Members of Antigua and Barbuda's Spanish-speaking community are celebrating the Government's decision to establish Spanish as the country's second official language, calling it a historic step toward greater regional integration and cultural recognition.
Community representative Alex Martinez said the announcement has been received with widespread gratitude among Dominicans and other Spanish-speaking residents across the country.
"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 said.
He praised Prime Minister Gaston Browne and the Cabinet for what he described as leadership focused on "rights and people, not colours." Martinez specifically acknowledged Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene and Education Minister Daryll Matthew for their roles in advancing the policy.
The Cabinet recently approved the national policy initiative, directing the Ministry of Education to restructure the curriculum so that Spanish becomes a core subject at the preschool, primary and secondary school levels.
Government officials say the policy is designed to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda's engagement with Latin America and the wider Caribbean, while expanding opportunities in tourism, trade, education, diplomacy and employment.
The decision is also tied to the longstanding relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and the Dominican Republic, and reflects the growing contribution of the Dominican community to national development.
Supporters say the initiative marks a significant move toward building a more multilingual and globally competitive society, while deepening cultural understanding among the country's diverse communities.
