President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, at 5:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, marking the commencement of his two-nation tour across the Caribbean and South America.
Upon landing at Hewanorra International Airport, President Tinubu was welcomed with full military honors. He was received by Saint Lucia’s Governor-General, Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles, and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the official state visit begins on Sunday, with President Tinubu scheduled to pay courtesy visits to both the Governor-General and the Prime Minister.
The visit will reach a significant milestone on Monday, when President Tinubu will address a special joint session of the Saint Lucian Senate and House of Assembly. The address will be held at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet.
Attendees for the occasion include leaders from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), senior Saint Lucian government officials, members of the diplomatic community, representatives of the Nigerian diaspora in Saint Lucia, and the Director-General of the OECS, Dr. Didacus Jules.
Following the parliamentary session, President Tinubu will participate in a high-level working luncheon with OECS Heads of Government. The discussions are expected to focus on enhancing economic collaboration, promoting cultural solidarity, and advancing mutual prosperity between Nigeria and the Caribbean region.
As part of his itinerary, the President will also visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Castries to promote academic cooperation and student exchange programs between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.
Onanuga emphasized that President Tinubu’s visit reflects Nigeria’s strategic commitment to bolstering diplomatic and economic ties with Caribbean nations, particularly under the African Union’s Sixth Region initiative, which recognizes the African diaspora as an essential development partner.
Following his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will travel to Brazil to attend the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7. He is participating at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Nigeria has been granted ‘partner country’ status in the BRICS group — a designation above guest status but short of full membership. Currently, South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia are the African members of BRICS.
The 17th BRICS Summit will be held under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”, with discussions centered on deepening collaboration across social, economic, and environmental development priorities among member and partner nations.
Saint Lucia offers an attractive mix of citizenship incentives, tax and business advantages, and quality-of-life perks for foreigners and investors. Here’s a breakdown:
Citizenship by Investment (CBI)
Saint Lucia’s CBI program is one of the fastest and most affordable in the Caribbean:
Quick & remote process: Investors typically gain citizenship within 4–6 months entirely online .
Flexible investment routes: Options include a donation to the National Economic Fund, government bonds, approved real estate ($200K+), or enterprise projects .
Family inclusion: Your spouse, children (<30), parents (>55), and minor siblings can be included .
Dual (or multiple) citizenship allowed—no need to renounce your original nationality .
Visa‑free travel: Saint Lucian passport holders enjoy access to ~147 countries, including the Schengen Area, UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore .
US 10‑year visa eligibility: Citizens qualify to apply for a B‑1/B‑2 visa .
Tax & Financial Incentives
- No taxes on worldwide income, capital gains, inheritance, wealth, or gifts for citizens .
- Zero withholding tax on dividends, interest, and royalties for non‑residents.
- Corporate tax incentives: Up to 100% income tax holidays (up to 15 years) in manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, or financial services.
- Duty‑free import of machinery, construction materials, and capital goods for approved projects.
- Free repatriation of profits and dividends, with minimal restrictions on foreign currency movement.
Business & Property Benefits
Fast “speed‑to‑market” infrastructure: Pre‑built industrial parks and duty‑free zones support quick setup for manufacturing, tourism, agrobusiness, and outsourcing.
Real estate as investment: Foreigners may invest $200K+ in approved property, with yields of 9–10% and citizenship eligibility.
International business friendly: Easy to register offshore companies, access European and Caribbean banking, and benefit from Caricom regional integration.
Quality‑of‑Life & Strategic Advantages
Stable environment: Saint Lucia offers political stability, an educated workforce, and improving infrastructure across roads, ports, telecoms, and utilities .
Natural beauty: From UNESCO’s Pitons to stunning beaches, it blends lifestyle appeal with strategic asset base .
“Plan B” security Citizenship offers a legal safe haven with no residency requirement—ideal for global mobility or emergency relocation.
Consular support & education perks: Access to St Lucian diplomatic services and UK scholarships via Commonwealth affiliation.
Summary Table
Feature What You Gain
- Fastest CBI 4–6 months, remote family included
- Passport Power 147 visa‑free countries + US visa
- Tax Efficiency No global income, capital gains, etc.
- Investor-Friendly 100% tax holidays, duty-free imports, repatriation
- Business Setup Industrial parks, offshore ops, real estate yield
- Lifestyle & Security Natural beauty, stable services, no residency required
Final Thoughts
Saint Lucia presents a compelling proposition: a blend of strategic mobility, fiscal prudence, and lifestyle appeal. Whether you’re an investor seeking tax and business efficiency, a family looking for global access, or an expatriate building an international base, Saint Lucia’s cohesive incentives—from CBI pathways and tax breaks to business-friendly infrastructure—make it a top-tier destination in 2025 and beyond.
Headlinenews.news Special report.
