Minister of Tourism Charles Fernandez Speaking at Parliament
Minister of Tourism Charles Fernandez has strongly defended Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP), rejecting claims that it is responsible for recent visa restrictions imposed by the United States or connected to ongoing discussions over the possible acceptance of third-country nationals.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday during debate on the government’s White Paper outlining the framework for negotiations with the United States, Fernandez criticised Barbuda MP Trevor Walker for what he described as repeated attempts to discredit the country’s flagship investment programme by linking it to the diplomatic discussions.
The minister said Antigua and Barbuda’s CIP remains one of the most rigorously regulated programmes in the Eastern Caribbean, with some of the strictest due diligence standards among member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
According to Fernandez, one of the most common complaints from authorised citizenship agents is the length of time it takes to process applications. However, he said those delays are the result of the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every applicant undergoes comprehensive background checks before citizenship is granted.
He recalled a recent conversation with a successful Citizenship by Investment applicant, who reportedly described Antigua and Barbuda’s vetting procedures as among the most thorough he had encountered anywhere in the world.
“The delays are not a weakness of the programme, they are evidence that we are committed to protecting its integrity,” Fernandez said.
The tourism minister also dismissed suggestions that the Citizenship by Investment Unit operates without adequate oversight. He noted that Parliament receives regular reports detailing the nationalities of individuals granted citizenship through the programme, while the Office of the Auditor General has full authority to examine the programme’s operations and financial records whenever necessary.
He argued that claims to the contrary are misleading and risk eroding public confidence in an initiative that has become a major driver of national development.
Highlighting the programme’s economic contribution, Fernandez said CIP-funded investments have transformed Antigua and Barbuda’s development landscape, generating between US$500 million and US$1 billion in investment activity.
Among the projects he identified as benefiting from the programme were the Nobu development in Barbuda, the Marriott project at Yeptons, the Elite redevelopment, and the Moongate development.
“There is so much investment in Antigua right now as a result of that CIP,” Fernandez told Parliament.
He warned that persistent criticism of the programme, particularly on social media, has the potential to damage Antigua and Barbuda’s international reputation and discourage future investors from doing business in the country.
Fernandez also challenged attempts to associate the Citizenship by Investment Programme with the government’s ongoing discussions with the United States concerning third-country nationals.
Pointing to Jamaica as an example, he noted that the country does not operate a Citizenship by Investment Programme yet has agreed to accept third-country nationals removed from the United States.
“Jamaica doesn’t have a CIP programme, but Jamaica is accepting third-country nationals. How do you explain that then?” he asked.
The minister argued that the comparison demonstrates there is no factual basis for linking Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Programme to the current U.S. immigration discussions.
While acknowledging that constructive criticism has an important place in public discourse, Fernandez urged public officials to avoid making statements that could unfairly undermine confidence in a programme he said has attracted significant foreign investment, created employment opportunities and contributed substantially to the country’s economic growth.
Stop CIP/CBI now!!
Not because of what the USA say or what the EU say….It is just nor right that a rich person or high profile criminal can but a citizenship!