Tag: Citizenship by Investment

This blog features Issue 18 of The Citizen Magazine, published in December 2023 which covers Antigua real estate. From exploring the booming real estate market on the islands, with its allure for potential homeowners and investors, to shedding light on the critical role sharks play in marine ecosystems, the issue offers rich insights into various aspects of island life. Location, location, location Acquiring a property can be a momentous decision in your life. Whether it is your primary home, a second residence, or an investment property, making the right choice is crucial. Buying in Antigua & Barbuda seems like a no-brainer. This stunning corner of the world offers the perfect setting for your real estate dreams to become a reality. Picture yourself owning a property overlooking a dazzling palm-fringed beach lapped by shimmering turquoise seas. It’s the kind of paradise everyone dreams of. But Antigua’s allure extends far beyond its picturesque beauty – although its 365-picture-perfect beaches, translucent waters, and lush landscape are hard to resist. This captivating island boasts world-class yachting and sailing, high-end restaurants, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nelson’s Harbour, and countless other attractions. Luxury real estate developments continue to spring up across the island, offering something for every taste. Not to be outdone, Antigua’s sister island, Barbuda, is also receiving its fair share of developments. This island is a dream come true for beach lovers and was Princess Diana’s favorite escape. Imagine setting foot on one of its incredible, famous pink-sand beaches where your footprints often remain the only ones. Barbuda is also home to extraordinary natural wonders, including the largest Frigate bird sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere. It offers a different but equally attractive way of life to its larger sister. If you have a family and are considering purchasing a property, rest assured that Antigua & Barbuda has you covered. The country has a range of public and private schools, including one that offers the International Baccalaureate, along with a wide range of tertiary education options, including the fourth-landed campus of the University of the West Indies. The country has a good health system, a robust banking and financial sector, reliable telecommunications, a stable government, and a thriving economy. What more could you ask for? Furthermore, with convenient daily direct flights to North America and Europe, the islands offer easy access. Just four hours from New York and eight from London, you can easily meet your business appointments whilst indulging in your island lifestyle. But here’s the real kicker: with purchasing real estate being one of the options in the Citizenship by Investment Programme, not only can you purchase your own piece of paradise by buying one of the high-end luxury villas or apartments on one of the fabulous developments across the islands, but more importantly, you have the opportunity to become a citizen of this remarkable nation with all the freedom-to-travel and other benefits this entails. And with the necessary investment starting at just US$200,000 for a share of a property, you could also be on your way to generating a rental income in no time. Antigua & Barbuda’s CBI programme is in the top five of the 2023 Q1 Henley Passport Index. Citizenship to the islands allows visa-free travel to over 160 jurisdictions, including Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, and the Schengen area. Sharks: From villains to vital guardians Sharks have long been misunderstood and feared, often portrayed as the villains of the ocean. However, their role in the marine ecosystem is far more complex and crucial than many realize. These apex predators are vital guardians of the seas, maintaining the balance of marine life and contributing to the health of ocean ecosystems. Contrary to their fearsome reputation, sharks are not mindless killers. They play a key role in controlling the population of other marine species, preventing the overpopulation of certain species that could otherwise disrupt the ecological balance. By preying on the sick and weak, sharks help to ensure the genetic health of their prey populations. Sharks also contribute to the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs. By controlling the population of herbivorous fish, sharks prevent overgrazing of seagrass, which is essential for carbon sequestration and as a habitat for other marine life. Similarly, by managing the population of fish that feed on coral, sharks help to maintain the health and diversity of coral reefs. Unfortunately, sharks are facing numerous threats, primarily from human activities. Overfishing, habitat destruction, and the demand for shark fins have led to a significant decline in shark populations worldwide. This decline not only threatens the survival of shark species but also has cascading effects on marine ecosystems. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these vital guardians of the ocean. Initiatives such as marine protected areas, sustainable fishing practices, and public education about the importance of sharks are essential steps in ensuring their survival. By changing the narrative around sharks from villains to vital guardians, we can foster a greater appreciation for their role in the ocean and support efforts to protect them. As we continue to learn more about these fascinating creatures, it becomes clear that sharks are indispensable to the health of our oceans. Protecting them is not just about preserving a species but about maintaining the intricate balance of marine ecosystems on which we all depend. Reno Wilson: Showcasing versatility, celebrating Antiguan roots Describing Reno Wilson, the word ‘versatile’ immediately springs to mind. Born and bred in Brooklyn, New York, to an Antiguan opera singer mother and a blues pianist father, it was almost inevitable that Reno would become a performer. His first taste of fame came with a role in The Cosby Show, showcasing his comedic timing and leading to appearances in numerous other shows.  His more renowned role is arguably as Carl in Mike and Molly with his good friend Billy Gardell and Melissa McCarthy. He has also appeared in Good Girls, the series Fatal Attraction, and in the feature film Bolden as the legendary Louis Armstrong.  He shines