Spanish Community Welcomes Move to Make Their Language Antigua and Barbuda’s Second Official Language

Members of Antigua and Barbuda’s Spanish-speaking community are welcoming the Government’s decision to establish Spanish as the country’s second official language, describing the move as a historic and inclusive step toward deeper regional integration and cultural recognition.

Community representative Alex Martinez said the decision has been met with gratitude among many Dominicans and other Spanish-speaking residents living in Antigua and Barbuda.

“The entire Spanish community, the Dominicans with Labour, New Order and the community leadership are grateful to the Government for implementing our language as a second language in this beautiful country,” Martinez told Antigua.news

He praised Prime Minister Gaston Browne and members of Cabinet for what he described as leadership focused on “rights and people, not colours,” while acknowledging several ministers for their role in advancing the policy initiative.

Martinez specifically thanked Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene, Education Minister Daryll Matthew, and other government officials for supporting the transition.

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda recently approved a national policy initiative aimed at making Spanish the country’s official second language, with the Ministry of Education instructed to begin restructuring the curriculum so Spanish becomes a core subject at the preschool, primary and secondary school levels.

Government officials say the policy is intended to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s engagement with Latin America and the wider Caribbean while improving opportunities in tourism, trade, education, diplomacy and employment.

The decision has also been linked to the longstanding relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and the Dominican Republic, as well as the growing contribution of the Dominican community to national development.

Supporters of the initiative say the move represents a major step toward building a more multilingual and globally competitive society while strengthening cultural understanding across communities.