Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Caribbean nationals already benefit from a six-month stay in Antigua and Barbuda, dismissing a proposal by opposition leader Jamale Pringle as unnecessary.

“Can someone educate Pringle that Caricom nationals get a minimum of six months stay. And that they enjoy renewals up to a year and temporary residence as well?” Browne said in a social media post.

His remarks came after Pringle told supporters that a United Progressive Party (UPP) government would extend the legal stay for Caribbean nationals from three months to six months to reduce the need for frequent immigration visits.

“Instead of having to run to immigration every three months for an extension, we will extend the duration of your legal time to six months,” Pringle said.

He added, “No longer our Caribbean brothers and sisters would have to run to the immigration department every three months,” describing the measure as a way to save time and money.

Pringle also framed the proposal as part of a broader approach to governance, stating, “This people first administration will save you more time and money… that is what a caring government do for people who call Antigua and Barbuda home.”

The UPP leader further announced plans to make work permits in the tourism sector unrestricted, saying, “Our government will work for every single person living here in Antigua and Barbuda.”

Browne’s response underscores that the six-month stay is already in place under existing arrangements, with additional options for extensions and temporary residence available to Caricom nationals.