Antiguan gov't accepts immigration, electoral recommendations

ST JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC):

The Antigua and Barbuda government says it has accepted all the recommendations of a committee that was established to consult with the public on matters pertaining to immigration, work permits, citizenship and electoral reform.

National Security Minister Dr Errol Cort said that the recommendations include tougher positions on issues such as persons residing here illegally and the use of entry visas.

"Some decisions are administrative in nature and can be implemented fairly easily and quickly while other decisions will require legislative amendments or enactment in order to have legal effect," the national security minister said.

Cort said Cabinet has been able to review the report which had been submitted in February "and is appreciative of members of the public and other stakeholders for their active and constructive participation in the consultative process culminating in the recommendations contained in the report".

According to Cort, the Cabinet has agreed to the creation of a National Development Plan which will, among other things, examine and consider the avenues for economic growth; analyse the available human resource pool and skill-sets against the backdrop of the existing educational institutions and the training opportunities for the work force available both locally and externally.

He said the plan would also consider the optimal population for a country of the size of Antigua and Barbuda and will also name all streets and number of all houses on the island.