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00:00Ladies and gentlemen, we are joined by His Excellency Calvin St. Just. He's going to be
00:06giving us some important details about St. kids and mothers. I am Timi Tayo Olumofe.
00:21His Excellency Calvin St. Just, it's a pleasure to have you with us here at that. And this is
00:28your second official visit here with us in Nigeria. And then why is Nigeria a key focus
00:33for your outreach, one, and one brings you to Lagos at this exciting time? Well, first off,
00:40let me start with bringing greetings from the Prime Minister of St. Kingston Navis,
00:48the Honorable Dr. Terence Jew. It is an exciting time to be here in Nigeria the second time,
00:56as you mentioned. The first time I came to Nigeria, actually the Prime Minister made an
01:02inaugural visit. And that was earlier this year, March, 2025, at the AFRI Caribbean Investment Summit.
01:12We both delivered various speeches at that point. Now, this time is quite a monumentous occasion,
01:21because at the Citizenship Investment Unit in St. Kingston Navis, we are celebrating our one-year
01:27anniversary of becoming a statutory body. And what does that mean? It means that our Citizenship by
01:36Investment Program now functions with a high degree of autonomy, independence, and efficiency.
01:44And that gives us the opportunity to be agile and really support our investors. And more paramount,
01:53specifically to Lagos, is the fact that Lagos is the hub of the Financial Innovation District of
02:00Nigeria. And what we see is a number of investors and financiers come to Nigeria as the sort of home
02:10to entrepreneurship, the aspect of investment, and truly an integration of one becoming a premier
02:19individual. And so it is critical that we celebrate our first one-year anniversary, which took place last
02:29year in October, 2024. And so this year, October, 2025, made it one year that we became a statutory corporation.
02:38And we wanted to make sure that that milestone was also celebrated here in Nigeria.
02:43Right. Fair enough. Now, could you share a bit about yourself and St. Keaton Navis'
02:49Citizenship by Investment?
02:51Sure. Just a little bit about my background. So I have been in the financial industry over 20,
02:5925 years, coming off of Wall Street, where I held various senior executive roles at some very
03:06reputable companies, such as chief operating officer in the financial wellness for management of Morgan
03:14Stanley, and I held various positions at JP Morgan, as well as some of the larger asset management firms
03:21as well. And further to that, even held positions in the telecommunication, where I was the head of
03:26the Comcast NBC Social Care Division. And prior to that, I should say, in collaboration with those,
03:35I was also the special envoy for St. Keaton Navis for investment and development and international
03:43business relations. And my career on Wall Street and the financial arena has really provided me the
03:53skill set and the talent and the tenacity to sit as the executive chairman for our Citizenship by Investment
04:00program. Because what I learned from the private sector is around speed, service, and excellence.
04:08And our program, the Build on Those Foundation, I think that is key. St. Keaton Navis' Citizenship by Investment
04:16program was the first. We created this industry, this investment migration industry.
04:22And since 1984. And many people may not be aware that this tiny Caribbean island, you know, in the Western
04:31hemisphere, was the one who architected this major industry of investment migration, where we've seen a number of
04:41developed countries used it, whether it's, you know, Malta, Portugal, and other countries, now we see the United States has
04:49as I also began into that industry. And so it was critical for us to ensure that we remain
04:58a number one in this space, because you can be the first. And as you know, being the first in four decades,
05:06and being 40 plus years old, you can't expect to do the same thing and get a different and get something different.
05:16And so we continue to innovate our program. We begin using technology advancement in terms of, even from an AI
05:23perspective, and making sure our program continues to be ranked number one in this space.
05:29The St. Keaton Navis program is described as the first and the finest. What makes St. Keaton Navis Citizenship Program so well
05:37regarded on the global stage? It's a really great question. You know, when we say we're the first,
05:45it is actually a fact. We were the first to create this citizenship investment or investment migration
05:58industry 40 years ago. And the founding fathers really had a foresight of looking at investors,
06:10looking at entrepreneurs, individuals who wish to have that plan B, and give them the opportunity
06:17for their future security, and also for their generation, their children's children,
06:24and also protecting their world. And so we were truly the first. Having established this, many have
06:32repeated and have come on board using the foundation of what St. Keaton Navis has done in terms of
06:39building a CBI program that offers a second citizenship. Then there's the aspect of the finest.
