Fellow Vincentians, let’s have an honest, informed conversation. The passionate speech against CBI is stirring — but it looks at the issue through a narrow lens, rooted in fear rather than fact. Let’s set emotions aside and look at reality.
1. CBI is not selling out — it’s buying in
To suggest that offering citizenship through investment is a betrayal of our ancestors is to ignore the evolving nature of nationhood and economics. We are not selling our identity. We are inviting vetted investors to buy into our development and become partners in our national growth.
Let’s not forget: the United States, Canada, the UK, and most of Europe have similar systems –“golden visas,” investor immigration, economic residency. It’s just branded differently. Are those nations “selling out”? Of course not. They’re using smart policy to attract wealth and talent.
2. Devaluing the passport? Or empowering the nation?
The claim that CBI weakens our passport assumes poor governance and zero due diligence. But the countries with reputable CBI programs (like St. Kitts, Dominica, Malta, etc.) have systems in place to prevent abuse. When managed responsibly, CBI doesn’t devalue the passport — it adds economic weight behind it. It enables stronger diplomacy, infrastructure development, and global relevance.
The worst way to protect our passport is to leave it backed by a weak economy.
3. Security risks are manageable — and already managed
CBI doesn’t automatically mean criminals are lining up to become citizens. Like any serious programme, due diligence is built-in. Interpol, World-Check, and independent vetting agencies are already used globally in such programmes.
If we trust our immigration officials to screen tourists, students, and workers, we can trust them to vet high-net-worth investors even more thoroughly. The “one bad apple” fear can be applied to any immigration policy, and yet the world still runs on global mobility.
4. Economic sustainability: CBI as a bridge, not a crutch
CBI isn’t the final solution — it’s a tool, one of many, for economic growth. When used wisely, it can fund critical infrastructure, education, healthcare, renewable energy, and entrepreneurial programmes that otherwise depend on high-interest loans or foreign aid.
What’s shaky is relying only on agriculture, tourism, and remittances. What’s smart is building a financial buffer while we diversify — CBI allows for that.
5. Corruption is a governance issue, not a CBI issue
Let’s be real: corruption exists in every system — whether we have CBI or not. The answer isn’t to reject opportunity, but to demand transparency. We need oversight, audits, public reporting — not fearmongering. If we trust ourselves to manage budgets and elections, we can manage a CBI programme with integrity.
Blaming the tool instead of fixing the system is lazy governance.
6. Division? Or inclusion?
CBI doesn’t divide us — it gives us options. Yes, some CBI citizens may never live here, but they still contribute financially and may become long-term allies, investors, or ambassadors for our country. Global citizenship is a reality of our time. Let’s not gatekeep our nationality as if it were frozen in the past.
We already welcome returning nationals with open arms even if they haven’t lived here in decades. Why not extend a carefully measured welcome to new citizens who help fund the progress we all want?
In conclusion
Vincentians are not naive. We understand the value of our nation and the seriousness of policy decisions. But strength lies in strategy, not stagnation.
CBI is not a moral failure — it’s an opportunity. If we design it with integrity, monitor it with vigilance, and invest its proceeds wisely, it can uplift our people and expand our possibilities.
Let’s move forward with courage, not fear.
Vincentian abroad
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