Prime Minister, the Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew has officially inaugurated the newly established headquarters of the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), a pivotal step in enhancing and modernising one of the nation’s most vital economic initiatives.
The move signals the Government’s commitment to reinforcing the CIU’s role as a cornerstone of St. Kitts and Nevis’ economic stability and development.
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EMPHASISING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CIU
In his remarks at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Drew emphasised the importance of the CIU in sustaining the nation’s financial strength, stressing the Government’s dedication to its ongoing transformation.
“If this is such a large business, it must be treated with that level of importance,” he stated. “We cannot be asking people to perform at such high levels and not have the right environment for them. Hence, this was chosen through a transparent and open mechanism to make sure that this becomes an environment where international business can be conducted.” – Prime Minister, the Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew.
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STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY REFLECTING GLOBAL STANDARDS
Located within the Lime Kiln Commercial Development, the new CIU office reflects the unit’s evolving stature on the global stage.
The Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew highlighted that the facility’s design is not only about aesthetics but is also aimed at fostering a productive and dynamic atmosphere for the CIU’s operations.
“Safeguarding the CIU is really safeguarding St. Kitts and Nevis, at least at this point in our present economic and financial history,” he emphasised.
ACKNOWLEDGING CIU LEADERSHIP AND STAFF EFFORTS
The Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew also acknowledged the tireless efforts of the CIU’s leadership and staff, praising their resilience and dedication to implementing key reforms that have bolstered the country’s international standing.
He credited recent strategic decisions as essential to stabilising the Programme and ensuring its future success.
STRENGTHENING GOVERNANCE, RISK COMPLIANCE, AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
Prime Minister, Dr. Terrance Drew outlined several key steps taken to strengthen governance and compliance at the CIU, noting that these measures were instrumental in preserving the trust of international stakeholders and regulatory authorities.
COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Further, the Prime Minister highlighted the Government’s focus on continuous professional development for CIU staff, ensuring they are equipped with the latest training and technology.
“The staff must be exposed to world-class training. If you want to have good customer service, if you want to have good development of business, you must have the latest technology. We are on a pathway to being the best office, period, in the Citizenship by Investment sector” he added.
A UNIFIED VISION FOR PROGRESS
Subsequently, the CIU’s progress is not just about modernising infrastructure, but also about fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and excellence.
The collaborative efforts of the CIU – be it the Board of Governors, the Executive Team, Task Force or the Office of the Chairman – have been pivotal in ensuring the CIU operates with the highest standards of governance and compliance.
These efforts are essential for the growth and success of the Programme, as they build confidence both locally and internationally, contributing to the broader goal of sustainable national development.
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CELEBRATING THE MILESTONE: A STEP TOWARDS ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION
The event was attended by various Government officials, stakeholders, and CIU staff, who celebrated this milestone as a significant achievement in the nation’s broader vision for economic transformation and sustainable growth, underpinned by strong governance.