CIP Saint Lucia: Citizenship Reimagined

PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS REMOTELY

Saint Lucia’s Citizenship By Investment Programme has re-engineered its look and feel in the market through a new brand and enhanced website as part of an overall strategy to create its own identity of one being enshrined within the pillars of good governance, transparency and the conduct of rigorous due diligence.

The CIP’s rebrand coincides with its 5th year of operations and within those 5 years we have remained true to our commitment to offering a world-class investment programme.The new CIP visual identity incorporates the country’s matriarchal brand featuring the
immediately recognizable famous Pitons. However this rebranding is much more than a
a change in the logo symbols and imagery: It is our “stamp” to clearly set ourselves apart and to offer a lasting return on investment to our many citizens. After 5 years of operating, the CIP is well poised to capitalize on an increased demand for investments via its Citizenship programme. CEO of the CIP Nestor Alfred says that Saint Lucia is well positioned to thrive in the post-Covid era:

“What really sets us apart from other offerings in the region is our uncompromising commitment to the highest standards of good governance along with our dedication to ensuring rigorous due diligence. Our unwavering focus on accountability underpins the St. Lucia Citizenship-by-Investment Programme as a strategic investment that offers long-term growth andlegacy options that are able to yield ongoing and exponential value for international investors. And it is this message that lies at the heart of our launched new brand and website. ” – Nestor Alfred (CEO, CIP Saint Lucia)

A highlight of the rebranding is the enhanced website with User Experience and User Interface capabilities to allow for secure online applications and also serves as a powerful marketing tool with its rich content and information about the programme and the country.

The Brand Pillars and tagline for the reimaged CIP are Authentic – Respected – Secured. Chairman of CIP Ryan Devaux see these core values as the guiding principles for the institution:

“Saint Lucia’s CIP programme has shown real leadership in the region. So, at its core the integrity and transparency of the programme are of utmost importance. We ensure that our Audit is is done every year and the full report presented to Cabinet in compliance with legislative requirements. In the vital area of due diligence the Board reviews every single application even after it has gone through international vetting so as to ensure that we remain a highly reputable programme. We are happy to note that we continue to have a pristine record.” – Ryan Devaux (Chairman of the Board, CIP Saint Lucia)

Citizenship by Investment has a been a significant contribution to GDP for several Caribbean countries. Saint Lucia being the most recent of these islands to have such a programme has moved cautiously to navigate its complexity and to remain free of any
controversy or scandal while learning from others’ experiences in positioning its programme for enhanced competitiveness and higher efficiency.

Prime Minister of Saint Lucia Hon Allen Chastanet is pleased with the direction that the CIP has taken under his leadership. He is confident that the programme will continue to attract high net worth individuals who are looking for a well-run and reputable citizenship programme.

Some key benefits derived from the revenue of the CIP programme include the availability and ease of access to affordable funding for investments and development in the country via the National Economic Fund.

“It is important that fellow Saint Lucians understand what’s in it for them, for the
country as it relates to the CIP revenues. In addition to improving the country’s
net worth and credit rating, it drives investment. So whether it’s in healthcare,
education or infrastructure it makes free capital to invest in the development of
our country. It should never be used as a grant but rather remain as equity or as a
loan to Government and investors in order to preserve it and to make sure it is
a sovereign fund.” – Hon. Allen Chastanet (Prime Minister of Saint Lucia)

The revenues generated from the CIP programme is managed by a National Economic Fund independent of the CIP Board within a very clear charter and legislation.
With the significant increase in applications and approvals for economic citizenship even inside the COVID-19 crisis, demonstrates the viability of this sector as compared to all other sectors within the economy which have come under extreme pressure to continue generating revenue. This can be perceived as good news for Saint Lucians, at a time when industries such as tourism have taken a huge hit with recovery not expected for another 18-24 months.