UPP Rejects Citizenship for Sale, Introduces Special Investor Visa for Real Development
The United Progressive Party (UPP) has taken a firm stance against the NDP’s push to introduce a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, warning that such a move would put St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ reputation and the freedom of Vincentians at risk.
“The NDP wants to sell our passports. We say no,” said a UPP spokesperson. “CBI will bring short-term money, but long-term damage. Vincentians could lose visa-free access to the UK, EU, and other major countries just like we’ve seen happen elsewhere in the region.”
“CBI sounds like fast money, but it comes with high costs,” said UPP’s Deputy Leader Donroy Paul. “Countries with similar schemes have already faced visa crackdowns from the UK and the EU. Vincentians could soon need visas to go where we travel freely today. That’s not development—it’s regression.”
UPP’s Safer, Smarter Solution: The Social Investor Visa
As part of its economic vision, the UPP is proposing a Social Investor Visa programme—an innovative residency model that welcomes vetted international investors who are committed to long-term, socially beneficial contributions to SVG.
Unlike CBI, these visas would not grant automatic citizenship. Instead, they would offer long-term, renewable residency to investors who support:
- Local Business Development – investing in small and medium-sized Vincentian-owned enterprises
- Education and Skills Training – funding scholarships, trade programmes, or technology infrastructure
- Sustainable Tourism and Agriculture – backing eco-projects, agri-tech farms, and clean energy
- Community Projects – supporting healthcare, sports, housing, or cultural development
Key Features of the UPP’s Social Investor Visa Programme:
- Strict due diligence and background checks
- Transparent project approvals by a national investment board
- Residency only—not citizenship
- No risk to SVG’s international visa agreements
- Benefit to real Vincentians, not shell companies or quick profiteers
“This isn’t about selling citizenship—it’s about partnering with people who want to build with us,” said a UPP representative. “Under the UPP, any foreign dollar coming in must help a Vincentian rise.”
As the general election nears, the UPP is calling on Vincentians to reject the easy money illusion of CBI and choose a leadership that values national pride and responsible progress.
Our citizenship is not a transaction. It’s a trust,” said the UPP. “Let’s grow our country without selling our soul
