The Antigua and Barbuda government says a Syrian businessman and four members of his family have become the first recipients of local citizenship under the recently established Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP).

A government statement said that George Georges and his family were presented with their certificate of citizenship by Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer during a brief ceremony on Monday.

Georges was administered the Oath of Allegiance earlier by National Security Minister Dr. Errol Cort.

The statement said that Georges, who is based in Dubai, gained citizenship through his contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF).

It gave no details of the amount contributed, but under the NDF, citizenship is given for donations of US$250,000.

Under the Citizenship by Investment Act, individuals and their families can become citizens of Antigua and Barbuda through investment, donations to a charity and contributions to the National Development Fund.

The statement stated that Georges has already indicated an interest in a number of developmental projects and have introduced a number of investors to the government in the field of tourism.

Antigua and Barbuda is one of a number of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries engaged in providing citizenship to foreign investors who make significant contributions in real estate, business or NDF.