Speaking at a recent media briefing, Minister Baptiste stressed that the Government of Saint Lucia has received no official communication from the United States indicating any policy shifts. He reaffirmed that in the realm of international diplomacy, such matters are communicated through formal diplomatic channels, not media reports or public speculation.
“This is not how we communicate as governments. We have a system where, if the United States would like to communicate changes in its foreign policy posture, it would send a diplomatic note. And based on that diplomatic note, we are going to respond.”
He further emphasised that without such correspondence, the Government of Saint Lucia cannot issue any formal statements or advice regarding alleged policy changes: “Unless we get a diplomatic note indicating timeframes, indicating specific measures, we cannot comment on those things publicly.”
His comments come amid rumours circulating in the public domain that potential travel or immigration restrictions may be under consideration by U.S. authorities. However, Minister Baptiste cautioned against giving undue weight to unverified claims.
“These are all things in the public domain, a lot of speculation. I cannot comment on those things.”
He noted that issues relating to immigration fall under the purview of national immigration authorities in the United States, not the Department of Foreign Affairs.
“People want to come to Carnival, they come,” he remarked. “If they want to be obedient to what they hear in the public domain, then that’s a choice they have to make privately.”
Minister Baptiste’s statement mirrors similar assurances recently given by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, who also confirmed that the Government has received no official word from Washington on any pending changes to U.S. visa or travel policy concerning Saint Lucians.
The External Affairs Minister reiterated that until formal diplomatic communication is received, the public should remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.