In a historic session of the National Assembly on Friday, 14 June, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis marked a significant milestone by establishing the Continuing International Due Diligence (CIDD) Unit. This pivotal move underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to fortifying the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme and safeguarding the country’s esteemed standards and reputation.
The inception of the CIDD Unit heralds a new era in the evolution of the CBI Programme, building upon four decades of excellence, consolidation, and enhancement. By integrating ongoing due diligence practices, the CIDD Unit is poised to elevate the programmes integrity and efficacy to unprecedented levels.
Driven by a spirit of collaboration with international partners, the CIDD Unit is designed to serve as a cornerstone in upholding transparency, accountability, and best practices within the CBI ecosystem. Through strategic alliances and information exchange, St. Kitts and Nevis aims to reinforce its position as a global leader in the realm of Citizenship by Investment.
As the natural progression in the programme’s evolution, the CIDD Unit signifies a dedicated effort towards continual improvement, professionalism, and adaptability. By embracing innovation and international standards, St. Kitts and Nevis demonstrates its proactive approach to ensuring the sustainability and success of the CBI Programme for generations to come.
Ensuring Compliance with International Law: The Role of the CIDD Unit
The Continuing International Due Diligence (CIDD) Unit will aid the Citizenship by Investment Unit Act, 2024 in maintaining the CBI Programme’s integrity.
Prime Minister Drew explained the importance of the CIDD Unit in protecting international law and deterring crime.
“It will ensure that citizens holding passports issued by St. Kitts and Nevis and residing and working internationally, abide by the laws of the countries in which they reside and visit, and that they respect the international laws as well. [It will] alert the Ministry of National Security of St. Kitts and Nevis citizens who are being investigated for committing or have been arrested and/or charged with financial or other crimes internationally,” Prime Minister Drew said.
The Head of the Continuing International Due Diligence (CIDD) Unit
His Excellency Ian Queeley will head the unit. A respected figure, Queeley brings a wealth of experience, having served as the former Commissioner of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and currently holding the position of Ambassador for the Eastern Caribbean States to the Kingdom of Morocco.
Announced during the Friday sitting of the National Assembly, the CIDD Unit is headquartered in Europe and is dedicated to conducting continuous due diligence on St. Kitts and Nevis’ economic citizens worldwide. Working in collaboration with anti-money laundering agencies, international law enforcement, and anti-terrorist financing agencies, the CIDD Unit plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance and transparency.
In cases where St. Kitts and Nevis citizens are under investigation for financial crimes, the CIDD Unit will liaise with relevant authorities. Moreover, the Unit will oversee the retrieval of passports that have been canceled by the Ministry of National pursuant to the Passport and Travel Document Act Principle 5 of the US-Caribbean roundtable on CBI.
With a focus on risk mitigation, the CIDD Unit is committed to developing policies that address and minimise potential risks associated with individuals who have obtained citizenship through the CBI Programme. These proactive measures, endorsed by Prime Minister Drew, aim to enhance the security and integrity of the program for the benefit of international partners and the Unit alike.
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is “making sure that there would also be strict security measures to protect ourselves and to protect our international partners,’ Prime Minister Drew said.
The CIDD Unit will be operationalised by 31 July, 2024.
Continues improvements in the CBI Programme: A Focus on Strengthening with CIDD
The Continuing International Due Diligence (CIDD) Unit stands as a vital component of the comprehensive enhancements being made to bolster the effectiveness and credibility of St. Kitts and Nevis’ Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme. These ongoing efforts are geared towards reinforcing the Federation’s status as a pioneer in the realm of citizenship programmes, characterised by its longevity and unwavering commitment to transparency.
The introduction of the CIDD Unit signifies a significant step in the journey towards excellence, integrity, and ethical citizenship practices within the CBI Programme. By implementing stringent due diligence measures and fostering a culture of accountability, St. Kitts and Nevis is not only setting new standards for its own programme but also establishing a benchmark for global citizenship initiatives worldwide.
Through a flurry of continuous improvements and strategic initiatives, the country is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of due diligence. Each enhancement, including the establishment of the CIDD Unit, plays a crucial role in solidifying the Federation’s position as a leader in the Citizenship by Investment landscape.
The launch of the Continuing International Due Diligence (CIDD) Unit underscores St. Kitts and Nevis’ unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and responsible citizenship practices, setting a new benchmark for global citizenship programmes worldwide.
