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Government Considering Economic Citizenship Programme

Economic Citizenship ProgrammeAntigua St John's - The government of Antigua & Barbuda has announced the establishment of a task force to examine the feasibility of implementing an economic citizenship programme.

Such programmes are not new, nor are they the preserve of developed countries such as Canada and the United States. One apparently highly successful economic citizenship programme has been adopted in neighbouring St Kitts & Nevis, and reportedly earned that country over US$100,000,000 in the past fiscal year. This signal success is being given the credit for enabling the St Kitts/Nevis government to avoid approaching the IMF for fiscal support.

It is quite possible that the success of the St Kitts & Nevis economic citizenship programme may have prompted Antigua & Barbuda government’s decision to take a serious look at the possibility of establishing a similar system here. If this is in fact the case, then City West MP Gaston Browne might be fully justified if he were to allow himself a wry smile.

Barely two years ago, as the government of Antigua & Barbuda began the process of securing budgetary support from the IMF, Browne made the bold proposal in Parliament that this country should implement an economic citizenship programme of its own.

At the time, the City West MP was roundly castigated, particularly by supporters of the governing United Progressive Party. More pointedly, he received no support from members of his own opposition Antigua Labour Party. Indications are that in today’s political climate, the ALP will pounce on the government’s initiative with glee, calling out every possible argument – from nationalism to predictions of widespread abuse – to mobilize opposition against the proposal.


When Browne made his proposal, the initiative was presented to the public as merely a plan for the sale of passports. Censorious fingers were pointed at the Commonwealth of Dominica, whose version of an economic citizenship program had turned out to be just that. Dominican passports were sold for sums as trivial as US$20,000: a price that produced little revenue.

Further, a failure to implement due diligence meant that passports ended up in the hands of persons who – to put it tactfully – might not have been prime candidates for the privilege.

Many recalled that a similar Antigua & Barbuda “passports for sale” programme had been in operation while opposition leader Lester Bird served as prime minister. The discovery of that venture led to international embarrassment for this country, as the Antigua & Barbuda passport became an object of suspicion around the world.

When Browne spoke out on the issue, Minister of Finance Harold Lovell was categorizing Antigua & Barbuda as being “hit by a category five hurricane, and in trouble.” If conditions were serious then, they are even more dreadful now.

Challenged by critics the City West MP did not flinch from defending his position. He posited that the programme should be well regulated and transparent, aimed at attracting the crème de la crème of international investors to hold Antigua & Barbuda passports. The programme, he said, should require the payment of US$300,000 for economic citizenship or an investment in real estate of at least US$400,000, the proceeds of which would be utilized for capital projects to generate additional income for the government and to facilitate overall economic growth and development.

Mr. Browne explained at the time that the government could have retained a reputable firm such as Henley & Partners in the United Kingdom to regulate the economic citizenship programme. This firm’s functions would include due diligence on the investors and regular audits of the programme to ensure transparency and accountability.

Browne argued that such a programme would give this country a natural investor pool to fund various investment initiatives. Participants would benefit from a tax shield that would reduce their tax liability and enhance their convenience of travel. He concluded by saying that the multi-millionaires and potential billionaires, who most likely would not be permanently resident here, would not be a burden on the social infrastructure, and would contribute more to national development than many who would have attained their citizenship through the traditional route.


The “environmental factors” described above may lie behind the gingerly fashion in which the UPP government is approaching its own possible espousal of an economic citizenship program. The broad-based task force pulls together the ONDCP, the Attorney-General’s office, the Bar Association, the Immigration Department, the tourism sector, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Antigua & Barbuda Investment Authority.

The task force is mandated to deliver a report to Cabinet for due consideration.

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56 Comments In This Article   

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Slythatguy - they can do whatever they wish

#56 tenman » 2011-07-05 21:04

Slythatguy the UPP is the government and in their 2004 camapaign did they not promise to reduce the cost of living in this country? You have already admitted that this has not happened so who therefore should I blame especially when the cost have increased even more since they have been in office. I have pointed you to a recent study done by the present government into APUA, yet you ignore it. Isn't the government essentially required to ensure that APUA is run efficiently? Don't they decide who sit on the board? You strangely state my making negative comments about the government is basically unpatriotic, did MP spencer not say negative things about the then government when he was in opposition? Based on your criteria why should I respect someone who you have basically described as unpatriotic by his actions? Do you make the decision on who has the right to say negative things about the government? I have read articles in the Daily Observer which have been critical on the government are they unpatriotic? Honestly, I have questions about the way you think because its people like you who cause governments to think they need not be accountable.

