SELLING CITIZENSHIP – Government discloses its intention to recommence Investor Citizenship Programme

By Linda Straker

Grenada is to commence an Investor Citizenship Programme and to give “due consideration” for establishing a casino for visitors only as part of the new economy promised by the New National Party when they won the February 19, 2013 General Elections.

Governor General, Sir Carlyle Glean, made the announcement when he delivered the Throne Speech during the ceremonial opening of the Ninth Parliament last week Wednesday, March 27, 2013.

“My Government will commence a Citizenship by Investment Programme,” Sir Carlyle told the Parliament as he explained that a Committee will be established to review the programmes of other countries and to decide the best option for Grenada to adopt.


Grenada had to shut down its first economic citizenship programme in 2001 in the aftermath of September 11, 2001 and due to concern from other countries which claimed that questionable persons with criminal backgrounds were known to have purchased the citizenship.

The establishing of a casino on the island to provide another attraction for visitors has been the focus of many debates and there is a real possibility that a license will be issued for the operation of one by the New National Party (NNP) Administration, which is led by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell.

“My Government will give due consideration to casino for visitors only,” Sir Carlyle Glean told the Parliament.

He promised that these two initiatives, which can lead to new jobs as the NNP embarks on developing a new economy for Grenada, will only become a reality after the approval of legislations for their effective implementation.