The New Democratic Party (NDP) of St Vincent and the Grenadines is facing renewed pressure over its proposed Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, following the leak of a U.S. State Department memo warning four Caribbean nations to tighten their CBI practices within 60 days.
The memo, obtained by The Washington Post, specifically names Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia—all active participants in the CBI scheme. Though St Vincent is not currently among them, the warning casts a shadow over the NDP’s plan to launch a similar initiative if it comes to power.
US Concerns Over CBI Risks
The leaked document outlines several areas of concern from the U.S. administration. Chief among them is the lack of residency requirements in many of the region’s CBI programmes, which allow foreign nationals to obtain citizenship purely through financial contributions. Additional issues raised include reported instances of antisemitic and anti-American activity linked to CBI passport holders.
The memo also hints at diplomatic pressure tactics, suggesting that countries might avoid harsher measures by accepting deported individuals from the U.S. or entering into “safe third country” agreements.
All named countries were given until 8 a.m. Wednesday to provide initial responses outlining steps to correct the flagged issues.
NDP Stands Firm Despite Warning Signs
Despite the mounting international scrutiny, Opposition MP Fitz Bramble defended the NDP’s plan during a recent party meeting in West St George. He framed the programme as essential for national development and financial sustainability.
“We are going to make sure that we embark on what we call sustainable financing of our developmental activities, and one of those ways is by the Citizenship by Investment programme,” Bramble stated. “Our CBI is going to offer many options, including a contribution to a national development fund from which our constituency development fund can emerge.”
Bramble dismissed concerns over possible visa repercussions from the U.S. or the UK, noting, “We already have to get visas to go to America and Canada. So what’s the difference?”
His remarks have drawn criticism for downplaying the potential diplomatic fallout and immigration policy implications that could accompany the rollout of a CBI programme without international alignment.
No Support from Current Government
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has made it clear that his government does not support the CBI model. He has also refused to offer solidarity to fellow Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) members currently running such programmes. His stance suggests that any move toward CBI implementation by a future NDP-led administration would likely face strong domestic resistance.
Outlook: CBI Under Global Scrutiny
The U.S. memo is part of a broader international trend of increased oversight on investor citizenship programmes, which have drawn criticism for creating vulnerabilities in border control and undermining immigration laws. EU and UK officials have also previously raised red flags about the security risks associated with such schemes.
While the NDP touts the economic benefits of a CBI initiative, the party now faces the dual challenge of navigating domestic opposition and heightened geopolitical scrutiny. As international pressure builds, St Vincent’s path toward adopting a CBI programme remains steep—and increasingly uncertain.
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