Gonsalves expressed his opinions regarding the no-VISA status for citizens of other countries. The Prime Minister’s sentiments were made known to Canadian PM Justin Trudeau at the recently held Canada-CARICOM summit held in Canada.

“I find it painful to see that former Nazis or Nazis from European countries can enter Canada without a VISA but the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Robert Milton Cato, who was a member of Canadian armed forces, can’t have VISA-free access,” Gonsalves said during a media conference on October 24, 2023.

At present, Saint Vincent is among Caribbean countries which require a VISA to enter Canada, or an Electronic Travel Authorisation once certain conditions are met. These conditions include being a holder of a non-immigrant US VISA or having held a Canadian VISA for the last ten years.

“We either have to have a US VISA on which we can get an electronic travel authorisation which helps only about 10% of the population, or you get your VISA in the way in which I applied for mine in order to go to the Summit,” he lamented.

Gonsalves says he will continue to advocate for VISA-free travel to Canada for Vincentian nationals.