Guyana has not yet made a decision on whether it will accept third-country deportees and refugees from the United States, but discussions remain active, US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot has confirmed.
Speaking on the SOURCES programme on Sunday, Ambassador Theriot said the US is engaged in ongoing talks with Guyana and several other countries across the region and beyond on the proposed third-country national agreements.
“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,” she said.
Third-country deportees and refugees refer to individuals being removed by the US to a country other than their own home nation — typically persons whose asylum claims have been denied and who do not wish to return to their country of origin.
According to a government source familiar with the discussions, Guyana has already signalled a preference for skilled individuals without a criminal background under any such arrangement. The proposed agreement would also give Guyana the right to refuse any person or group identified for deportation from the US.
Ambassador Theriot argued that the deal could provide tangible benefits for Guyana, pointing to the country’s growing labour shortage driven by rapid development across multiple 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 skill 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,” she said.
Under the proposed terms, the United States would bear all costs associated with the relocation of deportees and denied refugees. Guyana would not be financially responsible for their transfer.
Several countries in the region have already reached similar agreements with the US, including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Costa Rica, and Panama.
A final decision by the Guyanese government on the matter is still pending.
