The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) has announced plans to introduce a dedicated programme aimed at better integrating Spanish-speaking residents into national life, as the party intensified its outreach to that community ahead of the April 30 general election.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne unveiled the proposed Dominican Republic Integration Programme (DRIP) during a packed meeting at the Multi-Purpose Cultural Centre on Friday night, with attendees filling the venue to capacity.
Browne was joined at the event by St. John's Rural South candidate Daryll Matthew and St. John's Rural West candidate Michael M. Joseph. The initiative, he said, would be coordinated through a dedicated unit within the Office of the Prime Minister.
Under the programme, residents would be able to register their skills and be matched with employment opportunities aligned to their qualifications — with the stated goal of improving both job prospects and income levels. Participants would also gain access to the Prime Minister's Entrepreneurial Fund to support small business development. Browne added that discussions would be held with credit unions and other financial institutions to broaden access to financing.
The plan also includes free English language classes to be offered in communities with large Spanish-speaking populations, aimed at improving communication and fostering broader integration.
During a question-and-answer segment, several attendees raised concerns about significant delays in obtaining Antiguan and Barbudan passports following citizenship applications, with some reporting waits exceeding a year. Browne said the process would be reviewed to identify bottlenecks. Concerns about treatment at the Immigration Department were also raised, and Browne acknowledged the complaints, pledging that those issues would be examined.
Although the programme carries the Dominican Republic name, Browne clarified that it would apply to all Spanish-speaking residents, including nationals from countries such as Cuba.
Friday's meeting forms part of the ABLP's broader campaign strategy to expand support among diverse communities in the lead-up to the general election.
