St Kitts and Nevis: A Trusted Innovator

St. Kitts and Nevis champions sustainability through investment migration, setting a high standard for future-focused development.

Global citizens looking for a country they can trust on sustainability, transparency and innovation have the ‘ gold standard’ in St Kitts and Nevis. The island continues to innovate while also prioritising the integrity of its pioneering CBI programme.

St Kitts and Nevis was the first citizenship by investment (CBI) programme. A past, present, and future leader and pioneer in the industry, the country boasts some of the strongest due diligence requirements in the world.

The programme’s illustrious history was featured in the Financial Times’ CBI Index, released in September. It ranked first in the index. “The St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme epitomises excellence in the realm of CBI. Earning accolades and the title of being ‘The First and The Finest’ of CBI, this programme boasts over 39 years of history,” the report noted.

The report gave St. Kitts and Nevis top marks on due diligence. St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr Terrance Drew outlined the current state of the programme, emphasising “upgrade[s]” to the programme that have continued to reassure the United Kingdom, European Union, and other international partners of due diligence.

Sustainable Island Vision

CBI contributions to the island’s Sustainable Island State Contribution help the nation achieve its Sustainable Island State vision by 2040.

Global citizens can join in on this innovation through investing in St Kitts and Nevis’ Sustainable Island State Contribution, along with the country’s public benefit option, real estate option and private home sales option.

Michael Martin, head of the country’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), noted that “for four decades, we have crafted solid, innovative, and sustainable investment solutions through our Citizenship by Investment Programme.”

Pointing to additions to the programme, such as requiring investors to have a mandatory interview and creating the Sustainable Island State Contribution, Martin noted that the programme is “filled with integrity, transparency and accountability.”

“We take a measured and considered approach to everything we do,” he maintained.

Innovation Path

The Sustainable Island State vision is leading the country on a path of cutting- edge innovation: from moving towards sustainable geothermal and solar energy production, to modernising governmental apparatuses to suit a more digital age.

Prime Minister Drew also spoke before the United Nations General Assembly, advocating the country’s future-facing vision for sustainable development and justice.

Turning away from divisive and unstable politics, the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of creating an inclusive, collaborative geopolitical environment.

“In a world of distrust, the United Nations and its member states must show a sense of caring, inclusion, respect for the dignity of all,” he said.

Use of CBI Funds

St Kitts and Nevis also has a strong economy with an innovative policy towards health and education. CBI funds go to preserving its healthcare and educational programming for future generations.

For example, the country has promoted public and private sector stakeholder relationships to invest in health; notably, the country has implemented a National Sport Policy to encourage physical activity for its youngest citizens.

The Commonwealth Secretariat is supporting St Kitts and Nevis in its National Sport Policy.

A spokesman for the Commonwealth Secretariat said, “we believe St Kitts and Nevis can become a model for other Commonwealth countries on how to effectively harness the power of sport for development and peace.”

A proud supporter of women’s rights, the country also worked with the Commonwealth Secretariat to study and promote women’s engagement in politics in the Caribbean.

CBI funds also go to improving education on the island, helping future Dominicans thrive. They contribute to building schools, while also funding programmes to preserve the island’s culture and history.

According to a 2023 Freedom House report, the country offers free and fair elections along with a free and independent press. The country also is politically pluralist, with a robust opposition and regular changes of power.

St Kitts and Nevis is a well-connected country to watch, especially for global citizens with an interest in innovation. The country prioritises sustainability in the present and continues to devise future- facing solutions to the world’s problems.

As the Prime Minister said in his UN speech: “We stand at the juncture of ‘what is’ and ‘what could be’. We know what is. We understand what could be. Ours is the challenge to ensure peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all.”