Hilaire: Saint Lucia CIP Rigid, Robust

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...