Comment: We have friends across the globe and our visa system must recognise this

Mark Brantley has called for deepened ties with our African brothers and sisters by pursuing expanded visa waiver agreements. Brantley’s decision to call on Prime Minister Drew for these waiver agreements is both sensible and necessary.

As the United States pulls up the trade drawbridge across the world, it’s time for us to look towards our friends elsewhere.  In a world where global mobility and international partnerships increasingly shape national strength, these efforts can significantly enhance our country’s geopolitical influence and economic appeal.

Visa waiver agreements are more than just convenience; they are symbols of trust and cooperation between nations. For St Kitts and Nevis, a country with a well-regarded Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, the strength of its passport is a critical selling point. By expanding visa-free access, particularly in African markets that are increasingly interested in Caribbean investment and tourism, the country can boost the appeal of its CBI offering while also deepening cultural and economic ties.

Over recent years, St Kitts and Nevis made steady progress in building international partnerships. Although we’ve seen this slow down in the last year or two, forging new diplomatic ties and visa waiver agreements must now become a priority for the government’s foreign policy. Sustaining that earlier momentum could have helped the country strengthen its global network, particularly with emerging African economies that offer growing potential for collaboration in tourism, trade, and diplomacy.

With global competition increasing in the CBI space, standing still is not an option. Premier Brantley’s proposal offers a straightforward path to enhancing the country’s international profile. It’s now up to the federal administration to match his ambition and act with the political will needed to deliver tangible diplomatic gains.