Government corruption is often more than just an issue of mismanagement—it can be a direct catalyst for crime. When those in power misuse resources or manipulate systems for personal gain, it erodes public trust and weakens the rule of law. People begin to see the government as an institution that prioritizes self-interest over public service, leading to a dangerous ripple…
The Government of Saint Lucia has found itself embroiled in yet another scandal. Information has emerged that a European Criminal Enterprise has been approved as a Citizenship by Investment Infrastructure Developer to do a Housing project in Rock Hall located in the Prime Minister’s constituency of Castries East. On September 12th, 2024, the Government of Saint Lucia suspiciously backdated approval…
The US$1.4 Billion of Saint Lucia’s CIP funds which remains unaccounted for, can go a long way in helping to address many of the issues and challenges which plague citizens of this country. The issues at OKEU Hospital, the high cost of living, the shortage of medication at our health centres and hospitals, the deteriorating infrastructure across the country and…
Saint Lucia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister with responsibility for investment Ernest Hilaire, is known for finding himself embroiled in scandals then finding someone else to blame for his blatant abuse of power and corruption. He did it with the secret appointment of Walid Juffali as an ambassador (A Saudi Arabian billionaire). He did it with the Range Rover scandal.…
Saint Lucia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Ernest Hilaire’s tenure as Minister with responsibility for Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) has been marred by numerous allegations of corruption, failure to adhere to legal protocols, and a troubling lack of transparency. The failure of Mr. Hilaire to present annual reports and audited financial statements for the CIP Programme in parliament over…
Dr. Ernest Hilaire, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Investment, Tourism, Culture, and Information of Saint Lucia, has a long history of controversy and corruption that makes him unfit for public office. From his tenure as CEO of the West Indies Cricket Board to his current role, Hilaire has consistently demonstrated a disregard for the law, due process and…
The recent actions of Minister Ernest Hilaire in threatening legal action against media houses reporting on the Billion Dollar Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment scandal are deeply troubling and unacceptable. This scandal, which has been unfolding over the past two years, is a matter of significant public interest. The media’s role in investigating and reporting on such issues is not…
Lastnight, DBS Television was sabotaged during the broadcast of an interview with Mr Philippe Martinez who has been exposing ongoing corruption within Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme. The revelations by Mr Martinez have alleged that over US$1 Billion of Saint Lucia’s CIP Funds are unaccounted for. During the interview Mr. Martinez was expected to make even more revelations given…
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,…
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,…