Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance M. Drew, has confirmed that his government has received no formal notification from the United States regarding any impending travel restriction or ban on citizens of the Federation.
Speaking in an interview on The Edge on ZIZ Radio, Prime Minister Drew addressed growing concerns fueled by reports circulating online and in the media. He reassured the public that his administration is actively engaging diplomatic channels but has yet to receive any official word on the matter.
“This administration has received no official notice of any travel ban or restriction on our citizens,” Dr. Drew stated. “From the moment we saw the reports, we moved immediately through all appropriate diplomatic channels. I put out communication to inform our people that we had not been formally informed about such a list, and therefore, as we get information, we would inform our people and keep them updated.”
Dr. Drew detailed the steps taken by the government to clarify the situation, highlighting swift action by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and direct contact with the U.S. Embassy in Barbados.
“Immediately, Foreign Affairs got activated. I got in touch with the Embassy of the United States of America in Barbados to get clarification. At that time, the embassy indicated that they had not received any formal communication about this so-called list,” he explained. “In addition to that, our Ambassador to the United States and OAS, Her Excellency Jacinth Henry-Martin, she and I spoke on the matter, and a meeting was held with the State Department to seek clarification as to what this is about.”
Dr. Drew confirmed that the U.S. State Department is awaiting an update from its Barbados embassy regarding the issue and reiterated that, as of now, no official position has been communicated to the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
“Has it been circulating? Yes. Has it been concerning? Yes. But we have been working the diplomatic channels from day one to deal with this matter, and to deal with it even proactively,” he added.
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to reaffirm the long-standing positive relationship between Saint Kitts and Nevis and the United States.
“We have an excellent relationship with the United States of America, a relationship that spans decades… Many of our citizens would have had tremendous positive impact on the development of the United States of America,” he noted.
Dr. Drew concluded by emphasizing the government’s commitment to transparency and timely updates, saying: “As far as I can report now, everything is normal. Our people can travel to the United States. They can apply for a visa to the United States of America. Everything remains totally normal.”
