Antigua and Barbuda has formally established a new framework governing the use of official titles and honorific styles following the issuance of a Vice-Regal Warrant by Governor-General His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams.

The warrant, dated December 10, 2025, was issued under the authority vested in the Governor-General by the Constitution and bears the countersignature of Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

The new rules create a formal system for the granting and use of appellations and styles within Antigua and Barbuda, providing clear guidelines for the recognition of constitutional office holders and distinguished individuals while promoting consistency and dignity in national protocol.

Under the provisions of the warrant, the style “The Right Honourable” is conferred for life upon the Governor-General and all former Governors-General. The designation is also granted to Prime Ministers upon the commencement of their fourth term in office, whether those terms are consecutive or not, and to former Prime Ministers who have served no fewer than four terms.

Members of His Majesty’s Most Honourable Privy Council are likewise entitled to use the style for life.

The warrant further empowers the Governor-General, acting by warrant and with the countersignature of the Prime Minister, to bestow the style “The Right Honourable” on former Prime Ministers and other distinguished individuals deemed deserving of the honour.

Meanwhile, the style “The Honourable” is granted to all Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives for the duration of their tenure in office. The Governor-General may also authorize former parliamentarians and other distinguished persons to retain the style for life through a special warrant.

Additionally, the new rules recognize that individuals who are members of the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC) are entitled to use the style “The Honourable.”

The style “Excellency” has been reserved exclusively for the Governor-General, the spouse of the Governor-General, and Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassadors and High Commissioners. However, the title may only be used while those individuals remain in office.

The warrant also provides that the Governor-General and his successors retain the authority to amend, interpret, augment, or revoke the rules through future warrants issued under the Governor-General’s hand and seal and countersigned by the Prime Minister.

The establishment of the new framework marks an important step in codifying national protocol and setting clear standards for recognizing service, achievement, and constitutional office in Antigua and Barbuda. The system aligns the country’s official styles and appellations with longstanding Commonwealth traditions while reflecting Antigua and Barbuda’s own constitutional and national circumstances.