US Port Technology Grant Awaits Third Country Nationals Agreement

Sub headline: Browne Says US Grant for Port Technology Changes Is Linked to TCN Agreement

Published
Illustration of port technology and diplomatic ties as PM Browne says US funding for an upgrade awaits completion of a third-country nationals agreement.
Illustration of port technology and diplomatic ties as PM Browne says US funding for an upgrade awaits completion of a third-country nationals agreement. · AI Generated

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says he has been advised that a United States grant to replace technology at Antigua and Barbuda’s port is awaiting completion of an agreement concerning third-country nationals.

Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show, Browne said US officials had raised concerns about Chinese-installed information technology at the port.
He said the government was willing to replace the system if the United States

provided the funding.

According to Browne, Port Manager Darwin Telemaque had recently informed him that a grant had been approved but would be made available after completion of the third-country national agreement.

Browne did not announce that the agreement had been concluded or provide details of its terms during that portion of the programme.

The Prime Minister defended Antigua and Barbuda’s relationship with China, describing it as focused on commercial cooperation and national development.

He said Chinese assistance had supported major infrastructure projects and rejected suggestions that the relationship was intended to threaten US interests.

Browne also stressed the importance of maintaining ties with Washington, citing the United States’ role as a major tourism source market and supplier of goods.

He said the country’s foreign policy should deliver practical benefits for its people.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/10/05/us-port-technology-grant-awaits-third-country-nationals-agreement. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

Step 1

Add Antigua.news to your Home Screen

✕ antigua.news ⋯ Open in Safari Copy link Share…

First, open this page in Safari

You are reading inside another app (Instagram, Facebook…). Tap ⋯ at the top right and choose Open in Safari (or Open in browser).

No such option? Copy the link, open Safari and paste it in the address bar.

⚙️ Settings General › Software Update

Update your iPhone first

Alerts need iOS 16.4 or newer. Open Settings → General → Software Update and install the update. You can still add the icon now: tap Next.

‹ antigua.news ⋯

Tap the ⋯ button

It is at the bottom right of Safari, next to the address bar. Don't see the bar? Scroll up a little.

Share Add Bookmark New Tab Find on Page

Tap Share

It is the first option of the menu, with a square-and-arrow icon.

antigua.news ‹ › ▢ ⧉

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow pointing up, in the middle of the bar at the bottom (on iPad: at the top right).

antigua.news

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow, at the right of the address bar at the top. (Firefox: tap ☰ at the bottom, then Share.)

Copy Add to Reading List Add to Home Screen

Tap Add to Home Screen

Scroll down the list to find it (icon: a square with a +). Not there? Tap Edit Actions or View More at the bottom.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news Open as Web App

Keep Open as Web App on, then tap Add

The switch must be green — without it, alerts can't work. Then tap Add at the top right.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news An icon will be added to your Home Screen so you can quickly access this website.

Tap Add

At the top right. If you see an Open as Web App switch, leave it on (green).

Antigua.news

Close the browser and open Antigua.news from its new icon

Go to your Home Screen: the Antigua.news icon is there now (swipe left if you don't see it). Alerts only work when you open us from this icon.

“Antigua.news” Would Like to Send You Notifications Notifications may include alerts, sounds and icon badges. Don’t Allow Allow

Tap 🔔 Turn on alerts, then Allow

In the app you will see a red box asking to turn on alerts: choose your sections, tap the button, then tap Allow. That's it — breaking news will reach you even with the phone locked.

Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (4)

  • RME October 5, 2026, 1:40 PM

    What stupidness did i just read?

    Reply
  • Right October 5, 2026, 2:45 PM

    Just reading this makes my head spin. So we tossing aside China because of the US only to be rejected by the US after while they send criminal elements to this country ya?

    Reply
  • Apex Jones October 6, 2026, 12:45 PM

    So before they release the money we have to accept their third-country nationals. Talk about grabbing someone by the balls

    Reply
  • Maui October 9, 2026, 1:24 PM

    I can imagine the Chinese may be offended by this . I would be. It was great getting the Chinese money or investors but now they are tossed aside?Sad. On the other hand didn't we see this coming a mile away?

    Reply

Submit a comment

More from Antigua and Barbuda

View section