Hamilton’s story carries a universal message that remains relevant in our increasingly global world: that of the possibility of place, the massive potential and fluidity of citizenship, and how a change of location and a considered identity can completely alter the course of one’s life for the better.
Before becoming a founding father of the United States of America, he was born in St. Kitts & Nevis. Learn how son of the soil, Alexander Hamilton became one of the first Global Citizens.
Alexander Hamilton was born in St. Kitts and Nevis (in Charlestown, Nevis, to be specific) in either 1755 or 1757 (destruction of original records, plus some coyness on Hamilton’s part have engendered debate as to this date). What is certain, though, is that the start of his life was challenging – he was born out of wedlock and into humble beginnings. In his early adolescence, he was sent to live in St. Croix, where he showed so much scholastic promise that beneficiaries shipped him off to the United States while he was still a teenager. There, he made his way through the political system, eventually working directly under George Washington, helping to form the American Constitution. He made such a significant contribution to that country’s history that he remains widely honoured, with his profile still appearing on the US ten-dollar bill today.
Although it unfolded more than two centuries ago, Hamilton’s story carries a universal message that remains relevant in our increasingly global world: that of the possibility of place, the massive potential and fluidity of citizenship, and how a change of location and a considered identity can completely alter the course of one’s life for the better. Today, Hamilton’s early days and life’s work are remembered in Nevis – in name, perhaps most notably in the Georgian-style, stone building that lays claim as his birthplace, and also doubles as the Nevis Museum. Overlooking the sparkling ocean and ships on distant horizons, draped in bougainvillea with emerald hills framing the background, it is a popular spot for those who visit the island.
While its idyllic, natural beauty draws people to St. Kitts and Nevis, the islands’ magnetism is also rooted in its people’s attractive, welcoming personality
and warmth – traits born out of the confluence of many cultural influences over centuries. Although its people’s heritage is predominantly African (with a legacy of sugar which has helped to form its rich and complicated history), it also includes Amerindian, Spanish, French, and British influences.
With this long-standing history of cultural inclusion, it is fitting that St. Kitts and Nevis has the world’s longest-running Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme – a bold and prodigious move, especial- ly coming from the smallest sovereign state in the Americas. Put into motion in 1984, this law offers cit- izenship to individuals of good character who make a substantial investment in the state.
In subsequent years, other countries followed St. Kitts and Nevis’ leadership; today, more than 40 countries offer CBI programmes, with the industry valued at approximately US$2 billion a year.
The accolades heaped on the St. Kitts and Nevis CBI Programme come from the strength of the programme itself. There are no celebrity endorsements or gimmicks to attract people to the country; the programme remains monumental in its offerings while falling short on any type of pretentiousness. This bolsters its appeal, particularly with global citizens – those who readily identify themselves as part of a larger, emerging world community where they have the potential, through their actions, to help build communities, while creating better standards of living for themselves as well.
Alexander Hamilton is a perfect historical example of how the difficult circumstances into which one might be born can be surmounted, with a better life built in another country. Today, second citizenship can have other, life-changing benefits to people from countries that are undergoing serious social
or geopolitical conflicts. For those who might need to leave their birthplaces for safety reasons, or who might have restrictions placed on travel by their own governments, a second passport provides a means
by which these problems can be surmounted. Even in cases where there is no strife, holding a passport from certain countries can make attaining a visa for a vacation or business trip a frustrating experience marked by lengthy applications, interviews, and a processing period that could result in mandatory passport relinquishment, for weeks at a time. Hold- ing a second passport can eliminate this issue, while also helping to ensure the personal safety of trav- ellers. Citizenship acquired under the St. Kitts and Nevis CBI Programme means visa-free access or visa upon arrival to over 150 countries, with full citizen- ship for life, so that the benefits enjoyed by appli- cants can be passed down to future generations.
Global mobility and security are two of the hallmarks of a high standard of living. St. Kitts and Nevis, often considered one of the Caribbean’s most charming countries, offers further lifestyle improvements, based on the strength of location and social advan- tages. There is something to be said about being able to live in a tropical paradise. With its proximity to the Americas, it is also popular on cruise ship routes and boasts a number of economic and social advantages that are markers of an elevated standard of living. These include stable currency and political environments, modern infrastructure, high literacy rates, a well-regulated financial services sector and, of course, an investor-friendly government – all of which combine to create tremendous potential busi- ness and personal growth.
Alexander Hamilton is a perfect historical example of how the difficult circumstances into which one might be born can be surmounted, with a better life built in a another country.
Throughout the evolution of CBI, St. Kitts and Nevis has remained a trusted leader – constant assessment, adaptability, and more than 30 years in continuous operation, continue to strengthen its already robust programme, which consistently ranks in the world’s top five in terms of benefits and safety. In May of 2017, the IMF noted: “They [the St. Kitts-Nevis au- thorities] have strengthened the due-diligence pro- cess [of the Citizenship by Investment Programme] with dedicated resources and global collaboration, as this is essential to reduce integrity and security risks, preserve the program’s credibility, and avoid a race- to-the-bottom.”
In 2016, Hamilton was nominated for a record 16 Tony Awards and went on to win 11, including best musical. In 2017, it extended its global reach, travel- ling overseas to British stages, and possibly beyond. Its popularity lies in its unique format and, indis- putably, in its recounting of the meteoric rise of its initially down-at-heel protagonist. After all, who can resist rooting for an underdog, especially one who raps, with resolve: “I am not throwing away my shot! I am not throwing away my shot!”? Hamilton is a classic tale, made perfect in its truth and cen- tred on an 18th century global citizen, whose spirit of betterment lives on in the St. Kitts and Nevis CBI Programme.
Today, migration is a hotly debated topic; the com- plications and views that swirl around it imply that we have further to go towards deeper, more mean- ingful, and inclusive connections. With the longest running CBI programme, St. Kitts and Nevis contin- ues to provide an opportunity to bridge some of those gaps, while generating opportunities for growth.
It’s difficult to say where the drive to initiate the programme was born, but it’s fitting to imagine that it found its roots in the passionate, pioneering and adventurous spirit of native son Alexander Hamilton who, as a child, would have most likely looked out across the ocean, and dreamt about the promise of a different land.
This article was republished from the The Citizen Magazine
