Government MP Anthony Smith Jr. on Tuesday called on both government and opposition lawmakers to unite behind Antigua and Barbuda’s negotiations with the United States over the possible transfer of third-country nationals, arguing that the country’s relationship with Washington is too important to become a partisan political issue.
Contributing to debate on a parliamentary resolution establishing the framework for continued negotiations with the United States, Smith said lawmakers have a responsibility to place the national interest above political differences.
“I support this resolution,” Smith said, urging members on both sides of the House to present a united front as the government continues discussions with U.S. officials.
Smith criticized efforts to use the issue for political gain, saying the debate should instead focus on educating the public about the importance of Antigua and Barbuda’s longstanding relationship with the United States.
“I’m disappointed, but not surprised, that the opposition would have used this as a political tool,” he said. “This is not a partisan issue.”
He argued that Antigua and Barbuda’s economic stability is closely tied to its relationship with the United States, noting that approximately 80 percent of the country’s imports originate there.
Smith also pointed to the tourism industry and the banking sector, particularly correspondent banking relationships, as examples of why maintaining strong ties with Washington is critical.
“Our tourism sector, even our banking sector, through correspondent banks,” he said. “Imagine we lost our correspondent banking relations. How would we accept U.S. funds? How would we be able to purchase goods overseas?”
Describing the relationship as “vital,” Smith said Parliament should send a unified message of support for the government’s negotiating position rather than creating unnecessary political divisions.
He said the resolution should not be viewed as giving the government unrestricted authority but rather as establishing firm safeguards to guide negotiations.
“The resolution is not a blank check; it is a shield,” Smith said. “It gives us permission to continue negotiating, but to negotiate with a framework that protects our people.”
Smith outlined several of the safeguards contained in the resolution, including a prohibition on any automatic or open-ended transfer programme, a requirement that each proposed transfer be considered individually, and Antigua and Barbuda’s absolute right to reject any individual case.
He also highlighted provisions limiting the number of people the country would accept based on its capacity and requiring that all costs associated with housing, healthcare, administration and any onward movement be fully funded in advance so that no financial burden falls on taxpayers.
Smith said the framework demonstrates that Antigua and Barbuda can remain a cooperative member of the international community while safeguarding its sovereignty.
“This resolution allows us to remain a cooperative member of the international community, but at the same time it protects our sovereignty,” he said.
He concluded by urging citizens and opposition members alike to support the government’s approach, saying the resolution establishes the framework needed to negotiate an agreement that serves the best interests of Antigua and Barbuda.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Minister Smith Urges Bipartisan Support for US Negotiations, Says Relationship Too Important to Politicize.