Officials Push Back on Online Misinformation After U.S. Visa Reports
Government officials have moved to counter what they described as misinformation circulating online following reports about changes to United States visa processing affecting Antigua and Barbuda.
Addressing questions during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office Maurice Merchant said officials acted quickly to verify reports after they appeared in international media.
“Once we heard of the decision of the United States government, the Cabinet immediately made contacts to verify, because it was coming from news portals,” Merchant said.
He said Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders, was engaged immediately to seek clarification directly from U.S. officials.
“Sir Ronald was engaged being on the ground in Washington. He did his research, made his contacts, and he was able to advise the Cabinet of the situation,” Merchant said.
Merchant said the ambassador subsequently issued a statement reflecting the government’s position, as officials sought to correct public misunderstanding surrounding the scope of the reported measures.
He said the government has made repeated efforts to keep the public informed amid growing anxiety, including statements from senior officials and regular media appearances.
“There have been numerous statements from government, from government officials, social media postings,” Merchant said, adding that the ambassador “is seen now as a regular feature on national television as he is always anxious to update the public on work that is being done to address this issue.”
Merchant said some reports and commentary have mischaracterized the situation, particularly regarding the extent of visa restrictions.
“The message is that the government of Gaston Browne is working feverishly with the United States officials to rectify the current situation,” he said.
He said officials have emphasized that holders of valid U.S. visas are still able to travel.
“As it stands, persons with current visas, valid visas, can travel back and forth between Antigua and the United States and its territories,” Merchant said.
Merchant said the government will continue to use official channels to provide updates as discussions with U.S. authorities continue.
