Although CARICOM nations must accept their nationals who are being deported from the United States, they must not allow the deportees to roam freely within the region.
Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne made that point on Thursday as he addressed the Donald Trump administration’s stance on illegal immigration.
“I think we have an obligation to accept our citizens who were deported. We just have to make sure there is collaboration at the regional level to ensure that those involved in criminal activities do not get the opportunity to travel freely within the CARICOM space and to create problems for us,” he said.
The Antiguan leader was speaking to reporters at Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle, Long Bay, St Philip, on Day 2 of the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM.
Since January, following Trump’s inauguration, there has been a list featuring thousands of people from countries, including the Caribbean, who are scheduled to be deported.
While there has been a lot of chatter about the list, Browne said deportations were not new.
“I don’t think they are extraordinary; that is nothing new. I am told . . . that more Caribbean [people] were actually deported than the list that we have seen under the Trump administration,” he added.
The theme for this year’s conference is Strength In Unity: Foreign Caribbean Resilience, Inclusive
Growth And Sustainable Development.
Prime ministers, presidents, premiers and other leaders are attending the three-day conference.
During a break, Guyana President Dr Irfaan Ali also spoke to journalists on the US foreign policy.
“I think the relationship between CARICOM and the US would have to be one that is nurtured from a direct discussion with President Trump. The US administration cannot receive information from a second or third hand. Very soon we have to ensure we have full engagement, laying out our priorities.
“Yes, there are a lot of challenges but we see opportunities. We already know there will be heavy focus on the Western Hemisphere but we see opportunities,” Ali added. (TG)
