St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Godwin Friday has confirmed that the United States government has formally approached his administration, along with all Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) members, regarding the potential resettlement of third-country nationals. The diplomatic engagement centers on a proposed memorandum of understanding currently under negotiation between Kingstown and Washington.
In an exclusive interview with state-owned NBC Radio on Thursday, Prime Minister Friday revealed that his government has submitted a draft response to US authorities and is awaiting further clarification. The Vincentian leader, who currently chairs the eight-member OECS bloc, emphasized that while the US initiative is being pursued through bilateral channels, Caribbean nations are coordinating their responses through regional mechanisms.
“We have been presented with a memorandum of understanding for review and have engaged in negotiations with US authorities,” Friday stated. “This process mirrors similar engagements occurring across the OECS region, where we are collectively seeking to harmonize our approach.”
The Prime Minister highlighted the particular significance of such agreements for the OECS, which maintains a unique regime of free movement among member states. Any immigration arrangement affecting one nation inherently impacts neighboring territories, creating compelling reasons for policy coordination.
Friday acknowledged historical challenges in coordinating foreign policy within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and OECS frameworks but stressed that member states remain committed to developing unified approaches. The current negotiations include critical discussions regarding operational security protocols and implementation mechanisms for any potential resettlement program.
While expressing willingness to maintain cooperative relations with traditional partners like the United States, the Prime Minister emphasized that any agreement must ensure reciprocity and address legitimate security concerns. The region seeks balanced arrangements that respect both international obligations and regional stability considerations.