Less than a month after a landslide election victory which many observers say was won with the help of non-nationals, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has sounded a warning that it’s time for them to leave Antigua and Barbuda.
Speaking on a radio station which he founded and launched in 2017, Browne said he is aware of the “sensitive” nature of the subject but added that some non-nationals were creating an unnecessary burden for the country.
“I know that it’s a sensitive issue and I don’t want the CARICOM nationals to think that we are trying to profile them. But the reality is we have to have a better-managed immigration policy,” Browne said.
“We have to know individuals who are coming into the country, those who come into to the country and do not have any positive contribution to make, they have to be sent back home, because all they are going to do is to burden down the society and it represents a threat to not only to the indigenous Antiguans, but even the immigrants who are living here.”
The Prime Minister said he wants to also encourage immigrants who are living here to exercise some restraint, noting that he’s had requests by some immigrants who are not working but still want to bring their family members to live with them.
“How do you rationalize that? You don’t have a job, but you have maybe a cousin or a friend or maybe a son or daughter who is an adult, if it’s a child I can understand because you want to keep families together,” he said.
“You’re not working, you’re not a citizen, how you can justify bringing in another member? And they have the type of aggression that they push parliamentarians to get the extension of time or to get a permit. Going forward we want to see some level of self-regulation. Even those who come here and are not working . . . go back home. Why stay here and create problems for the country?”
Meantime, Browne said the monitoring of migrants on the island has to improve.
He pointed to the recent case of a Jamaican national who was wanted in his homeland for serious crimes but was able to live in Antigua for 18 months.
When asked how the fugitive was also to cross the country’s borders without being flagged, Browne said he believes it was a case of the wanted bulletin being issued after the man had entered Antigua.
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Who can’t hear will feel. It’s feeling time now.
Back in the day when the bigger islands were in their glory they would not be caught dead in Antigua. Today there are more of them than us doing as they please and bringing down the Island. Create a more comprehensive monitoring system to document every person entering and leaving the Island would be a good start take control of this growing problem.
After the horse have bolted.
No you done use dem and get dem vote.
What a travesty.
I said this would happen.
Antigua is open for all.
Look on Market Street and Corn Alley.
One of the wanted men were selling CDs.
There are also 8 wanted fugitives working as Barbers, NailTechnician/Hairstylist, strippers and bartenders.
Wanted for murder, rape and attempted murder.
Now go find them guys.
I am waiting.
Let’s see how long this will take because you know who they are.
Do u have proof that they voted? Why don’t u report them to the police and immigration since u know so much? But like I said all u all have is chat…
Thank u ppl always no the most!
Soooooo….call crime stoppers…help the cause????? It’s useless as hell to make this statement saying there are criminals working and not give Law enforcement the help they need to take them off our streets(and out of our country). Some of ya’ll ppl just like to talk and not make any meaningful contribution to anything.
Well I for one has made reports to the police and immigration even to a Parliamentary representative about an individual who is a non national who has treathened me with violence numerous times, and I have gotten no ease. This person even told me they’re more bad than me in my own country. Slash my tires so many times. immigration did nothing, police Nada and dont even bother about that politician. The way I see it Antiguans has no rights in Antigua.
Irrelevant comments
The literacy of ppl tells it all
IN A CARRIBEAN COUNTRY ONE HAS TO BE A PERMANENT RESIDENT B4 THEY CAN VOTE.AND IF YOU’RE A PERMANENT RESIDENT NOTHING STOP YOU FROM APPLYING FOR A JOB
i am a born jamaican
And i agree with PM browne 1000%
What they leave their county for to come turn puss and rat in little antigua to rob and kill hardworking ppl
Send them lazy theifing ass home
UPP has been saying this for years and was labeled xenophobic. Now that the elections are over the truth can be told. I’m not against immigrants but they must bring something positive to the island or be denied to stay.
both my parents are Antiguan thank you very much… I was not born here but lived the great majority of my life in Antigua and studied in Antigua. my deportation was under the UPP administration and was unpaid. won’t get into detail, but I wasn’t asked to come back to Antigua for nothing, and I paid my own travel to ensure my representative get my vote because if it wasn’t for him, i’ d still be stuck here unable to do anything because of my nationality and citizenship. As a “non-national” I was able to use the knowledge, training and experience I gained in my country of birth to help develop MY community. when the PM says non-nationals need to go home, he meant those who fly under him like he’s their godparent for funds, take space and have nothing at all to contribute to Antigua. People need to get out of the political perspective and realize that the island is now in the process of redevelopment. it is extremely important to weed out the weak links and hold on to absolute progress… *signed a “non-national”
Stop your lies. If both your parents are Antiguan’s then you are Antiguan by descent and cannot be deported. Stop lying. Stop lie. Tap lie. Liar!!! UPP deport you my ass.
