BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IN keeping with a promise made by the Antigua Labour Party during the 2014 General Elections campaign, the Gaston Browne-led Administration on Tuesday (Sept. 1) had granted citizenship to over 300 nationals from around the Caribbean and internationally.
Reports reaching SKNVibes state that the promise was fulfilled on Tuesday (Sept. 1) to those individuals who had lapsed in legalising their status in that country but had since rectified the situation.
According to an article by the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), an individual is qualified for Antigua and Barbuda citizenship after lawfully residing in the country for at least seven years.
The media outlet reminded that during the campaign leading up to last year’s General Elections, the Antigua Labour Party had promised to “correct the injustice facilitated by the United Progressive Party administration which deemed those having gaps within their residency period of not being eligible to become citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, even after living and making meaningful contributions to Antigua and Barbuda for over seven years and beyond”.
It also noted that the Gaston Browne Administration had introduced a citizenship amnesty legislation (Immigration and passport –Amendment – Act 2015) to facilitate the granting of citizenship to those affected.
The legislation stipulated that that non-nationals who, for whatever reason, had obtained gaps in their time could pay outstanding fees, making them eligible for citizenship.
The Antigua and Barbuda General Elections were held on June 12, 2014, which saw the then opposition Antigua Labour Party winning 14 of the 17 seats, making the Hon. Gaston Browne the country’s youngest Prime Minister ever.
In addition to the promise made to non-nationals, Browne, during his election campaign, had said that he would make the country an economic powerhouse in the Caribbean.
Browne had also campaigned on turning around a stagnant economy, high unemployment and crime. He said that he would seek to bring about full employment and attract investment while saying “there will be no quick fixes” and it would take time to change.
