Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has described the agreement with the United States to accept third-country deportees as “one of the most difficult decisions” his government has made. He said that after several rounds of negotiations, he believes Saint Lucia got the “best deal” under the circumstances.
Speaking on Radio 100’s Thursday edition of What Makes You Mad, Pierre said the current agreement, which allows for up to 10 third-country nationals every three months, was very different from what was first offered.
According to the Prime Minister, there was initially no stipulated number, which could have meant Saint Lucia would have to take in an unlimited number of people.
Pierre said it was through continued discussions with the US that the Government arrived at the current terms, while suggesting that simply saying “no” was not a realistic option.
“If you’re a Prime Minister of a country, you’ll tell the United States no?” he said.
Pierre also explained what happens after the third-country nationals arrive in Saint Lucia.
He said that for the first seven days, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) pays for their boarding and lodging. After that, the Government of Saint Lucia takes over responsibility.
The Prime Minister also disclosed that a liaison officer has been assigned to assist the four nationals from the first group of six who chose to stay in Saint Lucia. Two others have said they want to return to their home countries.
The officer is expected to remain in regular contact with the four, help connect them with the right embassies in Saint Lucia, determine what skills they possess and stay informed about whether they wish to return home in the future.
Pierre also revealed that while the US has provided “something” to assist Saint Lucia with hosting the third-country nationals, discussions over the financial package are continuing.
Yes Pierre you can say NO…………………… awa wee
@kat. And he says no and then St. Lucia magically faces a US travel advisory. Or sanctions. Are you willing to deal with the consequences of that? Or are you too simple to understand the ramifications of?
Of course, we can, and should say “NO!” to the US!! Caribbean islands have far too long complied to the USA directives – to whose gain?
My 2nd question … Doesn’t SLU have a National Radio Station?
Pierre also revealed that while the US has provided “something”…..Again, the lack of transparency is what irks people the most. Stop beating around the bush and tell it like it is. WE THE PEOPLE need FULL disclosure; after all, you did say that St. Lucia takes over responsibility after 7 days. So, what exactly does that responsibility entail? We need the facts concerning this arrangement; the government is accountable to the PEOPLE!!
I have never heard more BS than that. Yes there will be fall back when you say no to the US and we the people must accept that. Just as when US stop working and financing the Police a few years ago when it summarily decided police actions were extra judicial killings.
Why are the Caribbean politicians refusing to ready to bear pain and wake our people up from the slumber of the global north is desired dream, when we know the global North will always see us as their slaves too bend whichever way they choose. Emancipate yourself from mental slavery.
sosueme be a little smarter with your reasoning i agree not the best deal but the government had no other option they clearly understand the US geopolitical minefield. Here is a clue, the United States is the largest source country for tourists visiting Saint Lucia, accounting for over 50% of stay-over arrivals the economy is heavily dependent on tourism, this serves as the island’s primary economic driver and the largest employer and main source of foreign exchange. Do you really want to mess this up by saying NO. There was no other option therefor, the people that are way smarter than you figured it out.
Lucians really really foolish . You’ll not trying to educate you’ll selves and be smart , just talking a while bunch of foolishness online . You saw how the United States went into Venezuela and Iran didn’t you ? A tiny little island like Saint Lucia , heavily heavily dependent on importing and tourism will tell big bad trump no . Then what? When he say to his US people do not travel to Saint Lucia, where will you get money to buy a packet of crix crackers and tuna fish for you to not die of starvation ? You’ll just don’t have sense. Smh. No body saying the US is right with what they’re doing but what can we do as a tiny little island about it ?
@anonymous … I am smart by following. the current state of USA affairs – and they are currently on very shaky legs! Their deportation plans are already backfiring. If and the democrats take over, their shaky house of cards fall. We must stop “jumping to attention” when america.says so.