By Bayat Group
The St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program has achieved an extraordinary 169 percent surge in applications following its transition to a statutory corporate body. This transformation, implemented in late 2024, has reinforced the program’s reputation as a leader in the global investment migration industry, driven by renewed investor confidence, operational efficiency, and strong governance.
A strategic transformation for growth
The restructuring of the CBI programme was a bold step toward enhancing transparency, efficiency, and global competitiveness. Under the leadership of Executive Chairman Calvin St Juste, the CBI Unit has undergone an extensive review and modernization process. More than 1,000 new applications have been processed, a testament to the program’s renewed appeal and the strategic reforms undertaken.
By leveraging his financial expertise, St Juste introduced six core business principles to streamline the management. These principles aim to improve operational standards, ensure compliance with international best practices, and position the Programme as the “first and finest” in the investment migration sector.
The office of the chairman
A key initiative within this transformation is the establishment of the office of the chairman, a dedicated center of excellence within the CBI Unit. The office, led by Calvin St Juste, focuses on three primary objectives:
- Economic Growth: Ensuring that CBI investments contribute meaningfully to the local economy by fostering job creation and sustainable development.
- Enhanced Customer Service: Providing investors, developers, and service providers with a centralized point of contact to facilitate seamless processes.
- Real Estate Oversight: Managing approvals and compliance for all real estate and development projects under the CBI initiative, with a focus on regulatory adherence and high-quality investment options.
To further strengthen governance, Damille James, a financial expert with over two decades of experience in banking and regulatory oversight, has been appointed as the executive director of the office of the chairman. James will spearhead efforts to centralize real estate transactions, conduct audits, and ensure continuous quality control.
Prime minister’s vision for excellence
Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew has emphasized that the shift to a statutory body underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining the highest industry standards. He described the transformation as a benchmark for excellence, highlighting that the St Kitts & Nevis CBI program remains an essential driver of economic prosperity and national development.
“The Citizenship by Investment Programme of St. Kitts and Nevis stands as a benchmark for integrity and excellence in the investment migration industry. This remarkable growth reflects the transformative changes we’ve implemented to ensure transparency and efficiency. We remain steadfast in our vision to revolutionize the CBI industry while fostering sustainable development for our nation,” said prime minister Drew.
Rebuilding global trust and engagement
To further cement its position in the industry, St Juste has made a global tour to engage with key stakeholders. His focus has been on rebuilding trust with local service providers, investors, and international partners, reinforcing the CBI program’s reputation for integrity and reliability.
“We are incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made in such a short period, but there’s still more work to do. This success is a testament to the dedication of our team and the trust placed in us by our stakeholders,” said St Juste. “We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and efficiency while ensuring that the CBI Programme continues to contribute significantly to the economic development of St Kitts and Nevis.”
Future prospects
The St Kitts & Nevis CBI Program’s recent success underscores its continued global appeal and effectiveness as an economic driver. The substantial increase in applications highlights the confidence investors have in the program’s stability, reliability, and governance. Moreover, with the office of the chairman ensuring rigorous oversight, the Programme is well-positioned to sustain its momentum in 2025 and beyond.
The CIU board of governors has expressed deep appreciation for the dedication of the CBI program’s team, particularly the ‘Taskforce’ unit, whose relentless efforts have been instrumental in navigating the challenges of the transition and securing its immediate success. Their work has been pivotal in restoring stakeholder confidence and reinforcing St Kitts & Nevis’s CBI Program as a premier offering in the investment migration industry.
A legacy of excellence and innovation
Established in 1984, the St Kitts and Nevis CBI Programme is the world’s longest-standing citizenship-by-investment initiative, setting the standard for similar programs worldwide. With a renewed focus on governance, economic impact, and investor confidence, the Programme is poised to continue attracting high-net-worth individuals seeking alternative citizenship with significant advantages.
As the CBI program moves forward, its leadership remains committed to upholding transparency, fostering sustainable development, and reinforcing St Kitts & Nevis’s position as a premier investment migration destination.
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