St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday has confirmed that the country was approached by the United States about the possibility of accepting deportees who are third-country nationals.

Friday confirmed the development during a media briefing on January 23, noting that discussions are ongoing at the regional level.

Without going into detail on the conversations, he said Caribbean leaders are working toward a unified response.

“That is something that we at the OECS and CARICOM level are seeking to address in a way that has uniformity and coherence, to ensure that we do what is necessary to protect the interests of our people,” Friday said.

“This is something that has been brought to us, and we have not entered into any agreement, but it is a matter of urgent concern within the region.”

The United States has approached several Caribbean countries about accepting third-country nationals it wishes to deport but is unable to return to their countries of origin.

Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, Belize and St Lucia have signed agreements or memorandums of understanding with the US. However, no clear timeline has been given on when those countries would begin accepting deportees.

Antigua and Barbuda and Guyana are also in talks, while Trinidad and Tobago has said it was not approached.

The countries involved have insisted that the US will not be “dumping” deportees in the Caribbean, and that anyone accepted would be vetted and admitted at the sole discretion of the receiving country.

St Kitts and Nevis has said its agreement would allow for the acceptance of CARICOM nationals only, with the exception of Haitians.

That decision has drawn criticism.

Responding to the criticism, St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew said his government would never engage in the dehumanisation or mistreatment of Haitian nationals.

“In 2019, under the former administration, Haitians were deported, including pregnant women and a child,” Drew said during an appearance on the Issues Programme on Freedom FM on January 21.

“We have taken the position that we will never do that.”

Drew added that his government has implemented policies to ensure Haitian children and pregnant women receive medical care upon arrival on the island.