LOL
A who you think you a fool? Lol! Whoever you are stop your lies. All down to your great great great grand Mel you an Antiguan. Check the passport application. Citizen by birth, descent and registration. I do support comprehensive immigration reform but the legislation will take some time to come. This warning though looks bad cause am certain jobs were plentiful in the pit of election. So wey e jab dem garn, so wha a gwarn.
She is dam liar
I was just about to ask what kind of passport they have because if both parents are Antiguan you are a national by decendents. If your parents fail to provide you with that knowledge well that’s sad.
If your parents are Antiguan, you would not have been deported as you claim. You would have known that you had Antiguan nationality by descent and would have asserted your right.
What is hurtful is that scholarships are taken by non-nationals who do not pass on any of the benefit to Antigua but find themselves back in their birth country.
Forgive me, if both her parents it could have been that they received citizenship and she had not met the requirements to do so!! However, if she was born here why was she deported and from where? This is where I become confused…… The truth usually comes out, why did you return to vote if you were deported? And who is the minister that facilitated your actions? It is a criminal offense for you to vote or assist anyone knowingly not eligible to vote that does not meet the requirements to do so………
If as she said her parents are Antiguans and lets say they became Antiguan by application she still would not have been deported unless she committed some crime or threatened national security. Even if her argument is correct, it is either she or her parents who are to be blamed and not UPP because I fail to see how parents who became Antiguans would not have done what was required to ensure their child also became and Antiguan. Don’t know what the truth is here but dis woman isn’t being honest at all.
Could those folks vote without proper IDs?
If not how could they help won an election?
Well i can a agree with PM GASTON let them go back home antigua already in a mess to much of them here we need breeding space but on the other side why didnt gaston brown tell them before election to leave is he afraid he lost the election gosh this country is in a mess we need all antiguan to clean up the mess let for get about the politician and look out for our cuontry
That will never happen cause all antiguans do is talk they dont take action. The legal health and system on a whole is wack for this small island.
What did or have you done to clean o fix this mess. Did you voted for anyone. Check a box. Was it the yellow, the blue or the red? Answer 1, 2 or 3. Was it a mess before election then can you say you voted for change? Well chin up no regrets yet? Lol.
We can’t clean up our country the politicians, police, judges basically any one who’s in authority is corrupt.
Did he say something wrong ,,,,what did he say that was so wrong as I said antiguans are the most low life set of people and i am an antiguan and dont BELIEVE this labour party is for the greater good of the people they do nothing for the poorer class of people ,yes they will give a one man a bread but have no policy in place for that one man to benefit without him having to come to the polititians to ask again and again…..for instance the electricity they charge per kilowatt is to THAM high it is killing us and u can’t generate our own power how can we survive like this.But back to the issue at hand antiguans on a hold feel marginalize in our own country especially when majority of non nationals vote because they get ham and Turkey or oh i got my passport from alp if u are here doing the right thing u will surely get your passport under any passport ,,,,,u also hear oh upp dont love non nationals really???somebody really push that until it sticks nut most of them that come here are the ones that is a cutom to hand outs but,because if u really a independent person u could not want to vote for the alp a party that push for the enrichment of its ministers but creatively, 95% of non nationals dont give two rats tail on any issue that is plaguing the country …No water, bad roads ,high high electricity bills, high food prices they dont care just give them hands out…..SO UPP SUPPORTERS PLEASE DON’T USE THIS TO GET POLITICAL MILEAGE BECAUSE ANYBODY WITH COMMON SENSE WOULD KNOW WHAT HE MEANS AND ANY REAL PERSON KNOW UNDER ALP OR UPP IF U COME HERE AND DO THE RIGHT THING NO ONE CAN BOTHER U ,I HAVE FRIENDS THAT LIVE HERE UNDER UPP THAT SURVIVE WORK AND NO ONE TROUBLE THEM THEY GO AND GET THEIR TIME EXTENDED WHEN IT IS TIME……..people keep saying the non nationals let the alp won ,but it is more that a lot of antiguans did not vote because they be saying more or less they getting the same shit from both sides……
Why didn’t he say this before the election??? That is the point most people are making because what he is saying is nothing different from what UPP has been saying for years and it was Gaston’s own party that brand UPP as not loving non nationals; so how come now he singing the same tune? I guess you are one of those people who only support something if your party say it.
