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Prime Minister Gaston Browne says his government held frank and respectful discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, firmly rejecting claims that Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Programme or ties with China pose a threat to U.S. security.
Speaking upon his return from Washington, Prime Minister Browne described the high-level engagement as “fruitful,” noting that it opened the door for more consistent dialogue between the United States and the Eastern Caribbean.
“There have been a number of misunderstandings,” Browne said, referencing U.S. concerns about Antigua and Barbuda’s relationships with Cuba, Venezuela, and China, as well as the security risks allegedly posed by the CIP programme.
The Prime Minister defended the CIP, stating that due diligence is never compromised and that passport holders’ countries of origin are clearly marked, allowing U.S. authorities to apply visa restrictions when necessary.
“This notion that our CIP programme represents a threat to the United States is neither real nor perceived,” he said.
On China, Browne emphasized that cooperation is limited to economic and infrastructural development.
“We have no military cooperation with China,” he added.
“Our relationship is based solely on what is in the best interest of the people of Antigua and Barbuda.”
He also acknowledged the geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China, warning that increased tariffs and a prolonged trade war could have unintended consequences for vulnerable Caribbean economies.
“When you tax those products at 145%, you’re literally hurting the poor and vulnerable,” he said.
Browne stressed the importance of regional stability and U.S.-Caribbean relations, highlighting the long-standing ties between the two nations and the significant Antiguan diaspora living in America.
“It’s the first time in a decade that a U.S. Secretary of State has engaged with the Caribbean so directly,” Browne said, describing Rubio’s involvement as “commendable” and a break from what he called Washington’s “benign neglect” of the region.
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I think it’s smart for us to strengthen ties with China. The U.S. should understand that.
China offers a lot of opportunities. I don’t see why we should ignore that.
At the end of the day, it’s about what works for Antigua and Barbuda, not what others want.
Our country needs these partnerships to grow. It’s not just about pleasing the U.S.