What spurred your initial interest and passion for the citizenship by investment industry?
Listening to different languages and learning about new ethnicities and cultures through books, media and travel has always been a passion of mine. My father migrated from Grenada to join the Royal Police Force of Antigua & Barbuda in the 60s, and most of my extended family migrated from Antigua to elsewhere for greater opportunities, but I always knew that I would stay in Antigua. During my time in the banking, communications and tourism sectors, I met many international visitors originating from the major continents, and after hearing about their lives overseas and the many complexities faced, it was natural to jump at the opportunity to be part of the citizenship industry that affords people freedom, peace and increased mobility. Several of the esteemed business relations and clients I work with around the globe feel like family. I love what I do, and having just celebrated my ten-year anniversary as the COO of James & Maginley, one of the leading firms in the Antiguan CIP industry, I can’t wait to see what the next ten years will hold.
“It was natural to jump at the opportunity to be part of the citizenship industry that affords people freedom, peace and increased mobility. “
What do you consider the most pressing issue in the industry today?
Unfortunately, the citizenship industry has been negatively affected by some unauthorised, unscrupulous individuals and agencies promoting false information, including quick transaction marketing promises and with limited due diligence requirements, which is eroding the industry’s reputation. So, I would say that one of the most pressing issues in the industry today is increased regulatory scrutiny of this misrepresentation of citizenship programme offerings. Each programme depends on marketing and promotion led by approved authorised representatives and local agents appointed and licensed by the country’s citizenship regulatory authority. These authorised representatives and agents are fully knowledgeable of their respective jurisdictions and programme requirements, eligibility criteria, regulations, updates and investment products and they are the only ones authorised to handle citizenship applications.
“I would say that one of the most pressing issues in the industry today is increased regulatory scrutiny of this misrepresentation of citizenship programme offerings.”
How would you like to see the industry evolve going forward?
I would like to see more emphasis placed on creating investment options that develop new and innovative industries, resulting in new career paths for our Gen Zs. I recently returned from Asia, and it was intriguing to visit thriving organisations that use AI for process automation. Citizenship programmes can benefit from these new technologies to improve programme transparency, regulatory compliance and application processing while isolating inaccurate information or promotions of their programmes. In the future, I would also love to see our citizenship programme evolve from being primarily transactional to adopting a holistic approach that aligns the country’s resources with the skillset and competencies of potential applicants. This will give the programme greater meaning and forge a positive perspective with potential applicants and the country’s stakeholders.
What books are you currently reading, and which books have inspired you most?
This question brings a smile to my lips as I read every day. Most of the time, it’s online business blogs on investment and leadership, self-development, entrepreneurship and economic journals. Lately, I have been listening to Blinkist audio books on personal developments and investment strategies – nothing that takes more than 20 minutes during my morning drive and school drop-offs. Since I was a child, historical accounts and biographies of older and current generations of female icons have always been fascinating and inspiring. I also like to balance my business reading with hobby reads like architectural and interior design magazines. There is nothing quite like planning and designing a space.
“If you are looking for increased global mobility or a way to diversify your investments in a growing economy with multiple investment options in real estate, education or business, then Antigua is an excellent option.”
Who is the person who has influenced you the most in your life and career?
This is a near-even tie between Oprah Winfrey, self-made billionaire trailblazer and my late grandfather, James Henry, who retired as a plumber. Growing up, Winfrey – one of the most recognised and successful black businesswomen in America despite her modest beginnings – made me optimistic that anything is achievable with hard work and dedication. While Oprah was my international motivation, it was my grandfather, James Henry, who taught me the art of business and investing towards building generational wealth and security. He also showed me the importance of business diversification as he was also a small-scale farmer, cultivating crops and vegetables in our backyard. My grampa took me on jobs with him after school since I was nine. I became my grandpa’s woman of business at ten, doing his scheduling, sales invoicing, and books while earning revenues on the side.
How would you appease critics of citizenship by investment programmes?
Citizenship by investment programmes are a sound way of providing economic growth and development. Some programmes have successfully operated for decades and have significantly contributed to their country’s GDP. Each programme also employs compliance measures based on international best practices and regulatory procedures. The Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship Programme is empowered through legislation and governed by a strict regulatory authority that utilises reputable international due diligence providers to verify the authenticity of applicants’ documentation, sources of wealth and the character of each eligible applicant. No one gets a ‘pass’ solely on status, wealth or political affiliation. All eligible applicants, including minors and benefactors, must undergo background and medical checks, identification confirmation, and travel and residential history. For adults, they additionally look at tax compliance, military service and police records, among other requirements. Antigua CIP also includes a residency component for approved applicants, and considerations are being made to pattern this policy throughout the Caribbean programmes.
“Citizenship by investment programmes are a sound way of providing economic growth and development.”
What would you say to anyone thinking about pursuing citizenship or investing in Antigua & Barbuda?
If you are looking for increased global mobility or a way to diversify your investments in a growing economy with multiple investment options in real estate, education or business, then Antigua is an excellent option. Among other considerations would be our strong currency, high literacy rate, skilled workforce, low crime, year-round tropical climate and central geographic location. It is, however, essential to do your research before commencing this journey and only work with authorised representatives and agents in the citizenship industry.
What is your favourite spot in the twin islands?
My favourite spot is on the southern side of the island, on the crest of Horsford Hill. Something magic happens when you approach the top of the hill, and the most magnificent view of Falmouth Harbour comes into sight. The rich blue water, the picturesque setting with sailboats dotting the marina, and the mix of the lush landscape cradling the harbour take my breath away every time I see it.