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tenman

@ Tenman

#55 Slythatguy » 2011-07-05 19:26

Tenman, I never disagreed with you nor Antiguan Woman on the issue of high electric bill,high food price ,loss of jobs,loss of business,etc.I know that these conditions exist in Antigua.What I disagreed with you and Antiguan Woman about is your claim that it all happened because of the UPP Government.I also said that I resented your methot of posting negative comments about your government,whic h could have adverse effect on your country's future.And I still believe that.So your statement that i'm back peddling is neither here nor there.
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Slythatguy

Slythatguy

#54 tenman » 2011-07-05 14:59

Slythatguy knowing your head hard, I provided the link from the governments own office, the energy desk, stating that high costs are in part caused by wastage at APUA, yet you say I provide no facts. If I can't call information gained from a real study done by the government a fact, please tell me your definition of a fact? I also find it strange that you go from saying that the poster was wrong to now admit she is correct but now want to argue on who is to be blamed. Do we have no government? Slythatguy as I often tell you stop back peddling and admit you are wrong

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tenman

@ Tenman

#53 Slythatguy » 2011-07-05 14:45

Yes,my fellow Antiguan,it is a fact that the price of electricity and the cost of living are high in Antigua;however ,your conclusion that the government is responsible(bla meworthy)for the loss of jobs,loss of business,the high food price,the high electricity price,etc.are not properly called facts-there's no real evidence to support that claim(opinion does not count).
On the other hand,the real problem here is not the high price in electricity,it' s the lack of an adjustment of wages(a raise)to offset the cost of living.In conclusion,your argument is more frustrating in what it fails to show than helpful in what it shows.(sorry for not replying sooner as I was in a neighbouring Island for a few days.)
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Slythatguy

slythatguy

#52 Antiguan Woman » 2011-07-04 15:09

Of course i will ignore you after this respond, just wanted you to know that you are quite arrogant in your ignorance, The Upp Govt has done the perfect job of running investors,so there really isnt much left for us to do, i thought it was the Global crisis that prevented them form coming,now its the internet and the plain truth spoken here according to you,you may be in denial,everyone is not, the UPP,S legacy is there for all to see,and no matter how much you try to defend,it is not a pretty picture,you can come on Carib Arena and try to defend the defendless,but it will not change the truth.
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Antiguan Woman

Slythatguy - playing the monkey ctd (final)

#51 tenman » 2011-07-03 17:04

Even Harold Lovell as recent as two weeks ago stated via the Observer newspaper that they have to do something about the high cost of electricity because its too high (see antiguaobserver .com/?p=60195). In a draft study done by the government energy desk, they stated that a big part of the problem which causes high energy costs is wastage at APUA (eg. their inefficient distribution and transmission lines amount to 24% of their costs) (see http://www.caribarena.com/antigua/environment/environment/11162-draft-of-national-energy-policy-released.html).

Sly I keep saying its impossible to debate someone like you who purposefully removes themselves from facts. However, I recognize that you enjoy walking into brick walls, but my posts are not only for your benefit.
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Slythatguy - playing the monkey

#50 tenman » 2011-07-03 16:56

Slythatguy there you go pulling the same characterizatio n that the UPP, is known for ie attacking persons patriotism. You purposefully choose to ignore facts and wants others to join you, yet then claim you are correct. Antiguan Woman pointed out the fact that things like electricity are too high, something which is a fact. In a recent article by Caribarena Pensioners Face Fraying Safety Net, SUNDAY, 29 MAY 2011 02:30 COLIN SAMPSON(http://www.caribarena.com/antigua/news/latest/97512-pensioners-face-fraying-safety-net.html), the head of the Pensioners Association, Eddie Hunte, made it clear that it was in part because of bad government policy why the cost of living in this country is too high. I can bet that when you are in your own persona even you lament about the high cost of electricity. Yet you then decide to lambaste a fellow poster for speaking a truth that makes the government, your wear a blindfold for, look bad.
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tenman

