Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda already has a sizeable LGBTQ community and does not believe the country should be expected to accept additional LGBTQ refugees or asylum seekers under any agreement with the United States involving third-country nationals.

Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show on Saturday, Browne claimed that two of the three third-country nationals reportedly accepted by St. Kitts and Nevis under a recent arrangement with the United States identify as LGBTQ.

Using that example, the Prime Minister argued that Antigua should not be required to receive similar individuals.

“I’m told the three that were sent to St. Kitts, two of them are LGBTQIAs,” Browne said.

He continued: “We have enough of those here.”

The Prime Minister made the remarks while discussing ongoing negotiations between Antigua and Barbuda and the United States over Washington’s request that Caribbean countries accept a limited number of third-country nationals who cannot easily be returned to their countries of origin.

Browne stressed that his government’s objections extend beyond sexual orientation or gender identity, insisting that Antigua’s primary concern is ensuring that anyone accepted into the country is thoroughly vetted.

He said Antigua has insisted that no one with a criminal background be accepted and that the United States provide comprehensive medical and security information before anyone is admitted.

“We do not want people who are criminals. We don’t want people who are sick. We do not want anyone who is going to become a charge,” Browne said.

The Prime Minister argued that Antigua’s limited resources make it difficult to absorb individuals who may require long-term government support after any temporary assistance provided by the United States ends.

Deportee Talks Continue

The issue stems from discussions between Washington and several Caribbean governments over accepting third-country nationals who are unable to return to their home countries.

According to Browne, Antigua has indicated a willingness to consider accepting up to ten individuals annually, provided they are fully vetted, have no serious criminal history, and do not pose security or public health concerns.

He also said Antigua has requested that all individuals arrive with valid travel documents rather than temporary documents issued by U.S. authorities.

The Prime Minister maintained that Antigua has a sovereign responsibility to determine who enters and resides in the country and said his administration would continue negotiating conditions that protect the country’s interests.

His comments come amid wider public debate across the Caribbean over the United States’ efforts to secure agreements with regional governments to receive third-country nationals as part of its immigration enforcement strategy.