The Caribbean region has taken another step toward strengthening international confidence in its citizenship-by-investment programs during the fourth round of the U.S.–Caribbean Dialogue held in Antigua and Barbuda. The meetings reaffirmed the significant progress made by Eastern Caribbean states in enhancing governance, improving transparency, and strengthening compliance standards within their citizenship-by-investment programs, which represent a vital economic pillar for these nations.
Notable Progress in Implementing the “Six Principles” for Managing Citizenship-by-Investment Programs
The dialogue convened with the participation of officials from the five Eastern Caribbean countries offering citizenship-by-investment programs along with a high-level U.S. delegation. The meeting was co-chaired by Timothy Antoine, Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, and Warren Ryan, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.
Representatives from international and regional partners also joined the discussions, including the United Kingdom, the European Commission, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, CARICOM IMPACS, and the U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security.
During the discussions, partners commended the region’s progress in implementing the risk-reduction framework known as the “Six Principles,” first agreed upon in February 2023 during the inaugural U.S.–Caribbean dialogue on citizenship-by-investment programs. Adherence to these principles is considered a pivotal step in strengthening international trust and improving the processes for acquiring a second passport.
Establishing a Unified Regional Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA) for 2026
This round of discussions followed the signing of a historic agreement in September 2025 to establish the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship-by-Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA), which has been formally ratified by all five participating countries and incorporated into their national legislation.
ECCIRA will serve as an independent regulatory body that harmonizes standards and enforces compliance across all Eastern Caribbean citizenship-by-investment programs. Its responsibilities include issuing annual compliance reports, enhancing transparency, and ensuring the adoption of unified standards to protect these vital programs. The Authority is expected to become fully operational in 2026. The establishment of a unified regulator has also been a key requirement of international partners, including the European Union, to reinforce trust in these programs.
Governments emphasized that these measures followed extensive consultation with international stakeholders and enjoy strong political support due to the critical role citizenship-by-investment programs play in strengthening Caribbean economic resilience and supporting social development.
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