Event Report: Antigua: the ‘Gem of the Carribean’

Christopher Jackson

The weather did its best at irony. It was a freezing February afternoon in London, as guests gathered in the Lotus Room at The Beaumont Hotel to discuss a country with 365 beaches—one for every day of the year. The contrast was not lost on attendees as they came in from the hostile cold to discuss a land of perennial sunshine. Tables were adorned with beautiful Antiguan fruit platters, offering a literal taste of the Caribbean sunshine, with this guest particularly favouring the dragonfruit.

The occasion brought together leading figures from business, finance, and diplomacy to explore investment opportunities in Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment (CIP) programme. It was a remarkable list of speakers including: Charmaine Donovan, CEO of the Citizenship by Investment Unit, Her Excellency Karen-Mae C. Hill OBE, Antigua and Barbuda High Commissioner, Professor Michael Mainelli, Chairman of Z/Yen Group and Late Lord Mayor of London (2023-2024), and Darren Henry, Former Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to the Caribbean.
Also in attendance were notable figures such as Sir John Griffin, David Scowsill, and Dr Patrick Doherty OBE. Liz Brewer had just returned from the island and was able during the Q&A to give her experience of the sunsets, and the warmth of the island’s people.

Professor Michael Mainelli

Liz Brewer and Sir John Griffin

For those who don’t know the country, Antigua and Barbuda offers a unique blend of opportunity, culture – and overall quality of life – that makes it an attractive destination for investors and residents alike.

It is difficult to list the sheer range of benefits. With world-class education facilities, including the American University of Antigua, a competitive tax regime with no capital gains or inheritance tax, and a thriving business environment, the islands provide both financial and personal advantages.

Beyond economics, Antigua boasts a rich cultural heritage, from its vibrant music and culinary scene to its deep-rooted love of cricket, with legendary batsman Sir Vivian Richards as one of its proudest sons. Those lucky enough might even spot him on the golf course, sharing stories of his glory days while enjoying the island’s stunning landscape.

Opening the event, Charmaine Donovan extended a warm welcome to guests, offering an engaging introduction to Antigua and Barbuda’s CIP programme.

Her Excellency Karen-Mae C. Hill

“I bring you sunshine greetings from Antigua and Barbuda,” she said. “For those unfamiliar, our twin-island paradise is affectionately called The Gem of the Caribbean and offers unparalleled investment opportunities. We have a robust real estate market, a thriving tourism industry, and strong democratic governance, making us a top-tier destination for those seeking second citizenship.”

Highlighting the four investment options available under the CIP programme, she explained: “We offer routes through real estate, the National Development Fund, business investments, and contributions to the University of the West Indies fund, which was established to support education while providing a citizenship pathway.”

Emphasising Antigua and Barbuda’s economic stability, Donovan added: “Our currency, the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, has been pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 2.7:1 since 1976, providing certainty for investors. If you are looking for a Plan B country, then look no further—Antigua and Barbuda is your best choice.”

Donovan concluded with a personal invitation to the Caribbean Investment Summit in April 2025, an annual event showcasing the region’s investment landscape, hosted this year at the newly inaugurated American University of Antigua conference facility.

Next to speak was Her Excellency Karen-Mae C. Hill OBE, who reflected on Antigua and Barbuda’s impressive economic growth and global influence.

Charmaine Donovan with Liz Brewer

“We have been consistently the second fastest-growing economy in CARICOM for the past five years, despite being a small island nation,” she said. “We have successfully hosted major global events, including the Organisation of American States (OAS) General Assembly and will soon welcome the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2026.”

Hill highlighted the nation’s resilience and ambition, stating: “We may be small, but we think big. Antigua and Barbuda is a place where business thrives, investors flourish, and citizens enjoy an exceptional quality of life.”

She also underscored the government’s commitment to maintaining democratic stability and business-friendly policies, making the islands an attractive hub for international commerce.

Adding an international perspective, Professor Michael Mainelli, Chairman of Z/Yen Group and former Lord Mayor of London, spoke about Antigua and Barbuda’s evolving role in global finance.

“Our research into global financial centres has shown that small island economies—especially those with strong regulatory frameworks and open markets—are increasingly competitive on the world stage,” Mainelli noted.

He praised Antigua and Barbuda’s participation in international economic initiatives, saying: “What stands out about Antigua and Barbuda is its commitment to legal transparency, market access, and financial stability—key indicators of long-term economic success.”

Mainelli also emphasised the benefits of citizenship in a jurisdiction with sound financial policies: “When you consider a second citizenship, you are looking for stability, opportunity, and access to international markets. Antigua and Barbuda is uniquely positioned to offer all three.”

Finally, Darren Henry, Former Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to the Caribbean, rounded off the discussion by highlighting the growing trade relationship between the UK and the Caribbean.

“As a proud descendant of the Windrush generation, I have seen firsthand the strong historical and economic ties between the UK and the Caribbean,” he shared. “When I served as Trade Envoy, we worked hard to build stronger commercial partnerships between UK businesses and Caribbean markets.”

Twyn founder Tim Levy

He explained that British companies are increasingly viewing the Caribbean as a prime market for investment, particularly in renewable energy, infrastructure, and financial services.

“Our approach was simple: partner, not take. We focused on connecting UK SMEs with Caribbean businesses to scale up and prosper together. There is a huge appetite for high-quality British expertise in sectors such as education, engineering, and environmental sustainability.”
Henry ended with a light-hearted but sincere call to action: “I may have lost my seat in Parliament last year, but I’m available for the next opportunity—so if there’s any way I can help facilitate investment in Antigua and Barbuda, you know where to find me!”

After the Q&A, guests were heard to reflect that it had successfully reinforced Antigua and Barbuda’s position as a premier investment destination, with speakers articulating a clear vision for economic growth, global engagement, and business-friendly policies.

As conversations continued over coffee and petit fours, there was a genuine buzz of excitement about future opportunities between the UK and Antigua and Barbuda.  As Her Excellency Karen-Mae C. Hill OBE succinctly put it: “Whether you’re looking to invest, do business, or start a new chapter in your life, Antigua and Barbuda welcomes you with open arms.”