Prime Minister Gaston Browne
PRESS RELEASE
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda strongly rejects the misleading and inaccurate claims recently circulated regarding the nation’s relationship with the United States, the status of the West Indies Oil Company (WIOC), and the operation of the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme.
The commentary in question presents conjecture as fact and creates a distorted picture of Antigua and Barbuda’s policies and international engagements. Several of the claims are demonstrably false.
1. U.S.–Antigua and Barbuda Relations
The assertion that relations with the United States are “under extreme strain” is incorrect. Both governments remain in regular communication, including at senior diplomatic and technical levels. Where policy adjustments occur—such as changes to visa procedures—they are part of wider U.S. global measures and not targeted actions against Antigua and Barbuda.
Any suggestion that Antigua and Barbuda is being singled out or punished is unfounded.
2. West Indies Oil Company (WIOC)
Claims that WIOC is the subject of U.S. pressure or that its operations are in jeopardy due to its shareholding structure are inaccurate. The Government has been fully transparent regarding WIOC’s ownership for many years and continues to operate within all applicable international legal frameworks, including those relating to entities under sanctions.
There has been no request—public, private, direct, or indirect—from the United States for Antigua and Barbuda to seize, expropriate, or forcibly transfer any shareholding in WIOC. In addition, WIOC has been doing business with United States entities without restrictions over the past seven years.
3. Citizenship by Investment Programme
The allegations that the CBI programme is being used by “adversaries” to circumvent security systems are speculative and irresponsible. Antigua and Barbuda maintains one of the most rigorous due-diligence regimes in the region, including multi-layered vetting, international security checks, and continuous review of procedures in cooperation with trusted global partners.
There is no evidence whatsoever that the programme presents the type of security risks claimed by the commentator.
4. Use of False or Invented Information
The narrative presented is heavily coloured by personal bias and includes several statements that have no basis in fact. The public should treat such material with caution, particularly when it attempts to manufacture tension or portray routine governmental processes as evidence of crisis.
Conclusion
Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to responsible governance, respect for international law, and constructive diplomacy with all partners, including the United States.
Attempts to portray the country as isolated, pressured, or non-compliant are inaccurate and misleading.
The Government will continue to correct misinformation wherever it arises to ensure that the public, investors, and international partners receive accurate and verifiable information. (Ends)
BULLSHMIDT….. Aryu politrictians too effin lie inna aryu RH…
Mr PM, if you had told the truth from the beginning, citizens would not have speculated and posted misinformation, as you called it, on social media. The people hired you to handle the country affairs, and when they ask you a question, come clean with the truth to them.
This sounds like damage control. If everything is fine, why the need for such a lengthy rebuttal?
WIOC has been operating openly for years. If there was an issue, it would have surfaced already.
Once the Alfa Nero subpoenas surfaced there was no hiding the misreadings. This will not end well
#1. Antigua and Dominica are the only two Carubbean countries with US visa bans. I would say that’s proof
2. WIOC official was stopped and had devices confiscated during a trip to the US. That is actually an investigation, so more proof
.3. Really? Do better on this one the locals can see and knows who got passports, the proof lives on the island!!
4. What statements?? Why aren’t those listed??
Damage control if you ask me,but it’s too late. This dunce is bowing down to the US to save HIS a$$. Plain and simple. His corruption and greed are catching up with him.
Antiguans knew this years ago and sat on their laurels, crying like the reprehensible cowards they are,allowing this clown to get away with everything. If this is what it takes for them to wake the hell up and remove ALP,ALL of them from office, then so be it.
This dude has zero credibility and all he does is blame UPP. How pathetic the fool is!
This kind of clarification is important, especially given how sensitive international relationships can be. Misinformation can easily fuel unnecessary concern, so it’s good to see the government addressing the claims directly. Transparency and clear communication will be key to maintaining public confidence.
See the blue wave in America because God remains the same no political power greater than when he want to move you, get the visa back not word when people apply they get through add insults to injury you take refugees who are criminals and he giving the worse one out of USA you don’t need the money that mad to destroy a entire country wow
Reject all you want PM. Truth is we facing a bad reality
If everything is fine, why do these issues keep coming up? The Government needs to explain things before commentators do.
I appreciate the clarification, but ongoing updates would help. Silence creates room for misinformation
Anything that affects the US relationship affects all of us. Im glad the government is pushing back on claims that could hurt busines confidence
People love to jump to conclusions without facts. Antigua has worked with the U.S. for decades. One disagreement doesn’t erase a whole relationship.
How is it when the thing is against the government its misleading?