Most of us are acquainted with Citizenship by Investment (CIP). There are four ways foreign nationals can invest in St. Lucia: Saint Lucia National Economic Fund, Real Estate Projects, Enterprise Projects and Government Bonds.
>>>>>>>My Question is, what are your views or what do you understand by the term Citizenship by Investment? >>>>>>>>>
(NB: if you are not acquainted with the term CIP send me a message on whatsapp or in the FB inbox)
Alicia:
The land, The people the light ..Which one of these will benefit from CIP?
Will the people of Saint Lucia benefit from new companies applying for CIP? What will the CIP funds be used for…
Jason:
The CIP seems like a good idea to attract foreign investment…but what have we learnt from previous foreign investors who come to St Lucia?
Alicia:
Most of them have provided jobs like the Syrians.
Jason:
Be careful who you sell fair Helen to. The object should be to attract investment while protecting our country from unscrupulous business men and corrupt politicians. If this new initiative is going to be business as usual then I am against it. It has to be very careful with how much power it gives to a select few and there should be transparency about who is coming in and how much money is coming in.
Jason:
I’m surprised their office is in the NIC building and not in the top floor suite at Baywalk.
Jason:
You know how government likes to throw around money in the name of attracting foreign investment.
Alicia :
I have done some research on this…Ikr….
Alicia:
It seems applications have started.
Jason:
I think the government should also inject more resources in local businesses instead of always focussing on foreign dollars. ‘Cause a lot of these foreign owned businesses come in and cannibalize our local business only to sell to another foreign business then pack up and declare bankruptcy when their bills get too high
Alicia:
So applications began on January.
Alicia:
And our P.M. described himself as a jealous guardian of St. Lucian citizenship.
Jason:
Uh huh. Will they create well paid and sustainable employment for Alice and me? Time will tell.
Jason:
Those lawyers always sweet talking you. No wonder we have so many in office.
Alicia:
He also said that it’s just not citizenship but would be offering an identity, a people, and Saint Lucia’s place in the world
Jason:
So we selling our soul, are we? You decide.
Alicia:
Well I think this might work out…the tourism industry might grow some more.
Jason:
And hopefully more offshore clients for Saint Lucia.
Alicia:
Yes, This might also be a worry type of thing.
Jason:
Well…as long as the government sets strong policies and we don’t have ministers taking bribes to push through bad applications, everything will be ok
Jason:
But we don’t live in a perfect world.
Alicia:
This might be a terrorist attraction also
Alicia:
True J
Jason:
I believe most foreign businessmen just want to come here for the tax haven, the beautiful women and beaches. Any man coming here to make bombs will change his mind the moment he hits Hewannora
Alicia:
Lol ok
Readers’ Corner
Marion and Rick
Brampton,Ontario
Canada
We have called St. Lucia home for two or three months for the past seven years.
Our many friends here have treated us with typical warm St. Lucian hospitality and we feel like family.
Every country has its problems but we can see some wonderful changes that are beginning to transform the country as the years pass by.
This year we have noticed that there is far less garbage piled in ditches at the roadsides. Trash cans have sprung up and these receptacles are obviously being picked up by the garbage trucks, creating a more environmentally positive countryside.
Congratulations to all those who love the spectacularly beautiful land and wish to leave a pristine legacy for their children and grandchildren.
We Canadians (from the ice and snow) appreciate the efforts made.