Martinez, who claims Saint Lucia’s CIP Unit was aware of an in illegal discounting of Saint Lucian passports, filed a RICO lawsuit against the country in the United States.

Martinez had also invited local CIP Agents to meet with him in Washington to review the “damning evidence” he has in his possession to no success.

The government, although vehemently denying the allegations, has come under fire by UWP Leader, Allen Chastanet, who claims underselling has taken place in the CIP.

Often denying claims that he is colluding with Martinez in this lawsuit, Chastanet now disclosed to an SNO reporter that he will be meeting with Martinez in Washington.

“I'm going to take up Martinez’s offer and I will go to Washington DC within the next two weeks to ascertain for myself the evidence that he has,” he said. 

Since the filing of the lawsuit, Saint Lucia has signed on to an OECS regional agreement for the regulation of CIP regimes.

Despite the allegations of impropriety being levelled at the CIP by Martinez and Chastanet, international CIP partners have not retreated from their engagements with Saint Lucia.

Minister responsible for the CIP, Dr Ernest Hilaire also disclosed that housing projects across the country will commence using CIP-generated funds.

While the lawsuit plays out in the US Courts, questions of Martinez’s credibility continue to be raised. The french-born businessman was reportedly convicted of fraud in the early 2000s.