Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, and Grenada jointly occupied third place in the Henley & Partners 2024 Global Citizenship Program Index among some 100 countries.
Malta nabbed the top spot, followed by Austria in the index, which evaluates various factors.
They include quality of life, visa-free travel, investment prerequisites, compliance measures, residency requirements, relocation flexibility, transparency, and reputation.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre had stoutly defended the integrity of Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP).
Pierre’s defence came amid opposition United Workers Party (UWP) concerns regarding CIP transparency and security.
The UWP had warned that Saint Lucia’s visa-free access to the UK and Europe was at risk.
Opposition leader Allen Chastanet asserted that the UWP had received reliable information that Pierre had been summoned to Brussels over concerns about Saint Lucia’s CIP.
But the Saint Lucia Prime Minister, who recently returned from the trip to Brussels, told reporters he was never summoned and nobody invited him.
“I asked to see the members of the European Commission and the European Parliament. The reason why I did that, I wanted to hear first-hand for myself what was the situation regarding the Schengen visa,” Pierre disclosed.
The Schengen area comprises over 20 European countries.
“Europe has no problems with us,” Pierre declared.
The PM also disclosed that the Brussels trip had been planned a month in advance.
The Prime Minister explained, “I wanted to speak to the EU before my government signs Saint Lucia to any Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Citizen by Investment with our Caribbean neighbours.”
Saint Lucia did not sign, citing contractual arrangements with investors.
Nevertheless, the PM declared he never indicated he would not sign but wanted more information before doing so.
“The CIP Programme, not Saint Lucia’s CIP programme, the CIP Programme generally has been put as one of the reasons a country can lose its Schengen visa. But that has to be done by the parliament,” Pierre told reporters.
Pierre said the European Parliament had received a recommendation and would vote after the June parliamentary elections.
Pierre said no one knows what the result of the vote would be.
In this regard, he emphasised that vote was not because of Saint Lucia’s CIP.
He noted that counties worldwide have CIPs and Saint Lucia’ own was not under pressure.
Flambeau, take that and stop spreading misinformation
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha…….you spit in the sky….,,finish it yellow Clowns always looking like fools.
Chastenet, while shitting in his pants: “this is outrageous. I have a document in my draw that shows it’s a lie.” 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Oh my goodness is all I can say right now. Europe will have issues and concerns with any Caribbean country giving visas and contracts to Russians and Iranians. You don’t want those 2 meddling in your country. Best be careful entering the mouth of jaws. Here’s the thing, if you did not want to sign, is it because you are heavily involve with those two? Or you were alerted to shady business connected to investments and questions were asked or laid out of possible risk factors? The PM summons the EU to meet up for a meeting. Bravo, what really happened?
So what was the little advise that was laid out to the PM. What was whispered in your ears to make you not want to sign but instead you wanted face to face answer with EU members. It’s fair and reasonable to ask, nothing wrong with wanting clarification. However, the article states that St Lucia did not sign, citing contractual arrangements with investors. Which investors? Russians, UK, USA,Canada Iranian, Grenada, Antigua, Chinese, Taiwan investors? I would like to know who those investors are. I am pretty sure most Lucians would like to know and have a right to know. Nothing wrong with more clarification Mr PM.
Right now with what is happening in the middle east. St Lucians, should be very concerned. Because whatever happens over there, will most definitely affect the whole of Europe and treacle down to the Caribbean. Do not think for one minute it won’t.
The three clowns above just proved their ignorance. Hennely and Partners is a company which deals in CIP globally so the commendation means nothing at all and is not going to stop us from losing visa free access to Europe. The PM mentioned that we do not know what could happen when the EU votes in June so good luck. Given the attitude of the Europeans towards migrants recently, you can see what comes next.
Cancel CIP right away, my rights should not be for sale.
This year we are going to have 3 hurricanes:
1. Crime
2. CIP Blacklist
3. An actual hurricane
I hope Lucians prepared.
@Oh Really. You forgot one more:
It’s hurricane Allen. 😂😂😂😂😂
Yes …but how does that benefit the ordinary man on the street?
@ That O Really Character/Shock and Horror same jackass different day…… cry a river you fool, cry a river.
@Lucian low grade, don’t come for me unless I send for you. I have been expecting a response from you. So kind of you to address me as a Jack Ass.
If you don’t like my comments, whenever you see Shock Horror, just glide pass. Go pass and quick. Why waste your time reading my comments.
If you can’t comment and remind respectful. I suggest you refrain from name calling, you need a lesson in etiquette. So today your grade is Learn to respect other people’s comments, without throwing a tantrum.
How many passports were sold under the Uwp regime? I have asked that several times and just cannot get an answer. Please Allen Chastanet tell us the number of passports you sold.
@O Really/ Shock and Horror…. Hee haww hee haww hee haww hee haww