The Authorities of St. Kitts and Nevis has responded firmly to studies suggesting the nation could also be included in a possible United States journey ban concentrating on nations working citizenship by funding (CBI) programmes.
The Washington Submit not too long ago published details of a leaked memo from the U.S. State Division, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, indicating that the Biden administration is reviewing visa restrictions for 36 international locations, together with 4 within the Japanese Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts and Nevis. The memo reportedly outlines issues about CBI schemes that supply citizenship with out residency necessities, and cites nationwide safety issues and alleged “anti-American exercise” by some programme beneficiaries.
In a press release issued Tuesday, the Authorities of St. Kitts and Nevis stated it had obtained no official correspondence or communication from the U.S. authorities indicating the existence of such a journey ban or plans to implement one.
“Whereas we perceive the issues that such studies could naturally generate, the Authorities of St. Kitts and Nevis needs to make it completely clear that no official correspondence or communication has been obtained,” the assertion learn. “As a accountable Authorities, we take any and all indications of potential threats to the rights and mobility of our residents significantly.”
Though no formal discover has been obtained, the federal government acknowledged the seriousness of the report and stated it was actively partaking with diplomatic and worldwide companions to “decide the supply, credibility, and veracity of the claims now in circulation.
The administration reaffirmed its dedication to defending the rights of its residents and sustaining “robust and respectful relations with the US and all our worldwide companions.” Residents have been urged to depend on official authorities channels for correct updates.
The leaked memo reportedly provides international locations 60 days to submit an preliminary motion plan and descriptions benchmarks they need to meet to keep away from sanctions. Some nations, based on the doc, might be able to ease Washington’s issues by cooperating on immigration issues, together with accepting deportees or agreeing to “protected third nation” preparations.
Antigua and Barbuda, additionally named within the memo, responded by declaring, “We won’t be bullied,” defending its CBI programme as a respectable financial instrument with sturdy vetting requirements.
CBI programmes have lengthy been a supply of each income and controversy for Japanese Caribbean nations, who argue the schemes are very important to growth and are already topic to stringent due diligence processes.
