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Saint Lucia Advances in Anti-Terrorism Efforts, Earns Top Rating
Strengthening Anti-Terrorism Laws and Regulations
The government of Saint Lucia has made significant strides in strengthening its anti-terrorism laws and regulations, earning a top rating of R.5 from international authorities.
Addressing Technical Deficiencies
The latest assessment reveals that the island nation has addressed all technical deficiencies cited in a previous review, including limited criminal penalties for legal persons committing terrorist-related offenses. The revised laws now provide for more severe punishments, including:
- Fines not exceeding XCD2,000,000 (USD736,133)
- Imprisonment for life
Additionally, Saint Lucia has expanded its definition of “person” to include any entity, natural or juridical, capable of acquiring rights or entering into obligations. This means that legal persons can be held accountable for terrorist offenses and face penalties ranging from:
- Fines
- Imprisonment for up to 25 years
Enhanced Ability to Suspend or Cancel Licenses and Certificates
The government has also enhanced its ability to suspend or cancel licenses and certificates issued to individuals or entities suspected of engaging in terrorist activities. This allows authorities to take swift action against those who pose a threat to national security.
Strengthened Anti-Money Laundering Regulations
Saint Lucia’s anti-money laundering (AML) regulations have also been strengthened, with the introduction of measures to:
- Identify and verify the identity of legal persons and legal arrangements
- Designate terrorist financing (TF) offenses as predicate crimes under its AML regime
This ensures that authorities can effectively combat both terrorism and money laundering.
Rating Upgrade
As a result of these advancements, Saint Lucia has been re-rated Compliant with R.5, demonstrating its ability to meet international standards for combating terrorism and protecting financial systems from abuse.
The rating upgrade is a testament to Saint Lucia’s commitment to combating terrorism and protecting its citizens from harm. The government’s efforts have been recognized by international authorities, who have praised the island nation’s progress in addressing technical deficiencies and strengthening its anti-terrorism laws.