The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a major policy shift to establish Spanish as the country’s official second language, with plans to make the subject mandatory throughout the education system from preschool to secondary school.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant announced the decision during Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing, describing the move as part of a broader effort to deepen regional integration and strengthen ties with Spanish-speaking countries, particularly the Dominican Republic.
“As part of the policy decision, Cabinet has mandated the Ministry of Education and Science and Technology to begin structuring the national curriculum at the preschool, primary, and secondary levels to ensure that Spanish becomes a core subject within the education system,” Merchant said.
The policy marks one of the most significant education and cultural integration initiatives undertaken by the government in recent years.
Cabinet said the decision reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s growing engagement within Latin America and the wider Caribbean and aims to equip future generations with language skills that can expand employment, tourism, diplomatic and business opportunities.
Merchant said the initiative was also influenced by the “long-standing historical, cultural and people-to-people connections” between Antigua and Barbuda and the Dominican Republic, as well as the contribution of the Dominican community to national development.
As part of the wider integration strategy, Cabinet also approved what it described as the DRIP initiative — a Dominican Republic integration programme intended to strengthen economic, cultural and institutional ties between the two countries.
The programme is expected to support trade, tourism, education cooperation and services for Dominican nationals living in Antigua and Barbuda.
“In relation to the emphasis on language, where Spanish is being added as the official language of Antigua and Barbuda, it’s also anticipated that our brothers and sisters from the Dominican Republic will also immerse themselves in the English language,” Merchant said.
Cabinet also approved the establishment of a Spanish Desk within the Office of the Prime Minister to assist Spanish-speaking residents and improve access to government services.
During the briefing, ABS reporter Alicia George asked whether Spanish instruction would become mandatory at all school levels. Merchant confirmed that the language would now be treated as a core subject similar to English and mathematics.
The Ministry of Education has also been tasked with developing the curriculum and identifying teachers needed to support the expansion of Spanish instruction. Officials said recruitment could involve both local and regional educators.
No official cost estimate has yet been provided for the curriculum development and teacher training programme, according to Cabinet.