@ Tenman

#49 Slythatguy » 2011-07-03 16:02

What! Pray for me because I lack understanding. On the contrary,it's you who lack the understanding and obviously in need of prayer.I understand more than you may want to give me credit for.For example,I understand that you and the other unsavory characters are putting up negative post about the country to try to discourage people(tourists and investors)from coming to Antigua.That's how you intend to subvert the government.In addition, you told Antiguan woman to ignore me.You did that because you knew that I was telling the truth,but you didn't want to hear the truth because you already have something else in its place.Stop hurting your country,jack.
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Slythatguy

RE: Government Considering Economic Citizenship Programme

#48 Truth » 2011-07-02 09:09

Because of the reputation Antigua has gained under Spencer's government you couldn't give an Antigua passport away with a box of cereals.The only people who are going to pay for citizenship are **s looking to evade extradition to the U.S. or Europe like Leroy King.

Just look at who we have as mister of Justice....Erro l Cort, now ask anybody to take Antigua seriously!
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Truth

Antiguan woman

#47 tenman » 2011-07-02 00:06

Antiguan woman well said. We need to work on ensuring that all persons feel as if they are getting value for money being spent. Try and ignore sly I suspect you need to more pray for him/her than curse them because they are only trying to take away your peace. Forgive them, they simply lack understanding whether purposefully or not.

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tenman

@ Antiguan Woman

#46 Slythatguy » 2011-07-01 23:49

Antiguan Woman,there you go again with the incessant criticism of the government. Although you said you were going to remain neutral("i'm neither for or against this"),you still went on to make some destructive comments.Why? My guess is that you're jealous of the UPP because it defeated your ALP. Yes, of course,I agree with the interlude because it'll save you from being consumed by all this rubbish.
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Slythatguy

Please

#45 SAY What---- » 2011-07-01 20:22

Days gone by when Antigua had subben fu offer maybe this could work,right now the only people who go buy any passport a Chinese&Arabs,c hina govt thinning out the large population,Arab s running from war.The US,Europe&Canad a would tink fifty times over,before they grab for an Antigua Passport,after Errol Cort start and Lovell ending the job of turning us into refugees.
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SAY What----

RE: Government Considering Economic Citizenship Programme

#44 Fred » 2011-07-01 15:25

Tenman, I agree/ St. Kitts has operated a well regulated programme for many years without any scandal or Visa restrictions by the international community. If Antigua could establish a similar programme which, I think that is what MP Browne is saying, then I am on board.
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Fred

RE: Government Considering Economic Citizenship Programme

#43 Antiguan woman » 2011-07-01 12:25

Another thing who the hell is going to pay $300,000 for an Antiguan passport,especi ally at a time when cost of iving touching the sky,no matter how much money people have,they are not willing to throw it away,imagine having to pay $1000 a mt just for your electricity alone.Antigua is just too expensive,and can easily brok anybody.
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Antiguan woman

RE: Government Considering Economic Citizenship Programme

#42 Antiguan Woman » 2011-07-01 10:49

Like Tenman i to am taking a break from posting,but just had to say this,I am neither for or against this ,if it is a way to better our economy so be it.The problem i have however is the Hypocrisy of this Govt, how can anyone truly take this Govt serious when the very things they say was wrong,they turn around and do the exact thing,not only in this situation,in many others,it shows they opposing in many circumstances were just political to gain them power,I will continue to call for fresh Elections,this Govt has lost the balance of the little credibility it had.Thay have lost they way,and is grasping at straws.Antiguan ,s need to wake up and run them out of office.
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Antiguan Woman

@ Dit It

#41 tenman » 2011-07-01 09:47

Dig It, I decided to take a break (some would say a short one) from posting. I have enjoyed the posts from others. The St. Kitts program has been in place since 1984. Once a proper system is set in place, similar to what St. Kitts did, I have no problem with this program. As some have already stated we need to make some serious moves to deal with the high cost of living because the absence of this will cause us to not only not gain new citizens but have existing one depart to greener pastures.

