ACTING PRIME MINISTER HANLEY CALLS ON YOUNG DIASPORA PROFESSIONALS AND ENTREPRENEURS TO HELP BUILD SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS
Basseterre, Saint Kitts, October 23, 2026 (SKNIS): Acting Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, has issued a compelling invitation to young professionals, entrepreneurs and skilled nationals living abroad to explore opportunities to invest their talents, expertise, and innovative ideas in the continued development of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Speaking in the National Assembly during the debate on the second reading of the St. Christopher and Nevis Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on October 23, 2026, Dr. Hanley underscored the important role that young people in the diaspora can play in advancing the Federation’s Sustainable Island State Agenda, particularly in areas such as entrepreneurship, technology, agriculture, renewable energy, education, and healthcare.
He noted that many descendants of Kittitians and Nevisians have acquired valuable skills, professional experience and international networks that could contribute significantly to economic diversification, business development and job creation.
“The island is small, but the work is enormous, and we are not going to do it without you. The opportunity is here, because for the first time in our history we are building the whole country over again, from the power station to the classroom, and there is room on that project for every skill you have,” Dr. Hanley stated.
Acting Prime Minister Hanley explained that the proposed citizenship amendments represent more than an opportunity to strengthen ancestral ties. They also create a pathway for a new generation of professionals and potential entrepreneurs to participate more actively in the Federation’s development.
He encouraged young people abroad to consider establishing businesses, sharing technical expertise, mentoring emerging professionals and exploring opportunities in sectors critical to the country’s future.
“Come home for a year. Come home for a season. Come home on secondment from the hospital or the school, whether it is in Leeds or New York. Come home on a contract from the engineering firm in Toronto,” he urged. “How about a sabbatical from the university in New York? Come home to set up the practice, open the clinic, teach the class, mentor the apprentice, and plant the farm, write the code. And if you cannot come yet, come later. The citizenship does not expire. Neither does the invitation.”
Dr. Hanley further emphasised that the government recognises the importance of creating an enabling environment for returning nationals, including improving access to information, facilitating the recognition of overseas qualifications, and providing guidance to those seeking to establish themselves in the Federation.
The St. Christopher and Nevis Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2026, therefore represents an important step towards harnessing the potential of the diaspora, encouraging innovation, and strengthening the human capital needed to advance sustainable economic growth in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
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