00:00In relation to the 17 TNT Nationals who were deported from the United States over the weekend,
00:06Minister of Defense Wayne Stood says they are, quote,
00:09citizens of our republic and the state bears a responsibility to manage their return
00:14in a structured, lawful and transparent manner, end quote.
00:19But he makes note of the public safety considerations that are involved in this regard, Stood says,
00:24concrete steps have been taken to ensure a proactive and coordinated approach to the deportation exercise.
00:32Twenty-one deportees detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, ICE,
00:37were expected to enter the country on a chartered flight on May 23rd, 17 males and four females.
00:44So what about the four who did not return?
00:46The minister says, quote,
00:47At this time, we have not received official information from ICE on why the remaining four did not board as scheduled.
00:55End quote.
00:56But Stood outlines that the flight was entirely coordinated and funded by U.S. authorities
01:01and came at no cost to TNT.
01:05In terms of the reasons surrounding the deportation, the minister says they fall into various categories.
01:11Violent crimes such as homicide, assault, robbery, sex offenses against children and sexual assault,
01:17drug trafficking, weapons offenses, burglary and human trafficking.
01:21Stood says three were detained for crimes committed in this country before the individuals went to the United States.
01:29According to the minister, the matter of reintegration is being taken very seriously.
01:33And as such, the ministry is partnering with Vision on Mission,
01:36which Stood describes as a key agency with a strong track record in rehabilitation services.
01:42He tells us Vision on Mission will use the necessary tools available to provide a range of interventions,
01:50including psychosocial support, skills training, counseling and other structured rehabilitation plans.
01:57Stood says, quote,
01:58The goal is to ensure that deported nationals are given the opportunity to reintegrate as law-abiding and productive citizens,
02:06while also minimizing the risk of recidivism and ensuring public safety.
02:12End quote.
02:13He adds that his ministry and the Ministry of Foreign and Caricum Affairs continue to work closely with the U.S. government
02:19to ensure that TNT nationals are returned in a safe, orderly and dignified manner.
02:26Alicia Boucher, TV6 News.
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