CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC) – The St Lucia-based Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission says member countries with a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme have been conducting “frank, technical, and solutions-oriented” discussions with the United States on their programmes.

Under the CBI, OECS countries, namely Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St Kitts and Nevis, provide citizenship to foreign investors in return for making a substantial investment in the socio-economic development of these countries.

Last week, United States President Donald Trump announced that Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica were among 15 countries to face partial travel restrictions from January 1, 2026, citing concerns about their CBI programmes, which he said poses challenges for screening and vetting purposes.

Trump said both Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica have “historically had CBI without residency” and that the entry into the United States of nationals of these two countries as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.

But following talks last week, Washington has suspended the policy.

The OECS Commission commenting on the migration policy matter said its member states “have been actively and constructively engaged in ongoing dialogue with relevant agencies of the United States Government and other international partners.

“These engagements have been frank, technical, and solutions-oriented. Importantly, OECS member states have made demonstrable progress in strengthening due-diligence systems, enhancing information-sharing, tightening eligibility standards, and – most significantly – advancing the establishment of a regional, independent regulatory authority to ensure consistent oversight, transparency, and compliance with international best practices.”

The OECS Commission said that for small island developing states in the Caribbean, the CBIs “represent one of a very limited set of lawful, non-debt-creating policy instruments available to finance resilience-building, disaster adaptation/recovery, and sustainable development.

“These programmes have been deployed responsibly to support critical public investments in infrastructure, education, health systems, renewable energy, and social resilience – areas that directly enhance regional and hemispheric stability.

“In this regard, the OECS respectfully urges that consideration be given to the unique vulnerabilities, constrained fiscal space, and limited economic diversification options available to small states in the Western Hemisphere. A collaborative, consultative approach – grounded in dialogue, proportionality, and shared responsibility – offers the most effective pathway to addressing legitimate concerns while preserving long-standing partnerships.”

Regarding the decision by Washington to revoke the visa access for certain categories of citizens from Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica entering the United States, the OECS Commission said that it stands in “full solidarity” with the two countries.

“The OECS acknowledges, with respect, the sovereign right of all states to determine and enforce their immigration and border security policies in accordance with their national laws and security assessments

“At the same time, the Commission believes it is important that such measures be considered within the context of the historically close, cooperative, and mutually beneficial relationship between the Caribbean and the United States – a relationship grounded in shared democratic values, people-to-people ties, and long-standing economic, cultural, and security cooperation.”

The OECS Commission said that for decades, Caribbean nationals, including those from Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica, have formed an integral part of the social and economic fabric of the United States.

“The Caribbean diaspora has consistently demonstrated itself to be law-abiding, productive, and civically engaged, contributing meaningfully across critical sectors such as healthcare, education, construction, entrepreneurship, the creative industries, and public service. These contributions have strengthened local communities and reinforced the enduring bonds between our societies.”

It said that it wanted to further underscore the depth of economic interdependence between the United States and the Eastern Caribbean.

“The United States remains a principal trading partner, investor, tourism source market, and development partner for OECS Member States. These ties are reinforced through continuous diplomatic engagement, private-sector collaboration, and structured dialogue on matters of shared concern, including financial integrity, border security, and transnational risk management,” it added.