Guyana, US discussing migration, collaboration matters – Pres Ali

– deportees not on the agenda

Guyana is in discussions with the United States on migration matters and potential areas of collaboration, but there has been no discussion on accepting deportees from third countries.
A Department of Public Information (DPI) news release has detailed that, in speaking to the media on Friday, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali said the ongoing discussions focus on key details such as flights and the movement of people.
In light of US President Donald Trump’s massive crackdown on illegal migrants, concerns have been mounting in regard to mass deportations from a range of countries, including Guyana.

Reporters have cited a recent report suggesting that the US Government is mulling a plan to send third-country deportees to Guyana as part of this crackdown. However, President Ali has assured that no such plan has been discussed.
“What we are discussing is our partnership with the US. And as the US unfolds its programmes and plans, wherever Guyana can be of support, we have expressed our support. But nothing about prisons and having deportees here (has been discussed),” President Ali has clarified.
The Head of State has reiterated that the US is one of Guyana’s strong partners, and the lines of communication between the two countries remain open on a range of issues. He recently engaged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on similar matters, and according to the US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, the conversation focused on addressing “the crisis of illegal migration, and (they) agreed to jointly address this regional imperative and challenge.”
At a recent press conference, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo assured reporters that Guyanese who had resided illegally in the US and were deported would not be refused entry into Guyana. He reminded that Government has always welcomed people to its shores, and Guyanese who have to return would be accorded the same privilege.