Guyana receives first U.S. third country deportees

Guyana has accepted its first group of people deported from the United States under a third country arrangement negotiated by the two governments. Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud Six nationals of Cuba and Afghanistan arrived Friday after being screened by Guyanese authorities, according to Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud. He said none had criminal backgrounds and that the individuals were removed from the United States primarily for immigration related reasons. The agreement will remain in place for one year and does not amount to permanent resettlement, Persaud said on Saturday. He said Washington has not asked Guyana to accept another group. The arrangement follows the Guyanese government's announcement of a migration cooperation framework allowing a limited number of vetted individuals without criminal records to enter the country. Those transferred under the Assisted Voluntary Return Program will remain in Guyana while their immigration status is determined. Depending on the outcome, they could eventually return to their home countries or move to another country. The International Organization for Migration is overseeing the program and will provide housing and other assistance. Guyanese officials have said the government will not be responsible for the costs. Guyana is the latest Caribbean Community member to participate in the U.S. third country deportation initiative. St. Kitts and Nevis and Belize have already received small groups of deportees, while St. Lucia was expected to receive its first group this week, according to officials. #Guyana #USImmigration #Deportation #CaribbeanNews #CARICOM #Immigration #Cuba #Afghanistan #CaribbeanCamera