Antigua and Barbuda’s Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene has responded defiantly to reports that the United States may impose visa restrictions on countries operating Citizenship by Investment Programmes (CIPs), declaring, “We will not be bullied. Our foreign policy is one of principle.”
His comments follow a Washington Post article published over the weekend, citing a leaked U.S. government memo that reportedly names Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia as potential targets for visa restrictions unless they comply with new U.S. immigration standards within 60 days.
Defending the CIP, which allows foreign nationals to acquire citizenship in exchange for a minimum investment of US$230,000, Greene insisted that Antigua and Barbuda would be “fighting like hell” to protect the programme.
“They want to impose travel restrictions on us—for what reason, God only knows,” he said during a media briefing.
Greene also praised the integrity of the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), saying its leadership and operations are beyond reproach.
“We know that Charmaine Donovan, CEO of the CIU, and her staff are all people of impeccable character,” he said. “This nation’s integrity is not to be questioned where their work is concerned.”
Introduced in 2013, Antigua and Barbuda’s CIP has become a major source of revenue for the twin-island nation. The programme allows applicants to acquire citizenship and a Caribbean passport in exchange for economic contributions, and has helped support the country’s development and public finances.
