Survey Finds 62% of Vincentians Support CBI Program

Survey indicates 81% prefer jobs from a CBI economy over unemployment; 68% don’t see citizenship sales diminishing national identity.

According to a recent poll, most Vincentians favor implementing a Citizenship by Investment program despite Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves’ firm opposition. According to a telephone survey that Sentinel Research Group conducted, 62% of Vincentians would support introducing the controversial program that allows foreign nationals to acquire citizenship by investment, while 28% oppose the idea and 10% remain undecided.

The Sentinel Research Group, which has no verifiable online presence for independent background verification, surveyed 1,004 registered voters across all fifteen constituencies between April 30 and May 4, 2025. The poll maintains a margin of error of ±3.1% at a 95% confidence level.

The survey suggests widespread public support for economic benefits potentially generated by a CBI program. 76% of respondents believe such a program would inject revenue into the economy, create jobs, and improve services, while only 15% disagree with this assessment.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remains the only independent member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States without a CBI program. The opposition New Democratic Party has pledged to implement one if victorious in the upcoming general election expected in December 2025.

Prime Minister Gonsalves has consistently rejected the CBI concept. He told the St Vincent Times that no legal framework exists in SVG for selling passports and that his administration annulled previous legislation that would have enabled such a program. Gonsalves claims Chinese and European investment migration firms already collaborate with opposition leaders ahead of the vote.

The poll indicates many Vincentians prioritize economic opportunities over concerns about national identity. 81% of respondents said they would prefer a good-paying job through a CBI-supported economy rather than facing unemployment or underemployment without one, while 12% prefer to avoid a CBI program despite economic challenges, and 7% remain undecided.

Additionally, 68% reject the notion that offering citizenship for investment diminishes national identity, 21% believe it does diminish identity, and 11% remain uncertain.

Most respondents appear unconcerned about potential travel restrictions that might result from implementing a CBI program. 64% believe a CBI program would not make it more difficult for Vincentians to travel to countries like the US, UK, Canada, or the European Union, though 23% expressed concerns about potential travel difficulties, and 13% were unsure.

The poll results directly challenge Gonsalves’ stance. 62% of respondents oppose his position on CBI programs. 66% view his rhetoric as divisive even if well-intentioned, while 20% believe he promotes unity and good neighborliness, and 14% expressed uncertainty.

NDP leader Dr. Godwin Friday has reiterated plans to introduce a CBI program last October. He promised the program would “meet the highest levels of scrutiny” and benefit public servants and those on public assistance rather than political figures.

The upcoming election appears competitive, as October 2024 polling (latest available) shows Gonsalves’ Unity Labour Party leading the NDP by a narrow margin of 33.7% to 30.1%. The CBI debate has emerged as a central issue in the campaign.