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Prime Minister Gaston Browne. Photo Credit Everton Barnes
Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has strongly supported Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, emphasizing their critical role in bolstering the economic sustainability of Caribbean nations.
His remarks came during the Caribbean Investment Summit 2025, where he addressed over 500 American University of Antigua delegates. The summit ends today.
At his turn at the mic, Browne underscored the importance of CBI programs as major contributors to socio-economic stability, arguing that they generate substantial revenue that aids in the region’s economic diversification and development.
He said, “These programs provide great opportunities,” while acknowledging the challenges and skepticism that have emerged internationally.
Browne addressed these programs’ heightened scrutiny, including concerns from international bodies about potential security risks associated with investment migration.
“Countries have been called upon to abandon their investment migration programs and threats of revocation of visa-free travel for third countries echo in the halls of national parliaments and the program reengineering have become part of the course, “ he said.
He noted that the Caribbean has received guidance from international partners, including the United States, to strengthen these programs. However, he cautioned against imposing excessive regulations that could hinder their competitiveness.
“We must balance our commitment to improvement with the need to maintain a robust and attractive investment landscape,” Browne said.
The Prime Minister also spoke about ongoing efforts to align CBI programs across the Caribbean, including plans for a Regional Regulatory Commission that aims to establish common standards and best practices.
He introduced his vision for “CBI 2.0,” a forward-looking approach featuring digital advancements and biometrics, which is being developed in partnership with international organizations.
Additionally, the political landscape surrounding CBI programs in the region was a point of contention.
Browne criticized political adversaries for spreading misinformation about these initiatives for their own gain, arguing that such tactics are harmful to national interests. “Our CBI programs are vital for nation-building and should transcend political games,” he asserted.
The summit included sessions dedicated to exploring emerging trends and opportunities within the citizenship industry, featuring discussions led by prominent figures including Prime Ministers and industry experts. As the event progressed, the focus remained on the economic benefits of CBI programs, alongside addressing challenges and promoting an environment of trust and integrity.
The summit, themed “integrity, stability, and sustainability,” runs from April 22 to 26 and features Prime Ministers from various Caribbean nations who participate in CBI initiatives.
At some point, Whites will be in charge again, and our Black descendants, will curse our names!! THIS IS NOT A WELL-THOUGHT OUT STRATEGY!! We are opening the door for future oppression!! “Tyrany by the Minority,” is not a novel concept in these Islands! Our foreparents knew it well — THEY LIVED IT!! Those who FORGET their past, are doomed to REPEAT it!!
The Europeans and Americans wants us to do away with these programs so we.can remain at the poverty line. To hell with them
Really? When Europeans, and other nationalities flock to our shores, through this dubious initiative, will you be happy to live as a MINORITY in your Country of birth? Be careful what you wish for!!
May criminals have our passports but many people also have done good to antigua. Many investments have been brought to the country. We must always leave room for error. In antigua case they aren’t ad bad as Dominica
The big bosses looking good. Hope this get together was fruitful