Prime Minister Gaston Browne has cautioned that U.S. travel restrictions targeting Caribbean nations risk undermining decades of economic cooperation and family bonds, insisting the region represents a partner — not an adversary — to the United States.
According to Antigua News Room, Browne delivered the remarks Sunday during his inaugural address as chairman of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Authority, calling for a relationship built on mutual respect and cooperation between the Caribbean and Washington.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the sovereign right of nations to set their own immigration and border security policies, but urged U.S. authorities to weigh the broader consequences such measures carry for Caribbean citizens and economies.
"We acknowledge the sovereign right of all states to determine their border security policies," Browne said. "We ask only that such rights be exercised with due regard for a historically close and mutually beneficial relationship."
Browne argued that Caribbean nations contribute meaningfully to the American economy across trade, tourism, education and financial services.
"Our people purchase American goods, use American financial services, and send their children to American universities," he said. "We are beneficial partners for the American economy, not adversaries to be restricted."
The Prime Minister pointed to the United States' substantial trade surplus with the Caribbean, warning that policies complicating travel could produce unintended economic consequences for both sides.
"There are huge benefits to the U.S. economy," Browne said. "The relationship is not one-sided."
Browne also stressed the need to protect family connections between Caribbean nationals and their relatives residing in the United States.
"Our largest diaspora is in the United States," he said. "We need to ensure that the diaspora here in the Caribbean and certainly our people in the United States can move freely."
The Prime Minister noted that strong people-to-people ties have historically reinforced economic, cultural and social links between the Caribbean and North America.
Browne's comments came within a broader discussion of the geopolitical pressures facing small island developing states and the necessity of regional unity in addressing external challenges.
Despite his criticisms, Browne reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda's commitment to working alongside the United States on shared priorities, particularly crime prevention and regional security.
"We particularly stand with the U.S. in opposing drug trafficking and organized crime," he said. "That is our mutual interest. We too want to make sure that we have safe and secure societies."
Browne said Caribbean nations remain committed to constructive engagement with international partners while defending the interests of their citizens.
The address also encompassed calls for deeper OECS integration, expanded economic cooperation and a more cohesive regional response to global challenges. Browne assumed the OECS Authority chairmanship from St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday.
