The St. Lucia government says it regards the four-day 2026 Caribbean Investment Summit (CIS26) as representing a strategic platform to strengthen regional cooperation, reinforce international credibility and ensure that investment migration continues to support sustainable national development.
The CIS26 ends on Saturday and has brought together regional leaders whose countries operate a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, as well as CBI chief executive officers and representatives of the banking sector, global investors and industry leaders.
A government statement issued Friday said that the summit places St. Lucia at the centre of critical conversations on CBI as small island developing states strengthen their position within a changing global regulatory environment.
Under the CBI programe, foreign investors are provided with citizenship in return for making a substantial investment in the socio-economic development of that island.
The statement said Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre and his Minister of Tourism, Commerce, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage, Dr. Ernest Hilaire, addressed the delegates setting “a deliberate and strategic tone, positioning CBI as a key instrument for sustainable development and economic diversification”.
It said that Prime MInister Pierre made it clear that the CBI must continue to deliver for the people by supporting jobs, strengthening infrastructure, and expanding opportunity across communities.
He also emphasised the importance of maintaining strong regulatory standards while ensuring that small island developing states can effectively access development financing, reinforcing St. Lucia’s credibility in the evolving global landscape.
Pierre later joined his colleague leaders from Grenada and St. Kitts and Nevis, for a high-level panel discussion that was moderated by the Director General of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, Dr. Didicus Jules.
The statement said that the under the theme “The Convergence Advantage in Global Capital and Mobility,” CIS26 explores the intersection of capital, compliance and competitiveness, including the harmonisation of regional frameworks and alignment with regulatory standards in major markets such as the United States, United Kingdom and European Union.
The summit is also examining the evolution of investment migration beyond single-passport transactions, with increased focus on integrated wealth management strategies, including estate planning, asset protection and multi-jurisdictional portfolio structuring.
The summit will conclude with a closing ceremony featuring industry reflections, awards and the announcement of the host country for CIS27, the statement added. (CMC)
