PM Drew Clarifies Haiti Exclusion Decision

BASSETERRE: Prime Minister The Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew has defended his government’s decision to exclude Haiti from a third-country nationals arrangement with the United States, emphasizing that the move balances compassion with national responsibility.

Speaking ahead of his trip to St. Vincent, the Prime Minister stated that every decision is guided by the best interests of St. Kitts and Nevis, a nation of only 51,000 people. As a small island developing state with limited resources, St. Kitts and Nevis must act with care and wisdom to protect its future, its institutions, and its people, he said.

The memorandum of understanding with the US is a non-binding framework that allows the Federation to review each case individually. The agreement includes safeguards such as the right to accept or reject any proposed transfer, exclusions for persons with serious criminal histories, and strict capacity-based limits.

Government officials stressed that the Haiti exclusion reflects practical realities rather than lack of empathy. St. Kitts and Nevis has historically supported Haiti by accepting and integrating a significant Haitian community, providing assistance to Haitians arriving in distress, and advocating internationally for stronger action to address Haiti’s ongoing crisis.

The government has used regional and international platforms, including the United Nations, to call for greater global responsibility toward Haiti. Officials say the decision was made from a position of care, balancing humanitarian concerns with the practical limits of a small state’s resources, infrastructure, and social services.

The administration maintains its commitment to regional solidarity and international cooperation while ensuring agreements remain sustainable and serve the national interest.