BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (March 11, 2026) — The economy of St. Kitts and Nevis continues to demonstrate resilience and positive growth as the government works to reduce its reliance on the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its 2026 Article IV Mission report, revenues from the CBI programme have declined. However, the IMF projects stronger economic growth ahead, driven by efforts to diversify the country’s economic base.
Speaking during the March 10 edition of the government’s Roundtable programme, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Terrance Drew said reform of the CBI programme was a priority when his administration assumed office in 2022. The reforms, he noted, were aimed at strengthening the programme’s integrity, improving transparency, and preserving its standing within the global investment migration industry.
Dr. Drew acknowledged that the national economy had become overly dependent on CBI revenues in previous years and pointed to increased international scrutiny and broader geopolitical developments as factors affecting such programmes across several countries.
He explained that the government anticipated a transition period as the economy moves away from heavy reliance on CBI revenues toward a more diversified model.
The prime minister indicated that growth is increasingly being supported by developments in agriculture, renewable energy, and tourism. He also cited continued activity in the construction sector as a key driver of economic expansion.
Despite the reduction in CBI revenues, Dr. Drew said the country’s economic performance demonstrates resilience.
He added that the ongoing diversification strategy is intended to reduce economic vulnerability while positioning St. Kitts and Nevis to achieve its goal of becoming a sustainable island state.