St Kitts receives Caribbean nationals, including from Jamaica, deported from US

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC – The St Kitts and Nevis government is reporting that three individuals, including from Jamaica, have arrived in the country as part of an agreement with the United States to allow the transfer of specific third-country migrants.

In a statement, the government said the transfer of the individuals from Jamaica and Belize had been “conducted pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of St Kitts and Nevis and the Government of the USA concerning the transfer of certain third-country nationals who are citizens of CARICOM member states.”

The statement said that, in accordance with the arrangements outlined in the MOU, and at no cost to the government of the twin-island federation, the individuals will be processed through the established immigration and security procedures of St Kitts and Nevis and granted the immigration status and legal accommodation ordinarily applicable to CARICOM nationals within the federation.

“The government wishes to assure the public that all relevant national security, immigration, and law enforcement agencies have been fully engaged in the process,” the statement said, adding that Washington “has also provided the relevant biographical, medical, and criminal background information available in relation to the individuals prior to their transfer.”

“The individuals are not being transferred on account of criminal convictions. Their transfer relates to immigration violations in the USA. The individuals are free, at their own discretion and subject to the laws and immigration requirements of their respective home countries, to return to their countries of nationality if they so choose,” the statement added.

The government said it remains committed to the responsible management of migration matters, adherence to its international obligations, and the maintenance of public safety and national security.

“Members of the public are encouraged to rely on official government sources for accurate information and updates concerning this matter,” the statement added.

St Kitts and Nevis is among several CARICOM countries, including Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda, that have signed similar agreements with the United States government.

“I want us to understand that St Kitts and Nevis, of course, was approached by the United States of America, as were other CARICOM countries, and we took a very proactive approach, sitting with the Americans to reach an arrangement,” Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew told the “Roundtable” programme with journalists in January this year.

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