US Port Technology Grant Awaits Third Country Nationals Agreement

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says he has been advised that a United States grant to replace technology at Antigua and Barbuda’s port is awaiting completion of an agreement concerning third-country nationals.

Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show, Browne said US officials had raised concerns about Chinese-installed information technology at the port.
He said the government was willing to replace the system if the United States

provided the funding.

According to Browne, Port Manager Darwin Telemaque had recently informed him that a grant had been approved but would be made available after completion of the third-country national agreement.

Browne did not announce that the agreement had been concluded or provide details of its terms during that portion of the programme.

The Prime Minister defended Antigua and Barbuda’s relationship with China, describing it as focused on commercial cooperation and national development.

He said Chinese assistance had supported major infrastructure projects and rejected suggestions that the relationship was intended to threaten US interests.

Browne also stressed the importance of maintaining ties with Washington, citing the United States’ role as a major tourism source market and supplier of goods.

He said the country’s foreign policy should deliver practical benefits for its people.