CASTRIES, St. Lucia, Sept 7, CMC – The St. Lucia government Monday said it had turned down a list of containing the names of 10 individuals whom the United States wanted to be among the first set of migrants being transferred to the island under the third country nationals programme.
But Foreign Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs Minister, Alva Baptiste, speaking at the weekly Cabinet news conference told reporters that the Phillip J Pierre administration “did not accept all 10 individuals that the US had submitted” and that Castries has since welcomed six foreign nationals to its shores under the programme.
“I wish to emphasise that under the agreement with the US, St. Lucia retains full discretion to review and reject any individual proposed for relocation, and in this first case, St. Lucia did not accept all 10 individuals that the US had submitted.
“Further, that the US government is committed to bearing the cost of the relocation of the transferees with additional support from our international partners to assist the voluntary repatriation to their country of origin as a primary option.”
Last week, Baptiste had told reporters that over the next two years, St. Lucia would receive up to 10 persons each quarter.
Baptiste said that the MoU with Washington is the latest expression of the “steadfast partnership” between the two countries and of the strength and maturity of their bilateral relationship.
“I am pleased to report that the transfer and reception of the six individuals were completely smooth. It was without turbulence,” Baptiste said, reiterating that “these individuals were received by St. Lucia under an established arrangement, and based on the information available to the government of St. Lucia and our own detailed assessments, there is no indication that they present a threat to the safety or security of the St.Lucia public.
“They are certainly not criminals, as has been portrayed in some circles. These are people who have experienced an out-of-the-ordinary difficulty and in very, very trying circumstances in relation to the status in the United States and who are now seeking an opportunity to rebuild their lives.”
He said the migrants have expressed genuine appreciation for the assistance extended to them by St. Lucia.
“The situations remain very, very important to us, and it also reminds us that behind every policy decision are human beings whose lives have been profoundly affected by circumstances beyond their control.”
Baptiste said he coould confirm that “two of the six individuals have expressed a desire to return to their home countries” and that the Ministry of External Affairs is actively engaging the relevant embassies and international partners to facilitate the voluntary repatriation as efficiently as possible.
“The remaining four have, for various reasons, indicated that they wish to remain in St. Lucia for the time being.They will continue to be accommodated as far as practicable within the arrangements established by the government and with the support of our international partners,” Baptiste said, wiithout disclosing the countries where the six individuals would have come from in the first instance.
“They will be treated with dignity and humanity at all times, including regular and private access to communication with legal representatives and family members,” Baptiste said, adding “I also wish to make clear that voluntary repatriation remains an option for those who choose to remain in St. Lucia.
“Should any of the individuals subsequently wish to return to their home country, the government will work with the relevant authorities and international partners to facilitate that process. Their presence in St. Lucia is governed by a set of predefined terms rather than open-ended residency, and this arrangement is temporary in nature and does not constitute permanent resettlement at this juncture in time.”
Baptiste said he is aware of the discussion taking place across social media and in sections of the news media, noting that these questions are legitimate and some of the concerns are not without merit.
“Rest assured that this government will not compromise on and will always give priority to the security of our people and our mandate for socio-economic development, while still balancing our human obligation to provide support for those in need.
“We are fully cognisant that as a developing country, we have real social and economic challenges, and this government does not minimise them.But our responsibility to the people of St. Lucia and our responsibility to uphold the principles of human dignity are not competing responsibilities.
“We can and must do both. As a nation that has emerged from the bonds of slavery and as a people who have had to rebuild after suffering our natural disasters, let us not lose our sympathies for the downtrodden or our sensitivity to matters of equality and human rights.”
Baptiste said that St. Luccia is known for its warmth, its hospitality, and its compassion.
“We can protect our national interests, safeguard our systems, and remain vigilant about our national security while still treating vulnerable people with dignity. That is not weakness, that is responsible leadership,” he said, adding that the government will provide further updates as necessary on this programme.
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