CASTRIES, St. Lucia – The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has confirmed its member nations are engaged in substantive technical discussions with United States authorities regarding their Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs. These dialogues follow recent tensions sparked by US immigration policy announcements affecting two Caribbean nations.
The OECS Commission emphasized that negotiations have been characterized by frankness and solution-oriented approaches. Member states with active CBI programs – Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts and Nevis – have demonstrated significant progress in enhancing due diligence protocols, improving information sharing mechanisms, and establishing a regional independent regulatory authority to ensure compliance with international standards.
This development comes after the Trump administration initially announced partial travel restrictions targeting Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica effective January 2026, citing security concerns related to their citizenship programs. The policy has since been suspended following diplomatic engagement.
The Commission highlighted the critical importance of CBI programs for small island developing states, describing them as essential, non-debt-creating instruments that finance resilience-building, disaster adaptation, and sustainable development initiatives. These programs have funded vital public investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and renewable energy projects.
While acknowledging the sovereign right of nations to determine immigration policies, the OECS urged consideration of the unique vulnerabilities and limited economic options available to Caribbean states. The organization emphasized the deep economic interdependence between the Eastern Caribbean and the United States, noting longstanding trade, investment, and tourism relationships.
The Commission expressed full solidarity with affected member states while highlighting the constructive role Caribbean diaspora communities have played in American society, particularly in healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, and public service sectors.