Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has assured Saint Lucians that any possible acceptance of non-national deportees from the United States would come with strict safeguards.
At Monday’s pre-Cabinet briefing, he emphasised that individuals with known criminal records would not be permitted entry, and that health information on deportees would be shared with local authorities before any acceptance.
While details on housing or long-term arrangements remain unsettled, Pierre stressed that Saint Lucia would retain full discretion over who is allowed to enter.
These assurances come amid mixed public reaction to preliminary talks between Saint Lucia and the United States, with debate spilling across social media. Pierre has reiterated that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under discussion does not bind Saint Lucia to any agreement but simply opens dialogue between the two nations.
Veteran journalist and political commentator Earl Bousquet expressed hope that Saint Lucia will not ultimately be required to host deportees for extended periods.
“By my understanding, this is an MOU and not yet a signed agreement, as stated more than once in the PM’s address,” he said. “Even if and when we do, I don’t think those persons who may be sent here left their countries to come to Saint Lucia, so we never know what will happen. Let’s just hope we don’t have to host any… but let’s see what the agreements say, if and when signed.”
No timeline has been attached to the talks, and Pierre has cautioned against sensationalism, noting that the full details of the MOU will not be disclosed because “that’s not how countries operate”.
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