The issue of the acceptance of “refugees” should be considered carefully by all Antiguans and Barbudans, regardless of the party you support.
We are venturing into the unknown. This move has the potential for negatively changing our way of life, forever!
The timing of the acquiescence of both governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica to accept non-national deportees from the USA is quite unfortunate.
One cannot ignore the fact that all this follows immediately after attempts to reverse US Visa restrictions and the capture of Maduro, where allegations of collusion with other Caribbean leaders were made.
The fact that both governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica are simultaneously speaking on the same “refugees” issue cannot be a coincidence.
In a previous post, I encouraged Antiguans and Barbudans to begin recognizing issues that transcend party politics. We ought to be tuned into issues that can affect all of us negatively. This is what I mean by the national interest.
We like to talk about all of our national songs and how much Antigua and Barbuda means to us. I believe that this is seminal moment in our history.
Are you satisfied to go down a path that has the potential of completely changing our way of life forever and in a very detrimental way?
Do I think that this a bad move?
Yes I do and for the following reasons:
1. It is obvious that the deportees are of no value to the US and their own countries. Convince me that Antigua and Barbuda will not become a dumping ground for these least desirable individuals. Is this not a sure way of becoming what was described as a “SH*T HOLE Country”. If you believed that that moniker did not apply to us now, I can assure you that there is nothing to guarantee that we will not become one.
2. If we sell our birthright now for the privilege of getting a visa, what is there to prevent us not having to concede more of our national dignity when threatened again in the future?
3. It is obvious to me that our government did not voluntarily offer to accept “refugees”. Why would we believe that a “friendly” country would deliberately denying our citizens entry while at the same time expect our country to accept their rejected deportees with open arms. That goes against all sense of fairness and mutual respect.
4. Once we agree to accept these deportees, Antigua and Barbuda immediately throws away any chance of never being regarded as a national security threat to the US, thus giving more reason for permanent visa restrictions.
This “refugees” issue is an existential issue.
This is watershed moment for all Antiguans and Barbudans. Our anthem calls for us to defend Antigua and Barbuda in the words:
Give us strength, faith, loyalty,
Never failing, all enduring
To defend her liberty.
Which Antiguan and Barbudan who cares about the future of his or her children, would accept the notion to willingly allow our nation to become a dumping ground for dubious rejects.
No attempt to soften the dubious character of individuals that will be shipped to us will convince me that his is not a big mistake.
And I have not even considered the economic ramifications by our decision.
I have seen how countries have been destabilized by the forced immigration of peoples of different values and religious beliefs. Take for instance what is happening in the United Kingdom right now with the drastic increase in knife related violence and rapes following the massive influx of “refugees”.
We cannot ignore what recent history is revealing. I think this is bad idea!
If there was ever a matter that was of national interest, this one definitely is!
