The Government of St. Kitts & Nevis has taken various measures to take care of the welfare of the displaced sugar workers and to accelerate the transformation of the country's economy. Of particular importance is the formation of the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (the SIDF) in September 2006.
The SIDF was established to support the former sugar workers, conducting research into the development of industries to replace the sugar industry, funding the development of these alternative industries and providing further support to secure the sustainability of such industries.
For more information about the background that lead to the establishment of the SIDF, read the interview with the Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, Prime Minister of St. Kitts & Nevis, published in STEP Journal (February 2008).
The Foundation may also grant assistance to individuals and institutions that qualify for such assistance under its policies, regulations and by-laws. The Foundation has been designated a special approved project for the purposes of Citizenship-by-Investment. Accordingly, contributions to the Foundation at prescribed levels will, in a similar way as in the case of investments in approved real-estate projects, qualify foreign nationals to apply for Citizenship-by-Investment in St. Kitts & Nevis.