US Embassy surprise at Mormons deportation

The United States Embassy in Georgetown, Guyana has expressed surprise at the decision by that country to expel at least 40 members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for overstaying their time.



Their lawyer, Nigel Hughes, told the BBC Caribbean that he was not aware that his clients would be deported even after talks between President Bharrat Jagdeo and two church elders.



Police Commissioner Henry Greene said the Mormon missionaries overstayed their time in the country and did not seek an extension of their stay.



American embassy Charge D\'Affaires, Karen Williams, said she was surprised by the decision to order the Mormons to leave within 30 days.



The main opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has described the move as arbitrary and has questioned the government’s treatment of religious groups.