Guyana is currently engaged in substantive negotiations with the United States regarding the potential acceptance of third-country nationals from US territory, Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud confirmed on Monday. The discussions form part of a broader US initiative seeking cooperation from Caribbean nations to alleviate migration pressures.
Persaud characterized the talks as ‘productive,’ emphasizing that any potential framework would align with Guyana’s national priorities while supporting US objectives. This development follows similar agreements recently confirmed by two Eastern Caribbean nations—Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica—both of which have committed to accepting limited numbers of screened individuals.
The US State Department reportedly extended this proposal to numerous friendly nations worldwide in early 2025, seeking partners to share the burden of processing migrants who cannot be returned to their countries of origin. Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit confirmed his government’s agreement with the US, noting that stringent security safeguards had been incorporated to prevent accepting individuals who might compromise national security.
Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne indicated his nation would accept a maximum of ten non-criminal refugees possessing skills in local demand. The arrangement maintains full discretionary power for the Caribbean nations to accept or reject any recommended individuals. The US has committed to providing comprehensive biometric data and criminal background information for all potential transferees.
Several Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states have reportedly signed similar agreements, reflecting a coordinated regional approach to the US initiative. The negotiations represent a significant development in US-Caribbean diplomatic relations and international migration management.