The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) has unveiled a targeted initiative aimed at strengthening engagement with the Spanish-speaking community, following a packed meeting at the Multi-Purpose Cultural Centre on Friday night.

The event, which drew a standing-room-only crowd, was led by Prime Minister and ABLP Political Leader Gaston Browne, alongside St John’s Rural South candidate Daryll Matthew and St John’s Rural West candidate Michael M. Joseph.

The meeting provided a platform for community members to raise concerns while receiving responses directly from party officials.

During the engagement, Browne outlined a proposed Dominican Republic Integration Programme (DRIP), which he said would be established to better integrate Spanish-speaking residents into Antiguan and Barbudan society. The initiative is expected to be coordinated through a dedicated unit within the Office of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne meets with Hispanic Community in Antigua

Under the programme, individuals will be encouraged to register their skills, allowing the government to match them with employment opportunities that better reflect their qualifications and improve earning potential.

The Prime Minister also indicated that participants would be given access to the Prime Minister’s Entrepreneurial Fund to support business ventures. He added that discussions would be held with credit unions and financial institutions to expand access to financing for members of the community.

As part of the broader initiative, Browne pledged to introduce free English language classes in areas with large Spanish-speaking populations, a move aimed at improving communication and integration.

The proposals were met with strong approval from those in attendance.

During a question-and-answer segment, several attendees raised concerns about lengthy delays in obtaining Antigua and Barbuda passports, with some citing waits of over a year after submitting documentation. Browne said the matter would be reviewed to identify and address bottlenecks in the naturalisation process.

Concerns were also expressed about treatment at the Immigration Department, with some individuals reporting negative experiences. The Prime Minister acknowledged the issues and said they would be examined.

While the initiative is branded around the Dominican Republic, Browne clarified that it will apply to all Spanish-speaking residents, including nationals from countries such as Cuba.

The meeting forms part of the ABLP’s broader outreach efforts ahead of the April 30 general election, as the party seeks to expand its support base across diverse communities.