Saint Lucia is grappling with an economic burden that has left many of its citizens struggling to make ends meet. The 2.5% Health and Security Levy, introduced by the Pierre government to raise $33 million EC annually, has added to the financial strain on households and businesses. This levy, applied to essential goods and services such as groceries, back-to-school items,…
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…
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,…
Leader of the Opposition Hon. Allen Chastanet produces documentary evidence that Ernest Hilaire lied to the nation about the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Scandal
By James Stanislaus Minister Ernest Hilaire, responsible for the Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP), has been vocal in his criticism of the opposition’s condemnation of the program’s current state. However, his cries of foul play ring hollow in light of his own gross incompetence and questionable integrity in managing the CIP. Minister Hilaire’s integrity has been called into question due…
Prime Minister, Over the last few months several deeply alarming revelations have come to light about the manner in which the affairs of our country are being conducted. As the Opposition Leader I have shared with you and the general public my concerns with the GPH agreement, the Halls of Justice project, the guarantee of 80 million dollars for the…
Saint Lucia’s Leader of the Opposition Hon. Allen Chastanet has written to Prime Minister Philip J Pierre raising his concerns about the scandal and its impact on Saint Lucia’s reputation. These are some of the key takeaway from the letter.
Earlier this week, the Government of Saint Lucia announced that Prime Minister Pierre would be travelling to Dominica to attend the funeral of Cardinal Kelvin Felix. What the Government did not announce was that PM Pierre would also be attending a meeting with OECS CIP heads whilst on the same trip to Dominica. Saint Lucians only became aware of the…
In the realm of governance, transparency and accountability are cornerstones of public trust. The Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) in Saint Lucia, designed to attract foreign investment and bolster the economy, necessitates rigorous oversight to ensure its integrity and effectiveness. During its five-year term, the United Workers Party (UWP) consistently met its legal obligations by submitting annual reports and audited…
The allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement surrounding the Philip J. Pierre-led administration have sparked deep concern and skepticism among citizens in Saint Lucia. Recent revelations paint a troubling picture of fiscal irresponsibility and lack of transparency, raising serious questions about the government’s credibility and commitment to good governance. At the center of these allegations is the Citizenship by Investment…