Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew highlighted his administration’s diplomatic achievements during the March Prime Minister’s Roundup press conference. He shared updates from his recent visit to Ghana, including new agreements between the two nations.
Ghana Agreements Boost Education and Travel
Dr. Drew announced a Visa-Free Travel Agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Ghana. These initiatives aim to enhance educational opportunities for St Kitts and Nevis students.
Partial Visa-Free Access to Canada
St Kitts and Nevis citizens holding a valid U.S. Green Card or a 10-year U.S. visa now qualify for partial visa-free entry to Canada. Eligible travelers simply complete an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of applying for a traditional visa.
The Prime Minister attributed this progress to intensive diplomatic negotiations and reforms to the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme. He noted that these changes prompted the lifting of a FinCEN Advisory, which had flagged concerns over potential CBI misuse.
Opposition Questions Timing and Novelty
While Dr. Drew described the visa arrangement as a major diplomatic victory, opposition critics argue it stems from a 2023 Canadian policy extended to multiple Caribbean countries. They point out that discussions on visa relaxations date back to 2014, involving prior administrations like SKNLP and Team Unity, though no government has secured full visa-free access.
Critics suggest the emphasis on this existing policy coincides with the approaching 2027 elections, noting it received widespread coverage upon its initial rollout.
