Dominica defends Citizenship by Investment program amid growing global scrutiny
Key Points(5)
- 2 for a balanced news headline because it captures the government’s position and the key takeaway.
- Irving McIntyre used the 2026/2027 Budget Address on Tuesday to highlight the role CBI revenues have played in financing Dominica’s recovery and development.
- He said the programme has helped fund housing, healthcare, schools, agriculture, roads, businesses, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
- “Any honest account of Dominica’s progress must acknowledge the contribution of the Citizenship by Investment Programme,” McIntyre told Parliament.
- The minister said CBI resources became particularly important following Hurricane Maria in 2017, which caused damage and losses estimated at 226 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.
The Government of Dominica has defended its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme while acknowledging growing international scrutiny and emphasizing that the country cannot rely on the initiative alone to sustain its economic future.
Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre used the 2026/2027 Budget Address on Tuesday to highlight the role CBI revenues have played in financing Dominica’s recovery and development.
He said the programme has helped fund housing, healthcare, schools, agriculture, roads, businesses, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
“Any honest account of Dominica’s progress must acknowledge the contribution of the Citizenship by Investment Programme,” McIntyre told Parliament.
The minister said CBI resources became particularly important following Hurricane Maria in 2017, which caused damage and losses estimated at 226 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.
The government said accumulated CBI funds were used to restore essential services and rebuild public infrastructure while international grants and other assistance were still being mobilized.
“There should be no apology for homes built for Dominican families, for health facilities, schools, roads and resilient communities,” McIntyre said.
However, the government acknowledged that the global environment surrounding investor citizenship programmes and visa-free travel access is changing.
Countries operating citizenship-by-investment programmes have faced increased scrutiny as the European Union revises its visa-suspension framework.
McIntyre said Dominica intends to respond through engagement and cooperation rather than confrontation.
“We do not dismiss that development or answer it with hostility. We will answer through constructive dialogue,” he said.
The government also committed to maintaining strong due diligence procedures, proper administration, oversight mechanisms, information sharing, and international cooperation.
At the same time, the administration stressed that economic diversification remains a key priority.
“No single programme will carry the full weight of our future,” the government stated, noting that assets financed through CBI revenues must increasingly contribute to job creation, exports, energy savings, and new sources of income.
