Avellon Williams
ST JOHN’S, ANTIGUA – In an effort to help Antigua and Barbuda rebound economically and socially from the impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic that has killed 117 people as well as infected 4,162 others since March of last year, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne is considering granting an amnesty to illegal migrant workers.
In an interview on his Saturday evening radio program, Browne stated that the island was showing signs of recovery from the pandemic and he hoped that people would put aside their political differences in order to ensure the country’s socio-economic development.
“We expect everyone to sweat. The Bible says by the sweat of your brow you shall eat bread and I want everybody to eat bread, so you have to sweat, you have to work, you have to perform and that is the call I will be making in my New Yearspeech for 2022,” Browne said.
“I want to say here that every single person on the island, even if you are not a citizen, even if you are an illegal immigrant, we want you to be part of this strong recovery. I am considering whether or not we should give amnesty to those who may be here illegally for whatever reason.”
According to Brown, “We don’t want anybody to be in a situation where they cannot contribute…so that’s a discussion I will be having with my colleagues next week…and they will tell me whether or not we give an amnesty to the immigrants who are here.”
He added that Antigua and Barbuda have always dealt with migrants that have lived here for more than 15 years and have now become well integrated into our society, with homes, jobs, and children.
“As we strive to get the contributions of all, we must be flexible enough to allow for some form of integration of these individuals into society. In light of that, I will certainly speak further on the issue of a possible amnesty, Browne told radio listeners.
The migrant crisis is one of the most pressing issues that the world is facing today, as world leaders debate on how to handle the migrant crisis amid a global pandemic called COVID-19, in which some countries have closed their borders and others have welcomed them with open arms.
Migrants are seeking asylum all over the world because they are fleeing from their countries due to war, famine, or just looking for better living conditions.There is no consensus on what to do, especially related to the financial burden of migrants.
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