Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 03, 2015 (SKNIS): The Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI) was given a positive fresh start under the Government of National Unity, said Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris during his monthly Press Conference on Tuesday, November 03, at Parliamentary Lounge, Government Headquarters.
“In the last eight months, while undertaking the challenging task of transition and consolidating the people’s government, we have quietly but positively made tremendous progress in giving a fresh start to our CBI programme,” said Prime Minister Harris, while noting that the Government is rebuilding confidence once again to the market rocked by scandals, advisories and visa withdrawal.
The finance minister said the past is the past and the future is left to the Government to consecrate, adding that dedication to the future is a duty to which he is fully committed. This, he said, is done for the benefit of the citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis who appreciated the fact that the Federation needed a fresh start.
The prime minister said the CBI has gone through some achievements and progress since his Government took office in February, 2015 and noted that persons must respect all aspects of the twin-island Federation.
“New ethos has evolved,” said the finance minister, while noting that his Government is in the business of development and is global in outlook. “We aim to be the best managed and most prosperous small island state. It is an honour and a privilege that we accord to others by allowing them to acquire our citizenship. They must respect themselves, our country and do nothing to sully our country’s good name or to compromise the benefits which our country and people enjoy.”
Dr. Harris noted that the Federation wants investors who show or have good judgment and who are knowledgeable enough to appreciate that the Federation is the gem in the region and they should have a long-lasting interest in maintaining this gem.