In a bold and thought-provoking address at the Grenada Co-operative Bank’s 2025 IMA Round Table Conference, economist Brian Samuel delivered a scathing critique of Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. Known for his vocal opposition to CBI, Samuel was invited to share his perspective on the controversial initiative, which grants citizenship to foreign investors in exchange for significant financial contributions. His panel discussion, titled ‘Dependence vs Reliance: CBI as a Foreign Direct Investment Source of Revenue for Grenada,’ set the tone for a day of intense debate and introspection. Samuel argued that the program, while lucrative, disproportionately benefits private developers and foreign agents at the expense of Grenadian citizens. He highlighted the lack of due diligence in CBI-funded projects, citing examples of poorly planned developments that clash with Grenada’s natural beauty and cultural identity. Samuel also raised concerns about the long-term demographic and political implications of issuing over 20,000 passports in less than a decade. He called for the elimination of the real estate option within CBI, advocating instead for all proceeds to be directed toward public sector investments, such as healthcare and education. His remarks, though controversial, resonated with many Grenadians, sparking a broader conversation about transparency, accountability, and the true beneficiaries of the CBI program.