Reigning Soca Monarch Tian Winter is reportedly among several entertainers from Antigua and Barbuda whose United States visas have been revoked.
The entertainers were summoned to the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados, where they were informed of the decision, according to reports. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the reasons for the revocations.
The development has raised concerns within Antigua and Barbuda’s entertainment industry because many local artists depend on performances in the United States for income, exposure and career development, particularly during the carnival season.
Winter is one of Antigua and Barbuda’s best-known soca performers. He has won several Party Monarch titles and the Road March crown and has represented the country at major events, including Notting Hill Carnival, Toronto Caribbean Carnival and Miami Carnival.
The reported revocations come as the United States continues to scrutinize Antigua and Barbuda and its Citizenship by Investment Programme. However, there is no confirmed connection between that scrutiny and the action reportedly taken against the entertainers.
The United States previously imposed visa restrictions affecting nationals of Antigua and Barbuda and several other Caribbean countries, including limits on certain new visa applications over security concerns.
Following discussions between the two governments, Antigua and Barbuda said it received clarification that valid U.S. visas already held by its citizens would remain recognized and would not be automatically cancelled under the broader restrictions.
Neither the U.S. Embassy nor the government of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a public statement explaining the reported revocations. The identities of the other entertainers have also not been officially confirmed.
Reigning Soca Monarch Tian Winter has appeared to question a news report claiming that his United States visa was revoked.
Responding to the Observer Media report on social media, Winter suggested he had not been contacted before it was published.
“But Observer ya’ll know more than me man, next time call me and let’s have a conversation,” he wrote.
The reports have prompted questions on social media, with some people seeking clarification about why existing visas were revoked after assurances that valid visas would remain unaffected. Others said entertainers and disc jockeys from other Caribbean countries were also facing similar action.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Tian Winter Among Antiguan and Barbudan Entertainers Reportedly Stripped of US Visas.