Commentary

Concerns Over Allegations of Bribery in Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Program

The recent allegations against a senior government official in Saint Lucia have sparked significant concern and unease within the community. Reports suggest that this official accepted a USD$200,000 bribe to facilitate a Russian Citizenship by Investment (CBI) application, despite the government’s agreement with the United States to cease processing such applications following the imposition of sanctions in March 2022. These…

More allegations of Corruption emerge relating to Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme

Saint Lucians should be deeply concerned regarding the recent revelations made by an Enhanced Due Diligence and Financial Crime Consultant about Saint Lucia’s purported violation of American sanctions on Russia. The consultant’s report accuses Saint Lucia of circumventing U.S. sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by continuing to process Citizenship by Investment (CBI/CIP) applications for Russian nationals,…

Hon. Allen Chastanet’s Pioneering Investment in Saint Lucia Carnival

Did you know that Hon. Allen Chastanet was the first minister to initiate the investment of $1 million into Saint Lucia’s Carnival? His vision and commitment to our cultural heritage have profoundly impacted the growth and international recognition of this vibrant festival. During his tenure as Minister for Tourism from 2006 to 2011, Chastanet made a pivotal decision to increase…

UWP Supporter responds to Ernest Hilaire: “Yes I Remember what it was like when Allen Chastanet was Prime Minister!”

Yes Ernest I remember when the UWP was in power. These are some of the things that I remember from 3 years ago 1)Fuel and Cooking gas was much cheaper than it is today! 2)The murder rate was 25% lower than it is today! 3)There was no 2.5% tax like there is today! 4)The cost of living was much lower…

Prime Minister Pierre’s Deafening Silence on $3 Million contract for British Crisis Management Firm

Recent reports indicating that the Government of Saint Lucia has engaged a British public relations firm for crisis management related to the Citizenship by Investment scandal, and to prepare a strategic plan for the Saint Lucia Labour Party’s upcoming general election campaign, have raised significant concerns. The alleged payment of £3 million to this firm, particularly at a time when…

Prime Minister Pierre’s Questionable Priorities in the Wake of Hurricane Beryl

Prime Minister Philip J Pierre’s recent statement regarding Saint Lucia’s financial constraints in assisting those affected by Hurricane Beryl has sparked considerable outrage among the public. His assertion that the government lacks sufficient funds to provide widespread assistance stands in stark contrast to recent decisions that have allocated substantial sums to various large-scale projects. According to documented reports, Prime Minister…

3 Questions for Stephenson King

While we send our prayers up to the heavens, that we were generally speared the wraft of Hurricane Beryl, with no loss of life or significant destruction here on Saint Lucia, we must reflect on whether the country was adequately prepared for this weather system. The Ministry of Infrastructure in its present configuration takes a lead role in national preparation.…

Divided in Disaster: The Unseemly Display of Party Loyalty in Soufriere

It is utterly disheartening to observe partisan politicking taking precedence over the pressing needs of the victims of Hurricane Beryl. During a recent tour of the Soufriere Waterfront to assess the damage caused by the hurricane, Emma Hippolyte, the Parliamentary Representative for Soufriere Fond St. Jacques, was seen wearing a green cap adorned with the red star of the St.…

Beneath Contempt: The Prime Minister’s Cynical Attempt To Buy Favour In The Wake Of Hurricane Beryl

By James Stanislaus “It is utterly appalling and reprehensible that Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre would prioritize political expediency over the welfare of the people of Soufriere, who have suffered devastating losses due to the ravages of Hurricane Beryl. His callous disregard for the plight of his constituents is a stark reminder of his administration’s tone-deafness to the needs of…

Condemnation of Prime Minister Philip J Pierre’s Soufriere Bribery Plot

The recent scandal surrounding Prime Minister Philip J Pierre, implicating him in a bribery scheme with Soufriere MP Emma Hippolyte, have shocked and dismayed many across Saint Lucia. According to reports, the Prime Minister was allegedly captured on video, during a livestream produced by his communications unit, discussing payments of $1500 to residents of Baron’s Drive. The livestream, which was…