New Administration Prioritizes Economic Citizenship

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will introduce a CBI program in 2026, confirmed by Prime Minister Goodwin Friday. The announcement comes after the November elections, which ended 24 years of Unity Labor Party rule, a government historically opposed to economic citizenship initiatives.

Friday framed the program as a critical economic pillar, citing the country’s strained finances with public debt exceeding $3 billion as of Q1 2025, leaving limited borrowing capacity. The initiative had been part of his party’s platform for over a decade and reflects previous NDP administrations’ experience with economic citizenship.

Program Designed for Transparency and Local Impact

Deputy Prime Minister Major St Clair Leacock, also Minister of National Security and Immigration, outlined the framework, emphasizing accountability and multi-institutional oversight. While the Ministry of National Security will manage citizenship applications, the Attorney General’s office and other government bodies will oversee program administration.

Leacock highlighted that the program aims to create employment opportunities and generate direct benefits for the domestic economy, anchoring economic transformation within structured governance.

International Pressures Shape Implementation

The program launches amid increasing scrutiny from the US and EU. The United States recently suspended visa privileges for Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica, citing concerns about due diligence for applications from regions including China, Eastern Europe, Russia, and Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the EU has warned that CBI programs could trigger visa suspensions under new visa-waiver regulations. Caribbean governments maintain that their programs adhere to international security standards, including cooperation with Interpol and compliance with Western oversight directives.

Friday acknowledged these challenges but emphasized that global demand for CBI programs among high-net-worth investors remains robust, and that Saint Vincent’s program can succeed with careful, transparent administration.

Strategic Opportunity for Investors

Saint Vincent’s entry into the Caribbean CBI market presents a new option for international investors seeking mobility and diversification. By integrating oversight, accountability, and economic impact into the program design, the nation aims to attract sustainable investment while maintaining regulatory credibility with international partners.

High-net-worth individuals can engage with Free From Borders for expert guidance on application strategies, investment options, and long-term residency planning in Saint Vincent and other Caribbean jurisdictions.