The Government of Antigua and Barbuda wishes to clarify the status and scope of the Non-Binding Understanding between the Governments of Antigua and Barbuda and the United States of America regarding third-country nationals, including refugees.
First, the public is advised that this Understanding has not yet been operationalized. Consequently, no arrangements of any kind have been put in place by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda or any of its agencies to receive third-country nationals from the United States or from any other country.
At this time, the only movement of non-nationals into Antigua and Barbuda continues to be: free movement within the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS); and eligible applicants under the reciprocal CARICOM Skills Qualification Certificate programme.
The Understanding will become operational when a critical mass of countries join the process. Some CARICOM countries have already joined, and Antigua and Barbuda’s participation will proceed strictly in accordance with its national laws, institutional capacity, and the explicit approval of the Government.
Under the terms of the Understanding, the United States may propose, on a case-by-case basis, the transfer of non-criminal third-country nationals, particularly persons seeking refuge from return to their own countries where they face grave conditions. However, in every single case, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda retains the absolute right of refusal, based on national interest and security considerations.
No third-country national can be transferred to Antigua and Barbuda without the prior assessment, approval, and express consent of the Government. There is no automatic acceptance, no obligation, and no delegation of authority.
In addition, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has strictly capped any potential acceptances under this Understanding at no more than ten (10) persons per year.
The Understanding is non-binding, creates no legal obligations, and may be terminated at any time with ninety (90) days’ written notice.
The United States is home to the largest refugee resettlement programme in the world, and this Understanding reflects an effort by many countries to help share that burden in a cooperative and orderly manner, in accordance with their respective capacities.
The Government further assures the public that before any decision is taken to operationalize this Understanding, a full public announcement will be made, outlining safeguards and procedures that will be employed.
(END)
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I must state that I do understand the pressure that the government is under at this time and it is good that the govt is trying to provide some clarity. But so many concerns still exist and I find the situation to be very ironic.
1. Do we really need to accept refugees and still have to pay bonds to get a VISA?
2. When bonds are paid to the USA, will it accrue interest or do you get back the same 5 to 15 thousand dollars after 50 years (which will make no financial sense)?
3. When we accept the refugees, will there be a pathway to citizenship?
4. If there is a pathway to citizenship where these persons will now hold an Antigua and Barbuda passport, why does the USA have a problem with our CIP program?
I also believe our government should plan long term like the Chinese (which would involve both parties in our case). We need to plan quietly and diversify of markets, we depend too heavily on one country – that time has passed.
@JFB
What pressure where?
This press release is too little too late and creates more confusion than clarity. It’s not worth the trouble to even read this.
“The Government retains the absolute right of refusal, based on national interest and security considerations”.
Another BS statement: “There is no automatic acceptance, no obligation, and no delegation of authority.”
What are the reasons or conditions for refusing anyone the US wants Antigua to accept?
How do we monitor these individuals? Tge Africans were walking the streets begging …. They were supposed to be business people.
On top of this Gaston Browne is facing an appeal to the Alpha Nero Discovery in US Court in Florida.
That why thee weeks ago he claimed he is filing a defamation lawsuit against the Law firm of the Alpha Nero owner.
The only place he can claim he is going to sue a lawyer bringing a case against him is Antigua.
Any place with formal discovery, including completing interrogatories and requests for production of documents, or discovery depositions, that are designed to discover assets and debts.
Any place other than Antigua; he’d be called a darn fool.
Now he is faced with a superseding and more threatening situation.
He now has these law enforcement and immigration officer making meal culpa statements. Trump is not against charging them also.
What they should be doing is working together extensively with each other to successfully drive down crime, investigate homicides, get guns off the street, and have strategic plans to arrest gang members and deal with the narcotics trade.
But instead they go before the Country to make excuses to cover Gaston Browne.
Just like the President of WIOC they may also be questioned.