TO GASTON IT IS TO LATE THEY KNOW YOU WILL GIVE HAMNESTY AND MORE HAMNESTY PUN INTENDED …….BUT U SPEAKING THE TRUTH IF U HERE DOING POSITIVE THINGS WHO CAN TROUBLE YOU UNDER ANY PARTY THEY CANT SO WHEN I HEAR A NON NATIONAL SAY THAT UPP N.A. LOB FOREIGNERS I JUST SIM.E AND SAY REALLY???? BUT I JUST UNDERSTAND WHAT KIND OF PERSON IS THAT,,THEY ARE THE ONES THAT ARE A CUSTOM TO RUN TO POLITICIANS FOR HAND OUTS…….AND UPP U GOT 5 YEARS TO PUT A PLAN TOGETHER TO TAKE OUT THIS CORRUPT ALP PARTY U NEED TO BRING BACK THE LOCAL ANTIGUAN VOTES THERE IS 2 WAYS TO WIN THE NEXT ELECTION DOING LIKE THE ALP AND PLAY SANTA CLAUSE SOMU WILL HAVE TO FIND MONEY ,WHICH I DON’T BELIEVE IN THAT WAY BUT AS U CAN SEE THE MAJORITY OF VOTERS DON’T CARE ABOUT NO THAM ISSUES I WAS SAYING WHEN UPP LOST THE ELECTIONS IT WAS BECAUSE OF OF ISSUES NO RUNNING WATER ETC..HEY IT WAS OFF THIS ELECTIONS ALSO ….THE OTHER WAY IS TO GO INTO THE COMUNITIES AND START TO DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS PUTTING PROGRAMS IN PLACE FOR THE YOUTHS, BE MINDFUL IT IS A LOT OF WORK ,BUT NOTHING U REALLY WANT COMES EASY ,FIND COMMUNITY LOVE PERSONS THEY DON’T HAVE TO HAVE A UNIVERISTY DEGREE OR ANY STUFF LIKE THAT EXAMPLE MICHAEL BROWNE WHAT DOES HE REALLY HAVE TO OFFER ,SO IT NOT ABOUT THAT JUST GET PEOPLE THAT REALLY LOVE THEIR COMMUNITY AND COUNTRY …….AND REMEMBER U HAVE TO GO INTO A FIGHT WITH YOUR THINKING CAP ON , BUT I THINK U HAVE A BETTER CHANCE BY GIVING THE PEOPLE HAM AND TURKEY OR A BASKET OF FRUITS……
BROWN !!!! HAMNESTY?????????????? BROWN???? LOL HAHAHHAHHAHHAHHA WHERE IS TURKEYNESTY… OMGGGGGGGGG. I’M FLAT DOWM
Interesting. When will be exodus start?
I don’t think he was talking yo those who are making a positive impact to Antigua and Barbuda , he was talking to those as he stated , dont have a job , inviting other family members to join them in Antigua and Barbuda without any resources to support them , being a burden and committing crimes , but yet still want the immigration dept to keep extending their time on Island !!
It seems to me this small island politician is very insecure! Citizens and immigrants always share the same common struggle, but politicians would pick on people that are not stable or eligible to vote. Watch out duck politician is a crook!
Upp had been saying it but they did nothing when they were in power about it
I agree. If you not going to contribute to the development to a country then leave. And certainly don’t bring family to suffer with you.
I wonder if you can say the same to all those illegal Antigua s living in America?
The PM in regards to the wanted Jamaican national, did not simply state he believed: He stated he got this information from the lady in charge of immigration. She indicated information of him being wanted was not input into the Caricom IMPACS system. In order words Jamaican officials were lax in passing on this information. Unfortunately we are not at the point where we can read their minds even via distance.
All u N Nationals who rejoiced when ABLP Won. AAAAAAA BAAAYYYYYY
^^^^^^^^^^^
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^^^^^^^^^^^
RETARD!!!!!!!!!!!
Wooieee e sweet me bad
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!!!
I agree with the PM…..on this occasion, he made sure he said Not all, some.Some body have to start some-way, at some time.The question is from the PM to All others…what are you bringing possitively to the TABLE ?
Wow, this is so sad, just to say. Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to ………….
