Antigua and Barbuda implements Diplomatic Regulatory Framework

London, 27 February 2017 – The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, has announced that the Cabinet is implementing its new policy on diplomatic representation and accreditation. The Cabinet based its policy on recommendations prepared by Sir Ronald Sanders, Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the USA, and his Embassy team, who between them have over 60 years of practical diplomatic experience in several capitals and international organizations.

The Global Investor Immigration Council also submitted its guidelines to the government. The GIIC places a strong emphasis on increased transparency and accountability of diplomatic appointments of naturalized citizens. The GIIC’s guidelines are part of the GIIC’s collaboration with Professor Craig Barker, Dean of the School of International Law and Social Sciences, London South Bank University and include proposals for more thorough due diligence, stricter appointment procedures and tighter controls.

Prime Minister Browne said that his government is determined that “Antigua and Barbuda’s system and practices with regard to its Citizenship by Investment Programme and the issuance of passports, including diplomatic ones, must be among the best in the world”.

Mykolas Rambus, Chairman of the GIIC, said that for countries with citizenship by investment programs, diplomatic figures are of great importance. “Conscious of preserving the integrity and standing of diplomatic and other passports of Antigua and Barbuda, the government has implemented even more rigorous appointment procedures including expanded due diligence and monitoring practices,” he said. “Antigua and Barbuda have clearly taken steps to advance the reputation of the country and improve the performance of its citizenship by investment program. We are pleased to be leading thinkers in this field, and we welcome the sterling work of Sir Ronald Sanders and other experts in the Antigua and Barbuda process.”