Barbados’ government says it expects a call from the Trump administration soon. Officials are waiting to discuss the acceptance of deportees. These are immigrants whose home countries have not agreed to their return. The approach from Washington is seen as likely.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Kerrie Symmonds said the State Department is canvassing Caribbean nations. The goal is to get countries to join the third country deportee program. This program transfers immigrants with rejected asylum claims or visa violations. It applies to those with overstays and other immigration issues.

Several Eastern Caribbean countries have already joined. St. Lucia, Dominica, and Antigua participate in the program. Other countries, such as Guyana and Grenada, are considering accepting deportees. Their focus is mainly on those with professional or vocational skills. Suriname and Jamaica have not yet commented.

Symmonds noted that Barbados has not been contacted. He said the government will wait and see. He explained that the island, with nearly 300,000 people, will “cross that bridge when the time comes.” The statement was reported by Today online.

Across the region, government and civil society groups raised concerns. They suggest the U.S. is using pressure tactics. For example, Dominica and Antigua face visa access restrictions for their citizens in the U.S. Some countries, like St. Kitts and Nevis, will only accept CARICOM nationals. Haiti is excluded in this case.

Meanwhile, Guyana and Antigua expressed interest in skilled deportees. They aim to fill labor shortages. All participating countries require deportees to have no violent background. Agreements also include clauses allowing opt-out or rejection of unsuitable candidates.

In addition, Washington is seeking permission to establish military facilities. The Southern Military Command wants high-grade radar systems in Caribbean nations. Some countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, have approved these plans. In Tobago, radar permits helped authorities detect a major drug find in nearby Trinidad.

Overall, Barbados and other Caribbean nations continue monitoring the situation. Officials stress caution, diplomacy, and careful evaluation of U.S. requests. The region remains attentive to potential impacts on population, labor, and national security.

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