“Sovereignty Belongs to the People” — Forward Guyana demands transparency on U.S. deportees’ deal

Jan 08, 2026 News

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(Kaieteur News) – Opposition voices are intensifying calls for full disclosure and parliamentary oversight amid reports that the Government of Guyana is in advanced discussions with the United States on an agreement to accept third-country deportees and refugees.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) led by Member of Parliament, Amanza Walton-Desir raised concerns about the constitutional, social, economic, security and governance implications of such an arrangement, with calls for immediate transparency and public accountability before any agreement is finalised.

“Guyana is a small and developing state. Any policy that substantially alters our population profile or imposes new social responsibilities on our institutions must be subject to parliamentary scrutiny and national consultation. This is not routine administrative cooperation.” According to the political party, this is a matter that touches directly on the future composition, stability, and security of our society. “It therefore cannot be handled quietly or without clear disclosure to the people of Guyana. There are pressing and unanswered questions that must be addressed before any agreement is finalised,” Forward Guyana said.

“Who are these persons that Guyana is being asked to accept? What categories of migrants are included? What independent verification systems exist to confirm their identities, backgrounds, and histories? What agency or authority in Guyana has evaluated the risks and long-term implications of receiving them?

Where will these individuals be placed upon arrival? Which communities will be directly affected? Have those communities been consulted? Have local authorities been briefed? What arrangements are in place to support safety, social cohesion, and service delivery?

Who will carry responsibility for integration and long-term support? Which ministries will be involved? What is the scope and cost of housing assistance, social services, healthcare, education, and employment support? For how long will the United States provide financial contributions? What happens when those contributions end?

Where will these persons live? Will housing resources be diverted from Guyanese citizens who are already experiencing difficulty accessing land and affordable homes? Will special settlements be developed? What security and administrative oversight will govern them?”

Most importantly, the party asked how does this agreement benefit the people of Guyana? “Not in theoretical terms, not in the form of political assurances, and not in benefits accruing to the government of the day. What is the measurable, sustainable, national development benefit to the Guyanese people and how has this been assessed, documented, and approved?

These questions go to the core issue of sovereignty and accountability.

The Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana is clear. Article 9 states:

“Sovereignty belongs to the people, who exercise it through their representatives and the democratic organs established by or under this Constitution.”

“It is therefore a direct affront to the sovereignty of the Guyanese people to pursue or conclude an agreement of this magnitude in the absence of a functioning Parliament. A decision that could transform the demographic, economic, and social fabric of our nation must not be made without parliamentary debate, without legislative approval, and without the input and understanding of the people in whose name sovereignty is exercised.”

Forward Guyana said that this country values its longstanding relationship with the United States and remains committed to constructive international cooperation. “However, as a small developing state, we must always ensure that any agreement supports our national development priorities and strengthens rather than strains our institutions and communities. It is therefore essential that arrangements of this kind are guided by transparency, consultation, and mutual respect, with the clear objective of advancing the well-being of the people of Guyana.”

The party said “If the Government believes this agreement to be in the national interest, then it must publish the proposed terms, lay the matter before Parliament, facilitate full debate, subject the agreement to security and economic impact assessments, and consult widely with civil society, local communities, and the private sector. Anything less represents governance by secrecy and exclusion.

The people of Guyana have a right to know. They have a right to question. They have a right to consent or dissent. Sovereignty belongs to us.”

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• Forward Guyana Movement, sovereignty, Transparency, U.S. deportees

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