The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a major national policy initiative to formally establish Spanish as the country’s official second language, marking a transformative step in the nation’s long‑term educational, cultural, and economic development strategy. The decision, outlined in the Cabinet Notes of May 13, 2026, reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthening multilingual education, deepening regional integration, and expanding opportunities for citizens in an increasingly interconnected Caribbean and Latin American environment.
Under this new policy direction, the Cabinet has mandated the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to begin restructuring the national curriculum at the preschool, primary, and secondary levels to ensure that Spanish becomes a core subject throughout the education system. The comprehensive curriculum shift is designed to build sustained national bilingual capacity, equipping future generations with the linguistic skills needed to better participate in regional trade, tourism, diplomacy, and cross‑border collaboration.
The Cabinet emphasized that the initiative aligns with Antigua and Barbuda’s expanding regional and international engagement, particularly given the country’s longstanding cultural, historical, and people‑to‑people ties with the Dominican Republic. The Dominican community has played a significant role in national development, and the Government noted that strengthening Spanish language competency will further enhance communication, social cohesion, and mutual understanding between the communities.
As part of the broader policy package, the Cabinet also approved the Dominican Republic Integration Programme (DRIP), a comprehensive framework aimed at deepening economic, cultural, and institutional linkages between Antigua and Barbuda and the Dominican Republic. DRIP is expected to facilitate smoother trade and investment flows, expand cooperation in tourism and education, and provide structured support for Dominican nationals residing locally. Through targeted policy measures and collaborative initiatives, the programme will promote inclusion, improve access to services, and strengthen bilateral engagement.
To further support Spanish‑speaking residents and enhance government‑community communication, the Cabinet approved the establishment of a Spanish Desk within the Office of the Prime Minister. This dedicated unit will serve as a direct point of engagement for Spanish‑speaking individuals, helping to improve access to government services, streamline communication, and support broader integration efforts.
The Government reaffirmed that this national policy initiative to officiate Spanish as the official second language reflects its commitment to inclusion, education, regional cooperation, and long‑term national development.
