The views expressed herein are solely those of the writer.
Opposition New Democratic Party’s Passport Scheme Rings Alarm Bells in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
By Dr Audrey Gittens
As general election looms in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, political vital signs are rising and so is the public debate over the New Democratic Party’s (NDPs) controversial proposal to introduce a Citizenship by Investment program (CBI) if it wins the elections. The party promises that the CBI is a game-changer for the economy. While some party supporters cheer loudly in support, others warn of the risk involved, claiming that the benefits are insignificant when compared to the risks. The CBI program allows wealthy persons from other nations to obtain citizenship in exchange for financial rewards of varying kind. The NDP argues that the country is facing economic challenges and makes comparison with other regional neighbours like Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and St.Christopher. The party claims that revenues generated from the program will create jobs and fund other projects of government. They promised that the CBI is the panacea for all the economic challenges faced by the country.
Critics, however, are raising urgent and grave concerns over sovereignty and security. While the CBI program will generate short-term revenue, it is riddled with long-term tribulations. Evidence is available that poor vetting of applicants allowed individuals with questionable histories, including links to corruption and organized crimes, to obtain Caribbean passports.This allows them visa free access to the Americas and Europe thereby, exposing St. Vincent and the Grenadines to scrutiny of the international community. There is no guarantee that diligence will be air-tight, SVG will become a backdoor for financial fugitives. It is apparent that citizenship, which is the highest honor of a country, was reduced to a commodity such as selling potatoes and bananas. This was confirmed when, in July 2024, four OECS countries agreed to accept at a minimum, US$200, 000 for a passport. It is a trade, no different from those organized by the Ministry of Agriculture when it is seeking foreign markets for ground provision and callaloo.
One of the strongest reasons to oppose the CBI program is the troubling factor of corruption. Because of size and institutional capacity, the risk for corruption is amplified. Government officials can create a ‘slush fund’. This is a pool or reservoir of money which is not included in official records and is used for unauthorised, questionable and corrupt purposes. It is vulnerable because it lacks accountability and transparency. Slush funds are not exposed to public scrutiny, they are unregulated and used for personal gains.
It is obvious that the New Democratic Party is undoubtedly pushed to the brink. Its insistence on the CBI program has little to do with sound policy and everything to do with political survival. After over 24 years in opposition, there is desperation to taste the reigns of power. The CBI program presents an opportunity to make promises and quick fixes without raising taxes. But at what cost? They present the allure of stable economic progress in order to sway undecided voters who they believe are eager for a change in government. However, this short-term sugar high, like diabetes, is accompanied by hypoglycaemia/very low blood sugar. When the sugar drops too low, it becomes an emergency. In other words, when the promised hope of the CBI program falls flat on its face, SVG will be in emergency mode. The NDP has completely disregarded the warnings from OECS countries who are facing unimaginable financial backlash as a result of their heavy reliance on the CBI program. It is simply a matter of “fools walking where angels fear to thread”.
Time and space do not permit me to speak on the international fallout as the European Union has already issued warning to Caribbean countries about denying visa-free access. Is this a compromise SVG is willing to make for the sake of a few foreign dollars? Is the NDP willing to tarnish our international standing and democratic norms? It will be impossible to reverse perception once we become known as a passport-selling haven for questionable characters. We agree that there must be innovative strategies to grow our economy however our passport, a sacred national symbol and bond should not be turned into a commodity in the vegetable market. As the electorates head to the polls, bear in mind that the future of our Vincentian identity hangs in the balance.
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