Dubai: Prime Minister Terrance Drew of St Kitts and Nevis recently participated in a special luncheon event hosted by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) during his official visit to Dubai. He was joined by the Head of Citizenship by Investment Unit – Michael Martin, and two other distinguished members of the unit.
The luncheon, attended by marketing agents representing not only Dubai but also the broader Middle East, coincided with the ongoing Investment Migration Forum in Dubai, drawing numerous participants and marketing agents from around the world to the gathering.
The exclusive event at the Ritz-Carlton Dubai received a remarkable turnout with delegates expressing enthusiasm and confidence in the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme's potential.
Prime Minister Drew delivered a compelling address, emphasizing the government's commitment to fostering collaboration and attracting foreign investment to St Kitts and Nevis. Throughout the luncheon, attendees were treated to insightful discussions on the evolving landscape of global citizenship and investment. From exploring new investment opportunities to fostering international partnerships, the event served as a catalyst for innovation and growth within the CBI industry.
In his keynote address, he emphasized the nation's commitment to sustainable development and responsible citizenship. He reiterated the government's dedication to maintaining the integrity and quality of the CBI Programme, underscoring recent regulatory enhancements and collaborative initiatives within the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
CBI: Fostering sustainability
Amidst recent heavy rains and flooding in Dubai, Prime Minister Terrance Drew's steadfast arrival at the luncheon venue last Tuesday underscored the city's resilience and importance as a pivotal market for the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) industry.
Following this being the Head of Government of a Small Island Developing State, Prime Minister Terrance Drew’s address included special insights into achieving sustainability and tackling the challenges caused by climate changes, not only for SIDS but for other countries in general.
Adding to this, during his address at the luncheon, Prime Minister Drew underscored St Kitts and Nevis' commitment to sustainability, emphasizing the role of the Citizenship by Investment programme in advancing the Sustainable Island State Agenda. He emphasized how the CBI programme provides a platform for achieving sustainability goals and building resilience against environmental threats.
"We take immense pride in St. Kitts and Nevis, and our commitment to excellence knows no bounds," remarked Prime Minister Drew.
"The success of our CBI programme is a testament to our leadership, dedication, and unwavering vision for the future,” he further emphasized.
Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew also added that the Government has taken multiple steps to fortify the CBI programme against potential threats, “We have turned away from complacency and instability as we pride ourselves on the quality of our citizenship,”.
In addition to the luncheon, the St Kitts and Nevis delegation also participated in the Investment Migration Forum, further enhancing the nation's profile on the international stage.
Michael Martin, Head of the Citizenship by Investment Unit, contributed to a panel discussion on the CBI industry, highlighting the country's proactive approach to investment migration.
Fireside chat: Candid conversations on CBI
One of the highlights of Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew's visit to Dubai was a special appearance at the Investment Migration Forum where he participated in an engaging fireside chat. This intimate session provided a platform for candid conversations on key issues surrounding citizenship by investment (CBI) programmes, offering valuable insights into St. Kitts and Nevis' approach and vision for the future.
Addressing a diverse audience of international investment migration professionals at the Ritz Carlton DIFC, Prime Minister Drew delved into a wide range of topics, shedding light on the motivations behind significant policy changes implemented by his government since taking office in 2022. He provided a high-level overview of these changes, emphasizing their impact on various sectors, including the citizenship by investment programme.
The discussion then turned to the specific developments within the CBI programme, including operational enhancements and legislative changes related to investment options, pricing, and eligibility criteria. Prime Minister Drew offered firsthand observations on the practical implications of these changes and outlined potential future adjustments to further refine and strengthen the programme.
Moreover, Prime Minister Drew shared insights into St. Kitts and Nevis' proactive role in spearheading discussions with international partners regarding the CBI.
He highlighted key milestones, such as hosting the US Roundtable in February 2023 and signing the Memorandum of Agreement with fellow OECS members, underscoring the positive reception of these initiatives within the industry and among international partners.
As the conversation unfolded, Prime Minister Drew provided delegates with his vision for the future of the CBI Programme, emphasizing collaboration, harmonization, and sustainability.
