Basseterre, St. Kitts, July 31, 2015 (SKNIS): St. Kitts and Nevis nationals living in Anguilla were appraised as to what was happening in the Federation when Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris held a town hall meeting in Anguilla last Saturday (July 25.)
He thanked nationals and well-wishers present, and himself entertained questions on matters pertaining to health in general, public health the Sugar Workers Restoration Fund, the Petrocaribe arrangement, strengthening local businesses and the scenic railway. The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Minister responsible for Public Infrastructure, Post, Urban Development and Transport who updated on activities being undertaken in his ministry.
Matters raised by the Prime Minister, included the Citizen by Investment (CBI) programme which he emphasized would have to have specific benefits for nationals.
“We are not in the business of selling passports, we are now creating an opportunity for you [investors] to come and seriously help us build a more successful country,” he emphasized noting that check and balances would have to be put in place for the programme to be beyond reproach. “We want only the best for St. Kitts and Nevis, quality people, well-meaning people, people with a conscience, and people who could help us further out interests, locally regionally and internationally.”
Just four days later, during the second working session of parliament, the St. Christopher and Nevis Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2015 was passed. The amendment dealt with eligibility requirements including the exclusion of persons seeking citizenship who have undertaken illegal activities including terrorism and money laundering.
Prime Minister Harris stressed that “this is part of the reform process which we are starting,” and noted that further legislative amendments and new legislation would have to be carried out in the future.
“For now we want to start with this important prohibition, taking into account some of the developments in the international and global marketplace,” he said.
A CBI National Consultation held July 30, followed on the heels of the passing of the St. Christopher and Nevis Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2015.
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
