Tag: Corruption

The Missing US$1.4 Billion in CIP Funds and Its Potential Impact on Saint Lucia’s Economy

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,…

Deceptive Governance

By James Stanislaus The government of St. Lucia has embarked on a reckless and destructive path, prioritizing the interests of foreign corporations and wealthy elites over those of its own citizens, particularly the poor and working-class people who make up more than 50% of the population. The recent imposition of a 2.5% Health & Security Levy, touted as a measure…

Ethical Governance in Question: Did Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre Support Ministers’ Involvement in Blackmail Scandal?

Recent revelations have cast a troubling light on the actions of two key figures in the government of Saint Lucia, raising serious questions about ethical governance and political integrity. A recently aired episode of “Untold Stories” has brought to public attention leaked voice notes and WhatsApp conversations that suggest Minister Richard Frederick and Minister Joachim Henry were involved in a…

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,…

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…

Minister Ernest Hilaire’s Incompetence and Questionable Integrity: A Recipe for Disaster

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…