Minister E P Chet Greene
“We will not be bullied. Our foreign policy is one of principle”.
These were the remarks of Foreign Affairs Minister E.P Chet Greene regarding alleged threats by the United States to impose visa restrictions on several countries, including Antigua and Barbuda.
Over the weekend, the Washington Post reported that the leaked memo identified Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia, potentially facing U.S. visa restrictions unless they meet new immigration standards within 60 days.
In defense of the country’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) Greene told reporters that “Antigua and Barbuda will be ‘fighting like hell’ to defend the CIP programme. “They want to impose travel restrictions on us; for what reason, God only knows”, he said.
Minister Greene noted that the CIP programme benefits Antigua and Barbuda and is operated with integrity.
“We know that Charmaine Donovan (CEO of Antigua & Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) and her staff are all people of impeccable character and that this nation’s integrity is not to be questioned where their work is concerned,” he said.
Antigua and Barbuda has offered an economic route to citizenship since 2013, with a minimum investment of $230,000.
The CBI program allows applicants to obtain second citizenship and a Caribbean passport. It is based on economic donations to the nation.
The program has contributed significantly to the economy of the country.
Agreeing with E.P 100% on this. Don’t make Trump bully this government. We little but we talawah.
Yes, the CIP program has contributed significantly to the economy of the country. However, we are still awaiting to see where in the economy that contribution went. When you goes to St Kitts & Nevis anyone can see it CIP contribution into it economy, especially into it infrastructures—also improvement in Dominica infrastructure from their CIP.
I agree that no country should tell us what to do or how to run our country affairs. Let them keep their visas—America was and is built on immigrants. The president of America should know that because his mother was an immigrant like us who seek visa to vacation and shop there.
I glad to see how the young president Ibrahim Traore is handling any outsiders meddling into Africa affairs, especially his country, Burkina Faso.
Another thing, Antigua and Barbuda need to stop selling criminals our passport through the CIP program.
Im no foreign affairs expert but if the nation is banned from entry to the USA I assume it’s Likely the UK who also scrutinises the same program will make some similar restriction maybe establishing visa requirements then the Schengen will do the same. My question here is what worth will this passport be to the buyers? Then the passport ranking will fall. Sometimes we just gotta go back to drawing boards instead of making a bold stance against a giant
You tell ’em, Minister Greene! ‘We will not be bullied’ – that’s the spirit. Our CIP has been a lifeline for our economy, funding crucial programs. It’s a bit rich for larger nations to suddenly decide they have ‘concerns’ after years. Maybe they just heard how good our passports look?
I stand with Minister Greene. Antigua and Barbuda must defend its sovereignty and economic interests. We’ve built a reputable CIP, and we shouldn’t bow to threats.
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