Last Updated on March 16, 2025, 2:07 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew has confirmed that the government of St Kitts and Nevis has received no formal or informal communication regarding the leaked US travel restriction draft list. This comes after a list released by The New York Times is making rounds on social media alleged to be a draft list of 43 nations recommended for visa restrictions.
In response to these media report, PM Drew confirmed that the government of St Kitts and Nevis and its Embassy in Washington DC are engaging with US officials to make the necessary inquiries.
Through an official press release, he assured the citizens of no such communication as of now and emphasised that the government remains committed to transparency, international cooperation and boosting the valued relationship with the United States.
Dr Drew further added that the Government remains actively engaged in the matter and will be providing further updates as necessary.
According to the list released by the New York Times, the US Government has proposed a travel ban to 43 countries in the world, categorising them into three zones red, yellow and orange. The report stated that several Caribbean countries including St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Saint Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda have been placed in the yellow zone.
It is suggested that the Trump administration is asking the 22 countries in the yellow zone to address the perceived deficiencies within 60 days. It is said that is these concerns are not acknowledged and resolved within the given time frame, these countries are at risk of being moved to a more restrictive category. However, Prime Minister Drew assured, “Government is now aware of any such concerns raised by US counterparts.”
I want to assure the people of St. Kitts and Nevis that your Government has received no formal or informal communication regarding the alleged U.S. travel restriction draft list.
We remain committed to transparency, international cooperation, and strengthening our valued… pic.twitter.com/UPDlg1zW1l
— Dr. The Hon. Terrance Drew (@TerranceDrewSKN) March 15, 2025
Furthermore, it has also been reported that some of the countries in the draft red and orange lists were earlier sanctioned under US President’s first-term travel bans. The New York Times added that the majority of the newly listed nations share characteristics with the ones earlier affected- being predominantly nonwhale or having governments perceived as weak.
Amid these speculations, Prime Minister Drew has assured that the government remains steadfast in continuing to engage with global partners in a manner that is respectful and transparent.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
