Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government have convened in caucus to address pressing regional concerns, including proposed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) from the United States government regarding the transit of Third Country Nationals (TCNs) through member states.
According to Antigua News Room, regional leaders acknowledged the capacity constraints facing small island nations in managing TCN transit arrangements, stressing that any such agreements must not compromise national security or strain resources and services available to their own citizens.
Heads of Government clarified that the proposed MOUs are designed to facilitate the transit of individuals without criminal records back to their home countries — not their permanent settlement within CARICOM member states. Leaders emphasized the importance of ensuring that citizens across the region fully understand this distinction, and agreed that concerted efforts must be made to communicate clearly with the public on the matter. They also reaffirmed their collective commitment to the principles of safe, orderly and regular migration, as well as to the dignity of all migrants.
The leaders acknowledged the longstanding partnership between CARICOM and the United States and recognised the significance Washington places on the proposed agreements. They noted that some CARICOM member states have already signed TCN MOUs, while others remain in active discussions with the U.S. government. The caucus also noted that 30 countries globally have already signed similar TCN transit agreements.
