The United States government has not approached Trinidad and Tobago to discuss the relocation of third-country nationals who are unable to return to their home countries.

Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers confirmed this during a media conference on January 21. 

When asked by journalists about the possibility of such an arrangement, Sobers stated, “No such request of that nature has been put to Trinidad and Tobago.”

Prior to Sobers giving the comment, Caribbean Pulse asked Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles at a media conference if the People’s National Movement (PNM) would support or oppose relocating third country nationals to Trinidad and Tobago.

In response to the question, Beckles said the opposition was willing to have discussions with the government on the matter.

“If at any time that this is a matter raised with us by the government, we will give it its due consideration,” Beckles said. 

Beckles said she hoped any discussions around relocating third country nationals would be done in a transparent manner.

She noted that while the arrival of deportees is not a new occurrence and governments are typically briefed on those being sent back.

While Trinidad and Tobago has not received a formal request, several other Caribbean nations have already moved forward with similar arrangements. 

Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and Belize have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the US to accept third-country nationals. 

Meanwhile, Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda are currently in ongoing discussions.

Prime Minister Terrance Drew of St Kitts and Nevis clarified that his nation’s agreement applies to CARICOM nationals, excluding Haitians.

Leaders from the countries that have already signed the MoUs have been quick to address public concern, insisting that the US will not be dumping unwanted individuals. 

They maintained that their governments retain the final authority on who is accepted, ensuring that all individuals are vetted and that only those with non-serious offences are considered for relocation.