New CHTA president Gregor Nassief denied U.S. visa

Newly elected president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), Gregor Nassief, says he has been denied a renewal of his United States visa, a decision he believes may be linked to Washington’s tightening of travel rules tied to Caribbean citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programmes.

Nassief, a prominent Dominica-based hotelier and businessman, said on Friday that he was informed his application was rejected under restrictions affecting nationals of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica.

The measures stem from concerns by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump regarding vetting processes under CBI schemes, which grant citizenship to foreign investors in exchange for economic contributions.

According to Nassief, the denial came during what he described as a routine renewal process for his 10-year visa, which is set to expire in August. His wife’s visa is also due to expire within weeks.

“We were turned down, we were denied… the gentleman was very clear,” he told the Caribbean Media Corporation. “He said there’s a ban on Dominica, so we’re not able to issue a visa.”

He added that while officials did not provide detailed reasoning, applicants in some cases may be offered a bond arrangement that allows a short-term, single-entry visa, though this option was not extended to him.

Nassief, who is in his late 50s, said the decision carries significant personal and professional consequences, particularly given his work in tourism, technology and regional investment.

He chairs GEMS Holdings Limited, which owns and operates several high-profile hospitality properties in Dominica, including Secret Bay and Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort.

Beyond his business portfolio, Nassief said the restrictions could have broader implications for Caribbean mobility, family unity and regional tourism links with the United States.

“The human impact and cost of this is just terrible,” he said, citing disruptions to medical travel, education and family visits.

He also warned that reduced travel could affect air connectivity between the Caribbean and the U.S., a key market for tourism and business exchange.

Despite his personal experience, Nassief said he does not assume the decision was politically targeted and encouraged others facing similar situations to continue applying where appropriate.

He also stressed that Caribbean governments should address U.S. concerns while safeguarding sovereignty, calling for dialogue to prevent unintended economic and social fallout.

“There’s so much interconnectedness between the U.S. and the Caribbean,” he said. “I would plead that we sit around the table and try to sort things out.”