President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali speaks with reporters. CMC photo.
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) – Guyana is engaging the United States on migration matters and potential areas of collaboration, but there have been no discussions on accepting deportees from third countries.
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali told reporters on Friday that 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, there have been mounting concerns about the mass deportations from a range of countries, including Guyana.
Reporters 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, Ali assured that no such plan was 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,” he clarified.
The head of state reiterated that the US is a strong partner and the lines of communication between the two countries remain open on a range of issues. Ali recently engaged with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on similar matters.
According to US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, the conversation focused on addressing “the crisis of illegal migration and agreed to jointly address this regional imperative and challenge”.
The statement added that the secretary affirmed the United States’ steadfast support of Guyana’s territorial integrity in the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela.
At a recent press conference, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo assured reporters that Guyanese who resided illegally in the US and were deported would not be refused entry into Guyana.
He reminded the reporters that the government has always welcomed people to its shores, and Guyanese who have to return will have the same privilege afforded to them.
