Focus Veteran Antigua & Barbuda diplomat, Colin Murdoch, is well versed in extolling the virtues of his native land. Before becoming Senior Advisor to Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Chairman of the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), he served as Ambassador to Cuba, Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organisation, Ambassador to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On the tail of the most successful year in the CIU’s history, we spoke to him about the programme’s aspirations in 2019.
What makes this nation unique? Its great location, beautiful landscape and seascape, and its relaxed tourism product. We have a good mix of everything – people, culture, cuisine, music and a varied tourism profile. What do you miss when you are on one of your official missions abroad? I miss the beach and swimming in the ocean. We have so many quiet secluded beautiful beaches, but my favourite is Fort James Beach at Dickenson Bay. I’m a bit of a beach baby and go every weekend, spending hours. It’s a wonderful relaxing activity. What do you want people to know about Antigua & Barbuda? Firstly, to be able to locate us geographically. I would like people to understand our history and the factors that have given us the kind of economy and society we have today. Most of all, I want people to know about our strong points; an open democratic political system, the rule of law, a very low crime rate, sound economic growth that’s one of the best in the region, a great cultural life, and so many other features. What is your personal favourite local tradition? My favourite time of year is Christmas and it’s a time associated with family and community, when people gather together to go around their neighbourhood singing Christmas carols and visiting friends and family. It’s also a time when many Antiguans who are resident abroad return home and join in all the traditional tropical Christmas activities. Why was the creation of the Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) important for the nation? CIP is critical to our path to economic development and represents a significant chunk of government revenue. Over 100 countries have some form of residence or citizenship-by-investment programme, so it is an accepted path to economic growth and development through sovereign equity rather than sovereign debt.
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THE CITIZEN
