Roseau, Dominica: Prime Minister of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit mentioned, announced that the authorities would conduct a comprehensive audit of the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI). This information was shared by the PM during the budget address earlier this week.
He mentioned that the Dominican government had commenced the recruitment procedure to enlist an internationally vetted management oversight team. This team will oversee and advise the management and operation of the CBI Programme.
PM Skerrit also highlighted that the government will start the revocation process and will suspend the citizenships of the people who made false statements and declarations of their application for visas in other countries.
He also focused on introducing the “New Certificates of Naturalisation” in the upcoming months.
While emphasising the measures which will be followed by the government, PM Skerrit counted:
Further, strengthen the legislation and procedure to further restrict the changing of names by citizens.
Strictly enforce the regulated fees to be charged for citizenship.
Assess and reduce the number of agents and promoters of our CBI programme.
Strictly enforce the current regulations regarding the advertisement of the Programme by developers, agents and promoters.
Introduce robust legislation to strengthen the framework of the Programme.
In addition to all, PM Roosevelt Skerrit highlighted that the CBI Programme acts as a driving force, which provides a pace to the economic and social progress of the Commonwealth of Dominica.
Furthermore, Prime Minister shed light on how the Citizenship by Investment Programme of the country acted as a saviour during the recovery phase from natural disasters, including Tropical Storm Erika and Hurricane Maria. He also highlighted that CBI Programme has provided support in constructing and rehabilitating infrastructure, creating job opportunities and funding other essential services like education and healthcare.
Prime Minister was quoted saying, “CBI enabled Dominica to respond and recover at remarkable pace from the devastation of Tropical Storm Erika and Hurricane Maria. It has enabled us to rebuild homes and reroof thousands of homes in this country, created jobs and employment for several people, including at the various award-winning international hotels that have been built.”
Along with this, PM Roosevelt Skerrit stated that government will continue to amend the CBI Programme in future.