In a firm and principled address to the nation, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has reaffirmed that Barbadian citizenship “is not, and will never be, a commodity for purchase.”
She stressed the island will not pursue a citizenship-by-investment (CBI) model, even as other Caribbean nations navigate international criticism and external pressure to reform such programmes.
Mottley’s remarks come at a time when several Caribbean CBI schemes, offered by countries such as St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda, are under heightened scrutiny by the United States and the European Union. What is the concern as outlined by these industrialised nations? They contend there is lax vetting that might allow criminals, those dodging sanctions, or bad actors to access citizenship and use it to gain access to global financial systems or even visa-free travel.
Yet, as valid as those concerns may be, the conversation around CBI programmes deserves a little more nuanced assessment and interrogation. Many islands in the region rely on these programmes as a critical revenue stream, especially in the wake of devastating hurricanes, the pandemic, and economic shocks such as the ongoing international trade wars and other global conflicts. Importantly, these programmes are not unique to the Caribbean.
From Portugal to the United States, to Canada and Australia, wealthy nations are also offering fast-track residency and even citizenship in exchange for investment, though with different structures. Former United States President Donald Trump has floated a “golden passport”. It would be a “gold card” offering residency and potential citizenship to foreign nationals willing to invest US$5 million.
It is difficult to ignore this global context. Large economies offer investor visas with little backlash or criticism, yet small Caribbean states are threatened with visa restrictions or blacklisting. The message seems inconsistent, and therefore scrutiny is warranted.
It would also be inaccurate to suggest that Caribbean nations are not considering the risks. Over the last year, the five Eastern Caribbean CBI countries have jointly implemented a range of reforms that include mandatory interviews, background checks, inter-country cooperation, revocation protocols, and bans on applications from high-risk nationalities. Some nations, like Dominica and Grenada, have gone even further, increasing transparency and enforcing revocations when due diligence identifies red flags.
Caribbean governments are showing a willingness to adapt their CBI models to international standards, even as they defend the sovereign right to operate them.
Barbados, as Mottley made clear, is charting a different course that is rooted in a necessity to address demographic and population challenges. Faced with a declining and ageing population, the government is proposing immigration and citizenship reforms that she says will prioritise fairness, skills, and deep family ties.
The Prime Minister insisted that dollars will not be the overriding factor.
Children of the diaspora, down to great-grandchildren, are expected to find a path to citizenship. Skilled workers and investors will also be welcomed but not “bought” into citizenship. Preferential treatment will be given to fellow CARICOM nationals.
What is essential is for the process to unfold through public consultation to avoid social and other tensions.
Citizenship, as Mottley said, “carries the value of who we are”. It is a bond of rights and responsibilities and is not something that is available to the highest bidder.
So where does this leave the broader region? Somewhere in the middle. Not every country can or should follow our model. Each nation must make its own decisions based on economic needs and public consensus.
Whether citizenship is acquired through familial ties, contribution, or investment, it should be earned, not merely bought. Background checks must be robust. Funds must be from legitimate sources and be used transparently.
Mottley is right to insist that there are no first-class or second-class Barbadians. That same ideal should apply regionally. If citizenship is to be granted, regardless of how, it must be based on shared values, equal responsibility, and mutual respect.
International partners like the United States should recognise the progress many Caribbean states are making rather than resort to bullying or threats. They should support improving due diligence and vetting systems. This would be far more productive than the current posture.
At the same time, regional governments must ensure that their programmes are not just short-term fiscal measures.
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