The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has agreed to establish a high-level advisory team to help guide negotiations with the United States regarding the possible acceptance of a limited number of non-criminal third-country nationals and refugees deported from the US.

The decision was announced during the 78th OECS Summit, which concluded on Monday. St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday said the request from Washington comes at a time of significant global uncertainty and requires careful consideration by member states.

Friday described the issue as a delicate matter with potential implications for national security, economic stability, migration management, and the use of limited public resources. He said OECS countries have agreed to work together to ensure a coordinated regional response while protecting their individual interests.

To support the process, the OECS will create a broad-based advisory team made up of representatives from member states. The group will conduct technical discussions and help shape negotiations with the United States both collectively and individually.

During the summit, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne made it clear that his government would not agree to proposals that could place an excessive burden on the country. Browne said Antigua and Barbuda would not accept any criminal deportees and rejected reports suggesting the country could receive as many as 120 individuals.

He said the government has submitted a counter-proposal to US officials, offering to accept no more than 10 non-criminal individuals annually. Browne stressed that Antigua and Barbuda remains willing to cooperate with the United States but must also protect its national interests and maintain public safety.

The regional discussions come as Jamaica confirmed that it has reached an understanding with the United States to accept up to 25 non-criminal third-country nationals and refugees. Jamaica’s National Security and Peace Minister Dr Horace Chang said the arrangement allows the country to refuse individuals and terminate the agreement if necessary.

OECS leaders are expected to continue consultations as discussions with the United States progress. Regional governments have emphasized the need for a balanced approach that supports international cooperation while safeguarding the interests, resources, and sovereignty of Caribbean nations.