Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes were robustly defended Monday at the inaugural Caribbean–EU Parliamentary Assembly, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne describing them as lawful, transparent development tools essential to small island economies.

Addressing European and Caribbean lawmakers, Browne said CBI programmes operate within clear legal frameworks and strong oversight, and have been strengthened through engagement with international partners.

“For several Caribbean small island states, these are lawful, transparent development tools, operating within clear legal frameworks and strong oversight,” Browne told the Assembly.

He said the programmes have helped finance hurricane recovery, climate-resilient infrastructure, healthcare expansion, education and fiscal stability in small economies with limited revenue options.

“These programs are very important,” Browne said, adding that integrity remains central to their operation.

“We recognise that integrity is essential, and we have acted accordingly—tightening vetting, enhancing regulation, and expanding international cooperation,” he said.

Browne acknowledged ongoing European scrutiny but maintained that citizenship policy is a sovereign responsibility.

“Citizenship policy remains a sovereign responsibility. But sovereignty does not preclude dialogue,” he said, noting that Caribbean states continue to engage the European Union in evidence-based discussions.

He argued that due diligence standards — including biometrics, residency requirements and enhanced vetting — make Caribbean citizenship programmes stringent.

“The stringent due diligence, biometrics, residency and other requirements make the obtention of our citizenship far more difficult and less risky than other third country nationals obtaining non-immigrant EU visas,” Browne said, adding that perceived risks have been “exacerbated.”

The remarks came amid broader discussions at the three-day Assembly on trade, climate finance, security cooperation and development under the Samoa Agreement framework.

Caribbean CBI programmes have faced increased scrutiny from European policymakers over migration and security concerns, but regional leaders have consistently argued that the programmes are vital economic instruments for climate-vulnerable small states.