Dominica’s PM Wants Private Sector Support to Defend Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programs

“Dominica’s Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, has expressed a strong desire for private sector entities and relevant stakeholders to take a more active role in defending the nation’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs amid ongoing external challenges. 

Skerrit was among government ministers attending the Caribbean Investment Summit 2025, which ended on Thursday in Antigua and Barbuda.

During a panel discussion entitled “Creating and Implementing the Vision,” Skerrit emphasized the vital importance of CBI programs for Dominica’s and the region’s overall development. 

“The CBI programs are very crucial to bringing in foreign direct investments, assisting in growing the economy, assisting in providing jobs and social safety nets,” he said.

He highlighted how these initiatives have significantly aided in reducing the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio, allowed for the establishment of an emergency fund, and facilitated the provision of housing for its citizens.

Despite clearly demonstrating these notable benefits, Skerrit voiced his frustration that the responsibility for advocating for the CBI programs seems to fall predominantly on government officials alone. 

He articulated, “It should not be left to the governments to be the only voices extolling the virtues of the CBI programs. The agents and developers, along with the private sectors that are deriving direct benefits from these CBI programs, remain notably silent.”

Skerrit further stated that this silence from those financially benefiting from the CBI initiatives could lead to misinterpretations of wrongdoing.

He remarked, “Our silence gives people the impression that there is something untoward concerning these programs.”

He passionately urged those present at the summit to voice their support and help reshape the narrative surrounding the CBI initiatives.

Skerrit asserted the crucial importance of private sector support in countering the negative sentiments that sometimes surround these programs.