St. Vincent and the Grenadines is expected to roll out a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme in 2026, signalling a significant shift in the country’s economic policy framework.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Prime Minister Godwin Friday, who confirmed that the long-debated initiative will move from concept to implementation under a New Democratic Party administration.
The introduction of a CBI programme has been a central pillar of the NDP’s economic platform, with party leaders consistently arguing that the initiative could attract new foreign direct investment, support post-pandemic recovery efforts, and help finance national development priorities. Once implemented, St. Vincent and the Grenadines would become the sixth Caribbean country to offer citizenship in exchange for qualifying investments.
Speaking on Hot 97.1 SVG, Prime Minister Friday said the programme will be carefully designed to meet international standards and regulatory expectations, stressing that compliance and due diligence will be key components of its structure.
While the start year has now been confirmed, several critical details are still being finalized. These include minimum investment thresholds, eligible investment options—such as real estate, a national development fund, or infrastructure projects—and how the programme will align with existing regional agreements and international regulatory frameworks.
CBI programmes across the Caribbean have come under increased regional and international scrutiny in recent years, particularly with respect to background checks, transparency, and geopolitical risk. These concerns, the Prime Minister noted, will be taken into account as the framework for the programme is developed.
Supporters of the initiative argue that a properly managed CBI programme could help diversify the Vincentian economy, reduce dependence on traditional sectors, and generate revenue for critical areas such as healthcare, education, and climate resilience. Critics, however, have urged caution, warning that weak oversight or poor implementation could expose the country to reputational risks or raise concerns about national sovereignty.
The NDP has maintained that the move represents the fulfillment of a long-standing commitment to modernize the economy, broaden investment opportunities, and position St. Vincent and the Grenadines for sustainable long-term growth.
