ROSEAU, Dominica — Dominica has accepted five Colombian nationals under its agreement with the United States to receive third-country nationals deported from the US, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has confirmed.

Skerrit made the disclosure on September 9 while responding to questions about the latest developments in Dominica’s discussions with the US over the arrangement.

He said the US initially sent Dominica a list of potential deportees, but the government rejected the proposed individuals because it had requested additional information that was not provided within the required timeframe.

A second list was subsequently sent with the information requested, and Dominica agreed to accept five Colombians.
All five have since left Dominica and returned to Colombia.

Skerrit said the Colombians were treated well during their stay on the island, with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) engaged to manage arrangements on Dominica’s behalf.

The five were accommodated at a hotel and provided with meals and other necessities. Skerrit said they were also able to move around the island, including going shopping, visiting a barber shop and spending time at the beach and pool.

After arriving in Dominica, they were offered the option of returning to Colombia. All five indicated that they were willing to return, and tickets were purchased to facilitate their departure.
Skerrit said none of the five had criminal records. He noted that one of the five was believed to have been a minor.

“I guess we’re just people trying to make a better living in the United States,” Skerrit said, adding that the group did not cause any problems during their stay.

He said Dominica viewed the arrangement from a broader humanitarian perspective, noting that many Dominicans live in other countries.

“We have a higher philosophical view on humanity and the right for everybody to survive and to be regarded,” Skerrit said.

Under the agreement with the US, Dominica is expected to consider accepting between five and seven third-country nationals each quarter, although Skerrit cautioned that he did not want to be held to the exact figure.

The prime minister said the first five have now departed and Dominica currently has no third-country nationals under the arrangement.

He said the US could make another request if the need arises, which Dominica would consider based on the terms of the agreement and the conditions under which the individuals would be accepted.

Guyana, St Lucia, Belize, Jamaica and St Kitts and Nevis have begun accepting third country nationals from  the US.