The opposition United Workers Party (UWP) has raised questions about Saint Lucia’s decision to enter a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the United States that could see third-country nationals deported to the island.
In an address on Sunday, Prime Minister Philip J Pierre maintained that the MOU does not create any legal obligation and any possible acceptance of deportees would be subject to strict safeguards.
He added that individuals with criminal records would not be allowed entry, and that local authorities would receive health information on deportees prior to any acceptance.
But in a statement issued today, the opposition called for clarification: “If the MOU requires no action, authorises no transfers, and imposes no obligations, why did it require Cabinet approval and a national address by the Prime Minister, and of what value is it to the government and people of Saint Lucia?”
The UWP also posed a series of questions, including when the discussions with the United States began and ended, whether they predated the December 1, 2025 general election, and how “third-country nationals” are defined under the MOU. Further queries were raised about the scope of background screening, whether information would be shared with local security agencies, whether individuals with criminal records would be excluded, the projected financial costs to Saint Lucia, how coordination would be managed, the duration of the MOU, and the conditions for a possible exit should the agreement “prove contrary to national interest”.
The opposition said that while it supports strengthened cooperation with key international partners, it has concerns about how the agreement was disclosed to the public and the absence of public consultation.
“We are also troubled by the limited details provided by the government regarding the costs of hosting these third-country nationals, the potential security risks associated with the programme, and the legal status that will be conferred on these non-national deportees,” the statement added.
During a Cabinet press briefing on Monday, Prime Minister Pierre said the full details of the MOU will not be disclosed as a matter of practice.
“That’s not how countries operate,” he said.
The issue has drawn increased public attention amid broader discussion on migration policy and Saint Lucia’s diplomatic relations with larger states, including the United States.
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