CBI Reforms Earn St. Kitts Program of Year
BASSETERRE — St. Kitts and Nevis has been named Program of the Year at the CIU 2026 awards, capping a four-award haul that top officials say validates a sweeping overhaul of the federation’s citizenship by investment program.
His Excellency Calvin St. Juste, Executive Chairman of the Board of Governors of the CIU, said the recognition — handed down by industry peers — is the clearest proof yet that the reforms are working.
“We know we had some significant challenges at that point in time, and we cannot forget where we came from,” St. Juste said during an interview on ZIZS Radio. “It’s a true testament to the leadership — obviously first from the prime minister, who took a very bold move in making some really strong reforms — and to the board of governors, the leadership at the CIU, and every staff member who really rolled up their sleeves.”
St. Juste said the prime minister’s willingness to make difficult decisions approximately 20 months ago set the turnaround in motion. Cabinet ministers and CIU staff, he added, collectively committed to making St. Kitts and Nevis’ program not only the best in the federation but the strongest in the region.
The executive chairman also framed the honors in broader developmental terms, noting that CBI revenue is increasingly being directed toward social and national programs — a point, he said, that is resonating both locally and across the Caribbean.
“There are many programs around the world,” St. Juste said. “We’re no longer competing just with our Caribbean members — we’re competing with developed countries that have established similar residency programs as well. But the significance of this is that it demonstrates the level of integrity we have brought back to the program, the governance structure, the operational efficiency, and most importantly, the impact that citizens are seeing — that the revenue is actually being used for social and national development.”
The federation captured a total of four awards at this year’s CIU ceremony. Officials have not yet detailed the other three categories in which St. Kitts and Nevis was recognized.