home Screen

✕ antigua.news ⋯ Open in Safari Copy link Share…

First, open this page in Safari

You are reading inside another app (Instagram, Facebook…). Tap ⋯ at the top right and choose Open in Safari (or Open in browser).

No such option? Copy the link, open Safari and paste it in the address bar.

⚙️ Settings General › Software Update

Update your iPhone first

Alerts need iOS 16.4 or newer. Open Settings → General → Software Update and install the update. You can still add the icon now: tap Next.

‹ antigua.news ⋯

Tap the ⋯ button

It is at the bottom right of Safari, next to the address bar. Don't see the bar? Scroll up a little.

Share Add Bookmark New Tab Find on Page

Tap Share

It is the first option of the menu, with a square-and-arrow icon.

antigua.news ‹ › ▢ ⧉

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow pointing up, in the middle of the bar at the bottom (on iPad: at the top right).

antigua.news

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow, at the right of the address bar at the top. (Firefox: tap ☰ at the bottom, then Share.)

Copy Add to Reading List Add to Home Screen

Tap Add to Home Screen

Scroll down the list to find it (icon: a square with a +). Not there? Tap Edit Actions or View More at the bottom.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news Open as Web App

Keep Open as Web App on, then tap Add

The switch must be green — without it, alerts can't work. Then tap Add at the top right.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news An icon will be added to your Home Screen so you can quickly access this website.

Tap Add

At the top right. If you see an Open as Web App switch, leave it on (green).

Antigua.news

Close the browser and open Antigua.news from its new icon

Go to your Home Screen: the Antigua.news icon is there now (swipe left if you don't see it). Alerts only work when you open us from this icon.

“Antigua.news” Would Like to Send You Notifications Notifications may include alerts, sounds and icon badges. Don’t Allow Allow

Tap 🔔 Turn on alerts, then Allow

In the app you will see a red box asking to turn on alerts: choose your sections, tap the button, then tap Allow. That's it — breaking news will reach you even with the phone locked.

Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

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.

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (4)

  • Informed citizen January 1, 2026, 8:35 PM

    Every day this drags on is another missed opportunity. Enough talk, just do it!
    Reply
  • Bernie January 2, 2026, 8:56 AM

    Ok Pringle. What can you do that this government have not yet done?
    Reply
  • Henry January 2, 2026, 8:57 AM

    This guy is just full of himself. Don’t know why he don’t go taking a seat somewhere! My need to learn a thing or two from Gaston.
    Reply
  • Sweet Pea January 2, 2026, 11:31 PM

    This ship has sailed.
    Reply

Submit a comment

More from Antigua and Barbuda

View section