The Opposition St Lucia Labor Party says there is no question that the government has signed on to a bad deal with Desert Star Holdings. Former Chairman of CIP and Castries South MP Dr Ernest Hilaire, says from amending the CIP legislation to suit DSH exclusively, to the cost of land – the deal puts all the cards in the hands of DSH, leaving the island at a severe disadvantage. As part of the DSH deal, the CIP approval for DSH will reportedly be accelerated. The legislation will also purportedly allow investments in thoroughbreds to qualify an investor for citizenship. The clause will reportedly be exclusive to DSH. The Labor Party says the deal makes no economic sense.
The government for its part has said that it will hold a press conference to update the public on the project and address concerns. No word yet on when that press conference will take place.