Dominica’s Prime Minister Skerrit Calls for Private Sector Defense of Citizenship by Investment Programmes

Dominica’s Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, delivered a forceful message at the 2025 Caribbean Investment Summit (CIS25), urging private sector beneficiaries of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs to actively defend these initiatives against increasing international scrutiny. He challenged developers, agents, and other private sector entities to step out of the shadows and share the responsibility of advocating for CBI, rather than leaving the task solely to governments. Skerrit’s impassioned plea highlighted the growing pressure faced by Caribbean nations as international regulators, financial institutions, and visa policies threaten the future of these crucial revenue streams. His central message resonated with a sense of urgency: silence is no longer an option for those who profit from CBI. It’s time for collective action to protect these programs that have become integral to the region’s development.

Skerrit’s address emphasized the perceived hypocrisy of private sector beneficiaries who remain silent while governments bear the brunt of defending CBI programs. He warned that this silence could be misinterpreted as an admission of guilt or wrongdoing, fueling the negative narrative surrounding CBI. The Prime Minister underscored the critical role CBI has played in Dominica’s economic transformation, pointing to its contribution to debt reduction, the establishment of an emergency fund, and the construction of resilient housing. By showcasing tangible benefits derived from CBI, Skerrit aimed to counter the negative perceptions propagated by international critics and emphasize the program’s significant contribution to national development. His call to action sought to galvanize the private sector into recognizing their shared stake in the survival of CBI and the need to actively defend its legitimacy.

The Prime Minister’s remarks reflect a growing frustration among Caribbean leaders regarding the passive stance of CBI beneficiaries within the private sector. These individuals and entities, who directly profit from the programs, often remain silent during periods of intense scrutiny, leaving governments to defend the initiatives on their own. Skerrit argued that this silence is not only unfair but also strategically unwise. A unified front, encompassing both government and private sector voices, is essential to effectively counter the challenges posed by international organizations and regulatory bodies. The survival of CBI programs, he argued, depends on a collective effort to promote transparency, highlight the programs’ positive impact, and address legitimate concerns raised by critics.

Skerrit’s call for unity and transparency aligns with a broader regional shift towards reshaping the narrative surrounding CBI programs. Caribbean nations are increasingly seeking to move away from the perception of secrecy and lack of accountability that has sometimes plagued these initiatives. They aim to portray CBI as a legitimate tool for economic development, emphasizing its contributions to national progress and regional stability. This shift involves greater transparency in the administration of CBI programs, stricter due diligence processes to ensure the integrity of applicants, and a more proactive approach to engaging with international stakeholders. By demonstrating a commitment to responsible governance and open communication, Caribbean nations hope to build trust and counter the negative perceptions that threaten the future of CBI.

The Prime Minister strategically chose the platform of the Caribbean Investment Summit to deliver his message, emphasizing the importance of collective action and the need for a unified front in defending CBI programs. The summit provided a strategic opportunity to reach a diverse audience of stakeholders, including government officials, developers, agents, and investors. By directly addressing the private sector beneficiaries of CBI, Skerrit aimed to spark a much-needed conversation about their responsibility in protecting these vital programs. His speech served as a rallying cry, urging them to recognize the shared risks and rewards associated with CBI and to actively participate in shaping its future.

The future of Caribbean CBI programs hangs in the balance as international scrutiny intensifies and visa-free access to various countries becomes increasingly uncertain. Skerrit’s powerful message at CIS25 highlighted the urgent need for collective action and a shift towards greater transparency and cooperation. He challenged private sector beneficiaries to step forward and actively defend the programs that contribute significantly to their profits. His call for unity resonates with a growing regional sentiment that the time for silence is over. The survival of CBI programs depends on a collective effort to demonstrate their value, address legitimate concerns, and build trust with international partners. The message is clear: those who benefit from CBI must now rise to its defense. The future of these vital programs rests on their willingness to engage, advocate, and ensure their long-term sustainability.