Local businessman and former president of the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC), Kenny Green, has strongly defended Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme, arguing that it has played a central role in the country’s recovery from Hurricane Maria and continues to deliver major benefits to the nation.
Green’s remarks come amid ongoing public debate over the programme, which allows foreign investors to obtain Dominican citizenship in exchange for qualifying investments in the country. The programme has been a significant source of revenue for the Commonwealth of Dominica, funding infrastructure projects, housing, and other national development priorities since its establishment.
Speaking in support of the initiative, Green emphasised that the CBI programme has provided the financial means for Dominica to rebuild after the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017. The storm caused widespread damage across the island, destroying homes, roads, and public buildings, and the recovery effort has relied heavily on revenues generated through citizenship investment.
The former DAIC president also pointed to the broader economic impact of the programme, noting that it supports local employment, stimulates business activity, and contributes to the stability of the Eastern Caribbean dollar. He argued that without the programme, the country would face far greater difficulty in financing essential services and development projects.
Green’s defence of the CBI programme follows recent scrutiny of its operations. Questions have been raised about transparency and governance within the initiative, with some citizens and commentators calling for greater oversight and accountability. A letter written by businessman Gregor Nassief in June raised concerns about what he described as significant irregularities within the programme and their consequences for the country. That letter was later circulated publicly on social media platforms.
Despite such criticisms, Green maintains that the benefits of the programme outweigh the concerns, and he has urged Dominicans to recognise the important role it has played in the nation’s progress. He stressed that the programme is not merely a revenue-generating tool but a strategic mechanism for national development, particularly in the wake of natural disasters.
The Citizenship by Investment Programme remains one of the most prominent economic initiatives in the Commonwealth of Dominica. It has attracted investors from around the world, contributing to sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure. The government has consistently defended the programme as a vital pillar of the country’s economic strategy.
As the debate continues, Green’s comments add a business perspective to the discussion, highlighting the practical benefits that he says are often overlooked in public discourse. He called for a balanced view of the programme, acknowledging that while improvements can always be made, its overall contribution to Dominica’s recovery and development should not be underestimated.
