Prime Minister Gaston Browne has issued a strong rebuke to what he described as “political operatives” spreading misinformation about Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, warning that partisan attacks are putting the country’s economic future at risk.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Caribbean Investment Summit, Browne said the continued peddling of falsehoods and speculation about the CBI scheme had created “anxieties” among international partners and subjected the programme to “unjustifiable ridicule.”
“Our sub-regional Citizenship by Investment Programmes are so important to nation building and the advancement of our people, that they should not be the subject of battleground partisan politics,” the Prime Minister said.
He cautioned that the dissemination of disinformation for political gain serves “no useful purpose” and undermines confidence in a programme that plays a vital role in supporting public infrastructure, climate resilience, education, and healthcare across the twin-island nation.
The CBI programme has come under increased scrutiny globally in recent years, with concerns raised by North American and European governments about the potential misuse of such schemes.
Antigua and Barbuda, alongside other Caribbean nations, has undertaken a series of reforms, including enhanced due diligence, sanctions screening, and the introduction of residency requirements.
Browne reiterated his government’s commitment to operating a transparent and secure investment migration programme and called on industry stakeholders and agents to assist with public education efforts to counter misinformation.
“We must reassure our international partners that we remain committed to good governance, accountability, and sustainability,” he said.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid growing internal political tensions, with opposition figures reportedly using the CBI programme as a wedge issue.
Browne’s comments reflect mounting concern that domestic political disputes could spill over into international perceptions of the country’s governance and investment climate.
The summit, held under the theme Integrity. Stability.
Sustainability, brings together regional leaders and global stakeholders to discuss the future of investment migration in a changing geopolitical landscape.
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There is clearly a pattern in this man. Everytime things goes wrong ,it is political operatives or people trying to bring down the country. Who sold the passports to questionable so call economy envoys that were arrested by the US? Do your due diligence so our name will not be out there in a negative way.
Absolutely agree with @straight talk, why is it when things go sour the PM always find a way to blame it on political operatives and can never accept their incompetence, does he really think the people are that stupid, the only possible exception might be Faithful National # 1