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Louis Lewis Reappointment reignites concerns over past corruption within Saint Lucia’s Tourism Authority.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through Saint Lucia, the appointment of Louis Lewis as the new CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority has reignited discussions surrounding deep-seated corruption, drawing attention to a past marred by scandal. Under Lewis’s previous tenure, the authority was embroiled in a series of controversies that left a stain on the nation’s tourism sector, implicating prominent figures within the ruling Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP).
One of the most glaring examples of misconduct under Lewis’s leadership was the massive fraud perpetrated by Donovan Lorde, a scandal that shook the foundation of the authority and exposed systemic corruption. Lorde, who was represented by none other than Labour Party lawyer Leslie Mondesir, orchestrated a scheme that defrauded the authority while implicating several other party actors in the government. The level of deception under this administration was further confirmed by an audit that revealed serious irregularities in the ticketing system, shedding light on how the country’s tourism revenue was being siphoned by insiders.
01
of 04Former SLTB Employee Convicted of Money Laundering
The case against Lorde, a key figure during Louis Lewis’s earlier tenure, epitomizes the level of corruption that permeated the SLTA. On June 14, 2021, Lorde was convicted of money laundering involving the staggering sum of XCD $260,000.00. The charges included not only money laundering but also five counts of stealing by reason of employment, further underscoring the extent of the financial malfeasance that went unchecked during that period.
Lorde’s actions were not an isolated incident; they pointed to deeper systemic corruption, involving high-ranking figures who continued to operate with impunity. The Financial Intelligence Authority revealed that after an investigation, Lorde was charged with laundering the proceeds of the stolen money by transferring and withdrawing it from bank accounts in Trinidad and Tobago. In a dramatic turn of events, he was extradited from Trinidad and Tobago to face justice in Saint Lucia. He ultimately pleaded guilty in the High Court before Justice Margaret Price Findley and was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison. As part of his sentence, Lorde was also required to complete three hundred hours of community service.
02
of 04Unresolved Financial Scandal: The McLean Connection
The audit uncovered that Cindy and McNaughten McLean, two prominent figures, were heavily involved in milking the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority’s ticketing revenue, a practice that has allegedly continued unabated. Even under the current administration led by Ernest Hilaire, these individuals continue to profit at the expense of the public purse. To date, there is still a staggering $2 million shortfall in ticketing revenues, a glaring discrepancy that has yet to be accounted for.
This return of familiar faces, like Louis Lewis, has been met with widespread skepticism, raising fears that the reappointment is part of a larger scheme to solidify a dangerous cabal within the government. The term cabal is fitting, as it encapsulates the growing suspicion that a small, corrupt group of individuals has a tight grip on the reins of power in Saint Lucia, operating with little regard for transparency or accountability.
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of 04Corruption Thriving Amid CIP Scandals
While the reappointment of Louis Lewis has sparked fresh outrage, it is merely one piece of a larger puzzle of corruption in the current administration. Allegations of widespread pilfering of public funds have become the norm, especially through Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP). The CIP, once heralded as a beacon of economic opportunity, has been repeatedly tarnished by reports of mismanagement and fraudulent practices. The same individuals implicated in these schemes are the ones now making appointments and consolidating their power, further embedding themselves into the fabric of Saint Lucia’s governance.
With the same names reappearing in positions of influence, it is difficult to ignore the alarming trend of corruption that seems to be on the rise. The appointment of Louis Lewis is not just a routine administrative decision—it is a signal that Saint Lucia’s leadership is unwilling to break from a past marred by scandals. The reinstallation of those involved in past controversies demonstrates an indifference to the calls for reform and transparency.
04
of 04A Bleak Outlook for Saint Lucia’s Future
The implications of these appointments are far-reaching. Saint Lucia’s international reputation is already bruised due to scandals within the CIP program, and now, with the re-emergence of figures like Louis Lewis, the island is at risk of further damage. International investors, wary of corruption and mismanagement, may reconsider their involvement in Saint Lucia’s economy. Worse, the nation’s citizens, who have long called for accountability, are left watching as the same faces responsible for past wrongdoings return to positions of power.
As Saint Lucia continues to face significant challenges, from economic instability to a growing crime rate, the reappointment of Louis Lewis sends a clear message: this administration is more concerned with protecting its own than with fostering meaningful change. The question now is, how much longer will the citizens of Saint Lucia tolerate this blatant disregard for justice and transparency?
This is not the first time, nor will it be the last, that the public witnessed the rise of a dangerous cabal. But with each passing day, the stakes grow higher, and the cost to the nation becomes even more unbearable.
UnitedPac St. Lucia News remains committed to bringing these issues to light, ensuring that the citizens of Saint Lucia stay informed about the actions of their leaders and the future of their country.
