The Government of Dominica has mounted a strong defence of its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme while acknowledging increasing international scrutiny and making clear that the country cannot allow its economic future to depend on CBI alone.
Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre used the 2026/2027 Budget Address on Tuesday to argue that CBI revenues have played a central role in financing Dominica’s recovery and development.
The programme, he said, has helped fund housing, healthcare, schools, agriculture, roads, businesses and climate-resilient infrastructure.
“Any honest account of Dominica’s progress must acknowledge the contribution of the Citizenship by Investment Programme,” McIntyre told Parliament.
CBI resources also became particularly important following Hurricane Maria, which caused damage and losses estimated at 226 percent of GDP.
Government said accumulated CBI funds were used to restore essential services and public infrastructure while external grants and assistance were still being mobilised.
“There should be no apology for homes built for Dominican families, for health facilities, schools, roads and resilient communities,” McIntyre said.
The Government has also acknowledged that the international environment surrounding investor citizenship and visa-free access is changing.
Countries operating citizenship-by-investment programmes have come under increasing pressure as the European Union (EU)has revised its visa-suspension framework.
McIntyre said Dominica intends to respond through cooperation rather than confrontation.
“We do not dismiss that development or answer it with hostility. We will answer through constructive dialogue,” he said.
Government also pledged to maintain rigorous due diligence, proper administration, strong oversight, information sharing and international cooperation.
However, the administration stressed that its longer-term economic strategy is diversification.
“No single programme will carry the full weight of our future,” the document specified, adding that assets financed through CBI must increasingly generate jobs, exports, energy savings and new income.
