The most common investment is the government fund donation since it is the least expensive upfront. However, I always recommend clients take a good look at the real estate investment opportunities as well. In the medium to long term, a well-chosen property investment can prove much more attractive, and St. Kitts’ tourism has shown very good growth in the last 10 years, especially with many more vacationers coming each year and more international flights landing at the airport. The property can be rented out and sold after the minimum ownership period of five years. If you are interested in researching the real estate options, as with any such purchase, the location, developer and quality is key. The government fund used to be called the SIDF (Sugar Industry Diversification Fund), but is now called the SGF (Sustainable Growth Fund). The St. Kitts and Nevis government publishes information on how it allocates the SGF funds on its website, though some of the information is a little outdated (including the name!). The regulations, published earlier this year, stipulate the SGF income must be used to: fund educational facilities, mitigate the effect of climate change in St. Kitts and Nevis, support economic growth though grants to businesses, build infrastructure that supports the island’s FDI, repay government loans, develop medical facilities, support tourism, promote and preserve culture and heritage, and support sustainable growth initiatives.
