ABUJA (SUNDIATA POST)- Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Saint Kitts Investment Promotion Agency, Her Excellency Rosalyn E. Hazelle, on thursday paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman Senate Committee on Reparation, Senator Ned Nwoko at his National Assembly office in Abuja. The meeting, which marked a significant diplomatic exchange between the Caribbean nation and Nigeria, focused on several key issues, including reparations, collaboration in various sectors, and opportunities for mutual growth.
During the discussions, Hazelle emphasized the importance of continued dialogue on reparations, noting that Saint Kitts and Nevis has long been a vocal advocate for the redress of historical wrongs, especially in relation to the transatlantic slave trade. She highlighted the necessity of a united approach to addressing the legacies of colonialism and slavery, underscoring that such conversations were integral to global justice and healing.
“I believe that cooperation between African nations and the Caribbean, particularly in matters of reparations, is essential to repairing the injustices of the past, Saint Kitts and Nevis is committed to supporting initiatives that bring awareness and solutions to this critical issue, and we are eager to collaborate with like-minded leaders such as Senator Nwoko in advancing these efforts.”
In addition to discussions on reparations, the ceo shared details about the growing opportunities in Saint Kitts and Nevis, particularly in relation to the country’s Citizenship by Investment Program. Hazelle informed Senator Nwoko that Saint Kitts and Nevis offers visa-free access to over 160 countries, including the United Kingdom, making it an attractive destination for global investors and travelers.
“Saint Kitts and Nevis is proud of its Citizenship by Investment Program, which offers not only security and stability but also unparalleled global mobility to its citizens,” Hazelle said. “With this program, Nigerian investors and families can enjoy access to a wide range of opportunities and a better quality of life.”
Furthermore, Ambassador Hazelle highlighted the nation’s success in education with 98% of population and healthcare, specifically noting that Saint Kitts and Nevis has trained numerous young people in medicine. Many of these graduates have returned to Nigeria to practice, contributing to the development of Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
“We have invested heavily in the education and training of young people in Saint Kitts and Nevis, particularly in fields like medicine,” Hazelle explained. “Several of our medical graduates are now in Nigeria, offering their expertise and helping to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure.”
Senator Nwoko expressed his appreciation for the visit and the fruitful discussions, recognizing the potential for deeper collaboration between Saint Kitts and Nevis and Nigeria. He also expressed his support for the idea of reparations and the shared history between Africa and the Caribbean.
“The ties between our two regions are profound, and I believe there is much we can do together. As the the Chairman Senate committee on Reparation, I am particularly interested in exploring further collaboration in the vital issue of reparations.”
In a brief interview with newsmen, Barr. Nwachukwu Okafor , who accompanied the Ambassador on the visit, hinted that when he attended an investment summit at Nevis this year, he found out that they have a program that you can take part in and you become a citizen of their country. And that if you become a citizen of the country by investment, you will be entitled to travel the world free because their passport entitles you to go into over 150 nations without visa, including Canada, UK, the whole of Asia.
Barr Okafor further stated that Nevis is one of those countries where our people were dumped. They were used as farmers to farm sugarcane for the white man for so many centuries, and they ravaged their land, harvested every good thing there, and left them with nothing. And so because of that important position, that’s why we visited Sen. Nwoko today, because preparation is very important to people on the islands. But to the most important thing is this citizenship by investment.
Again, the Four Seasons, which is the most exclusive resort in the whole world is in that country. There is no income tax. They offer financial services. Education rate is 98% the population and no personal income tax. We they have is corporate income tax. Their money is $2.70 to $1 and the value of their money has remained stable since 1970.
“We are having an investment conference in March and the Prime Minister will be here with some other people from their country.”
The visit marked a step toward strengthening diplomatic relations between Saint Kitts and Nevis and Nigeria, with both parties expressing a strong desire for continued collaboration in areas that benefit their citizens and foster mutual growth.
