Negotiations between Antigua and Barbuda and the United States over the acceptance of third-country nationals have reached an impasse, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne firmly refusing to compromise the nation's security or stability. According to Antigua.news, Browne made the disclosure over the weekend, warning that his government cannot expose the country to unnecessary risks by accepting large numbers of deportees without adequate safeguards.
Under existing bilateral arrangements, Antigua and Barbuda had agreed in principle to accept a limited number of third-country nationals deported from the United States. Browne revealed that the original understanding capped that figure at no more than 10 individuals annually, subject to strict vetting procedures. Those conditions include comprehensive background checks to determine whether individuals carry criminal records and confirmation that each person holds valid travel documentation.
The Prime Minister identified undocumented migrants arriving without identification as one of the most pressing concerns facing regional governments.
"What happens sometimes is some of these immigrants who they detain, as soon as they get to the United States, they tear up their travel documents, and we can't have them here as stateless individuals," Browne said.
Tensions in the negotiations reportedly escalated after the United States proposed sending as many as 120 deportees to Antigua and Barbuda — a figure Browne described as wholly unacceptable for a small and vulnerable nation. He stressed that while the country values its diplomatic relationship with Washington, his government must prioritise the safety and interests of its own citizens.
"We're not promoting any hostility with the United States. We continue to maintain good relations with the U.S. But they have to understand that we have to defend our national interests. We're a small, powerless, and very vulnerable country," Browne stated.
The Prime Minister maintained that Antigua and Barbuda cannot afford to risk introducing criminal elements into the country, and that any agreement must reflect the unique vulnerabilities faced by small island states.
Browne confirmed that the talks have effectively stalled but said he has instructed Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders, to engage the U.S. State Department to seek further clarity on the matter.
Despite the pause in negotiations, Browne indicated his administration remains willing to assist international partners, provided any arrangement aligns with the country's best interests.
"We want to be a cooperative state, but we cannot participate or agree to anything that is to our detriment," he said. "I cannot justify as Prime Minister of this country to be part of any decision making or to agree, or to be compliant with anything that is not in the best interest of this country."
Browne further argued that larger nations routinely act to protect their own interests, and Antigua and Barbuda must be afforded the same right.
"I hope that the United States understands that because they themselves have issues that are not in their interests, that are inimical to their interests. They stand against those issues, and similarly, even though we are small and powerless, where we see potential risk, we cannot be complicit in any decision that will be detrimental to our country and its people," Browne said.
