CMC – The Antigua and Barbuda and United States governments remain engaged in discussions over a proposed arrangement involving third-country nationals, the Director-General of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, Maurice Merchant, has said.
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Merchant, who is also the official Cabinet Spokesperson, told reporters following the weekly Cabinet meeting that the matter remains a “work in progress” as both governments seek to reach an understanding.
Merchant said that the discussions are taking place against the backdrop of concerns in the United States over illegal immigration and, while Antigua and Barbuda is prepared to assist, any arrangement would have to take into account conditions being negotiated by the two sides.
“Antigua and Barbuda values the relationship that we have with the United States and are prepared to assist the United States in this regard,” he said, adding, however, that there are specific stipulations attached to any potential arrangement, and those matters remain under discussion.
He said that once the outstanding issues are settled and an agreement is reached, the government would be in a position to move forward with the arrangement.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has said in the past that St John’s had agreed to accept 10 third-country nationals annually under strict conditions, including background checks for criminal activity and that those who will be sent to Antigua and Barbuda possess all the necessary travel documents.
Browne had also indicated that Washington wanted Antigua and Barbuda to accept a total of 120 deportees, with no guarantees, a risk he said his administration is not willing to accept.
Late last month, St Lucia announced that it would begin accepting later this month six people, including five men from the United States.
“Over the next two years, St Lucia will receive up to 10 persons each quarter. The United States remains a strong and valued partner to St Lucia. Our relationship is built on cooperation and a shared commitment to addressing regional and international challenges responsibly,” St Lucia’s Foreign Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs Minister, Alva Baptiste, said, adding that they will be permitted entry into St Lucia under the programme.
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