PM's remarks draw on matters of Caribbean-U.S. mutual concern, highlighting stringent passport and security measures, and lucrative trade and investment opportunities

 

WASHINGTON-- During a Washington reception on December 3, the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis announced the suspension of Syrians from attaining dual nationality via the islands' citizenship by investment program. Exclusion for second citizenship eligibility will hold, the Prime Minister noted, until further federal vetting processes can be completed.

The statement, first issued in St. Kitts and Nevis last week, comes in the wake of ongoing reports of counterfeit Syrian passports flooding the international black market. St. Kitts and Nevis's exclusion additionally follows the government's recall in 2013, barring Iranian citizens from its program due to security concerns.

"As the pioneer country in developing a second citizenship by investment program, we are proud that St. Kitts and Nevis established a standard for the highest due diligence in processing applicants, while developing an integral investment platform and helping the island's economy," Hon. Prime Minister Timothy Harris said. "These are hallmarks that have set St. Kitts and Nevis onto the international stage as one of the most lucrative and appealing locations to attain second citizenship by investment."

St. Kitts and Nevis, alongside economic citizenship offerings in Dominica and Grenada, have emplaced rigorous screening processes in establishing application protocol. The security of a country's borders remains top priority-standards the St. Kitts and Nevis government holds to highest standard to ensure integrity of its citizenship by investment programs, and opportunities for collaboration with its regional and international partners.

"Today's perilous times call for heightened security measures-both from government bodies and the global citizen," said Lanny Davis, executive vice president at LEVICK Communications and former White House counsel.

Speaking at the reception, Prime Minister Harris joined diplomatic representatives and Caribbean leaders in highlighting avenues for joint partnerships between the island nations and the U.S. Ongoing since the 2000 Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act, the Caribbean nations remain poised to continue expanding and diversifying their trade offerings, drawing interest from the U.S. market for foreign investment into the islands' economies.

"Dual nationality is, simply, the 21st century's insurance policy," said Micha Emmett, the global managing director and legal advisor of UK-based citizenship solutions firm CS Global Partners. "From visa-free or -upon arrival options for 131 countries to the tranquil experience at the heart of the Caribbean existence, investing in St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica or Grenada grants tremendous benefits while, in turn, supporting the economic developments of each respective island nation. At the heel of the recent events in Mali, Nigeria, Paris, Ankara, and Beirut, a second citizenship from a Caribbean island provides indispensable access to a safe haven, while opening substantial business possibilities."