06:47The concept of finest is words, but then you need results, and you need to ensure that you continue to
06:59fine-tune yourself. And when we say we are the finest, is that the finest in that what we do with our
07:06process in time, how we innovate with making sure that we leverage, as I said, technology. We've digitized
07:14this program. We've digitized the way we operate. And also what we have done in terms of making sure
07:21the finest is around our enhanced due diligence process. So for every application or every applicant
07:30who is interested in our program, they undergo a rigor due diligence and vetting process. And people ask,
07:39why do you put someone under that extreme due diligence, that extreme vetting process? It is because we wish to
07:49make sure we preserve the integrity of the program. We protect the borders of our countries, our nation,
07:58but also we protect the borders of our international partners. The EU has given us a privilege to have
08:05that mobility into their borders. And we want to make sure that we are respectful and we abide by the EU
08:14regulations. We abide by the agreements and to make sure that there's a continuous collaboration. And
08:21similarly for the UK and the US. And so these are things that we continually do to make sure that we
08:29fine tune and making sure that when we say we define the finest that we are, but not only the words that
08:36we say. We have been ranked number one by the Citizenship by Investment Index for five times in the last
08:46five years. Number one for five in the last five years. And that took a lot of grit to be able to have
08:53been the oldest or is the oldest and still being ranked number one. The International Monetary Fund also
09:00noted this year about the reforms that St. Kitts and Navies did in streamlining their program. So again,
09:08it's not just we're saying we're the finest, but international prestigious institutions are validating
09:13those. Many Nigerian investors are exploring international diversification. How can St. Kitts and Navies
09:20serve as a valuable partner in that journey? Absolutely. So what we see is, as you noted,
09:30a number of Nigerians are looking for a level of stability and assurance and trust. And what St. Kitts
09:39offer is we have a stable political environment, and that has been for legacy decades. We also have a very
09:48robust and rich financial and banking system. Our Eastern Caribbean dollar is pegged to the United
09:59States at 2.7, and that has been pegged since in the 1970s. So you can understand the bend strength
10:07of our Eastern Caribbean dollar. The other piece that we hear from our Nigerian investors is really a
10:17place that they can go home. And you know, this is really where we're seeing a partnership and an
10:25interest in our citizenship investment program. And then the other piece is that our program is quite
10:30flexible. It offers in those savvy investors the opportunity to have real estate property that can
10:38generate income. Whether they're there in St. Kitts and Navies or actually back here in Nigeria, they will be
10:46assured that the purchase of a real estate in the pathway to get citizenship can in of itself generate
10:55additional income for them as well. Right. Now, if someone is interested in investing in St. Kitts and Navies
11:01poor citizenship, what are the options that people can explore? Absolutely. The first thing I tell
11:10individuals who are interested in citizenship is that there are many citizenship programs around the
11:17world. But when you think of a citizenship program, you also want to make sure you think of one that has
11:24been in the industry for a very long time because it's sustainability. And we have been through all the
11:31volatility there is in today's world. So what we have done, we've all we have created four major pathways
11:39towards citizenship. The first is what we call the sustainable Ireland state contribution. And what that
11:46is, is that allows investor to contribute directly into our national development, whether it's for
11:54infrastructure, building out infrastructure, made it for various community development, social
12:00structure, that those investment goes directly into those various programs. And that is the most fast
12:07and efficient way. And we know a number of our Nigerian investors like that speed and like the opportunity
12:14to have that impactful investment. The second is what we call the
12:21public benefit option. And that is actually a subset of our sustainable Ireland state contribution. What we heard
12:31across the globe was that our investors appreciate the fact that they can make the contribution and it goes
12:39into our national development and it actually builds out our social structure and uplift our citizens. But they
12:45had a personal benefit or perhaps from what we heard is that they would like their investment to go into various
12:55specific national or capital projects that they have a passion about. So we have created what's called the
13:02public benefit option sector option for citizenship. And that allows investors to invest into the into a number of
13:14of sectors that they have passion for. Right now we have five. The first is our education aspect. And that is the
13:23aspect of building a high school in Posenkit and Nevis. Our young leaders of tomorrow, we want to make sure that they get a
13:31state-of-the-art high school. So that's one. The second is around affordable housing. It is important that the
13:39lives of our citizens and our new citizens can have an integration. And so we know a number of investors
13:46said, listen, I have done very well, but I came from a certain part in life and I want to make sure that that
13:52contribution can uplift the citizens. And so we have that option where individuals can invest in affordable
13:59housing. The third is around our tourism expansion, which is we really understand that tourism is a key
14:08for our nation. And so we've opened an option for our airport expansion and to ensure that there's a
14:14feasibility study that's going to be completed as we expand. And then the last two are critical. One is
14:20more around our water security that we have to ensure that we have those areas covered so we can make sure
14:29things are done appropriately. So, you know, we have these sectors. And then lastly, I'll say,
14:36which is critical, is we are in the process of building a creative arts center. We have so many
14:43creative artists, individuals who want to use their talent. And so we know a number of investors said
14:48they would like to uplift them. And then the last option is really a real estate, as I mentioned.
