Antigua and Barbuda has denied claims of a secret deal with the United States on refugees. The government issued a statement to clarify its position. It said no binding agreement exists with the United States.

Antigua said it wanted to ensure accuracy and transparency. Therefore, it outlined the facts surrounding recent discussions. The government stressed that public confidence remains important.

First, Antigua said it has not agreed to accept deportees or refugees. Instead, it reviewed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding. The United States proposed this understanding as part of global cooperation efforts.

Moreover, the United States approached more than one hundred governments worldwide. This included several CARICOM countries. Antigua said it was only asked to consider the proposal.

The government explained the wider humanitarian context. The United States hosts the world’s largest refugee population. These individuals cannot return home due to serious harm or persecution. As a result, the US sought shared responsibility.

However, Antigua said the understanding creates no legal obligation. It also sets no quotas or automatic acceptance. In addition, Antigua may end the understanding at any time.

Because of this, the government rejected claims of secrecy. It said such claims are misleading and incorrect. No coercive agreement exists.

Next, Antigua stressed it retains full national control. It has the right to reject any proposed individual. Each case would be reviewed separately.

Furthermore, no person with a criminal record would be accepted. Any consideration would remain strictly limited. The government set an upper ceiling of ten people per year.

Importantly, Antigua said there is no loss of sovereignty. There is no transfer of authority. Border control and national security remain intact.

The government also addressed deportation concerns. It said this does not involve importing deportees. Antigua will not serve as a repository for rejected individuals.

Instead, the understanding involves screened third-country nationals. These include refugees already in the United States. Acceptance would depend on intelligence vetting and security assessments.

Then, the government explained its diplomatic approach. The Prime Minister and Attorney General approved consideration in good faith. They acted within national interests.

This step, the statement said, was not a concession. It was not an attempt to trade people. Rather, it was a measured diplomatic gesture.

Finally, Antigua noted ongoing talks with the United States. These include visa restoration and biometric standards. Cooperation, it said, is normal in diplomacy.

In closing, the government called for responsible discourse. Antigua and Barbuda remains sovereign. It said it will act prudently and transparently.

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