The Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community met in caucus to discuss wide ranging matters of critical concern to the Community. Discussions included MOUs on transit arrangements of Third Country Nationals (TCNs) proposed to individual Member States by the government of the United States of America.

Heads of Government considered common concerns across the region regarding the capacity of small countries to manage the transit of TCNs. The regional leaders stressed, however, that every effort would be made to ensure that TCN arrangements do not disrupt the security of countries in the Region or divert resources and services from the citizens of respective countries.

Heads of Government highlighted the fact that the proposed MOUs were intended to provide for the transit of individuals without criminal antecedents to their home countries rather than settlement in Member States and emphasized the need for citizens of the Region to understand the distinction. They further agreed that every effort should be made to engage CARICOM citizens on these issues. They also affirmed their commitment to the principles of safe, orderly and regular migration, and to the dignity of migrants.

Heads of Government noted the longstanding cooperation and close partnership with the United States of America and acknowledged the importance attached to the proposed MOUs by the United States of America. They noted that some CARICOM countries had already signed, while others were in discussions with the government of the United States of America. They also noted that 30 countries globally had already signed TCN MOUs

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: CARICOM Says U.S. Deportee Transit Agreements Must Not Compromise Regional Security.