For many years, the New Democratic Party (NDP) of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) made it clear that it is “almost criminal” to not have a citizenship-by-investment programme in the country.
Given that the other five independent member states of the Organisation of East Caribbean States (Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Grenada, collectively the Caribbean Five) run citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programmes successfully, this position makes sense from many perspectives.
On 27 November 2025, the centre-right NDP won the general elections and ended an unprecedented five-term rule of the outgoing centre-left United Labour Party (ULP). The margin was wide, with 57% of the popular vote for the winning party.
There is no question whether the NDP will introduce a CBI programme; the question is only what the terms and conditions will be. There is no question as to when the new CBI programme comes to life, because the answer is simple: as soon as possible.
The new Prime Minister, Dr. Godwin Friday, and his team have studied CBI programmes thoroughly. They did not just flaunt an idea when they said they would introduce a CBI programme – they are very determined.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines suffered financially from not having a CBI programme. But being late to the market is an advantage for the new NDP government as it will avoid the mistakes that have been made in the other Caribbean Five over the years (think financing, backlogs, and bureaucratic nonsense).
The fact that SVG is still a small international financial centre, where international business companies are incorporated and where one of the largest maritime registries operates, will help to bring the local CBI ecosystem to life swiftly.
Even though some offshore banks operated in SVG in the past, a trust legislation is still in place, and there is no lack of qualified human capital for a new CBI industry.
It’s a political irony that the outgoing ULP has teamed up with and endorsed political parties in other Caribbean countries that run a CBI programme.
Of course, there will be various possibilities for real estate investments should this become an option under the new programme. SVG has 32 islands (more than all other Caribbean Five combined!) and has attracted notable luxury brands like Mandarin Oriental and Sandals to operate resorts.
The island of Mustique, home to Hollywood A-listers and British royalty alike, is a unique example of public-private partnership.
Hence, I have no doubt that the country will manage its new CBI programme in the most professional and competitive fashion. Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday, as a pro-business and pro-growth politician, will not miss the opportunity to deliver on his campaign promises.
As a family man with a stellar personal and political reputation, he will earn the trust of the global investment community soon. I am confident that SVG will reshape the CBI market and make great contributions to the industry, for the benefit of all stakeholders.
