On May 5, 2024, Minister of Finance Hon. Camillo Gonsalves emphasized that St. Vincent and the Grenadines has maintained consistent economic growth over the past three years without resorting to risky initiatives like the Citizenship by Investment Programme.
In an interview with the API, Minister Gonsalves stated that citizenship is “priceless” and should not be used as a commodity, warning that such schemes could deepen the vulnerabilities of small island economies.
He pointed to the World Bank’s projected 4.9% growth for 2025 as evidence that sound, long-term investments—especially those centered on the Vincentian people—are paying off.
“We are developing an economy that is fundamentally sound, nimble, and rooted in long-term investments in the Vincentian people,” the Minister said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.