PM Harris lauded contribution of CBI Programme

The Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis Dr Harris lauded the significant contribution of the reformed Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme to the economic life of St. Kitts and Nevis, as well as the significant number of projects financed by it. The Prime Minister promised to continue more reforms and innovations in the programme to ensure the most robust due diligence and security measures are in place.

According to the Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris, the sterling performance of St Kitts and Nevis’ CBI Programme on the global stage sustains growth and prosperity in the Federation, to the benefit of all citizens of the country.

The significant reforms of the programme, the participation of internationally renowned risk management experts, and the government’s strong cooperation with regional and international law enforcement authorities have resulted in a high level of acceptance of the programme and international recognition of its integrity.

Indeed, the number of CBI applications has increased tremendously and continues to rise.

“In 2018, we have had more applications, in total, than over the last four years,” said the CBI CEO Les Khan.

Prime Minister Harris, while delivering his 2019 Budget Address at a sitting of the National Assembly on Dec. 12 noted that, “In 2019, a further set of policies and legislative developments will further bolster our brand. Our CBI Programme continues to be a market leader, renowned for its integrity.”

As the prime minister outlined his administration’s plans to spend $772.9 million in 2019, to support the implementation of various programmes and projects, he emphasized the importance of Sustaining Growth and Prosperity – the overall theme of the budget.

“There have been recent efforts to scandalize the programme by aggrieved parties with personal vendettas,” Prime Minister Harris said. “Truth be told, it is the incredible success of our CBI programme that has provided the fiscal space for us to pay a double salary and introduce our Poverty Alleviation Programme.

“These good developments are what the bitter elements of the Opposition are hoping to undermine in their unfounded and malicious attacks on the CBI programme.

“The CBI Programme is the world’s longest-serving and most prestigious programme to offer citizenship in exchange for an investment in the country’s economy,” Dr. Harris explained. “All investment routes through the Programme are designed to bring further socio-economic prosperity to the Federation, to the benefit of all citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis.

“In addition to delivering quality and integrity in our programme, we will continue to innovate so that we retain our enviable position both as the originator of Citizenship by Investment and as the respected market leader in this field.

“The Citizenship by Investment Unit continues to address matters thoughtfully and in the best interest of our country,” Dr. Harris said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the programme’s integrity.

“A series of meetings has been spearheaded by the CEO with agents and developers to remind and warn persons to maintain highest standards of behaviour and conduct. We acknowledge there is more work to be done. As a responsible member of the international community, we are working with our international partners to achieve efficacious outcomes.”