Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture, and Information Dr. Ernest Hilaire contends that Saint Lucia’s Citizenship By Investment Programme (CIP) is viable and sustainable.
CIP initiatives in the region have attracted criticism regarding their security and transparency.
Nevertheless, Hilaire told Monday’s regular pre-Cabinet press briefing that Saint Lucia’s CIP had been designed to undergo a “rigid and robust” test.
He noted that notwithstanding the international sanctions against some countries, Saint Lucia remains on a sustainable trajectory in the broader global village.
“The industry has changed so much, but Saint Lucia has remained a destination that is known for its emphasis on due diligence, and its emphasis on transparency,” Dr. Hilaire declared.
He said the authorities have been pleased with the CIP’s work since its inception.
The minister added that the CIP was formatted to confront the challenges that may arise.
He said that though some changes were made to the original document, the department is “very proud of the work that we have done in that regard, and we continue to be seen as a destination that places extraordinary emphasis on those aspects.”
Minister Hilaire noted that the government is aware of the factors that may prove detrimental to the CIP’s growth.
However, he said, the government implemented a programme to ensure that “the CIP can start delivering directly to the people of Saint Lucia, not simply by raising revenue that goes to the treasury but to start making some direct contributions.”
The minister stated that the CIP had experienced some adjustments.
He told reporters that the upcoming budget presentation would have some “major announcements” regarding project delivery.
Hilaire cited the magnitude of works in other regional territories, including housing projects, roads, bridges, factories, schools, and hospitals.
He said that over the past five years, under the last administration, “We’ve never had that in Saint Lucia.”
The minister said that moving ahead, “we’re going to reach a point in Saint Lucia where we can make a couple of big announcements on projects that will be funded directly.”
“So, in addition to contributing to revenue, you will also see direct projects for the benefit of the people of Saint Lucia,” Dr. Hilaire asserted.
Let’s talk and continue too talk on good governance and not what the last administration failed to do or implement, the last administration was faced with tackling Covid and shutdowns for two out of the five years. This present administration has but five full years make it count because you guys will be held accountable for the duration of it let’s hear the talk at the end of the day
Hilaire, hope this is not another lie from you. Everything has been twisted from the truth.
CIP Board has approved less transparency , no more publishing of nationalities names or amount invested in local real estate. Better to have more transparency for applicants to invest more with better citizen engagement, come out of the shadows
Hilaire, Chastanet never tell us the number of passports he sold during his tenure, I want you to disclose the number that has been sold under the labor administration.
Troy if you see Hilaire, please tell him all other district rep has a day for their constituency , we are not seeing him at Marigot at all. Can he tell us what day is his constituency day for next week. We want an urgent meeting with him.