While small in size, the Federation has had a particularly strong year in fortifying its international presence through establishing various visa free waivers and diplomatic relations across the globe. As a result, St Kitts and Nevis is closely reaching the 160-destinations milestone, much to the delight of its native and economic citizens.
On November 16th, St Kitts and Nevis formed diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Cambodia at Ambassadorial level in the state of New York. H.E. Sam T Condor and H.E. Sovann Ke briefly discussed matters of mutual interest – tourism in particular – for future collaboration. The government officials also discussed implementing a visa waiver for encouraging and strengthening movement between both nations.
The Government of St Kitts and Nevis also recently decided to expand its bilateral relations with Romania. Foreign Minister Mark Brantley warmly welcomed Romania’s Ambassador to St Kitts and Nevis H.E. Gențiana Șerbu who is the first Romanian Ambassador to the islands. Ambassador Șerbu also met with Prime Minister Timothy Harris to discuss areas of further co-operation, particularly the RoAid Water Project where the Government of Romania assisted the islands with the construction of water systems after Hurricane Maria and Irma.
Finally, Montenegro and St Kitts and Nevis signed a mutual visa waiver. The visa-free agreement is designed to grant holders of valid passports, of all types, to enter, exit or transit between both nations. Kevin Isaac, the St Kitts and Nevis High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and his Montenegrin counterpart Borislav Banović signed an agreement on behalf of their respective governments in allowing citizens to freely travel between the nations for up to 90 days.
As the Government of St Kitts and Nevis continues setting an example for larger nations, particularly with their solid global presence, there is yet more for the citizens of the dual-island nation to be proud of. The islands successful citizenship by investment programme has received more applications in 2018 than over the last four years. The newest channel of investment introduced to the programme this year is partly responsible. The Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) was implemented earlier this year as a successor to the Hurricane Relief Fund. The SGF requires an investment of US$150,000 for a single applicant to be eligible to obtain the citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis, provided they fulfil the rest of the legal requirements. The funds from the programme are utilised for various work in the public and private sector to enhance the economic development of the islands.
Lastly, St Kitts and Nevis was ranked particularly high in the 2018 Business Research & Economic Advisors Report, which is an analysis into economic impact, published every three years. The report exhibited the popularity of tourism in the dual-island nation and its level of satisfaction from its visitors.
As St Kitts and Nevis continues to make big strides to maintain a Platinum Standard in all areas of life on the twin islands, find out more about how its Citizenship by Investment Programme can benefit you.
