Officials push retroactive law to validate 28,000 passports, escalating the Saint Lucia CIP passport scandal
Castries, Saint Lucia – The Saint Lucian government, under Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, has introduced controversial legislation aimed at retroactively approving the sale of 28,000 illegal passports under the Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP). The Saint Lucia passports were allegedly sold at steeply discounted rates without parliamentary approval through the National Infrastructure Improvement Program, facilitated by Caribbean Galaxy Real Estate Limited, a Chinese-controlled company.
The government recently issued an official Gazette Notice to backdate the approval of these passport sales, raising widespread criticism. The passports, sold under dubious circumstances, have drawn allegations of corruption and have become a focal point in an ongoing Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) case in the United States. The move by Pierre, along with Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire and Attorney General Leslie Mondesir, is widely seen as a desperate attempt to cover up past illegal actions and shield themselves from potential legal consequences.
Backdated Approval Raises Legal Concerns
The Gazette Notice attempts to retroactively approve passport sales dating back to January 12, 2024. Legal experts have warned that this maneuver may violate Saint Lucia’s CIP laws, as the infrastructure project under which the passports were sold did not legally exist at the time of the transactions. Observers have also questioned the legality of this legislative effort, with some suggesting that a judicial review could render the legislation null and void.
“This is a clear abuse of power and a blatant disregard for legal processes,” commented one legal analyst. “A court of competent jurisdiction could strike this down, especially given the illegal nature of the original passport sales.”
The timing of the legislation has raised eyebrows as well. The Philip J Pierre administration’s effort to backdate approval is seen as a strategy to protect government officials from mounting personal liability as the RICO case moves forward. The case, which implicates several high-ranking Saint Lucian officials, alleges that they conspired with Caribbean Galaxy Real Estate Limited to sell passports at discounted rates far below the legally permitted price in exchange for personal financial gain.
Illegal Discounts and National Security Threats
Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment program, which was once hailed as a tool for economic growth, has been mired in controversy due to illegal dealings. The discounted rates offered by Caribbean Galaxy Real Estate Limited on the sale of passports are central to the issue. Even with the proposed retroactive approval, critics argue that these sales remain illegal because of the unauthorized discounts, which violated CIP regulations.
“While the government is attempting to legitimize these sales retroactively, the fact remains that the passports were sold under illegal circumstances,” said an industry insider. “The discounts offered were not only illegal but also undermined the integrity of the Citizenship by Investment program.”
The illegal sales of these passports also pose significant national security risks. By selling citizenships at discounted rates, the program potentially opened the door for foreign nationals to gain access to Saint Lucian citizenship without adequate scrutiny. This could jeopardize the country’s security and strain its relationships with international partners.
Political Fallout and Public Distrust
The scandal surrounding the Citizenship by Investment Program has led to growing public discontent. Many Saint Lucians are frustrated with the lack of transparency and accountability from their leaders. The proposed legislation to retroactively approve these illegal passport sales has only deepened the mistrust.
“This is a desperate move by a government that is trying to protect itself,” said an opposition spokesperson. “Instead of holding those responsible accountable, they are engaging in legal gymnastics to cover their tracks.”
The RICO case in the U.S. continues to add pressure to the Pierre administration. As more details about the illegal dealings emerge, it is becoming increasingly clear that the scandal reaches the highest levels of government, with Pierre and Hilaire at the center of the controversy.
International Scrutiny and Legal Challenges
As the international community watches closely, the government’s legislative effort could face legal challenges in the near future. Judicial reviews may deem the retroactive approval unlawful, particularly if it is found to violate CIP regulations. Legal experts believe that if the case goes to court, the legislation could be overturned.
“The retroactive approval is unlikely to hold up under judicial scrutiny,” said a legal expert familiar with the case. “The government’s actions clearly violate the CIP laws, and this is simply an attempt to avoid accountability.”
The ongoing RICO case has already damaged Saint Lucia’s reputation internationally, with investors and potential CIP applicants expressing concerns about the integrity of the program. The scandal has raised questions about whether the country’s CIP can continue to operate effectively in the wake of such widespread corruption.
Final Analysis
As the RICO case progresses and legal challenges to the retroactive legislation loom, it appears that the Pierre administration’s days of evading accountability may be numbered. The government’s efforts to legitimize the sale of illegal passports have only intensified scrutiny and public outcry. With the country’s reputation on the line and the legal battle heating up, the fallout from this scandal is far from over.
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