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Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 2, 2015 (SKNIS): The Government of National Unity has taken legislative action to restore the legitimacy of the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizen by Investment (CBI) Programme.

Speaking at his monthly press conference, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, outlined these changes.

He pointed to the St Christopher and Nevis Citizenship (Amendment) Bill as one such change to legislation. Prime Minister Harris said that this particular amendment will “allow our country to prohibit from participating in our programme, entities from countries designated as engaging in terrorism and other criminal acts related thereto.”

Underscoring the importance of such amendments, Prime Minister Harris explained that “given the amorphous nature of terrorist entities, further refinement of this legislation is to occur.”

The St Christopher and Nevis Citizenship (CBI Escrow Accounts) Bill is also an example of legislation introduced by the Government. According to Prime Minister Harris, the bill is intended “to ensure that the resources committed to real estate purchases are all used only for intended purposes.”

Prime Minister Harris noted that his Government is committed to protecting the integrity of the programme and will engage in discussions with service providers and developers as he of the belief that collaboration is the way forward. He explained that as pioneers in a global industry it is imperative to “restore the legacy of leadership and prestige by our ability to attract only the best for St Kitts and Nevis.”