Investment Migration as a Force for Good: St Kitts and Nevis Leads the Way – 𝑨𝒏 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑹𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒄𝒆 𝑩𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒔

A Special Feature & Business Profile by IMGW News

St. Kitts and Nevis, known for its pristine beaches and tropical lifestyle, has been a pioneer in the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) space since 1984. With a history of adapting to economic changes, the CBI programme has become a vital driver of the nation’s growth. In this interview, Ray de Bono, Editor-in-Chief of IMGW News, speaks with Roleece Brookes, a seasoned expert in the investment migration industry, who shares insights into the programme’s evolution, its economic impact, and what prospective investors can expect from one of the world’s most established CBI routes.

𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒚 𝑬𝒙𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆

Beyond attracting foreign investors, CBI has played a significant role in strengthening St. Kitts and Nevis’ infrastructure and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

Funds generated through the CBI programme have been directed towards critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and public utilities, enabling the islands to modernise their facilities and enhance social services.

This financial influx has supported sustainable development, boosted employment opportunities, and helped the government respond to challenges such as climate resilience and economic diversification.

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘

Question 1: Roleece, you’ve been in the investment migration industry for just about a decade. What initially drew you to this field?

🗨️ 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐜𝐞: Actually, I wasn’t drawn to the field at all. I am a Political Scientist by training and now undertaking legal training. My journey into investment migration started by happenstance. About 11 years ago my dad began operating a local authorised service provider and well, I became his first helper. Now, 10 years later, I am driven by a passion for helping and representing individuals and families create new opportunities for themselves. As a certified Policy Officer, the idea that a well-structured programme could not only benefit investors but also contribute to national development resonates with me. I’ve had the privilege of working with both public and private sector stakeholders, shaping solutions that truly make a difference.

Question 2: St. Kitts and Nevis has a long history with Citizenship by Investment (CBI). Can you walk us through how it all started?

🗨️ 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐜𝐞: Certainly! St. Kitts and Nevis, a stunning twin-island Federation in the Eastern Caribbean, was once heavily reliant on sugar production. However, by the late 20th century, it became evident that sugar was no longer a sustainable economic driver. The government had to explore alternative revenue sources, leading to key economic reforms such as the removal of personal income tax.

The concept of CBI was introduced by a Kittitian resident, William Valentine Herbert, and embraced by the country’s first Prime Minister, The Rt. Hon. Dr. Kennedy Simmonds. Inspired by similar programmes like the United States’ EB-5 and Canada’s Investor Visa Programme, St. Kitts and Nevis launched the world’s first CBI programme in 1984.

Question 3: When did the programme gain significant traction, and what role did it play in the country’s economy?

🗨️ 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐜𝐞: While the programme was established in the 1980s, it was in 2006, with the introduction of the Sugar Industry Diversification Fund (SIDF), that it really took off. This fund was instrumental in supporting displaced sugar workers after the industry’s closure in 2005. Over time, the programme evolved to become a primary revenue source for the government, now accounting for more than 50% of national revenues. These funds help drive the country’s Sustainable Development Goals, improving infrastructure, reducing inequalities, and strengthening climate action initiatives.

Question 4: What investment options are available for individuals seeking citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis?

🗨️ 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐜𝐞: There are two primary routes to obtaining citizenship through the programme. The first is through a real estate investment of at least US$325,000 in government-approved properties. The second is via direct contributions to a government fund, which is then allocated to national development initiatives. Transactions are facilitated through local government-authorized agents and regulated financial institutions to ensure transparency and security.

“If you seek greater peace, more security, and greater global mobility, this is the place to be.”

Question 5: How does the CBI programme benefit investors beyond acquiring citizenship?

🗨️ 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐜𝐞: Economic citizens enjoy numerous benefits, including visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a wide range of countries. More importantly, they gain a second home—a peaceful and stable environment that provides security and certainty for their families. The Caribbean lifestyle, coupled with political stability, makes St. Kitts and Nevis a highly attractive option.

Question 6: The industry has undergone several changes over the years. What’s the current focus of St. Kitts and Nevis in terms of CBI policy?

🗨️ 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐜𝐞: Due diligence and security remain top priorities. The government has consistently strengthened its vetting processes to uphold the country’s reputation and protect its citizens. This also involves fostering closer relationships with key diplomatic partners such as the European Union, the UK, the USA, and Canada. The goal is to ensure that our programme meets global standards and remains a trusted pathway for investors.

Question 7: Looking ahead, how do you see the future of CBI in St. Kitts and Nevis?

🗨️ 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐜𝐞: The programme has a strong foundation, and we are committed to continuous improvement. As the industry evolves, so do the expectations of investors and governments worldwide. St. Kitts and Nevis will continue refining its processes, exploring new investment avenues, and ensuring that our CBI programme remains a leading model in the industry.

Question 8: Any final thoughts for prospective investors considering St. Kitts and Nevis?

🗨️ 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐜𝐞: St. Kitts and Nevis isn’t just a place to acquire a second citizenship—we are a home. Come feel the sun, taste the air and escape to our beautiful mountains and beaches. If you seek greater peace, more security, and greater global mobility, this is the place to be. The journey starts with a single step, and we are here to guide you through it.

Biography

In 2025, Roleece Brookes marks a decade of expertise in the investment migration industry, alongside six years as a Certified Investment Migration Practitioner. With a wealth of experience spanning both the public and private sectors, locally and internationally, Roleece has worked alongside a diverse range of providers to create bespoke solutions for clients. Committed to collaborating with trusted professionals and serving genuine clients, Roleece is passionate about helping individuals and families build the future they deserve.

𝑳𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 𝑺𝒕. 𝑲𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑵𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒔 – 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒃𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒏
𝑬𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒍: 𝒓𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒔@𝒈𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝒎 – 𝑭𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝑹𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝑳𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒆𝒅𝑰𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆: Link