Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has firmly stated that there has been no official confirmation from the USA indicating that Saint Lucia is among six Eastern Caribbean countries blacklisted for travel restrictions.
Recent reports indicate that the US is contemplating a significant expansion of its travel ban, potentially including Saint Lucia and other Caribbean nations that offer citizenship by investment (CBI), as per a leaked US State Department memo obtained by The Washington Post.
During a recent meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, PM Pierre led a regional delegation where several critical issues were addressed, including bilateral trade between the US and the Caribbean.
Notably, he emphasised, “The Blacklist matter did not come up in our discussions.”
He asserted unequivocally, “There has been no official notification from the US on this matter.”
The Prime Minister reiterated that Saint Lucia performs necessary due diligence procedures for individuals applying to the Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP). PM Pierre highlighted that the controversies arising from these external issues are perpetuated by the opposition to undermine the country’s reputation and integrity. He affirmed that Saint Lucia’s economy is robust, having sustained four years of growth.
“We have continuously engaged in negotiations and discussions with both the Americans and Europeans regarding our CIP program,” he stated.
Currently, he added, “Joint legislation is in progress, spearheaded by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB). We are committed to ensuring our CIP program is transparent and accountable.”
PM Pierre criticized the “noise orchestrated concerning the CIP,” attributing it to an individual in league with the opposition.
Expressing the urgency of the matter, he stressed, “We remain dedicated to respecting the wishes of the Europeans, and we will exert all efforts to ensure our CIP is transparent.”
Additionally, PM Pierre clarified, “The changes in the CIP were not initiated by this government.”
He noted that the CIP was established during the tenure of former Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony, following discussions with the opposition. “In 2016, a Task Force comprising opposition members and the private sector was formed, which led to the introduction of the CIP in Saint Lucia.”
After the program launch in 2016, he explained that the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) administration outlined “specific criteria” for CIP passport issuance, and “These included a cap of 500 passports and a networth, requirements that were in place when we left office in 2016.”
PM Pierre reiterated, “The changes to the CIP were initiated and executed by the United Workers Party (UWP) regime, which removed the net-worth requirement and the 500-passport cap.”
Dispelling criticisms surrounding the CIP as conveyed by the opposition, the Prime Minister stated, “We are prepared to refine our program to enhance its acceptance because we understand the benefits of the CIP program.”
He firmly declared, “Our government will not jeopardize the CIP program or its transparency, but we did not instigate the issues within the CIP.”
Addressing concerns about ‘rejected persons’ seeking CIP status in regional territories, PM Pierre stated that no Saint Lucian citizen has been involved in any passport scandal.
“Our due diligence is so thorough that those who faced rejection were previously flagged, and there has been no scandal surrounding our passports.” PM Pierre assured, “This demonstrates that our due diligence has been highly effective.”
The allegations come in the wake of similar reports from March, indicating that several Caribbean nations offering citizenship-by-investment programs may feature on a draft list of countries facing potential travel restrictions to the United States. The memo reveals that the Trump administration is reviewing visa bans or entry restrictions for citizens of 36 countries, citing national security and immigration enforcement concerns.
Should this expanded ban be implemented, it would significantly escalate US immigration policy, affecting Saint Lucians traveling to or residing in the United States, as well as impacting the CBI program, a crucial source of government revenue.
“My economics revolve around prioritizing the welfare of our citizens, particularly the disadvantaged,” PM Pierre declared, reaffirming that his governance style focuses not on extravagant developments but on “improving the lives of the people.”
Reports indicate that the US is concerned about security implications related to CBI programs, particularly regarding potential misuse of illicit activities. The report identifies Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts & Nevis, and Saint Lucia as under consideration.