PM Pierre: Saint Lucia/US MOU. No requirement to accept anyone

Published on January 12, 2026

Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre delivered his New Year’s address Sunday night informing the nation that the Cabinet of Minister has approved a Memorandum of Understand between Saint Lucia and the United States.

The MOU commits Saint Lucia “to accept the potential transfer of certain third-country nationals present in the United States. This agreement is non-binding and is at the complete discretion of both governments”.

The Prime Minister told Saint Lucians that “this MOU establishes a framework for co-operation and does not trigger any immediate transfer and future engagements. This MOU is orderly, transparent and consistent with the laws, policies and national interest of Saint Lucia”.

PM Pierre goes on to assure Saint Lucians that “no agreement has been signed and no details are available. As I have always done on matters of national interest, I will provide all relevant and applicable information to the citizens of Saint Lucia”.

Mr. Pierre also gave the assurance that no information has been given to the Government of Saint Lucia regarding any changes in the United States’ visa policy for Saint Lucians wishing to travel to the United States.

The Prime Minister explain that the MOU was accepted to “keep open diplomatic dialogue, protect national interests, and ensure that any future discussions, if they occur, happen on Saint Lucia’s terms, transparently and responsibly”.

Prime Minister’s address.