The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis has officially entered into a memorandum of understanding with the United States regarding the acceptance of certain deportees and refugees, becoming the latest Caribbean nation to join this regional arrangement. Prime Minister Terrance Drew confirmed the agreement during a January 8th roundtable discussion with journalists, clarifying that the arrangement specifically applies to nationals from Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states, with explicit exclusion of Haitian citizens.
The agreement contains significant limitations, applying only to individuals without violent or sexual criminal histories. This development follows similar confirmations from Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda, though each nation has negotiated distinct terms within their respective memoranda.
Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit emphasized the practical constraints of his nation’s small population of approximately 60,000, noting that while no specific numbers have been finalized, American authorities recognize these limitations. Security concerns regarding potential deportees were also acknowledged by both parties during negotiations.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne provided additional context through social media statements, clarifying that his nation’s arrangement is non-binding and includes the right to reject any individual proposed by the United States. The agreement caps annual acceptances at no more than 10 deportees and explicitly excludes those with criminal backgrounds.
This diplomatic development occurs against the backdrop of existing visa restrictions imposed by the United States on both Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda, scheduled to take effect in January 2026. Browne characterized his nation’s participation as a “measured diplomatic gesture” rather than an attempt to curry political favor, noting that over 100 governments worldwide were approached regarding similar arrangements.
Reports suggest Guyana may also be nearing a similar agreement, while inquiries to Saint Lucia’s Ministry of External Affairs regarding potential discussions remained unanswered at the time of reporting.