In a significant diplomatic development, Antigua and Barbuda has articulated a nuanced immigration stance regarding the acceptance of certain deportees from the United States. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, during a recent appearance on the ‘Browne and Browne Show’ on Pointe FM, detailed the nation’s conditional openness to individuals being repatriated.
The Prime Minister clarified that the twin-island nation is prepared to welcome deportees or refugees who, despite minor infractions, possess valuable skills that could contribute to the country’s development. This position, however, is strictly contingent upon the exclusion of individuals with serious criminal backgrounds. ‘If they have refugees, or deportees for that matter, who may be involved in minor matters but have skills that can help us, we gladly take them,’ Browne stated. He was unequivocal in adding, ‘we’re not taking the criminal refugees from the third country.’
This policy framework is not a recent reaction but was formally communicated to U.S. authorities approximately ninety days prior to the latest U.S. visa proclamation. Browne emphasized his administration’s commitment to transparency, ensuring the public was informed of these high-level discussions. The dialogue culminated in a formal agreement between the two nations. A critical component of this pact is that it explicitly preserves Antigua and Barbuda’s sovereign authority to vet and approve all individuals on a case-by-case basis. Furthermore, it mandates intelligence sharing from U.S. authorities to facilitate informed decision-making.
Prime Minister Browne framed the agreement as a testament to pragmatic international cooperation that safeguards national security and upholds the principles of sound governance. The arrangement demonstrates a balance between engaging with global partners on complex immigration issues and protecting the nation’s interests and sovereignty.