The initiative allows U.S. authorities to require bonds of up to USD$15,000 from certain travelers to ensure compliance with visa conditions.

Pierre stressed that Saint Lucia’s low overstay rate works in its favor.

“If you go into the U.S. and you overstay, the consequences are for you. And when you come back to Saint Lucia, you will be treated like a Saint Lucian. This is our position. We do not tolerate illegality in any means,” he said.

The Prime Minister also pointed to ongoing regional reforms aimed at strengthening the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP).

Following months of consultations, the five Eastern Caribbean countries offering CIPs are preparing to enact uniform legislation in September 2025 to establish a regional regulator.

The measure, coordinated with the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, will mark a significant step in aligning due diligence and compliance standards across the subregion.

Pierre noted that the new law will enhance the role of the Joint Regional Communications Centre (JRC), an existing layer of due diligence.

“The involvement of the JCR is going to be intensified. We are working with the other five countries, not individually, because Saint Lucia is not the only country with a CIP.”

The Prime Minister underscored that these reforms are not only a matter of international perception but are essential for the fiscal and financial stability of the participating nations.