Its about dammmmm time the PM addresses the IMMIGRATION System….
Actually it needs an overhaul….they LOVE claim small islands immigration system and policing verrryy RELAXXED… So its about time we get them out ESPECIALLY if they dnt have jobs and hab galll to want other family members to come…
Them say ANTIGUANS ….are spoilt ….we live too good ..we not aggressive enuff….
Why is it always our black brothers and sisters?
Look is who ruling Antigua
Chinese, Syrians,
Now watch the Indians
Take note who has the front stores in this Nation
Do we know the Criminal back ground
Did anyone ask them for police records when
The coming in why No
Because the are high color ok
I love the PM he is indeed doing great things but
The are some great hard working respectable
Non Nations here
If the black brother or sister isn’t working then they should go home. You have people coming from places like Guyana and Jamaica which have big universities but come to Antigua illiterate and without 2 CXC subjects. No where did the PM say they aren’t some hard working foreigners, it’s just that we cannot continue to carry on with the ones wjp are dead weights and criminals.
The PM never specified race nor countries…He said Non nationals…If u just wanna sit on the boat and not row like everyone else then u haffu bounce..
To that black brothers and sisters comment I get your point, however the difference is you’ll never see a Chinese, Syrian, or Indian going out if their way to make an Antiguan life hell. I speak from personal experience.
Miss Shelly Ann, you ever see Chinese, Syrians, Indians, Dominicans, Vincentians or any other nationality running around the place without a pot to piss in other than our own black CARICUM brothers?
Mr pm this may a sensitive issue but it must be addressed I thanknyou for.your honesty. You have made more than enough provision for us non national yes I am a non national who find it hard to maintain myself and family here but you have been kind to us. It is a different time now so those who can go home should.
Even though everything the PM said is true, some have no good intentions and need to leave, but he is going to look like a hypocrite on this one. Before the election they were talking about Amnesty and now after winning you want them to leave. UPP and DNA are going to jump all over this.
This is the first time in while I am hearing the PM doing something beneficial for Antigua as a country. This country needs to heal. And don’t be afraid to take back passport if you must.
Bwoy oh bwoy all mi can say to non National save u money in case dem say who nuh born yah fi go bk home, but pm nuh wrong still cause buff time we help family member and it really nuh make sense so non national an nation hold a medz on wat the gm a sah
I have no problem with non-nationals, however if you are not contributing then ,they need to go back home. Its about time, clean up and send them back home.
Mr Knight and Crife something truthful comes out of Gaston’s mouth. its not easy to run a crime syndicate and have left overs for the numerous beggy beggy hangers on.
And as you can read and if you listened to the Browne and Browne show, which by the way is still available on the Facebook page, the argument is well reasoned. If any immigrant that comes here and cannot find a job, rather to get into mischief and get in trouble with the law isn’t it better to go back where you come from. In the end if you get yourself in trouble with the law, you will be send back after your sentence. But of course others will spin it for their own political purpose.
TO BE HONEST U CANT VOTE IF U ARE NOT LEGAL
PEOPLE READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL HE IS SAYING IF U ARE NOT WORKING AND NOT CONTRIBUTING U NEED TO GO HOME
*****************************************************
BUT WHY ,NOW AFTER U WON U WANNA SAY THIS STATEMENT
WOIEEEE U WAS AFRAID THE FAMILY WHO ARE STRAIGHT WOULDN’T VOTE FOR U
Ho hum
Comon sense must prevail, if there is no market for your sill set here at the moment wheell and come again. Try St. Kitts Nevis St Locia Grenada etc etc Antigua is not aline in Csme is it?
He sounds kinda like Trump. He may have good intentions but he needs to choose better words and a better strategy.
Can’t disagree with the PM on this issue nobody want undesirables in their country but Mr Pm aren’t you been hypocritical for not saying this before the election, why use these people to win and then threw them under the Bus?
After election doesn’t matter they had to be legal to vote anyways
My husband and I have been here contributing to the country for five years I pay 1600 for my permit every year and immigration turn down our son who is 12 yrs old and we have never been in trouble with the law or have done anything illegal, but I just smile because… Election will come again
All like you so should not be allowed to vote. Bout election going come again. Go home go vote damn forward
Are you serious? Your main CONCERN should be your son who you left in other people’s care for a long period of time. Get your priorities straight ’bout election will come again. I am Antiguan but Antigua couldn’t sweet me so to live without my child who is a minor.
