In a significant move toward governmental transparency, Saint Lucia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire has declared the administration will publicly disclose all records pertaining to the nation’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP). The announcement came during the inaugural pre-Cabinet briefing of the new government term, signaling a decisive break from previous practices.
Dr. Hilaire emphasized that revealing the program’s complete documentation—including operational audit reports, annual assessments, and financial statements—is essential for rehabilitating Saint Lucia’s international standing. The disclosure aims to address both global concerns and domestic skepticism that have shadowed the initiative. These documents will be formally presented in Parliament during an upcoming session, though not immediately.
The minister attributed previous criticisms to political opposition, characterizing them as a ‘hate campaign’ that undermined national interests. He asserted that a properly managed CIP could substantially fund infrastructure projects including housing developments, road networks, and bridge construction. Recent legislative reforms have reportedly fortified the program with reinstated pre-2016 safeguards such as annual quotas, financial requirements, and provisions for a more diverse oversight board with enhanced expertise.
Following a recent electoral victory that secured the Saint Lucia Labour Party a second consecutive term, the government now focuses on implementing its revised framework. Dr. Hilaire expressed optimism about the program’s potential to drive national development over the next five years, describing the period as potentially the nation’s ‘most glorious years’ through intensified and expanded CIP operations.