ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – The Antigua and Barbuda government, Wednesday, said it “categorically rejects” an article in an online publication indicating that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country is among countries under a heightened Canadian travel warning.
“Antigua and Barbuda is one of the Caribbean’s most peaceful democracies. The country is politically stable, constitution-anchored, and committed to free and fair elections observed by international bodies,” said Antigua and Barbuda’s non-resident High Commissioner to Canada, Sir Ronald Sanders.
He said that Global Affairs Canada’s official advisory for Antigua and Barbuda remains “Take normal security precautions,” the lowest advisory level. He said there has been no upgrade and no new risk designation.
“ Our people speak freely; dissent is lawful; the courts stand independent,” said Sir Ronald, who is also the country’s ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States (OAS).
He said, regional indicators from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the World Bank, Antigua and Barbuda’s rate of serious crime remains well below the Caribbean average. “Violent incidents are rare, and our islands continue to enjoy a reputation for safety and tranquility among international visitors. Canadians know this in practice: many visit year after year, and many more have made Antigua their second home.
“Our welcoming people live by reputation and reality; we refuse to let careless reports blur either. We have called on Travel and Tour World to correct the record and to cite official Canadian sources properly,” Sir Ronald said.
The diplomat said Antigua and Barbuda welcomes Canadians as friends, investors, and family “to a safe, vibrant, and law-abiding nation that keeps faith with its Constitution and with the travellers who honour our shores”.
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