14:53The first one, which is sustainable island states, that is a minimum of $250,000 and gives up the
15:00family of four that can get their citizenship. The PBO, the public benefit option, we call it PBO,
15:05that's also starts at $250,000. And right now we're offering up a family of four similar to our
15:13sustainable island state. And then the last one is really real estate for those savvy investors who wish to
15:19purchase whether a condominium in the beautiful island of St. Kitts and Davis, you're at the
15:24tropical beach and you're getting the coconut or a villa or perhaps a share in a resort. They have
15:32that option as well. And that starts at $325,000. And then the last piece we've realized is individuals
15:41from Nigeria wants that actual home. They want to get the beautiful luxurious room. And so we open that
15:48option as well. And that starts at a minimum of $600,000 where they can truly have a piece of the rock.
15:54These are mouth-watering options if you ask me, right? Okay, so fair enough. Which of these options is best
16:04suited for Nigerian investors? It's, you know, all options are available. What I would say, it depends on
16:11what the investor is interested in. And so we made it very flexible. As I said, the contribution goes
16:19directly fast, efficient, simply make a contribution into our national development. But then what we've
16:26realized, and that's fast and efficient in terms of get the decision. But what we've also realized is
16:33our Nigerian investors, just like our citizens in St. Kitts and Davis, we believe in value. We believe in
16:40family. We believe in making sure that legacy continues. We want to make sure we uplift.
16:46And so that's where the public benefit option comes in to support. And then I think what we're also
16:51seeing is those savvy investors that say, listen, I'm a business individual. I'm on the go. I want to
16:58have an offer. I want to actually have what we call a piece of the rock in St. Kitts and Davis. And so the
17:03real estate option gives them that to really purchase a real estate and get their citizenship while also
17:09making some additional income. Right. All right. So, you know, a process can be
17:15kind of challenging for some people or for some persons. So I would like you to walk us through
17:21what's the process like for someone who wants to apply for citizenship by investment. I mean, from St.
17:28Keith's and Nevis. Yes, you're absolutely right. The process can seem very complex, but it's really
17:35simple. So what we say for anyone who's interested in flying, we're in a technology world and we're
17:41in a social media world. So we say go to our website, which is the ciu.gov.kn. And an applicant must be at
17:49least the age of 18 or older and have good character. And when we talk about good character,
17:56good character means no criminal record. That's very important. And that's important because
18:03we wish to ensure that we get the right individuals in our program, the individuals who are going to be
18:08ambassador for us. And so once they have gone through, they then have the option to select a,
18:17what we call an approved authorized agent who will help walk them through the process and all the
18:23various paperwork. And then once they begin that application process, then there will be a number
18:31of information we would request to begin the process of what we call enhanced due diligence and
18:39rigor due diligence because we want to make sure what you say is actually accurate and factual because
18:49it's important. And so every applicant goes through a strong vetting process. We have partnership with
18:56our international law agencies. Each applicant goes to and runs to the EU and the UN sanction lists. We also
19:05ensure that they go through the Interpol process. We also have a number of partnerships with international
19:11law agencies and international due diligence agencies. So we do a strong rigor. And then once they've
19:17completed that and there's nothing of concern, then the process goes to where the individual will then be
19:26afforded their citizenship. And the timeline for that, it's usually between 120 to 180 days. But with our
19:34recent implementation of the digital, we're seeing that timeline has actually shrinked. So we've seen
19:40an average of about 120 or less days. Right. In your view, yeah, how does this since Kate and Nevis CBI
19:48program, how does it stand out from other citizenship programs globally? Yeah, absolutely. You know, I think
19:56that resonates to why I'm here in Lagos in celebrating the fact that we are a statutory body. In 2024, I think
20:07we were the only CBI program that really transitioned into becoming a statutory cooperation. And what that does,
20:15it allows us to operate with an agility, independence, but governed by laws. And that's critical. And the other
20:24piece really why we stand out and we continually say this, that we were the one who architected the program.
