Published 14 September 2023
Basseterre
Buckie Got It, St Kitts Nevis News Source
RECENT MEASURES LEAD TO ST. KITTS AND NEVIS’ CBI PROGRAMME BEING RATED NUMBER ONE WORLDWIDE BY THE FINANCIAL TIMES
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, September 14, 2023 (SKNIS) – The Financial Times, in its seventh CBI Index, has rated the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme of St. Kitts and Nevis as the best option in the investment migration industry worldwide, “due to its longevity and excellent management”.
The CBI Index provides a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of the world’s active citizenship by investment programmes by examining their attributes under nine pillars, namely: Standard of Living, Freedom of Movement, Minimum Investment Outlay, Mandatory Travel or Residence, Citizenship Timeline, Ease of Processing, Due Diligence, Family, and Certainty of Product.
In the September 2023 report, St. Kitts and Nevis received the highest scores on four of the nine pillars: Mandatory Travel or Residence, Ease of Processing, Due Diligence and Certainty of Product.
The Financial Times stated that “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 and stands as the world’s oldest economic citizenship initiative.”
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, has made significant improvements in recent months that have strengthened the programme and assured the Federation’s reputation as a responsible member of the global community.
“A robust due diligence process underscores the Programme’s commitment to security and legitimacy. Benefits extend beyond citizenship, including political and economic stability, diversification, business and educational opportunity, business expansion, and quality of life. The St Kitts and Nevis CBI Programme not only upholds its legacy but also sets a remarkable precedent for the investment migration industry,” the Financial Times article stated.
Head of the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), Mr. Michael Martin is quoted in the article as saying, “For four decades, we have crafted solid, innovative, and sustainable investment solutions through our Citizenship by Investment Programme. We take a measured and considered approach to everything we do, and our vision is to remain the leading Citizenship by Investment Programme in the world: a Programme filled with integrity, transparency, and accountability.”
Recent changes to the Federation’s programme include the introduction of the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) investment option. Additionally, all investors applying for Citizenship by Investment are now required to have a mandatory interview, either virtually or in person, at a location specified by the Citizenship by Investment Unit and approved by the Board of Governors.
All background due diligence checks are commissioned by the CIU and are conducted by independent professional firms from the United Kingdom, USA and Europe, and in accordance with the requirements set by the Board of Governors.
The full Financial Times article can be found at: https://www.ft.com/partnercontent/the-cbi-index/renowned-cbi-index-launches-its-seventh-
