Kiz Johnson, MP for St. Philip South and Minister of State in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation speaks in Parliament meeting (photo by Robert Emmanuel)
Minister of State in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation Kiz Johnson told the House of Representatives that the government’s resolution on third-country nationals removed from the United States is designed to protect communities in Antigua and Barbuda while preserving the country’s relationship with Washington, framing the measure as a set of guiding principles rather than an approval to accept anyone.
“We are not being asked to approve the transfer of any individual to Antigua and Barbuda. We are not being asked to establish an open immigration programme. And we are not surrendering the sovereignty of Antigua and Barbuda,” Minister Johnson said.
The Minister said the government had structured its position around a series of safeguards rather than accepting the terms initially proposed by Washington.
“Instead of accepting an open-ended agreement, the government has insisted upon safeguards. Instead of accepting automatic transfers, the government has insisted upon individual consideration,” she said, adding that the administration had “preserved complete sovereign control” and required funding arrangements to be secured before any transfer could proceed.
The minister connected the resolution to her own portfolio, arguing that the framework speaks directly to the responsibilities of the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation in maintaining stable communities.
“One of the responsibilities of the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation is ensuring that our communities remain places where people feel secure, respected, and connected,” Johnson said, adding that “strong communities are not created by chance. They are built through thoughtful planning.”
Johnson said the resolution was meant to reassure the public that no transfer would happen without individual scrutiny.
She also argued that the government had chosen a harder diplomatic path rather than the easiest one.
“It has engaged respectfully with an important international partner. It has negotiated firmly. It has identified concerns. It has strengthened the protections available to Antigua and Barbuda,” Johnson said, telling the House that the resolution asked members only “to affirm that if discussions continue, they must continue within a framework.”
Closing her contribution, Johnson said she measured the resolution against a single standard.
“Will this decision strengthen Antigua and Barbuda and improve the lives of our people? This resolution helps to ensure that that answer remains yes,” she said, describing the country as capable of being “compassionate without being careless, cooperative without compromising its independence, and responsible without surrendering its principles.”
“This is a difficult decision. Hopefully the government finds a solution that protects the country’s future