Over the last few years, we have seen unprecedented change in the world triggered by a prolonged pandemic, record high inflation, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical turmoil. These changes have of course impacted the Citizenship by Investment Programme in Saint Lucia and I am sure in the rest of the world. More scrutiny has come to bear with world powers aiming their scrutiny at small island states as a way of consolidating their borders and promoting the nationalism that seems to permeate the politics of the day.

Through the changes and the consequent adjustments, we have had to make to our process, TM ANTOINE Partners Advisory remains committed to its role in promoting access to citizenship for its clients by curating targeted solutions that suit each circumstance. While we are not a fit for everyone, those we do work with can count on us making a conscious effort to make their experience one that is focused not only on the outcome, but on the experience.

Our inspiration

Since starting our Citizenship by Investment Advisory more than six years ago, we have seen the many changes that have occurred in the industry. We have had a front row seat to the devaluing of the citizenship product to a point where some conversations seem more of a haggle than a serious discussion around what is best for client and country. Despite the continued commercialisation of citizenship by investment happening around us, our inspiration remains rooted in the need to provide a five-star service to our clients while honouring our country and ourselves. Every client is subjected to a free Pre-Application Assessment as our way to ensure that they are a fit for us as a company and more importantly, a fit for Saint Lucia. 

Our willingness to say no and to provide each client with an honest assessment of whether they are a fit for the programme is what we think sets us apart from any other agent in the Caribbean. For us, citizenship by investment is not merely transactional. It is far more. Offering to help clients gain citizenship of the country is fundamentally a serious and impactful undertaking that will have indelible effects both on the new citizen and their newly adopted home of Saint Lucia. We take our responsibility very seriously.

Finding the perfect fit

The Pre-Application Assessment involves conducting an initial due diligence background check on the prospective applicant. Any areas of concern are immediately pointed out to the client and we discuss how might affect their citizenship application. When a background check reveals issues that legislatively would prohibit the prospective applicant from obtaining citizenship, TM ANTOINE Partners Advisory advises the client that the application cannot proceed. This is a clear example of putting the interests of the client ahead of those of the company.

Another key feature of the Pre-Application Assessment is providing clients with a comprehensive estimate of the costs of obtaining citizenship of Saint Lucia, as well as the other four countries offering citizenship by investment in the Caribbean. Cost is perhaps the most significant factor for some clients and there is value in giving the clients the full range of options available to them. The result of that practice is that each client gets to apply for the Caribbean programme that best suits them. That is important to TM ANTOINE Partners Advisory, more critical than persuading every client to subscribe to any single programme. We are always happy to meet the clients’ needs either on our own or through our trusted partners throughout the Caribbean.

TM ANTOINE Partners is committed to guiding prospective applicants who, after the completion of the Free Pre-Applicant Assessment, have determined that they will proceed with their application. We design a customised checklist for each applicant detailing the documents and forms that they will need. Clients who follow the TMA Checklist save time by focusing their efforts on only what is actually needed to complete their application. We will often include a request for additional supporting documents not ordinarily required by the Citizenship by Investment Unit. We do so because a complete application should answer all questions that are likely to arise about our clients. This approach has resulted in an almost 100% success rate for the applications we submit to the Unit.

Our TMA Online Tool is used to provide Assessment Feedback to clients who can provide corrections, additional information and explanations online in real time. This has reduced the time it takes to get a file ready for submission by over 65%. Our Assessment Feedback is detailed and lets each client know exactly what must be done to bring their application into compliance with the requirements of the Citizenship by Investment Unit.

Meeting client expectations

At TM ANTOINE Partners, we do a great job of meeting the expectations of some clients, while failing miserably to meet the expectations of others. Where our goals match, and our clients are looking to obtain citizenship of Saint Lucia for the right reasons, while following the high standards set by the Unit and our firm, there is none better than us in delivering.

However, often, we are faced with expectations of quick results, taking shortcuts and disregard for the rule of law. Saint Lucia and TM ANTOINE Partners values our reputation and therefore we put a premium on the due diligence background checks for all applicants. We do not take risks and take the time that is needed to ensure that everyone who applies and for, and is eventually granted, citizenship has passed the highest test available.

That does not mean that we do not adjust to respond to wider changes across the globe. All it means is that our changes will not be merely aimed at joining the many who throw out the basic tenants of good governance of their programmes, but instead is aimed at meeting the needs and expectations of our clients, in a way that maintains the integrity of our firm.

The desired future

At TM ANTOINE Partners we still concur with the findings of the Task Force on Citizenship by Investment who proffered that there are five important decision-making factors for persons considering investment in a CIP programme.

The Unit has done a great job in reducing the time it takes to decide on each application. This needs to be constantly improved, as we find ways to make use of new technology and access information. We continue to lobby for simplifying the application process, so our clients have fewer forms to complete, more ways to support the claims they make on their applications and a wider range of investment options. 

Saint Lucia – Let her inspire you

As always, we respond the very same way to the question, why Saint Lucia? Because Saint Lucia is simply good.

Saint Lucia is simply good for business, with a diversified economy, diversified and skilled labour force and a diversified investment portfolio.

Saint Lucia is simply good for life. Life expectancy is 74.5 years for men and 79 for women. We have a rich and vibrant culture that caters to every lifestyle.

Saint Lucia is simply good for fantasy. Oprah Winfrey described Saint Lucia as the number one location to see before you die.

Saint Lucia is simply good for governance. Our government is progressive and genuinely invested in making Saint Lucia simply good for all its citizens.

Contact us

TM ANTOINE Partners wants to give you your passport to Saint Lucia, to freedom. Please contact me to discuss your options.