CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC) — St Lucia has improved its passport power ranking in the Henley Passport Index, with citizens enjoying visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to 145 countries.

The island now sits in 6th place regionally and 31st globally, moving up two spots.

“This marks a new high for St Lucia, which moved up its ranking seven spots since 2008,” according to a release which noted that powerful passports attract high-end candidates willing to develop the socio-economic structure of a country.

This means more quality employment across all of society from lawyers to gardeners, from architects to construction workers.

“It can all create enhanced infrastructure and sound business linkages for the people of accepting the territories,” the release stated.

It quoted Mark Maragh, managing director of Henley & Partners St Lucia, as saying that a powerful passport or a passport which steadily increases its global ranking is always a more attractive passport.

“People have become more transnational than ever before and want to explore other markets for business, lifestyle or work.

“The receiving destination, through the Citizenship by Investment Programme benefits as they now have the opportunity to expand its global trade market, benefit nationally through the National Economic Fund, business investments, government bonds and through real estate,” Maragh asserted.

He said it is evident that this country is a premium destination.

Neighbouring territories Grenada ranked 8th regionally and 33rd globally with access to 143 countries; St Kitts-Nevis ranked 3rd regionally and 27th globally with access to 151 countries; while Antigua & Barbuda ranked 4th regionally and 28th globally with access to 150 countries.