**By Garfield Joseph, MBA**
_“True friendship is tested not in times of ease, but in moments of challenge.”_
For over a century, Antigua and Barbuda and the United States have shared a bond rooted in security, education, trade, and human connection. Today, recent U.S. visa restrictions cast a shadow over that legacy. Consequently, it is time to reaffirm our partnership and restore opportunities that strengthen security and prosperity for both nations.
**Antigua and Barbuda A Strategic Ally in U.S. Security**
Antigua’s role in U.S. defence dates back to 1941, when Coolidge Airfield—now V.C. Bird International Airport—served as a critical base during World War II. Our island later supported NASA’s missile tracking, including the Mars Science Laboratory launch in 2011. These milestones underscore Antigua’s enduring value as America’s trusted Caribbean partner in global security and other endeavours.
**Diplomatic Milestone: Hosting a U.S. Embassy**
In 1981, when Antigua and Barbuda achieved independence, we became one of the smallest nations in the world ever to host a U.S. embassy—a powerful symbol of trust and partnership. I was privileged to work at that embassy before migrating for studies. Those American values of service, integrity, and benevolence shaped my outlook, as they did for so many others who grew up in that era and got their first visa to visit the land of the free and home of the brave. As such, nearly every Antiguan family, as the peoples of the Caribbean, has ties in the United States.
**Living the American Dream**
Years later, I was privileged to move to the United States for work, personal growth, and development—to get a taste of the American dream, as so many from across the Caribbean have done. America is our friend and will always be our friend. That experience reinforced my conviction that shared ideals of freedom, democracy, and opportunity are the foundation of the Antigua–U.S. relationship—and the compass for its future, for as the old negro spiritual reminds us, there is a healing balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole.
**Investing in People and Education**
Since 1961, Peace Corps volunteers have advanced literacy and education in Antigua and Barbuda. The Fulbright Program continues to nurture scholars who return home with U.S. values and expertise, strengthening democratic institutions and economic growth.
**Diaspora Success: A Shared American Dream**
Caribbean-Americans, including those of Antiguan descent, contribute to U.S. leadership and innovation. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson exemplifies this success, championing diversity and opportunity—proof that open exchange benefits both nations.
**Economic and Cultural Bridges**
The Mill Reef Club, founded in 1947 by a group of visionary Americans, has long served as a bridge between our two nations—economically, socially, and culturally. What began as a private retreat evolved into a philanthropic force through the Mill Reef Fund, which has supported education, healthcare, and community development in Antigua and Barbuda for decades. This partnership reflects the best of American generosity and Caribbean hospitality, proving that friendship is not only about shared history but about shared responsibility and mutual upliftment. The Club’s contributions remind us that when nations and people invest in each other, both societies thrive.
**The Present Challenge: Visa Restrictions**
On December 16, 2025, a U.S. proclamation introduced partial visa restrictions for Antigua and Barbuda, effective January 1, 2026. The Antiguan government has implemented stronger due diligence and residency reforms to address these concerns. As such, any remaining gaps can be resolved quickly, and doing so will benefit both nations and at the same time demonstrate how _diplomacy_ , _accountability_ , _shared responsibility_ and _people-to-people ties_ overcome challenges.
**A Call to Renew Friendship**
From Coolidge Airfield to NASA tracking, from Peace Corps classrooms to Fulbright scholars, from the U.S. Embassy in St. John’s to Caribbean-Americans living the American dream—our history says we are better and stronger together. Let us therefore work in good faith to resolve differences, strengthen security, and expand opportunity. There is no doubt that Antigua and Barbuda stands ready to partner with the United States—to protect freedom, promote prosperity, and keep our shared ideals alive**.**
**A Word to the Critics**
To those quick to condemn or demonize our nation, remember this is not the way forward. For the same stick licking the wild goat, the same stick licking the tame. True leaderships and patriotism call for hope, not hostility. For in times of challenge, people and nations must stand together—not apart. Antigua and Barbuda and the United States have overcome trials before; we can do so again.
Let us choose partnership, and patriotism over division, and progress over pessimism—for the ties that bind us together are greater than any current misunderstanding and future difficulties real or imagined. And this is the hope we live by, that this issue will be resolved to the mutual benefit of our respective countries. God Bless America, land of the free and home of the brave and God Bless Antigua and Barbuda, land we love.