Antigua and Barbuda makes Spanish its second official language

Antigua and Barbuda: Spanish becomes the country's second official language

What does a Caribbean country gain by declaring Spanish an official language? According to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, quite a lot. The Cabinet approved an initiative this Friday to elevate Spanish to the country's second official language. The argument, set out in the official statement published by Swissinfo, is flawless on paper: equipping the new generations with language skills that broaden their educational, professional, diplomatic and economic opportunities. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, recently re-elected, has already tasked the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology with restructuring the national curriculum.

This is not an isolated gesture. Among the readings of the news is the reference to China as another country betting on Spanish, a reminder that the language remains a geopolitical asset. For a small Caribbean state, the move makes sense in tourism terms and because of its Spanish-speaking neighbours, although for now the announcement goes no further than a statement of intent.

The irony of the name

The curious thing is that Antigua and Barbuda already carried Spanish in its very name: Antigua refers to Santa María la Antigua, and Barbuda, according to the most widely accepted version, to the bearded trees seen by the first explorers. Now the language has gone from being a historical echo to becoming state policy. While the ministry works out timelines and budget, the country shows that sometimes the official language lags behind the name that was already wearing it.