Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Saturday accused political opponents of deliberately misleading the public about agreements between Antigua and Barbuda and the United States, saying false claims were being used to stir fear and undermine confidence in the government.
Speaking on his weekly radio programme, Browne said opposition figures have suggested that his administration agreed to accept criminal deportees or refugees from the United States, a claim he flatly rejected. He said no such agreement exists and described the narrative as reckless and dangerous for a small state already grappling with regional security challenges .
Browne said the government has been engaged in discussions with U.S. authorities under a memorandum of understanding that contains confidentiality clauses, but insisted that Antigua and Barbuda has drawn clear red lines. He said the country would not accept criminal deportees under any arrangement and would not agree to any terms that threaten national security or social stability.
The prime minister said he felt compelled to clarify the government’s position after what he described as persistent misinformation circulating in political discourse and on social media. While noting that the agreement itself cannot be published, Browne said the public has a right to understand its general scope and limits.
He argued that portraying the country as willing to accept criminals from abroad is not only false but harmful, as it damages Antigua and Barbuda’s international reputation and fuels unnecessary anxiety among citizens.
Browne said the issue has heightened political tensions ahead of broader public debate, accusing opponents of prioritizing political gain over responsible national discourse. He maintained that his administration would continue to engage the United States diplomatically while safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and security.
The prime minister urged the public to rely on official statements rather than political speculation, saying the government remains committed to transparency within the bounds of diplomatic obligations .
