Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre has dismissed media speculation about potential travel restrictions being imposed by the United States on Saint Lucian nationals, stating that no official communication has been received from U.S. authorities on the matter.
“As of June 16, 2025, neither the Embassy of Saint Lucia in Washington, the Office of the Prime Minister, nor the Ministry of External Affairs has been informed of any policy changes or restrictions by the U.S. Department of State or related agencies,” the Prime Minister confirmed during a media briefing.
Prime Minister Pierre also addressed the ongoing public debate surrounding Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP), firmly denying any formal concerns raised by the U.S. government.
“There has been no official notification from the United States regarding our CIP,” he said. “Much of the alarm being sounded has been fuelled by a single individual affiliated with the opposition.”
The Prime Minister emphasised that constructive dialogue continues between Saint Lucia and international partners, including the United States and Europe, to enhance the programme’s transparency and credibility further. He noted that a region-wide legislative framework for managing CIPs is currently being coordinated by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB).
“We are committed to a CIP that is both transparent and accountable,” Pierre stated. “We respect the views of our European partners and continue to work toward aligning our programme with international expectations.”
Crucially, Pierre clarified that the controversial amendments to the CIP were not introduced under his administration.
“It’s important to be clear: this government did not initiate the changes that are now under scrutiny. That’s a matter of historical record,” he said. “We must not allow selective memory to distort the facts.”
The Prime Minister reiterated his administration’s dedication to upholding international standards, assuring citizens that Saint Lucia’s national interests will continue to guide all government decisions.
