The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has defended the use of the title “Right Honourable” for Prime Minister Gaston Browne, stating that the designation is supported by a Vice-Regal Warrant issued by the Governor General in December 2025.

The matter was addressed by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing amid public questions over whether the title required approval from the British Privy Council.

Merchant explained that the Vice-Regal Warrant was issued under the constitutional authority of the Governor General to regulate the use of official styles, titles and appellations in Antigua and Barbuda.

According to him, the framework establishes guidelines for the use of titles including “His Excellency,” “Her Excellency,” “Honourable,” and “Right Honourable.”

He stated that under the new provisions, a Prime Minister becomes eligible to use the title “Right Honourable” upon assuming a fourth term in office, whether those terms are consecutive or non-consecutive.

Merchant noted that Prime Minister Browne meets the criteria, having led his party to four general election victories and currently serving his fourth term as Prime Minister.

The clarification follows recent public discussion surrounding official government references that have increasingly referred to Browne as “The Right Honourable Gaston Browne.”

Merchant added that further details on the rules governing official titles and styles in Antigua and Barbuda are expected to be released by the government in due course.