Philippe Martinez, who commenced legal proceedings against Kittian CIP officials, also named Emmanuel a co-defendant in his lawsuit filed in US Federal Court.

In a recent “special interview” with a local media source, Martinez claims to be in possession of audio recordings in which Mc Claude Emmanuel confessed that untoward financial dealings are taking place in Saint Lucia’s CIP.

Martinez, however, has shown no evidence of these audio recordings, nor has he released any of the supposed incriminating documents he purports to have. Martinez stands to gain millions in “compensation” if he prevails in the courts.

In a statement made on June 10th, 2024, CIP CEO Emmanuel says he accepted an invitation by Philippe Martinez to discuss evidence of corruption Martinez says he had.

Upon review of the evidence, Emmanuel explained, Martinez failed to substantiate his claims.

“On the invitation of Mr Martinez, through his local representative, I agreed to meet with him and his lawyers to gain an understanding and reasons for my inclusion in the civil suit being filed and to avert any possibility of reputational damage to the Saint Lucia CIP Unit. At the meeting with Mr Martinez, no evidence was presented to me to substantiate the allegation of any scam in the Saint Lucia CIP Programme.”

Martinez, who claims that Investment Minister Ernest Hilaire is involved in a CIP fraud scandal, is seeking to add him as a co-defendant to the US-filed lawsuit.

“I made it very clear to Mr. Martinez that I was not aware of Hon. Hilaire or any Saint Lucian official being involved in any scam or illegal activities as it relates to the operation of the CIP Programme.”

CEO Emmanuel adds, “In my meeting with Mr Martinez, at no time did I expressly or otherwise suggest that Hon. Hilaire or any Saint Lucian official may be a source of concern in his alleged scam taking place in Saint Lucia’s CIP Programme.”

Emmanuel reassures the public that the CIP Unit has always followed the laws and policies set for the Programme.