I am in absolute awe at the perpetuation of internalized racism in the black community. We can never unite..just keep pulling out brothers and sisters like crabs in a bucket. These politicians are hypocrites and only serves to oppress their own while elevating the Indians, Syrians. That’s why black people will forever be at the bottom… a bunch of sell outs
Send them home and deport Antigun from the usa
You Cant deport an Antiguan who is a US Citizen …you jealous ????
If this is the way we are going to approach a situation like this when are are all God’s Ppl. If America, Canada or the UK decide to to do the same to Antiguans, I wonder how the Antigua ppl will look at that . We need to stop being small minded and judge ppl or talk against each other cause I am sure there are many Antiguans who have spouses and friends who are non nationals.
We all know there are some bad apples that will want to spoil the whole barrel, I agree that there are some trouble makers but most of vote that put the present government in power came from non nationals, true fact. Before elections they were giving amnesty and now elections after they win they try to send home ppl. Let be reasonable and don’t allow politics to divide who we are. I have a lot of friends from different nationalities and I know there are bad times but it is not fair to judge and go against the ppl who choose this beautiful place to call home. I for one love Antigua with all my heart and I love the ppl but politics don’t make an island it is the ppl.
Antigua is a blessed place and if officials are talking about sending home ppl they should start talking about the 2:10 Antiguan young ppl who want to actually work. What should we do with the other eight should we send them home . Let be one ppl and prosper as we were before.
Well said, RL. Let’s hope the politicians read your commentary.
I don’t know how dome people finger nah drop off when them ah type some of them bs. The pm clearly say in layman terms if them nah work and go be a burden gwan go home simple. Nothing about black white Indian Syrian Chinese. You liars and hypocrites who have the most say about racisim and whatever else ah the same ones who dig in the Chinese’s restaurants and owe migo man. Chupss!!! And the joke on you hypocrites and liars cause most of these burdensome non nationals can’t even vote. Just laughing at all the chit you idiots post.
PS I hope the pm make immigration work and raid them house and get rid of all the scum.
The kicking had started and it wont end with immigrants. For those trying to spin for the PM I ask. How long did this occur to him? One only has to walk up Market street to see how it has changed to downtown Kingston slum. Yet the eternal hamnesty and open door policy endured. Who wont hear will feel.
Should not be just Caribbean citizens but all non-nationals without prejudice. Because we have people of other countries other than caricom as parasites in our country.
Hmmm. I guess. Illegal Antiguans living out of Antigua and living on food stamp and section 8 in the U.S and other countries like Canada and England etc. should go back home too.Don’t hate on Trump when Browne is sharing his sentiments. cause. Those illegal Antiguans without paper are a burden to someone else’s country.
How can someone be illegal and get food stamps and section8 , asking for a friend ???
please get your story straight …….
Thank you Topcopp. But I am asking for myself.
Clearly you don’t know the system lol you can’t be illegal & get food stamp etc , they just send them back home omg you are really smart smh
He’s right to say that immigrants who just come here to do nothing and decide to bring family along should go back to their country…it makes no sense.It’s an even greater burden to a small island like Antigua.If they don’t work then they’ll find other illegal means to get cash.I was a victim of theft once by an immigrant who didn’t have a job and a house filled with family members just like her.If you’re going to come to Antigua…get a work permit…get a job and contribute to the growth of Antigua.If you’re a young adult pursuing studies…even better.If you get a job here after getting your qualifications Antigua will prosper.Just don’t sit there without a job for ages 🙁
If he is saying the country is tired of carrying Barbuda ,then he has a right. How can he/we want Barbuda to be independent and stand on their own feet and have other countries that are not considered sister isle, being supported by us. If a non national contributes to any economy then the economy will grow. If the non nationals family contributes and supports the non national that needs it that also is growth. But to have people here staying not working and just begging to survive is not helping growth. It becomes a nuisance. It supports crime. Looking at it from a practical stand point if you can’t help yourself who you want to help you. Wah them come here for? If is vacation then take it and go back home. If you staying then get a damn job. Plenty want to reap and not sow.
He used them for their votes now he’s going to get rid of them . Now they got to face the harsh reality that the man they voted for is not on their side and he is not the man they thought he was . So sad but that’s who they voted for
Some of these comments are laughable… I strongly agree with the pm he is right & some of you need to stop acting like Antiguans don’t get deported from USA , once they commit their illegal actions too . I see nothing wrong with what he is saying …alot of them are creating crime & their not working …send them back home yes.. it’s just the truth …send them back
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