The Government of Saint Lucia says it has received no official communication from the United States regarding the country’s placement on a list of nations whose citizens face possible travel restrictions, and it is “actively seeking clarification” on the matter.
This follows a New York Times report that a draft list detailing three tiers of countries that could face restrictions has Saint Lucia in a “yellow” category of 22 nations that would have 60 days to address perceived deficiencies or risk travel restrictions.
The proposal, which the newspaper said the State Department developed several weeks ago but could change by the time it reaches the White House, also includes a “red” list of 11 nations whose citizens would be flatly barred from entering the US, and an “orange” list of 10 countries for which travel would be restricted but not cut off.
In a brief statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, the Saint Lucia Government said it had not received any formal communication from the US on the matter.
“The Government of Saint Lucia and the Saint Lucian Embassy in Washington D.C. are actively seeking clarification on this matter,” it said. “The USA is a friend of Saint Lucia and remains a key partner in Saint Lucia’s development. We look forward to an even stronger relationship between our two countries.”
The government said it would provide updates on any official communications related to this matter.
St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica are also on the “yellow” list. The governments of St Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda are also seeking clarification from the US on the news report about the proposed travel restrictions.
While no reason was given for the placement of countries in that category, the New York Times noted that the issues could include inadequate security practices for issuing passports, insufficient information-sharing on travellers, or the selling of citizenship to people from banned countries.
All the Caribbean islands on the list have Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes.
In its response, the St Kitts and Nevis government said that since August 2022, it has maintained open dialogue with the US government, particularly regarding reforms to its CBI programme. It further noted that in January, Prime Minister Dr Terrence Drew participated in a three-day multilateral meeting in the United Kingdom with senior officials from the US State Department and Treasury.
“This engagement, along with ongoing discussions, underscores the federation’s commitment to international cooperation and adherence to global best practices in the CBI sector,” the St Kitts and Nevis government said.
Antigua and Barbuda, which sent off a diplomatic note to the US State Department, also made mention of its CBI programme, stressing that it does not accept applications from individuals originating from countries on a US banned list. It also noted that all applicants undergo rigorous vetting by recognised international agencies, including INTERPOL, to ensure that no one with a criminal background or current charges, including terrorism, is considered.
The reasons why some Caribbean countries including Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, and Grenada were exempted should be examined. Maybe we’re doing something or selling something they aren’t! If current trends continue, the Saint Lucia passport will be good for travel only throughout the OECS! Talk about something being a ‘victim of its own success ‘. I wonder what that something is!
They are coming after us because of the corruption that is rampant with the CIP. We, the citizens are being held hostage because of the corruption that is prevalent. The US is not answerable to us because they obviously don’t need this banana republic for nothing. Fix your shot and you know fully well what is it all about. Why we are place on the list, one reason is because you are selling to the red list countries our diplomatic passport. then they are using it to do whatever they wanted. When the word Saint Lucian surface in trafficking, drugs etc. all of you tends to pull you all tail between you all legs and start circus blaming.
As expected a measured response from the PM. There is no point responding with uninformed hysteria. However we as a Nation must not betray Cuba.
Non partisan persons have been advising you for months to fix the problems that lead to an escalation of the crime rate. Like not granting bail to gun criminals. We were all ignored. Treated like a nuisance on online platforms. Now look it. I am not one bit surprised. Stick your head in the sand and think the world isn’t watching us. With one of the highest murder rates per capita in the world is this even a surprise? At least you have 60 days to fix it I think. Btw, this non partisan here doesn’t want to travel to the US. But at least you are now aware that the outside world is watching. Smh
Concur Most Honorable that’s the least they owe us is “definitive clarity”. then we take it from there……you have some people with their speculations and political agenda making a whole heap of noise , not to take away from the seriousness of the matter let them present a statement of clarification and vilification on the matter of our CIP.
The biggest fear in all of this is not be be placed on the restricted list or have visa restriction. Instead it is have Pierre to lead such an important issue. At this point we have a group of leaders who are still waiting for an official communication. I hope this time Pierre is not telling the truth. I can only hope he has the wheels in motion and decides not tell the country.
Something of that magnitude does not allow lapse time.
I don’t think the government leaders in St. Lucia understand the damaging effects of social media 24/7 and it’s impact on tourism. While the government may not highlight issues/violations against tourist /citizens etc. – the victims of the crime and their respective family members, friends, organizations will certainly share.
Therefore, do the math – they will share their experiences whether it be good or bad with everyone else and so on and so on. In addition, there was an individual whose CIP was revoked because of ——????
St. Lucia please open your eyes and understand that the whole world is watching everyone everywhere – therefore whether you all believe it or not – ABSOLUTELY nothing is hidden from the rest of the world.
Currently, everyone is on the world stage for real. Therefore it would be in your best interest to get yourselves off that list…asap.
Phillp J. Pierre’s Dismissal as to not getting official communication from U.S entities don’t take away that we are officially on the Yellow list. Did a check with New York times and major news outlets and info seem 100% Legit. I knew it would come to this obvious situation. CIP, Money Laundering and the like. SMFH. They won’t answer to the Citizens. but they have no choice but to answer to the real pit bulls the MIGHTY US.
Woooie wooie wooie labba mouths…..anonymous and Watcher and overnight elected government officials you’ll just think yu’ll know more than everyone else??? The fact the US State Department has not issue any definitive stipulations as it pertains to St Lucia been revoked or removed from their list of countries with travel restrictions but you’ll just seem to be making up your own rules of engagement without they even releasing one synonym on the matter is unbelievable. Stop undermining and disrespecting the prime minister in his ability to conduct his civic duties to represent the people of his country.,….they want to ban “St Lucian’s “ they don’t give a dam about one’s Status or party affiliation. All OECS Countries on that list are in the same boat as St Lucia and are awaiting clarity.
@The Most Honorable Lucian Highgrade – last time I checked this was a public forum. For your information you don’t know who I am, where I work or live and/or what information I am privy too. I am not sure why you Lucians love to call other people names. Most of you have a problem when it comes to respecting other individuals.
I am neither SLP nor UWP and I have no idea who the prime minister is. However, I wish St. Lucia and the PM well as this is not a matter to be taken lightly. There is a specific time frame for compliance with this report whether you believe it or not. The labba mouth is you, therefore keep looking in the mirror and keep your insults to yourself. BTW – there are not that many in the OECS category on the list. Thank you.
Some are saying this has to do with crime. If that were the case then Trinidad and to an extent Jamaica would also be on the list. Trinidad has way worse crime than we do. This has to do with something else, and most of us are probably correct as to what it is.
And as Anonymous commented. The biggest fear is a bunch of incompetents are now in charge rectifying this situation.