Local News

Alleged Vietnamese Women Living on Streets Spark Outrage

21 November 2024
This content originally appeared on Antigua News Room.
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SOURCE-REAL NEWS ANTIGUA- Women Alleged to be ‘Vietnamese’ Seen Sleeping in Public Places; Locals Accuse Foreign Affairs of Importing Homelessness

The presence of two foreign women who appear to be living on the streets is raising questions among residents, who are calling on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to give an account for the pair.

Almost two weeks ago, the two women – who are rumoured to be Vietnamese nationals – were first spotted in front of the Adele School, sitting on the sidewalk, in what many describe as a disheveled state.

As the days wore on, residents saw them resting in a bus shelter opposite the YASCO facility on Old Parham Road, and they were also spotted in the West Bus Station, although not waiting for transport.

Residents became concerned since the pair always appeared to be wearing the same dirty clothing and, reportedly, had begun to carry an odour.

One person tells REAL News that concerns were raised with officials of the Immigration Department, who are said to have stated that the women are citizens of Antigua and Barbuda. This has led to others asking whether their status is by way of the Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP).

There are claims – allegedly by the women – that they are on the streets because their belongings have been taken away, although they did not say how or by whom.

Meanwhile, some persons are asking why the authorities have allowed apparent foreign nationals to add to the number of locals who already are homeless and sleeping on the streets and in other public places.

The latest claim is that the two have been sleeping at the international airport, which reportedly is sparking alarm among security personnel there.

“The Police hardly allow you to park to pick up passengers,” one resident complains to REAL News, “so how anybody who is not traveling could be allowed to sleep on the airport compound?”

Another one declares, “We have enough homegrown problems already. We certainly don’t need to be importing any more….”

Accordingly, concerned citizens are asking the authorities to look into this matter and correct it as soon as possible.

Photo by Turks Lee/ facebook

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