Cabinet has appointed a task force to determine whether Saint Lucia, should establish an Economic Citizenship Programme.
In the 2014 Throne Speech, Her Excellency, Dame Pearlette Louisy, Governor General of Saint Lucia announced that Government would begin to examine the question whether Saint Lucia should establish an Economic Citizenship Programme as a new area of investment.
Her Excellency announced that a Task Force consisting of persons from various sectors would be appointed to review and consult and advise Cabinet on the desirability of establishing such a programme. The Governor General said,
“The time has arrived for us to examine the case for defining and broadening the framework under which citizenship might be offered as part of investing in Saint Lucia; and if we should think that it is a viable option, then under what circumstances we should do so.
Her Excellency indicated that the Task Force will comprise, “persons from various sectors including the Opposition, the private sector, the trade unions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to examine the programmes of other countries and to make recommendations for the consideration of Cabinet. It is my Government’s hope that this matter will be addressed with urgency during the current parliamentary year.”
Consistent with this announcement, Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony wrote to the Leader of the Opposition, inviting the Opposition to name a representative to the proposed Task Force. The Leader of the Opposition recommended Mr. Nicholas John as the opposition’s representative.
On August 4, 2014, Cabinet approved the following persons to serve on the Economic Citizenship Task Force: Dr. Vaughan Lewis, Foreign Policy Advisor (Chairperson); McHale Andrew, CEO Invest Saint Lucia; Brenda Williams, Accountant/Auditor (BDO); George Goddard, Trade Unionist; Timothy Ferdinand, President, National Youth Council; George Deterville, Director of Security, Ministry of the Public Service, Information and Broadcasting; Larry Basham, US Attorney; and Nicholas John, nominee of the Leader of the Opposition.
Cabinet agreed that the Task Force should submit a report to the Office of the Prime Minister by December 1, 2014.