PM Douglas tells investors government is committed to international obligations in protecting Citizenship By Investment Programme
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St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas (center) flanked by St. Kitts and Nevis’ High Commissioner to London, His Excellency Mr. Kevin Isaac (left) and Dr. Sirous Montvassel (right). |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, NOVEMBER 3RD 2011 (CUOPM) – The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis attaches great importance to its Citizenship-by-Investment Programme which provides the basis for an integrated and strategic partnership between government and investors. Addressing an audience made up of a cross section of high-end entrepreneurs – among them nationals who are already citizens by investment – during an official visit to the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday night, Prime Minister Douglas said the partnership assists St. Kitts and Nevis in pursuing its national development agenda and secures for individuals and investors an opportunity to become a citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis with all the benefits of citizenship.
“Specifically because our Programme is the oldest of its kind, its relevance to our investment portfolio and its value to the development agenda of St. Kitts and Nevis; my government places priority on and will protect jealously the integrity and security of the programme,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who encouraged them to make further significant investments for the development of the twin-island Federation.
Dr. Douglas stressed to the group among them from persons from various fields including engineering, electrical, investment banking, project development and mining, that St. Kitts and Nevis is a member of the United Nations and a responsible participant in the global community.
“Hence, in the implementation of all of its programmes including the Citizenship by Investment Programme, we honour all of our international obligations that arise from our membership of the United Nations and other international organizations,” said Prime Minister Douglas, following presentations by representatives of Belmont Resorts and Christophe Harbour.
He pointed out that St. Kitts and Nevis recently amended the programme to make it more robust and resistant to abuse.
“I would like to urge you all, as individuals interested in learning more about the programme with the aim of introducing it to your clients, to appreciate the overwhelming importance my government attaches to upholding the integrity, security and sustainability of our Citizenship-by-Investment programme. I further urge you as service providers and partners in development to recognize and uphold credible due diligence checks,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
“My Government will use all the tools available to identify those individuals and to deny them access to our programme. It is imperative for them to understand unequivocally that this is not the programme for them. St. Kitts and Nevis is committed to ensuring that this programme exceeds international standards and stands up to any form of scrutiny,” said Dr. Douglas, who made it clear “that whilst the Citizenship by Investment Programme does not discriminate against anyone, we promise to be meticulously consistent in our efforts to restrict access to anyone who do not meet the objective and legal requirements of our citizenship programme.”
Dr. Douglas said his St. Kitts and Nevis Government values its human resource and sees investment as a catalyst for the advancement of its people.
“A comprehensive economic strategy has been initiated that will propel the growth of our Federation and increase its stability over time. The Government has pursued a “zero tolerance approach” in its adoption and execution of policies and strategies to control any form of criminal activity to preserve the safety and security of its citizens as well as visitors to our shores whether for business or pleasure,” he said.