The Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI) of St. Kitts and Nevis continues to set itself apart as a vehicle for transformation, delivering both global value and tangible benefits to the people of the Federation. In the latest episode of the CBI 101 podcast, Executive Chairman of the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) Board of Governors, His Excellency Mr. Calvin St. Juste, joined host Scoticia Hendrickson to discuss Public Benefit Options (PBOs) and their direct impact on local communities.
In case you missed earlier episodes, you can listen here:
Chairman Calvin St. Juste shares vision for transformation and growth
Reflecting on leadership and growth with Chairman Calvin St. Juste
WHAT ARE PUBLIC BENEFIT OPTIONS?
Executive Chairman St. Juste explained that Public Benefit Options (PBOs) are investments directed towards government-approved projects that create lasting value for citizens. Unlike other investment streams, PBOs are specifically designed to strengthen infrastructure, enhance social development, and provide direct opportunities for locals.
“The intent, as the name suggests, is public benefit,” he noted. “It’s about ensuring that investments do not only bring international recognition but also touch the lives of citizens here in St. Kitts and Nevis.”
CURRENT PUBLIC BENEFIT OPTIONS
The CIU has approved five key PBOs, each supporting a critical area of national development:
- Basseterre High School. Involved in the development of the Basseterre High School, contributing to enhanced educational infrastructure in St. Kitts. Construction will utilise local contractors and materials, ensuring economic benefit at every stage.
- RLB International Airport Expansion. Focuses on the RLB International Airport Expansion to increase air traffic capacity and enhance tourism infrastructure.
- Prime Creative Arts Centre. A cultural hub offering studios, exhibition halls, and performance spaces for artistic activities. Promotes local talent and sustainable development.
- Royal St. Kitts Beach Resort (Marriott Partnership). Strengthening tourism while providing employment, scholarships, and community benefits.
- National Housing Corporation. The newest PBO, designed to deliver over 100 homes to low- and middle-income families, giving citizens the security and dignity of homeownership.
ST. KITTS AND NEVIS CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PUBLIC BENEFIT OPTION
The PBO allows investors to make a meaningful contribution to St. Kitts and Nevis by supporting national infrastructure and development projects. In return, qualifying investors gain access to citizenship in one of the Caribbean’s most stable and prosperous nations.
The PBO requires a minimum investment to qualify for citizenship of St. Kitts and Nevis, supporting the nation’s vision for growth and sustainability.
Contribution requirements
Main Applicant: US$250,000 in a unit of an Approved Public Benefit Project to be paid to the Unit.
Due diligence fees
Main Applicant: US$10,000
Each Dependant (16 or over): US$7,500
READ MORE ABOUT CBI VIA THE PUBLIC BENEFIT OPTION HERE
TRANSFORMATION THROUGH CBI
The introduction of PBOs reflects the ongoing transformation of the St. Kitts and Nevis CBI Programme. With an emphasis on integrity, transparency, and tangible outcomes, these initiatives ensure that international investments contribute directly to the Federation’s long-term growth.
“We created this industry,” Chairman St. Juste reminded listeners. “And as we transform, we want to ensure that the value of this Programme is felt not just abroad but right here at home. Public Benefit Options are a clear demonstration of that commitment.”
From schools and housing to tourism and creative spaces, PBOs are redefining what Citizenship by Investment can achieve. They not only attract global investors but also deliver lasting social and economic value to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.
CONTINUOUS TRANSFORMATION OF THE CBI PROGRAMME
Historically, the St. Kitts and Nevis Programme focused on raising capital and building assets. This is a mission it continues to pursue with the support of longstanding developer partners. However, the next evolution of the Programme is about more than capital. International partners have consistently emphasised that investments should tangibly impact the lives of individual investors.
Under Executive Chairman St. Juste’s leadership, the Programme’s approach continues to evolve. Capital is to be secured first, then immediately put to work, ensuring both investor returns and visible impact. This philosophy is already coming to life through a range of PBOs set to begin construction in Q4 of 2025 or Q1 of 2026. All before the CIU has marked its first full year as a statutory corporation. The transformation from a government entity to a business-oriented statutory corporation on October 1, 2024, has enabled this accelerated delivery.
Mr. St. Juste emphasises the importance of excellence and continuous improvement, drawing on his Wall Street experience. “There’s always a 2.0 of you,” he says. “You can’t just be good for one year; you must plan to be better for the next three, four, five years.” This iterative approach ensures that the Programme not only delivers results but also empowers local communities.
Stay tuned for more episodes of CBI 101, where we continue exploring how the Programme is evolving to serve both international investors and the people of the Federation.