Recently, Minister Steele, there has been some profoundly disturbing even alarming developments in respect of the business of Grenada PLC and the Citizenship by Investment Programme.
Will the National Transformation Fund become a sort of piggy bank? The questions are: – whose piggy bank? who effectively controls the functioning of the NTF? what are the checks and balances which will prevent abuse and ensure that funds obtained by the sale of the citizenship is properly managed and used in the interest of the citizens of Grenada who have been called upon to make sacrifices to get Grenada out of its “debt hole”.
Notwithstanding, Sir, there are a number of matters on which you, as former Prime Minister, remain accountable to we the people. Among these are the matter of the Report of the Task Force that was convened to review the controversial agreements with foreign direct investors. Among the many issues associated with these controversial agreements are/were alienation of the people’s property, the sweeping tax concessions, the suspect environmental, social and economic sustainability of some of these proposed projects.
What is the return to Grenada and to Grenadians on this sale of their birthright and national asset, citizenship?
The Citizenship by Investment Bill 2013, had its first reading in the Lower House of Representatives and not surprisingly it went through without challenge. The Government side controls all 15 seats in the Lower House. But, it must be noted that Hon. Tobias Clement raised some pertinent questions in respect of this scheme. He was concerned about the impact of this programme on land prices and the future ability of locals to purchase land.
Citizenship by Investment Bill, 2013: Provisions for persons to acquire residence in and citizenship of Grenada by registration following investment in Grenada and for incidental and connected purposes……..
Citizens in Defence of Grenada’s Lands and Heritage does not support the selling of our country’s citizenship. The CBI as espoused by Ambassador DeSavary is undoubtedly beneficial to his interests and will be, undoubtedly, a “cash cow” to the Mt. Cinnamon Resort and Private Beach Club. However, the long term benefits to the bona fide Grenadian citizen are very unclear. It is the considered opinion of the Citizens grouping that the Citizenship by Investment programme cheapens the country’s citizenship and puts at risk the credibility and image of the country as happened under the previous ill-fated economic citizenship programme.
As usual, Citizens in Defence of Grenada’s Lands and Heritage continues to monitor the performance and developments of the Camper and Nicholson Port Louis Marina, given that a significant national asset, the Lagoon, is under its control and the Company has also laid claim to the Lagoon Park. We are still seeking answers. Where is the Original Deed of Release of October 5th, 2006 which facilitated the transfer of the people’s property for EC$1.00 to Ambassador Peter De Savary’s Port Louis but was not recorded country’s Deeds and Lands Registry?
As usual, Citizens in Defence of Grenada’s Lands and Heritage continues to monitor the performance and developments of the Camper and Nicholson Port Louis Marina, given that a significant national asset, the Lagoon, is under its control and the Company has also laid claim to the Lagoon Park. We are still seeking answers. Where is the Original Deed of Release of October 5th, 2006 which facilitated the transfer of the people’s property for EC$1.00 to Ambassador Peter De Savary’s Port Louis but was not recorded country’s Deeds and Lands Registry?
Citizens in Defence of Grenada’s Lands and Heritage continues to keep eye on developments pertaining to the Company and the ‘people’s property’, the Lagoon. Since we last reported on the threat of legal action against the Government of Grenada by the owners and operators of the Camper and Nicholson Port Louis marina, we have taken note of the following significant developments and wonder about their implications for Grenada.
