Negotiations between Antigua and Barbuda and the United States over a proposed deportee resettlement arrangement remain unresolved, with a significant disagreement over the number of people the twin-island nation would be expected to receive, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has revealed.
Speaking on his weekend radio programme, Browne said discussions have stalled because the figures being proposed by Washington far exceed what his government considers manageable.
According to the prime minister, Antigua and Barbuda has indicated it could only accommodate about 10 deportees annually, while U.S. officials have reportedly suggested a figure closer to 10 each month.
Browne said accepting large numbers of deportees would place an unreasonable burden on the country and could create public safety concerns.
“At one point I was told that they had asked us to accept as many as 120 individuals and there was no guaranteed assistance, no guaranteed due diligence. And I said to them that that is totally unacceptable,” he said.
The prime minister questioned whether any responsible government could support an arrangement that does not adequately protect national interests.
His comments come shortly after St. Kitts and Nevis confirmed the arrival of its first group of Caribbean-born deportees under a U.S.-backed third-country deportation initiative that has been discussed with several CARICOM member states.
Other countries identified as potential destinations include Dominica, Grenada and Guyana. U.S. officials have reportedly indicated that those being transferred would not include convicted criminals, but rather individuals facing removal for immigration violations and other non-felony offences.
Browne said Antigua and Barbuda continues to insist on comprehensive background checks before agreeing to accept anyone under such a programme.
“We’re small, powerless and very vulnerable,” he said, arguing that even a single individual with a criminal background could have serious consequences for a country of Antigua and Barbuda’s size.
The government is also seeking assurances that deportees arrive with valid travel documentation. Browne noted that some migrants destroy their documents after reaching the United States, creating challenges in determining nationality and legal status.
In addition, Antigua and Barbuda is requesting financial support to assist with the care and integration of any deportees accepted under the arrangement.
The prime minister maintained that safeguarding the country’s security remains the government’s top priority as negotiations continue.
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Gaston: me just a fool off Antigua people while the deportees are coming in on mix flight and I am been paid, hee! Hee! Hee! The trupit see.
If for God’s sake we decide to take 10 deportes (1) where will these deportes be held ?(2) who is going to finance their stay ?(3) what security arrangements will be in place ? (4) can we truly trust that these deportes didnt commit violent crimes in the USA or in their birth countries ? I know the antiguan government is trying its best to get the visa issues with the USA resolve, but at what cost and stress to our people ? We already have so much unsolved murders and missing people over years, it is crazy to add more problems to what we already facing. Very strange their country or birth not taking them . Smh.
I do accept the Prime Ministers stance that Antigua and Barbuda is not in a position to take the quantity of refugees that the US is forcing upon us. My biggest disappointment with this issue is that it wasn’t approached from a Caricom or regional one. Instead every country seem to be doing their own thing. The situation highlights the risks associated with the fragmented approach taken by Caribbean nations. While CARICOM did not adopt a strict regional stance—resulting in a mosaic of different bilateral deals—a unified approach would have provided smaller states with stronger leverage. Individual countries negotiating independently face significant U.S. pressure, including targeted travel advisories and visa restrictions. The US is pushing for Antigua and Barbuda to accept larger quotas of refugees as part of its global burden sharing efforts. The disparity between what the US want to send to Antigua and Barbuda and the 10 which Antigua and Barbuda is prepared to accept has led to this current impasse. One not dare fight the US and not face dire consequences. Now matters surrounding our Golden Passport, the Citizenship by Investment and our Visa situation seem to be on further life support.
Trump: U want VISA?
If these deportee countries are not taking them back, then why should Antigua and Barbuda accept them? The American government needs to send them back to their countries of birth. Only born Antiguans and Barbudans deportees we will accepted.
@ Straight Talk
When it comes to these deportees I would not trust a damn thing Gaston says, $$$$ will be the determining factor. The people be damned
Did Gaston say 10 deportees PER YEAR? I thought it was 10 in total. 10 per year is way too many.
Antigua is under population, if we want serious economic growth. So I have no problems with accepting people from other countries, especially our Caribbean brothers and sisters. As far as I am concerned however if we are powerless concerning the quality of deportees we have to accept, at least we need to know the full background of any individual coming into our country. I have children and grandchildren and will never stand for less . Their future is paramount. Nothing is more important than that!
Correction/ under Populated
Antiguan’s are idiots, and that’s why they are third class in their own island. Even the Chinese have more say than y’all.
No Antiguan is willing to die for their country, so y’all will continue to be looked upon as weak links.
This is what you voted for..deal with it.
I use to have a little mercy for you guys, but no more.
Stupid from stupid leaves stupid .duh!
@ Frankly Speaking
I would respectfully suggest you do not speak at all. Your stupidity knows no bound. If according to you we are (under population) populated does that mean we should accept deporteesfrom the United States, is Antigua and Barbuda America’s dumping ground. Trump refers to us as Shithole Countries and you seem to be in agreement with him. Why don’t you invite one or two of the deportees to live with you.
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