PM Browne Rejects Claims Linking US Visa Restrictions to Alfa Nero Sale
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has firmly rejected claims that newly imposed U.S. visa restrictions on Antiguans and Barbudans are linked to the sale of the Alfa Nero.
Speaking on the matter, Browne dismissed suggestions from the United Progressive Party (UPP) that the restrictions stem from ongoing legal disputes surrounding the superyacht, describing those assertions as “outrageous” and without basis.
Effective January 1, the United States will no longer issue visas to citizens of Antigua and Barbuda. Dominica and several other countries have also reportedly been added to the list, triggering concern and political debate locally.
The opposition UPP has argued that the move could be linked to international legal disputes over the sale of the Alfa Nero, which the government of Antigua and Barbuda seized amid sanctions related to Russia.
However, Prime Minister Browne countered that narrative, stating that U.S. authorities were involved in and supportive of the process leading to the vessel’s sale. He said this cooperation directly undermines any claim that the visa restrictions are retaliatory or connected to the matter.
According to Browne, the suggestion that the United States would penalize Antigua and Barbuda over an issue in which it had assisted is not only misleading but politically irresponsible.
The Prime Minister has maintained that the visa restrictions are unrelated to the Alfa Nero and urged the public to be cautious about what he described as speculative and politically motivated claims as discussions continue about the broader regional implications of the U.S. decision.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/01/04/pm-browne-rejects-claims-linking-us-visa-restrictions-to-alfa-nero-sale. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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Comments (8)
Apex Jones January 4, 2026, 3:37 PM
Concerned Antiguan January 4, 2026, 9:12 PM
Dark Chocolate January 4, 2026, 9:13 PM
Shana January 4, 2026, 9:14 PM
Sweet Pea January 4, 2026, 9:15 PM
Tian January 6, 2026, 7:20 AM
Unruly One January 6, 2026, 11:07 AM
Hallelujah Amen January 7, 2026, 10:31 AM
NOW STOP SELLING OUR PASSPORT LIKE IT’S A HAMBURGER NOW.