PRESS RELEASE: CORRECTION TO SWEARING-IN CEREMONY FOR THE PRIME MINISTER AND ATTORNEY GENERAL

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – The Office of the Governor General wishes to advise the public of a corrective administrative measure taken regarding the recent swearing-in ceremony for the Prime Minister and the Attorney General.

It was observed that during the initial proceedings, an earlier version of the Oath of Allegiance—swearing allegiance to the Crown—was inadvertently administered. Under the Oaths Act 2025 , which came into effect on 1st January, 2026, the prescribed form of the Oath of Allegiance has been updated to reflect the nation’s evolving constitutional identity.

The current and legally required Oath of Allegiance, as set forth in Schedule 1 of the Act, requires the following declaration:

“I, [Name], [swear by Almighty God] [solemnly and sincerely, declare and affirm] that I will faithfully bear true allegiance to the State of Antigua and Barbuda, its Constitution and laws.”

Upon recognition of this oversight, His Excellency the Governor General acted immediately to ensure full compliance with the law. In accordance with his authority to tender oaths to the Prime Minister and the Attorney General as specified in Schedule 2, a second swearing-in ceremony was conducted. Both officials have now successfully taken and subscribed to the correct Oath of Allegiance to the State of Antigua and Barbuda, its Constitution, and its laws.

The Governor General’s Office remains committed to upholding the constitutional standards of our nation and regrets any confusion caused by this inadvertent error. The records of the state now reflect the valid and updated oaths as required by the Oaths Act 2025.