Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre stated on Monday that the Government of Saint Lucia has not received formal communication from the United States about media reports that Saint Lucia has been listed on a proposed list of countries that may face travel restrictions.
“We have received no official notification. We conducted thorough inquiries through our Washington office, which confirmed that there is no official communication, and our information is solely based on a newspaper article (New York Times),” the Prime Minister stated in response to the inclusion of Saint Lucia and three other OECS Member States on a ‘Yellow list’ of 22 nations given 60 days to correct perceived deficiencies with their passports.
“This is a serious issue. We will not engage in gloating or seek to exploit political advantage from it. The shifting U.S. policies are impacting relations with Canada, Mexico, Russia, China, and Ukraine, thus we must proceed with caution,” Pierre stated.
His words were: “We will maintain open dialogue with the U.S., but we reserve the right to forge alliances with countries of our choosing.”
Furthermore, he stated that the OECS member states were due to meet on Tuesday to thoroughly address this matter, adding, “We must be cautious and avoid making reckless statements.”
The participating countries have collectively asserted their relationship with the United States, hailing it as “a friend” and “an invaluable development partner.” They confirm that their Citizenship by Investment programs are being rigorously vetted and are actively seeking clarification from the United States on this topic.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Alva Baptiste, who recently returned from the 56th Special Session of the Organisation of African States (OAS) General Assembly, spoke with the media about this publication.
He too said Saint Lucia had no correspondence from the United States regarding the ‘Yellow List;’ and learnt about it via the New York Times, just like everyone else.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre stated on Monday that the Government of Saint Lucia has not received formal communication from the United States about media reports that Saint Lucia has been listed on a proposed list of countries that may face travel restrictions.
“This issue did not arise during our discussions,” Baptiste said, emphasizing his point about the ‘Yellow List’ issue.
On the CIP issue, Minister in the Ministry of Finance Wayne Girard revealed that the sub-regional states have employed a consultant to help bolster the OECS’ CIP portfolio.
Furthermore, Saint Lucia is among the area states currently being scrutinized by the US government for their immigration policy and external affairs agenda, particularly the hiring of Cuban medical workers.
Local government officials are unequivocal: Saint Lucia has maintained a strong diplomatic presence and fully adheres to international norms governing the hiring of foreign visitors.
Addressing the United States’ worries over Cuban medical staff working in the region, Baptiste stated, “As individual states, we uphold our international obligations. The United States has communicated several CARICOM nations regarding this matter.”
“We do not employ Cuban medical personnel in any unrecognized capacity. They are essential to our healthcare system and have been instrumental in addressing numerous challenges,” he said.
He admitted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, “we expanded their role to navigate through that unprecedented crisis, and we are grateful to the government and people of Cuba for their support.”
He noted that some Saint Lucian doctors have received training in Cuba, highlighting the enormous commitment made in preparing Saint Lucia’s healthcare workforce.
“We have clarified to the US that we are not in violation of any international obligations. Our diplomatic efforts are ongoing and multifaceted; we consistently engage on various issues, including the medical sector, and respond to inquiries from the United States with transparency,” Baptiste stated.
“The US likely sought clarification about our arrangements and whether they align with recognized international standards.” The minister highlighted that Saint Lucia will closely examine its policy agenda to ensure conformity to international obligations.
He highlighted that the US Foreign Service has yet to respond to Saint Lucia’s communication on the subject.
“This inquiry was not solely directed at Saint Lucia,” the National Security Minister emphasized. “It pertains to all countries temploying Cuban doctors. Cuban doctors in Saint Lucia operate as professionals, compensated by the government, with no special treatment over local doctors, and they play a vital role in our medical system,” Baptiste stated.