As the United States ramps up deportations under the Trump administration, the Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness (BAEH) has pledged to assist deportees who find themselves homeless when they arrive here.
However, the organisation has called for stronger collaboration with authorities to ensure a smooth reintegration process.
The call came amid heightened concerns about how Barbados will handle the influx of returning nationals, particularly those with no family support or stable housing.
BAEH President Kemar Saffrey said they have previously dealt with deportees who faced challenges upon returning to the island.
Saffrey explained: “The Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness has always been dealing with deportees who find themselves having challenges. Some would have left here from a very young age, and by the time they return, they don’t have family or anyone they know. Most of them are male, and often, family members are hesitant to take in a grown man they don’t know.”
The BAEH is preparing for a potential rise in deportations but has taken a “wait and see” approach regarding the full impact, he said.
Saffrey noted that the lack of detailed background information on returning deportees may be a challenge, as some have criminal records or mental health issues that could make it difficult for them to reintegrate into society.
He revealed that in the past, the Barbados Consulate has shared relevant information to help the alliance assess cases before deportees arrived. Saffrey said he hoped this relationship would continue to ensure the shelter could provide the needed support.
“If persons are to be deported and they indicate that they have no fixed place of abode in Barbados, we hope that information is shared so we can make a proper assessment,” he said. “We don’t want a situation where someone turns up at the shelter months later, and we are unaware of their background or any issues they may have.”
Saffrey noted that deportees have been assisted by the charity to reintegrate into society through job placement and family reconnections.
He expressed concern that the process could become more complicated if deportees arrived without any prior coordination.
Despite these concerns, Saffrey expressed satisfaction with the government’s support so far: “We are happy with the partnership with the government, but we still need to have more conversations to move forward effectively.”
(LG)
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