A senior Canadian diplomat has defended the decision not to grant visas to a number of St. Lucians even though her country would like more people to visit.
The rate is very high because we don’t receive proper documentation for visas,” says Canadian High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Marie Legault.
“Hopefully we can work on that and we can solve the situation in the future,” she said, adding that in addition to improper documentation, false information is also being provided to Canadian authorities.
The Canadian diplomat stressed that St. Lucia and Canada have a strong relationship and it is important to recognize the issue of Canadian security.
On September 11, 2012, the Canada implemented visa requirements for visitors to Canada including those from St. Lucia and St. Vincent.
Canadian authorities were reported to be concerned that criminals from both countries could legally change their names and acquire new passports.
