Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew announced that St Kitts and Nevis has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the United States for the country to accept third-country nationals.

Drew made the announcement on January 8 during his latest Roundtable programme with local journalists.

The prime minister stressed that St Kitts and Nevis’ agreement applies specifically to CARICOM nationals, with the exception of Haitian citizens, due to security considerations.

Drew said the agreement was the result of what he described as a “very proactive approach” taken by his government after being approached by the United States, similar to other countries within the regional bloc.

“St Kitts and Nevis was approached by the United States of America as the other CARICOM countries, and we took a very proactive approach in sitting with the Americans to reach an arrangement that I think is in keeping with our principles,” Drew said.

St Kitts and Nevis joins Dominica and Belize in signing arrangements with the US. 

Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda are currently in talks.

Under the MOU, the United States may propose the transfer of CARICOM nationals, but acceptance by St Kitts and Nevis is not automatic.

Drew said the country is not obligated to accept any individual and that strict conditions apply.

“These CARICOM nationals, they are without violent or sexual criminal backgrounds. I think there might be different discussions with other jurisdictions, but in St Kitts and Nevis, the CARICOM nationals, excluding Haiti at this time for obvious security matters, and thirdly, these persons cannot be violent or sexual criminals, and it has to be agreed to between our partner, the United States of America, and St Kitts and Nevis,” Drew said.

The prime minister explained that the agreement allows for jointly developed operational procedures, including capacity-based limits and logistical arrangements, to ensure national security concerns are addressed.

He said these arrangements with the US is not a one size fits all and every jurisdiction will negotiate what suits them.

Drew said the negotiations reflect a diplomatic approach aimed at balancing regional responsibility with the realities of a changing global environment.

“The geopolitical environment at this time is not what we have been accustomed to,” Drew said. “Being proactive is very important.”

When asked who will be paying for the needs of the third-country nationals, Drew revealed those expenses would likely be covered by the United States, with the government still finalising arrangements.