By Dotun Ibiwoye
ANTIGUA and Barbuda has introduced a new citizenship programme aimed at boosting investment in the country.
The program enables international investors and their family members to apply for economic citizenship under the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship through its Investment Act of 2013.

The Investors are granted visa-free travel to over 130 countries and have the ability to spend as much time in Antigua and Barbuda.

At a conference Wednesday in Lagos, Chief Executive Officer of Citizenship by Investment Unit, of Antigua and Barbuda, Mr. Chisanga Chekwe , disclosed that all qualified Nigerians were entitled to become citizens of the Caribbean country.

His: ‘’Investors may purchase a preferred share in Verandah Resorts Limited or a new villa at St. James’s Clubs. The Preferred Share Option offers advantages such as ease of acquisition, no property taxes, no income taxes on dividends, no management fees, and no homeowner association fees.
Chekwe stated the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship has a population of 87,000 people and has a GDP per capita of US$21,000 per person.

On behalf of the United Nations, Chekwe observed the historic first democratic election in South Africa in 1994 affirmed that majority of the Antiguan citizens originated from West Africa and country has been stable for several decades both politically and economically.
“ The Real Estate Option offers fractional ownership; whole ownership options are also available. This is a freehold real estate purchase; investors are issued a registered deed.

The Verandah Resort & Spa opened in 2007, and quickly became one of the Caribbean’s most popular all-inclusive resorts.
The resort includes 180 luxury suites on 34 picturesque acres overlooking a stunning turquoise bay. The Verandah is part of the Elite Island Resorts Group, which has been building and operating Caribbean resorts for over 30 years.

The resort is situated on 34 picturesque acres. World class amenities include: 180 luxury guest suites; white sand beaches; swimming pools; air-conditioned restaurants; outdoor beach-themed cafes; water sports; 18-hole miniature golf course; tennis courts; conference
centre; and, many other services and amenities.

Investors may purchase a preferred share in Verandah Resorts Limited or a new villa at St. James’s Clubs.
The Preferred Share Option offers advantages such as ease of acquisition, no property taxes, no income taxes on dividends, no management fees, and no homeowner association fees.

The Real Estate Option offers fractional ownership; whole ownership options are also available.
This is a freehold real estate purchase; investors are issued a registered deed.
The Verandah Resort & Spa opened in 2007, and quickly became one of the Caribbean’s most popular all-inclusive resorts. The resort includes 180 luxury suites on 34 picturesque acres overlooking a stunning turquoise bay.

The Verandah is part of the Elite Island Resorts Group, which has been building and
operating Caribbean resorts for over 30 years.

The resort is situated on 34 picturesque acres. World class amenities include: 180 luxury guest suites; white sand beaches; swimming pools; air-conditioned restaurants; outdoor beach-themed cafes; water sports; 18-hole miniature golf course; tennis courts; conference
centre; and, many other services and amenities.

Antigua & Barbuda is an independent country and one of the most sought after tourism destinations in the Eastern Caribbean. It is roughly 17 degrees north of the equator, approximately 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, and encompasses 108 square
miles.

To the south are the islands of Montserrat and Guadeloupe, and to the north and west are Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Barts, and St. Martin. The current kopopulation for the nation is approximately 68,000 and its capital is St. John’s on Antigua.

The government is democratically elected and based on the British parliamentary system. English is the official language.
Benefits of citizenship include: The ability to maintain dual citizenship.

No Personal Income Tax on worldwide income No Estate, Death, Inheritance or Capital Gains Tax Visa-free access to 130 countries including Canada, the EU and the UK Economically, legally and socially stable country part of the Commonwealth with democracy
based on British parliamentary system.