...only CARICOM nationals with no criminal record will be considered
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — St. Kitts and Nevis has joined a growing list of Caribbean territories that have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States to accept certain deportees and refugees.
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew made the announcement this afternoon during his latest ‘Roundtable’ engagement with reporters. He emphasized that the agreement specifically applies to CARICOM nationals, with the exception of Haitian citizens, citing security considerations.
“So, St. Kitts and Nevis has negotiated and entered into a memorandum of understanding with the United States of America for the potential transfer of certain third-country nationals. And I want us to listen carefully—this applies only to citizens or nationals of the Caribbean Community,” he stated.
Questions arose about the Federation’s participation, as leaders from Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica had previously indicated that other Caribbean nations were being approached regarding hosting third-country deportees or refugees.
Prime Minister Drew stressed that St. Kitts and Nevis approached the matter proactively and clarified that the program “does not involve anyone from outside the CARICOM region.” He added that only individuals without violent or sexual criminal backgrounds would be accepted into the Federation.
On the matter of costs, Dr. Drew revealed that expenses would likely be covered by the United States, with the government still finalizing logistical arrangements.
