LDS missionaries may be deported from Guyana

GEORGETOWN,

Guyana — Some three dozen missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-day Saints were detained Wednesday in the South American country

of Guyana because police said they did not have updated travel

documents.

Most are U.S. citizens

and will be given one month to leave before they are deported, Police

Chief Henry Greene said. He declined further comment.

The group included one senior couple — the rest are young-adult missionaries.

Initial reports are that 38 missionaries were involved in Wednesday's action, but it was unclear if that 38 included the couple.

The group is among the estimated 100 missionaries serving the LDS Church in Guyana.

\"We

are aware that some missionaries have been questioned in Guyana over

new visa regulations,\" said LDS spokesman Scott Trotter in Salt Lake

City.

\"All missionaries are now back

in their apartments,\" Trotter said. \"We are working with Guyana and

U.S. authorities to reach an amicable solution.\"

Agence

France-Presse reported that Guyanan President Bharrat Jagdeo met

Wednesday with LDS Church and mission leaders after the arrests but did

not speak to reporters.

AFP also

quoted Greene as saying the missionaries had failed to extend their

missionary status with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

\"It

does come as a surprise, but I don't want to speculate as to a reason\"