BASSETERRE, St Kitts and Nevis, May 20,2026– Three Caribbean nationals are expected to arrive in St Kitts and Nevis under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the United States concerning the transfer of certain third-country nationals, according to the St Kitts-Nevis Observer
The arrangement forms part of a wider regional discussion between Washington and several Caribbean governments on how to handle non-US nationals who cannot easily be returned to their home countries.
According to the Observer, Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew previously said the agreement with the United States applies only to CARICOM nationals and excludes people from outside the regional bloc. He also said the arrangement would remain voluntary and subject to the discretion of the St Kitts and Nevis government.
The agreement has drawn attention across the Caribbean, where governments have faced questions about the possible social, economic and security implications of accepting third-country nationals under US migration arrangements.
In St Vincent and the Grenadines, the government has confirmed that discussions with Washington have taken place, but officials say no final agreement has been signed.
Foreign Affairs Minister Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble told parliament in April, said that St Vincent and the Grenadines had received a request from the United States to consider entering a partnership on third-country nationals, but said discussions had “slowed down quite significantly”.
“We have not signed any agreement,” Mr Bramble said then.
Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday had earlier confirmed that Kingstown was reviewing a draft memorandum presented by US authorities and had responded with proposed changes as part of ongoing negotiations.
Regional governments have stressed that any such arrangements remain subject to national sovereignty and security considerations, amid public concern about how the policy could affect small island states with limited resources.