Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 10, 2025 (PMO) – Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew has officially opened the new headquarters of the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), marking a major step in the government’s efforts to strengthen and modernize the nation’s most significant economic program.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Drew underscored the crucial role of the CIU in sustaining the country’s financial stability and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to its transformation.
“If this is such a large business, it must be treated with that level of importance,” he stated. “We cannot be asking people to perform at such high levels and not have the right environment for them. Hence, this was chosen through a transparent and open mechanism to make sure that this becomes an environment where international business can be conducted.”
The new CIU office, located at Lime Kiln Commercial Development is designed to reflect the Unit’s evolving role as an internationally respected entity. The Prime Minister made it clear that the development of a world-class facility was not just about aesthetics, but about creating an environment that fosters excellence.
“Safeguarding CIU is really safeguarding St. Kitts and Nevis, at least at this point in our present economic and financial history,” he emphasized.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the CIU leadership and staff in navigating major reforms and upholding the country’s international reputation. He credited the strategic decisions made over the past months for stabilizing the program and ensuring its continued success.
Dr. Drew highlighted the decisive measures taken to reinforce good governance, risk and compliance, and customer service at the CIU. These steps, he noted, have been critical in maintaining confidence among global stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
“Our visa access to international partners was under serious threat, and quick action had to be taken in order to preserve that while balancing the business of the CIU,” he explained. “We were able to convince them that we are serious.”
He further outlined the government’s focus on equipping CIU staff with the latest training and technology to improve efficiency and service delivery. “The staff must be exposed to world-class training. If you want to have good customer service, if you want to have good development of business, you must have the latest technology. We are on a pathway to being the best office, period, in the citizenship-by-investment sector.”
The event was attended by key government officials, stakeholders, and CIU staff, all of whom celebrated the milestone as a significant achievement in the nation’s ongoing economic transformation.
