{"id":361005,"date":"2026-05-14T14:35:36","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T18:35:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/?p=361005"},"modified":"2026-05-14T20:26:17","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T00:26:17","slug":"antigua-and-barbuda-to-make-spanish-official-second-language-in-major-education-reform","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/homepage\/homepage-carousel\/antigua-and-barbuda-to-make-spanish-official-second-language-in-major-education-reform\/","title":{"rendered":"Antigua and Barbuda to make Spanish official second language in major education reform"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"
Antigua PM Gaston Browne<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has announced plans to make Spanish the country\u2019s official second language as part of a sweeping policy initiative aimed at strengthening regional integration and preparing citizens for expanded economic and diplomatic opportunities across Latin America and the Caribbean.<\/p>\n

The decision was approved by Cabinet this week and will see the Ministry of Education begin restructuring the national curriculum so that Spanish becomes a core subject from pre-school through secondary school.<\/p>\n

Officials say the move reflects the twin-island nation\u2019s evolving regional relationships and the growing importance of multilingualism in trade, tourism, education, and international engagement.<\/p>\n

Cabinet also pointed to the longstanding relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and the Dominican Republic as a major influence behind the policy. The Government acknowledged the significant contribution of the Dominican community to national development and described the initiative as part of a broader effort to deepen cultural and economic ties between the two countries.<\/p>\n

Authorities believe greater Spanish-language competency will improve communication and workforce competitiveness while positioning Antigua and Barbuda to engage more effectively with Spanish-speaking nations throughout the hemisphere.<\/p>\n

Alongside the language policy, Cabinet approved the launch of the Dominican Republic Integration Programme (DRIP), which is intended to strengthen cooperation in tourism, education, trade, and investment while providing additional support systems for Dominican nationals living in Antigua and Barbuda.<\/p>\n

The Government also approved the creation of a dedicated Spanish Desk within the Office of the Prime Minister. The unit will serve as a direct liaison for the Spanish-speaking community and assist with access to government services and community integration.<\/p>\n

Officials say the measures form part of a wider national strategy focused on inclusion, education reform, and regional cooperation as Antigua and Barbuda adapts to an increasingly interconnected global environment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has announced plans to make Spanish the country\u2019s official second language as part of a sweeping policy initiative aimed at strengthening regional integration and preparing citizens for expanded economic and diplomatic opportunities across Latin…","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":279227,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_cbd_carousel_blocks":"[]","footnotes":""},"categories":[16,235,9,14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-361005","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-educationyouth","category-homepage-carousel","category-news","category-regional"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nAntigua and Barbuda to make Spanish official second language in major education reform - 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