BY SIMONE J. SMITH
Located in the Caribbean and easily accessible by plane, St. Kitts, along with its sister island Nevis, is widely regarded as the Caribbean’s best-kept secret.
The idyllic islands’ stunning natural beauty, pristine white beaches, warm turquoise waters, rich history, and friendly locals make it the perfect destination for those looking for the traditional Caribbean experience, and now with joint efforts of The Consulate in Toronto, High Commission in Ottawa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, St. Kitts and Nevis have launched a campaign encouraging youth in Canada to become Citizens by Descent.
There has been a push in the Caribbean to connect islanders living in the diaspora (1st and 2nd generation Canadians living outside the Caribbean), back to their prospective islands. St.Kitts and Nevis is one of the many islands that understands the importance of educating youth about the benefits of having dual citizenship and becoming a citizen of their native islands.
I had a chance to chat with Consulate General to St.Kitts and Nevis (Toronto) Brenda Foreman, and she shared her excitement about this campaign.
“The top priority is establishing an intergenerational network between youths in the diaspora and Federation to promote nation-building,” Brenda began. “The drive aims to create opportunities for youths to strengthen the bond between their birth land and the Federation, and contribute to developing a resilient, sustainable island state.
Having dual citizenship will assist St.Kittians in maintaining a strong connection to their heritage and culture. This is particularly important for immigrants of St. Kitts and Nevis and their descendants who may feel a deep sense of attachment to their country of origin while also feeling at home in Canada.
This opportunity will allow individuals to travel freely and more easily between Canada and St. Kitts. This can be particularly useful for: businesspeople, international students, and those with family and social connections in both countries.”
Consulate Brenda also shared with me some of the other benefits that individuals will have, which include:
- A St. Kitts and Nevis passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 156 destinations including Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, the UK, and Europe
- Access to quality education: students and scholars in any field can get educational benefits as St.Kitts and Nevis citizens. They can apply for fully funded scholarship programs in the country and abroad: in the UK and Commonwealth, the US, the EU or Asia. Bachelors, Masters and Ph.D
- Opportunities from leading educational institutions worldwide are also available for SKN nationals
- Citizens have the right to register a business in SKN, purchase real estate, vote in national elections
- SKN is a Commonwealth of Nations and Caribbean Community member. The country’s citizens may use privileges in some other states
- SKN allows dual citizenship, so one can keep their previous passport
The campaign will consist of a contest/raffle prize from the Ministry of Tourism. When a youth applies for and is granted citizenship, their name is entered into a draw for a chance to win a trip for two to St. Kitts and Nevis. The Consulate has extended the deadline to receive applications to September 22nd, 2023. One (1) successful applicant will have the opportunity to win two (2) airfare tickets to the Federation, accommodation, and excursions while on the islands. The draw date will coincide with the 40th Anniversary of Independence celebrations as the nation reflects on its long, rich history from slavery to colonization and the smallest independent sovereign nation in the western hemisphere.
“We want our young people to reconnect to their homeland,” Consulat Brenda emphasizes. “We want to be able to build a sustainable future for the island, and for our young people to know who they are, and for those who know nothing about the island, they can learn more about their history, and build their island pride.”
Information on the campaign will be updated on their website, and those interested can email info@cgstkittsnevis.ca with your questions.
Let the reconnection begin.
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