The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has defended its use of the title "Right Honourable" for Prime Minister Gaston Browne, citing a Vice-Regal Warrant issued by the Governor General in December 2025 as the legal basis for the designation.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant addressed the matter at Thursday's post-Cabinet media briefing, where public questions had arisen 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 within Antigua and Barbuda. The framework establishes guidelines governing titles including "His Excellency," "Her Excellency," "Honourable," and "Right Honourable."
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 confirmed 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 comes amid growing public attention to official government communications that have increasingly referred to Browne as "The Right Honourable Gaston Browne."
Merchant indicated that further details on the rules governing official titles and styles in Antigua and Barbuda will be released by the government in due course.
