Hilaire defends citizenship programme, accuses opposition of playing politics
Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire has mounted a strong defence of Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP), calling it an important development tool while accusing the opposition of seeking to weaken public confidence for political gain. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, March 10, Hilaire, who oversees the CIP, rejected suggestions that the programme […] The article Hilaire defends citizenship programme, accuses opposition of playing politics is from St. Lucia Times.
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Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire has mounted a strong defence of Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP), calling it an important development tool while accusing the opposition of seeking to weaken public confidence for political gain.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, March 10, Hilaire, who oversees the CIP, rejected suggestions that the programme was responsible for Britain’s recent decision to impose visa requirements on Saint Lucian nationals.
He told the House that there is no evidence linking the CIP to an increase in asylum seekers or illegal workers in the UK.
“It is wrong to leave the impression that Saint Lucia’s CIP is responsible for this problem,” Hilaire said, noting that the government has repeatedly requested data from international partners to identify whether any individuals who obtained citizenship through the programme have been involved in such cases.
“If there are CIP citizens using Saint Lucia passports to claim asylum or to work illegally in the United Kingdom, then share the data with us. Tell us how many. Tell us who they are. Give us the information necessary to act,” he said.
According to Hilaire, the information needed to establish such claims has not been shared with the government, making it impossible to respond with precision to any alleged abuse.
Hilaire stressed that the programme plays a vital role in financing national development, particularly as traditional sources of development funding become increasingly scarce for small island states.
“CIP is not some political gimmick. It is not a vanity project,” he told the House. “It is a developmental tool.”
He said revenues generated by the programme help fund infrastructure and community projects that might otherwise be beyond a country like Saint Lucia’s means.
“No country is providing the grants we need. No country is building the infrastructure we need in this country of ours,” Hilaire said.
He pointed to roads, bridges, water supply projects, community facilities, small business grants, youth initiatives and housing programmes as examples of national development supported by funds from the programme.
“When you attack this programme irresponsibly, you are not attacking a line item on paper,” he said. “You are attacking a source of opportunity for the people of Saint Lucia.”
Hilaire also delivered a pointed rebuke to the opposition United Workers Party, accusing it of spreading misinformation and attempting to damage the country’s reputation abroad.
“At a time when Saint Lucia required seriousness, patriotism and maturity, the party opposite has once again chosen sabotage,” he said.
He accused opposition figures of using the issue to score political points rather than supporting efforts to strengthen the programme and protect the country’s international standing.
“They continue to put party before country,” Hilaire said. “They continue to applaud when Saint Lucia faces difficulty and treat global challenges for our people as an opening for political advantage.”
Despite the criticism, the minister said the government remains focused on cooperation with international partners to ensure the integrity of the Citizenship by Investment Programme and to address any potential concerns.
“We will continue to work with our international partners to strengthen our programme and ensure that it remains a benefit to the people of Saint Lucia,” Hilaire said.
The article Hilaire defends citizenship programme, accuses opposition of playing politics is from St. Lucia Times.
