Antigua and Barbuda Changes Official Oath of Allegiance After General Elections

May 6, 2026, 21:00
InternationalPolitics

Introduction

Antigua and Barbuda has started a new government following a general election and the introduction of a revised official oath of office.

Main Body

This political change is based on a parliamentary amendment from December 2025, which removed the requirement for elected officials to pledge loyalty to King Charles III. Consequently, this law ends a forty-year tradition of loyalty to the monarchy. Instead, officials must now pledge their loyalty only to the state of Antigua and Barbuda, its constitution, and its laws. However, the nation remains a member of the Commonwealth, and the British monarch is still the head of state. This move follows a regional trend, such as Barbados becoming a republic in 2021, and happens as support for the monarchy in Britain continues to decline. Regarding the election results, Prime Minister Gaston Browne and the Antigua and Barbuda Labor Party (ABLP) won for the fourth time in a row, taking 15 of the 17 parliamentary seats. This early election focused mainly on infrastructure projects and the rising cost of living. Furthermore, the opposition has become much smaller; the United Progressive Party is now represented only by Jamale Pringle, while Trevor Walker of the Barbuda People’s Movement kept his seat. After the ceremony, Prime Minister Browne emphasized that this victory is not a privilege, but a professional duty and a trust that he must maintain every day.

Conclusion

Gaston Browne's government has returned with a large majority under a new legal system that prioritizes national loyalty over loyalty to the monarchy.

Learning

⚑ The 'Connector' Secret: Moving from Simple to Sophisticated

At an A2 level, you usually write short, separate sentences. To reach B2, you must stop treating sentences like islands and start building bridges. Look at how this text connects ideas using Logical Signposts.

πŸŒ‰ The 'Bridge' Words used in the text:

  1. Consequently β†’\rightarrow Use this instead of 'So'.

    • Text: "...removed the requirement... Consequently, this law ends a forty-year tradition."
    • Why it's B2: It shows a direct cause-and-effect relationship in a formal way.

  2. Furthermore β†’\rightarrow Use this instead of 'And also'.

    • Text: "...rising cost of living. Furthermore, the opposition has become much smaller."
    • Why it's B2: It tells the reader: "I have given you one point, and now I am adding an even more important one."

  3. Instead β†’\rightarrow Use this to show a replacement.

    • Text: "...loyalty to the monarchy. Instead, officials must now pledge..."
    • Why it's B2: It creates a clear contrast between the 'old way' and the 'new way'.

πŸ› οΈ Implementation Strategy

To sound more like a B2 speaker, try this mental shift:

A2 (Simple)β†’\rightarrowB2 (Professional)
I was late, so I missed the bus.β†’\rightarrowI was late; consequently, I missed the bus.
He is a doctor. He is a teacher.β†’\rightarrowHe is a doctor. Furthermore, he is a teacher.
I don't want tea. I want coffee.β†’\rightarrowI don't want tea. Instead, I would prefer coffee.

Coach's Tip: Don't use these words in every sentence. Use them at the start of a new sentence to guide the reader through your logic. This is exactly how the author of the article managed to explain a complex political change clearly.

Vocabulary Learning

amendment (n.)
A formal change or addition to a law or document.
Example:The amendment to the constitution was passed after a lengthy debate.
requirement (n.)
Something that is needed or expected.
Example:Meeting the requirement for a bachelor's degree is essential for the job.
pledge (v.)
To promise or give something with commitment.
Example:She pledged to support the community through fundraising.
loyalty (n.)
A strong feeling of support or allegiance.
Example:His loyalty to the company was evident in his long tenure.
monarchy (n.)
A form of government headed by a king or queen.
Example:Many countries have abandoned the monarchy in favor of republics.
tradition (n.)
A custom or belief passed down through generations.
Example:The tradition of lighting candles on the anniversary continues.
constitution (n.)
A set of fundamental laws that govern a country.
Example:The constitution guarantees freedom of speech.
Commonwealth (n.)
An association of independent states.
Example:The Commonwealth holds annual sports competitions.
head (n.)
The top or leading person in an organization.
Example:The head of the department announced new policies.
trend (n.)
A general direction in which something is developing.
Example:The trend toward renewable energy is growing.
republic (n.)
A state governed by elected officials, not a monarch.
Example:France is a republic with a presidential system.
election (n.)
A formal selection of officials by voting.
Example:The election will take place next month.
results (n.)
Outcomes or findings of an event or study.
Example:The results of the study were surprising.
Prime Minister (n.)
The head of government in a parliamentary system.
Example:The Prime Minister met with foreign leaders.
Labor Party (n.)
A political party that traditionally represents workers.
Example:The Labor Party campaigned on healthcare reform.
parliamentary (adj.)
Relating to a parliament or its activities.
Example:The parliamentary debate lasted for hours.
seats (n.)
Positions in a legislative body.
Example:He won 15 of the 17 seats.
infrastructure (n.)
Basic physical and organizational structures needed for a society.
Example:Improving infrastructure is a key priority.
projects (n.)
Planned pieces of work or initiatives.
Example:The city launched several new projects.
rising (adj.)
Increasing in level or amount.
Example:The rising cost of living worries many.
cost (n.)
The amount of money needed to purchase or maintain something.
Example:The cost of living has increased.
living (n.)
The state of being alive; everyday life.
Example:The cost of living is a major concern.
opposition (n.)
The group or individuals who oppose a policy or government.
Example:The opposition criticized the new policy.
represented (v.)
To stand for or act on behalf of someone.
Example:She represented the city at the conference.
ceremony (n.)
An official or formal event.
Example:The ceremony was attended by dignitaries.
privilege (n.)
A special right or advantage.
Example:It is a privilege to serve.
duty (n.)
A moral or legal obligation.
Example:It is his duty to protect the environment.
trust (n.)
Confidence in someone or something.
Example:The trust between teammates is vital.
majority (n.)
More than half of a group or number.
Example:The majority of voters supported the bill.
legal system (n.)
The set of laws and institutions that govern a country.
Example:The legal system ensures justice.
prioritizes (v.)
To give priority or importance to something.
Example:The government prioritizes education.
national (adj.)
Relating to a nation or country.
Example:National security is a top concern.