ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) — The Antigua and Barbuda Government Monday released to the public the proposal received from the United States Government concerning the operating procedures for the possible transfer of third-country nationals removed from the North America country.

In addition, St John’s has also released its counter-proposal sent to Washington.

Both documents are to be tabled in the House of Representatives by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Sir Steadroy Benjamin.

“The Government is doing so in keeping with its commitment to transparency and to keeping Parliament and the people of Antigua and Barbuda fully informed on a matter involving the country’s sovereignty, security, laws, public finances and national interest,” said an official statement issue Monday.

It maintained that “no agreement has been concluded” and that the United States document is a proposal and the Antigua and Barbuda document is a counter-proposal.

“Discussions between the two governments are continuing. The discussions are part of a wider initiative undertaken by the United States with countries in different parts of the world, including members of the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

“Some Caricom countries have entered into arrangements with the United States, while others have engaged in discussions concerning proposals made to them by the United States,” the statement said.

It added that Antigua and Barbuda is responding to a request from the United States and has sought to determine whether, and under what strictly controlled conditions, it could responsibly cooperate while protecting its national interests.

Among the principal safeguards in the Antigua and Barbuda’s counter-proposal are that every person proposed for transfer must be considered individually and receive the prior express written approval of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda; a maximum of seven persons in any three-month period, which is a ceiling and not a quota or obligation; and strict requirements concerning eligibility, criminal and security screening, health, immigration history, protection claims and valid travel documentation.

In addition, St John’s said that there should be confirmation that each proposed individual has been informed that Antigua and Barbuda is the destination, understands the temporary nature of the arrangement, and has indicated in writing a willingness to be transferred as well as admission and temporary presence would be governed by the laws of Antigua and Barbuda.

There is also to be “satisfactory financial and operational arrangements must be in place so that the costs arising from the transfer and continued presence of persons do not become a burden on the taxpayers of Antigua and Barbuda; satisfactory arrangements for lawful return or onward placement when a person’s temporary presence comes to an end; and the right of Antigua and Barbuda to suspend further transfers where national security, public order, public health, capacity, financial or other serious concerns arise.”

The statement said that the counter-proposal also envisages a possible supporting role for the International Organization for Migration subject to its own requirements and to appropriate arrangements with the government of Antigua and Barbuda.

“The Government emphasises that the sovereign decision whether to accept or refuse any person proposed for transfer will remain with Antigua and Barbuda in every individual case,” said the official statement.

The statement said that by publishing the two proposals and placing them before the House of Representatives, the Government “is fulfilling its undertaking that this matter will be dealt with openly and with respect for Parliament and the people”.