First group under US TCN programme arrives this week

CASTRIES (CMC):

The St Lucian government says the first group of people being transferred to the island under a bilateral agreement with the United States will arrive later this week.

Alva Baptiste, the minister for foreign affairs, international trade, civil aviation, and diaspora affairs, told the weekly Cabinet press briefing that six individuals, five men and one woman, would be admitted under the third-country nationals programme.

“Over the next two years, St Lucia will receive up to 10 persons each quarter. The United States remains a strong and valued partner to St Lucia. Our relationship is built on cooperation and a shared commitment to addressing regional and international challenges responsibly,” he told reporters.

Baptiste said discussions on the programme had taken place at Washington’s request.

“At the request of the United States government, we have been discussing how we can assist in implementing the third country nationals’ programme.

“I know this matter has raised concerns, so let me address them directly. These individuals are not criminals. Their circumstances are administrative. They were unable to establish normalcy in their immigration status in the United States and were, therefore, identified for removal,” he said.

He said the government was working closely with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and would offer two options to those transferred.

“One, voluntary repatriation to the countries of origin or those who choose to remain to follow the appropriate laws and receive support for the integration into St Lucia society. Our government is very clear. Our agreement to this programme reflects the values we proudly uphold as a nation.

“Values of compassion, human dignity, and respect for fundamental rights as enshrined in the UN Charter. It is who we are as St Lucians,” Baptiste said, adding that the government would keep the public informed.

The minister stressed that the arrivals would not be treated as detainees.

“We cannot treat them as if they are prisoners, he said. “We are going to receive them and treat them with respect. The same respect that we expect people from other countries to treat our people when our people go to them. We have substantial numbers of S. Lucia who reside in various countries around the world, and we would like our people to be received and treated with respect ….”

Baptiste said migration had become increasingly politicised as countries erected barriers to movement. Nonetheless, he argued, states had a duty under international law to treat migrants with dignity and respect.