20:30We understand the challenges. We were the one who have most recently led the pathway in the creation of what's now
20:38being called the Eastern Caribbean citizenship by investment, regulate authority.
20:46And we were the one who said we need all these programs in the Caribbean to be
20:52internationally regulated as a standard. So we've consistently did it. And then we see ourselves
20:59being able to pivot because we saw the value of partnering and having those in-depth collaboration
21:06conversations with our international partners. We continuously work with the EU, the UK and the US to
21:16understand their risks. We ensure that we have various anti-money laundering and counter-financial terrorist
21:23policies to ensure that we can de-risk the program. And we use international standards so that we understand the
21:30individual source of wealth because citizenship is for life. And we understand that citizenship isn't a
21:37one-time transaction, nor do we wish for our program to be a one-time transaction. And it is a privilege
21:44we offer individual the opportunity to get this citizenship, which allows them the aspect of preserving
21:52their children's future, but also wealth generation and preservation. St. Kitts and Nevis has no income tax,
22:02we have no wealth tax, we have no inheritance tax, and we have no capital gain tax. So you can understand how
22:10attractive we are to savvy investors who wish to have their wealth protected. And we have one of the most
22:17robust trusts in the world in a smaller sister island called Nevis. So it allows individuals to really
22:27hone in on their financial wealth protection. Myself coming from Wall Street where you create various
22:35complex plans and portfolios for individuals and they now they have the opportunity for a plan B that
22:43allows them to secure their future but also to allow them to secure their their assets and their wealth
22:49future together. You've spoken extensively over the investment plan for Nigerians investors who are looking
22:58out to invest at St. Kitts and Nevis. Is there any opportunity you also have for students who are
23:08looking to gain admission in St. Kitts and Nevis? So from a student's perspective what I would say is
23:19you know we offer the opportunity for individuals obviously passing the rigor to study if one chooses to.
23:27We have a partnership as I said with Nigeria and some of our students mainly in the nursing sector.
23:35So individuals who wish to study we afforded that. We also have one of the best veterinarian schools
23:45internationally and we get students from around the world. You know it's so competitive and so we have the
23:56ecosystem to ensure individuals and not just investors but as you said future young leaders have that
24:04opportunity that if they so desire to I would say test and try the opportunity of studying and getting the
24:17intellectual growth in St. Kitts and Nevis we have those opportunities and then citizenship obviously
24:24provides you that even more ability to live study and work into you know you have access to the whole of
24:32the eastern Caribbean countries because we have a Caribbean common market that not only when you get
24:38a citizenship individual or the children can study and live and work in those areas. Finally what message
24:46would you like to leave for Nigerians considering exploring opportunities and send kids and neighbors?
24:52Absolutely. You know what I would say is citizenship is not a one-time transaction and for our Nigerian
25:04investors or Nigerian partners soon to be family St. Kitts and Nevis is a trusted and tested partner.
25:14We consider ourselves the first which we are. We consider ourselves the finest in this field of investment-led
25:20global partnership and we offer stability we offer strong political stability we offer a strong financial
25:29stability we have transparency and when we talk about transparency transparency is ensuring that we
25:36can demonstrate to the international world our program is robust it's rigor and we have a long-standing
25:44commitment to integrity and commitment to integrity and innovation that's critical we abide by all the various
25:52regulations and rules our EU partners with the aspect of having that that mobility access we want to make
26:00sure that's clear we ensure the integrity in the program with our enhanced and due diligence processing so when
26:07we talk about building a relationship between Nigeria and St. Kitts we truly mean it. We've recently signed an agreement
26:19a visa-free agreement between Nigeria and St. Kitts and Nevis and I think we are the first country outside
26:26of the Caribbean region to actually have this monumental and I actually am the first St. Kitts official
26:35to step foot on the ground today and actually walk into Nigeria without having a visa and that is official
26:48because we continually say we want to build a bridge between Nigeria and the Caribbean and St. Kitts is not
26:55just saying it we're putting into action and so for our Nigerian investors we truly wish to extend an offer
27:03that our citizenship by investment program is the first our citizenship by investment program is the
27:09finest and we continue to make it the strongest and best in the world right the twin island nation is
27:17calling you to come tap into the wealth of opportunities so don't slack on this thank you so much your excellency
27:25uh common sense just yeah thank you very much thank you so much thank you for having to have a great day