Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin told Parliament on Tuesday that Antigua and Barbuda has not entered into a final agreement with the United States regarding the transfer of third-country nationals. According to Antigua News Room, Benjamin stressed that negotiations remain ongoing and that lawmakers were being asked only to approve the guiding principles for those discussions — not to endorse a completed deal.
Addressing concerns raised during debate on a government resolution, Benjamin firmly rejected suggestions that Parliament was being asked to rubber-stamp a finished arrangement.
"The White Paper is not presented as a complete agreement, nor is this House being asked to approve a conclusive operating agreement. None exists," Benjamin said.
He explained that the resolution seeks parliamentary approval of a framework defining the government's negotiating position, while allowing Cabinet to continue discussions with U.S. officials. Benjamin was clear about the division of responsibilities between Parliament and the Executive.
"The role of this Parliament is to determine the governing principles and the limits within which the Executive may proceed," he said. "Negotiation is, by its nature, an executive function."
Once Parliament establishes those principles, Benjamin said, the Executive will negotiate within the boundaries set by lawmakers and return with any necessary legislation if a final agreement requires changes to domestic law.
The Attorney General also moved to reassure parliamentarians that Antigua and Barbuda has not surrendered its authority over immigration matters. He said the country would retain the right to approve or reject every individual proposed for transfer. The government's counterproposal, he noted, requires written consent from Antigua and Barbuda before any third-country national can be transferred, while preserving the country's right to refuse any individual without providing a reason.
Benjamin added that negotiations have been guided by conditions excluding persons with criminal convictions, unresolved asylum claims, and unaccompanied minors. The United States would also be required to bear all financial costs associated with any transfers.
The Attorney General reaffirmed that the government remains committed to ensuring any eventual agreement protects Antigua and Barbuda's sovereignty, complies with the Constitution, and reflects the principles endorsed by Parliament.
