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Survey Finds 62% of Vincentians Support CBI Program · IMI Podcasts

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: According to a recent poll, most Vincentians favor implementing a citizenship by investment program, despite Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves's firm opposition.
• 0:10
  SPEAKER_00: According to a telephone survey that Sentinel Research Group conducted, 62% of Vincentians would support introducing the controversial program that allows foreign nationals to acquire citizenship by investment, while 28% oppose the idea and 10% remain undecided.
• 0:27
  SPEAKER_00: The Sentinel Research Group, which has no verifiable online presence for independent background verification, surveyed 1,004 registered voters across all 15 constituencies between April 30th and May 4, 2025.
• 0:42
  SPEAKER_00: The poll maintains a margin of error of plus 3.1% at a 95% confidence level.
• 0:48
  SPEAKER_00: The survey suggests widespread public support for economic benefits potentially generated by a CBI program.
• 0:56
  SPEAKER_00: 76% of respondents believe such a program would inject revenue into the economy, create jobs, and improve services, while only 15% disagree with this assessment.
• 1:07
  SPEAKER_00: St.
• 1:08
  SPEAKER_00: Vincent and the Grenadines remains the only independent member of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States without a CBI program.
• 1:16
  SPEAKER_00: The opposition New Democratic Party has pledged to implement one if victorious in the upcoming general election expected in December 2025.
• 1:24
  SPEAKER_00: Prime Minister Gonsalves has consistently rejected the CBI concept.
• 1:28
  SPEAKER_00: He told the St.
• 1:29
  SPEAKER_00: Vincent Times that no legal framework exists in SVG for selling passports, and that his administration annulled previous legislation that would have enabled such a program.
• 1:39
  SPEAKER_00: Gonsalves claims Chinese and European investment migration firms already collaborate with opposition leaders ahead of the vote.
• 1:47
  SPEAKER_00: The poll indicates many Vincentians prioritize economic opportunities over concerns about national identity.
• 1:54
  SPEAKER_00: 81% of respondents said they would prefer a good paying job through a CBI supported economy rather than facing unemployment or underemployment without one, while 12% prefer to avoid a CBI program despite economic challenges, and 7% remain undecided.
• 2:11
  SPEAKER_00: Additionally, 68% reject the notion that offering citizenship for investment diminishes national identity, 21% believe it does diminish identity, and 11% remain uncertain.
• 2:24
  SPEAKER_00: Most respondents appear unconcerned about potential travel restrictions that might result from implementing a CBI program.
• 2:32
  SPEAKER_00: 64% believe a CBI program would not make it more difficult for Vincentians to travel to countries like the US, UK, Canada, or the European Union.
• 2:42
  SPEAKER_00: Though 23% expressed concerns about potential travel difficulties, and 13% were unsure.
• 2:49
  SPEAKER_00: The poll results directly challenge Gonsalv's stance.
• 2:53
  SPEAKER_00: 62% of respondents oppose his position on CBI programs.
• 2:57
  SPEAKER_00: 66% view his rhetoric as divisive even if well-intentioned, while 20% believe he promotes unity and good neighborliness, and 14% expressed uncertainty.
• 3:08
  SPEAKER_00: NDP leader Dr.
• 3:10
  SPEAKER_00: Godwin Friday has reiterated plans to introduce a CBI program last October.
• 3:16
  SPEAKER_00: He promised the program would meet the highest levels of scrutiny and benefit public servants and those on public assistance rather than political figures.
• 3:25
  SPEAKER_00: The upcoming election appears competitive, as October 2024 polling shows Gonsalves Unity Labor Party leading the NDP by a narrow margin of 33.7% to 30.1%.
• 3:39
  SPEAKER_00: The CBI debate has emerged as a central issue in the campaign.
• 3:44
  SPEAKER_00: This episode first appeared as an article by Ahmad Abbas on IMIDAily.com.
• 3:49
  SPEAKER_00: Subscribe for free to the IMI newsletter for breaking news and updates from the investment migration industry.
• 3:56
  SPEAKER_00: And upgrade your membership to IMI Pro to get access to our exclusive professional community, citizenship catalog, investment migration company Rolodex, private briefings, and more members only content.