U.S Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, has indicated Guyana’s acceptance of third country deportees and refugees from the United States is still on the cards, explaining that there are benefits to derive from such an arrangement.

Appearing on the SOURCES programme on Sunday, Ambassador Theriot said the U.S is still in discussion with Guyana and other countries in the region on its proposal for them to accept third-country deportees.

In the case of Guyana, a decision on the proposal to have deportees and refugees from the U.S come here is still to be made.

“That’s on the table for a host of countries in the region, and beyond actually. We are discussing third country national agreements with countries all over the world and yes, it is still an option and the Government of Guyana is still making a decision on that, but we would very much like to see it happen,” Ambassador Theriot said.

Third country deportees and refugees refer to those persons being deported by the U.S to a country other than their own home country.

Under the proposed agreement, Guyana would have the right to refuse any person or group of persons identified for deportation from the U.S.

According to a Guyana Government source familiar with the discussions, Guyana has already made it clear that its preference is for skilled persons who are without a criminal background.

The U.S Ambassador said should Guyana sign off on the agreement, there would be some benefits as the country is now experiencing a shortage of labour due to rapid development in a number of sectors.

“We believe that it could actually be a good benefit to that because of your severe labour shortage. If people come here who have skilled sets that could be useful, and quite honestly that’s anything from hospitality to construction. Do you know, you have a shortage of drivers? You have a shortage of so many different skill sets, so, we actually see this as something that could be of benefit to your country, but this is a discussion that is still ongoing,” Ambassador Theriot explained.

Under the proposed agreement, the United States is expected to bear all of the costs associated with the relocation of those being deported and those who were seeking refugee status in the U.S but were denied and do not want to be returned to their home country.

Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Costa Rica and Panama are among countries in the region that have reached agreements with the U.S to accept third country deportees.

Related posts:

Guyana likely to see increased trade and expanded role of US Companies in the country PNCR calls for consultation with national stakeholders before any agreement to accept third country deportees and refugees Guyana in advanced discussions with US to accept third country deportees and refugees President says Government discussing movement and flight of people with US but no agreement on accepting third country deportees