Foreign Affairs Minister Alva Baptiste on Monday addressed public speculation surrounding the incoming United States Administration’s plans to deport illegal residents.
Minister Baptiste assures citizens that Saint Lucia is complying with its international law obligations and will not infringe on the laws of other countries.
“One of the things I will say very clearly – Saint Lucia is certainly not above the law and we have an obligation in international law to manoeuvre in specific ways,” the Minister clarified at Monday’s pre-cabinet press briefing.
The Minister explained that Saint Lucia’s diplomatic ties with the United States remain unfettered despite public speculation that any deportations of illegal nationals would signal a strained relationship between the two countries: “The United States of America is a very good friend of Saint Lucia. We continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship, and our relationship is established on the basis of mutual respect and trust. We are working with the US,” he said.
Minister Baptiste assures citizens that Saint Lucia is making appropriate provisions for receiving returning nationals. “We are in constant communication with them to ensure things happen as smoothly as possible. And we have also put local mechanisms in place to deal with any issues of deportation. So rest assured.”
Refusing to comment on his personal opinion of U.S. domestic policy, Baptiste reaffirmed that the U.S. is governed by its laws: “The United States of America has its laws, and we need to respect the laws and respect the country. We also have an obligation on the international law, and we are going to respect that. But the United States and St. Lucia enjoy excellent relations. And for the long tracks of future time, I see nothing changing,” he said.
During a previous pre-cabinet press briefing, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre disclosed that the government is currently handling eight active deportation cases.
