The Antigua and Barbuda government says it is not prepared to expand the number of third-country nationals it agreed to accept under an arrangement with the United States, despite requests from Washington for additional intake.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said discussions between the two countries are ongoing, but the Gaston Browne administration remains committed to the original terms of the agreement.
Speaking during Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Merchant confirmed that the United States had asked Antigua and Barbuda to increase the number of migrants it would accept under the arrangement signed last year.
“The original proposal by the United States government for a certain quantity of these individuals remains Antigua and Barbuda’s position,” Merchant said.
“The United States has requested additional numbers to be added. The Cabinet, the Government and Prime Minister respectfully advised the United States government that at this time it is not prepared to go beyond the original arrangements,” he added.
Merchant said Prime Minister Gaston Browne recently held discussions with US officials on the matter and had also asked Antigua and Barbuda’s ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders, to continue engagement with American authorities.
He said the government remains willing to assist international partners, including the United States, but must also protect Antigua and Barbuda’s national interests.
“We are committed to assisting our partners internationally with the United States. However, the government of Antigua and Barbuda must also assist our partners keeping in mind its own interest,” Merchant said.
The issue resurfaced during the Cabinet briefing after a question was raised about regional discussions surrounding third-country nationals and recent comments by Sir Ronald Sanders on the matter.
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Look like we have no choice in the matter, when the most powerful country in the world has suddenly becomes a bully with a modern day Caligula as it leader.
We watch ministers sitting in parliament making and amending laws all across our Caribbean islands, while we the people deep down, truly believe the governments we elected are running these islands, but when you look at the big picture, in this day and time the Trump administration is the true real World Boss, and what ever they want eventually they will get, plus any unlawful act may be carried out without any objection.
Mr PM, because of pressure you will eventually bow and accept what ever number they send you.
Huh, and what was that number again?
I didn’t even know there was an agreed upon agreement already in writing?
When was this deal 🖊️?
I thought it was just asked but not agreed to.. huuumm..very interesting.
But one thing is certain going forward, is to look out for more deceptions and lies coming from this fork-tongue administration.
“Deception” is the operative word @Islanman26.
How is it that our pre-election prophetic words about what the ABLP say and then go back on their what was pledged is now coming to fruition?
We’ve both mentioned that Gaston ‘100 Promises’ Browne understands the Antiguan psyche better than anyone else in the country; and he’s obviously taken note from his previous ABLP predecessor like Lester Bird it seems.
Collectively we never learn.
We’ve both tried to forewarn our fellow Antiguans, but as it seems now, to no avail; and Gaston Browne’s broken promises have only just begun.
WE’VE SEEN NOTHING YET BOSS…
What was the original amount agreed to? This is what I keep talking about, lack of proper information. But the kool aid drinkers always ready to defend ignorance! I thought he was the world boss. After of sudden he is weak link.
Trump: U want VISA???
You’ll take nothing less than 2000 refugees initially. You have no choice.
@ Islanman26 and @ Brixtonian, at el.
We the Antiguan and Barbudan people are the ones deceiving ourselves. We are not alone. The entire Caribbean suffers from the same.
These bums who were recently re-elected and elected should have been thrown out of office long time ago.
Without the institutions and voices to educate the people, it’s likely that these deceptive actions will continue.
Our young people are informed by tick-tok Facebook and the vacuous politicians. Our elders are visiting the ministers office for their handouts.
Rather than a system of merit and qualification for Government jobs; ABLP supporters are called at night to report to their employers.
No applications necessary.
Just join the bureaucracy of incompetence.
Anyone who is surprised by this announcement should get their heads examined. It is consistent with the ABLP playbook.
This is a Government who pretends it’s a proposal or idea when the deal has already been done.
Remember the Africans arriving in the dead of night. And subsequently disappeared. Nothing to talk about here.
No differently. 100s of people of questionable backgrounds and history will descend on Antigua and Barbuda
The Prime Minister just announced he will start the Katel Hill development on Barbuda. Who are these 400 houses being built for?
Not for Barbudans. Neither will they be for Antiguans.
UNDP and Samaritan Purse has helped Barbudans rebuild their homes since IRMA. Barbuda housing stock is in far better shape than Antigua.
Barbuda has approximately 500 households with a Barbudan population of approximately 1,200 plus another 200 imports from around the Caribbean.
Katel Hill is the place where the Barbudans were confronted with the Antigua Riot Squad facing them down with high powered rifles.
The Prime Minister says the Katel Hill development will have a shopping with a cinema.
Barbudans will be in Court for (3) three different cases against the Gaston and Cutie Benjamin Government in the Month of June.
It will be interesting to see how many Antiguans will attend the Court hearings in support of the Barbudans; by connecting the dots.
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