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Contact:
Rose Marie Harris
Thursday, September 18, 2003 - Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Kenny Anthony has
described as alarming and a source of deep shame as Saint Lucia now ranks the
second on the list of Caribbean countries making claims of refuges status to
gain entry into Canada. A total of one hundred and forty seven claims have been
received from Saint Lucia, while St. Vincent and the Grenadines topped the list
with two hundred and eleven claims.
During a press statement last evening Dr. Anthony stated categorically to the
individuals who are submitting these outrageously false refugee claims that they
are not only hurting their fellow countrymen by their dishonesty but also
themselves.
Dr. Anthony in denouncing the action made it abundantly clear that the Saint
Lucian government will not shield anyone who engages in this type of activity
and will assist the Canadian authorities to root out this unacceptable practice.
“It has been reported that these individuals are being assisted with their
claims by unscrupulous lawyers and consultants who charge up to five thousand
Canadian dollars to process these claims. Those who apply may gain time but
ultimately the applications fail with the prospect that the applicants are
deported and denied re-entry into Canada. Honest and law abiding Saint Lucians
may very well be hurt by this unfortunate trend as Canadian Immigration may
impose visa restrictions on Saint Lucia and other OECS countries in an attempt
to stem the flow of these refugee claims.”
Prime Minister Anthony advised all Saint Lucians who wish to acquire Landed
Immigration Status in Canada to seek the assistance and advice of the OECS High
Commission in Ottawa and the Canadian High Commission in Trinidad and Barbados
on the proper procedure for migration to Canada.
“I would like to remind all Saint Lucians that we have an excellent relationship
with the government and people of Canada. Canada has been a dedicated and loyal
partner in Saint Lucia’s development. For many years, the Canadian government
has committed tremendous financial and technical resources to this country. We
would not like to see this mutually beneficial relationship deteriorate as a
result of the unscrupulous practices of a few. We publicly denounce the
reprehensible actions of these persons involved in influencing young Saint
Lucians to apply for refugee status.”
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