St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Program in Crisis Following Blacklist of RIF Trust and Latitude by Drew Administration.

The Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program of St. Kitts and Nevis has been thrown into turmoil following the government’s decision to permanently blacklist two prominent CBI agents, RIF Trust and Latitude Consultancy, and revoke the citizenships of 13 individuals and their dependents. This drastic measure, announced in April 2025, stems from an investigation into 158 CBI applications linked to these firms, revealing instances of misleading investment offers below the legal minimum and false promises of discounts. The government has characterized these actions as “willful deception” and “false representation,” leading to the drastic step of blacklisting and citizenship revocation.

This incident represents a significant escalation in the ongoing decline of the St. Kitts and Nevis CBI program. Once considered the “platinum standard” of CBI programs globally, the program has been struggling since 2023 following a series of poorly conceived policy changes that destabilized the program and resulted in a reported 50% drop in applications in 2024. The blacklisting of RIF Trust and Latitude Consultancy, two agencies known for their global presence, professionalism, and integrity, has sent shockwaves through the investment migration industry and further eroded confidence in the St. Kitts and Nevis program. The move is viewed by many as a desperate and damaging measure that exacerbates the program’s existing problems.

The implications of blacklisting these reputable firms extend beyond the immediate impact on the agents themselves. It creates a chilling effect on the entire CBI industry, raising concerns among investors about the stability, transparency, and predictability of the St. Kitts and Nevis program. The government’s heavy-handed approach, coupled with the declining number of applications, signals a growing risk of political interference and mismanagement, deterring potential investors who seek secure and reliable investment migration options. The drastic action taken against RIF Trust and Latitude, who had even hosted the former Head of CIU of St Kitts and Nevis, Mr. Michael Martin, in their Dubai office in 2023, highlights the dramatic shift in the relationship between the government and key players in the CBI industry.

While 32 applicants implicated in the investigation have reportedly rectified their investment discrepancies, the remaining 13 who failed to comply faced the revocation of their citizenships under the Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship (Deprivation of Citizenship) Order, 2025. This underscores the seriousness of the alleged violations and the government’s commitment to enforcing the rules of the CBI program. However, critics argue that the government’s focus on punitive measures, rather than addressing the underlying issues plaguing the program, is counterproductive and further damages the program’s reputation.

The investigation that led to these repercussions centered on accusations of misleading investment practices. Specifically, RIF Trust and Latitude Consultancy were implicated in offering investment options below the legally mandated minimum and providing applicants with false assurances of special discounts. These practices, deemed deceptive and misrepresentative by the government, undermine the integrity of the CBI program and erode trust among potential investors. The severity of the penalties imposed reflects the government’s determination to address these issues and uphold the standards of the program.

The future of the St. Kitts and Nevis CBI program remains uncertain. The government faces mounting pressure to reverse the negative trend and restore confidence in the program. Industry experts warn that the continued decline in applications and the erosion of trust among investors could lead to the program’s eventual collapse. The Drew Administration must take decisive action to address the underlying issues, improve transparency, and demonstrate a commitment to stable and predictable policies to salvage the program and prevent it from becoming unsustainable. The current situation demands a comprehensive reassessment of the program’s structure, regulations, and management to ensure its long-term viability and restore its reputation as a reputable investment migration option.