(Kaieteur News) CARICOM member states must share more information among themselves before any collective position is taken on accepting third-country nationals from the United States, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and sitting CARICOM Chairman, the Honourable Philip J. Pierre, said on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Pierre made the statement at the closing ceremony of the 51st Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government after he was asked by a journalist whether the issue had been discussed collectively and, if so, what position had been adopted. The CARICOM Chair confirmed the matter was discussed, noting it remains one of concern for the region.

“We discussed it, and then took a position that we would share some more information among ourselves about what really each island is doing, but right now we are not clear. So, we decided to share some information among ourselves to possibly come out and formulate a position in the future. Right now, it’s a fact the United States has asked most islands to accept third-country nationals,” he said.