ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — The Antigua and Barbuda Government has given the green light to a new initiative aimed at strengthening multilingual education and deepening cultural and economic engagement within the region by establishing Spanish as the country’s official second language.

A statement issued following the weekly Cabinet meeting noted that, as part of the national policy decision, the recently re-elected Government of Prime Minister Gaston Browne has mandated the Ministry of Education and Science and Technology to begin restructuring the national curriculum at the pre-school, primary and secondary school levels to ensure that Spanish becomes a core subject within the education system.

“Cabinet noted that the policy reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s growing regional and international engagement and recognises the importance of equipping future generations with language skills that will expand educational, professional, diplomatic and economic opportunities.”

The statement said that the decision was also influenced by the longstanding historical, cultural and people-to-people connections between Antigua and Barbuda and the Dominican Republic and that Cabinet acknowledged the significant contribution of the Dominican community to national development and the close relationship that continues to exist between the peoples of both countries.

“The Government believes that strengthening Spanish language competency among citizens and residents will improve communication, regional integration, tourism, trade and workforce competitiveness, while enhancing Antigua and Barbuda’s capacity to engage more effectively with Spanish-speaking countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean,” the statement said.

It said that Cabinet also approved the DRIP initiative, which will guide the development of a comprehensive Dominican Republic Integration Programme aimed at strengthening economic, cultural and institutional linkages between the two countries.

The programme is expected to facilitate smoother trade and investment flows, enhance cooperation in tourism and education, and provide structured support for Dominicans residing locally.

The statement said that through targeted policy measures and collaborative frameworks, DRIP will promote social cohesion, improve access to services and deepen bilateral engagement, positioning both countries to benefit from closer regional integration and shared development opportunities.

In a further move aimed at strengthening support services and communication with the Spanish-speaking community, Cabinet also approved the establishment of a Spanish Desk within the Office of the Prime Minister.

The statement said that the Spanish Desk will serve as a direct point of engagement and assistance for members of the Spanish-speaking community residing in Antigua and Barbuda and will facilitate improved communication, access to government services and greater community integration.

“Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to policies that promote inclusion, education, regional cooperation and national development, while preparing the country and its people to thrive in an increasingly interconnected global environment,” the statement added.