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tenman

wow

#40 antigua » 2011-07-01 07:59

wonder what spin the snake would put on this, and the flood or fled.say no to the crack government :zzz
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antigua

interesting proposal...

#39 HTH Peppersauce » 2011-07-01 07:29

Maybe after these 'economic citizens' pay the $300,000, they can set up an enterprise in the flourishing free trade and processing zone. You know, the one that was conceptualized to have us manufacturing circuit boards and technological items. I guess the people who did that feasibility study, thought we had cheap electricity, an efficient, low-cost workforce, and the only thing preventing us from developing a strong manufacturing base, was the inbound and outbound shipment of goods.

Maybe we can have the same experts do the feasibility study for the economic passport program.
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HTH Peppersauce

@Tenman-SOS

#38 Dig It » 2011-06-30 22:13

Wow, Tenman, I can't believe you are not on this one! Hope all is well.
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Dig It

Another blogger

#37 Dig It » 2011-06-30 22:06

This Economic Citizenship Programme should be far out of the government's mind! I just don't believe this will contribute to nation-building in this country! And, it is very abusive with many investors that pay huge cash for it because a lot of them don't live up to their promise to invest in such country! You don't need prior residence or even speak the language of the country. See an estimated chart below for this scheme in Austria, St.Kitts and Dominica:

AUSTRIA ST.KITTS DOMINICA
INVESTMENT >2.5 >200,000 NONE
GOVT. FEES 5,000 35,000 82,000
PROF. FEES 300,000 15,000 15,000
PROCESSING TIME 9-12 3-14 5-12
Months Months Months
INTERVIEW NO NO NO
LANGUAGE NO NO NO
REQUIREMENT
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Dig It

Good Move Mr PM..

#36 Jack.M » 2011-06-30 21:59

PM Spencer is now waking up to Economic failure the Upp Right wing has Brought unto the Nation.
We hope and should support the PM as the Right Wing, informer/Concer ned citizens and large land owners from the colonial days, fight to keep the status quo''!
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Jack.M

What Brillance

#35 Southern Beauty » 2011-06-30 18:31

Hey sell land, sell beach, sell passport, sell soul, sell woman. If only we could get enough to buy some sense!

Our country is not the only thing to which we owe our allegiance. It is also owed to justice and to humanity. Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong. ~James Bryce
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Southern Beauty

dumb Idea no matter who's idea

#34 Skyewill » 2011-06-30 17:40

Nothing against Gaston in fact I like the guy and I see him seperating for the BS in Many ways. I wonder what he thinks of it now/TODAY? This is crazy and a waste of time. In any case. The doing a Feasibility study means nothing will be done they just want to say they doing something, anything to distract from real issues. The Western world would lock Antigua out. Really, what kind of person would wast $300,000 on a passport? Who? they would have to make that back and turn a major profit. make no sense to me. Horrible wast of time and look who will be doing the study a bunch of failures.
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Skyewill

No to buying citizenship

#33 Tobi » 2011-06-30 16:31

Dessalines, you are right on the money with what you say on this issue. Dominicans still today need a visa to visit Canada. Antigua beware.
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Tobi

re: All a part of life -

#32 brutusmaximuswayne * » 2011-06-30 16:11

....i still say they will accessing the feasibility - making notes of the pros vs. cons of this suggestion! At the end of the day, i trust the UPP will not implement the program because - after all, ther're not the ALP! The loopholes will be too wide open for persons to corrupt it and better ideas will be floated! But this is not one which will be implemented - full stop! *(trust me)
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brutusmaximuswayne *

For Sale

#31 Buzzbomb » 2011-06-30 14:46

Birthright Definition: Noun
1. A particular right of possession or privilege one has from birth.
2. The possession or privilege itself.

I guess everything is for sale when you are desperate.
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Buzzbomb

change!

#30 dragonfly » 2011-06-30 14:42

Dear John French ll,

your article sounds like a literary piece saying little in relation to the issue - raising money to save our country. if my mind serves me correct, John French was and old man with a walking stick who used to preach all over St. John's many years ago.

rather than just debunking it as another Tubby of waste, why not suggest another alternative?

i guess that would be too much for you and Baldwin and his troupe?

Iago:
O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;
It is the green-ey'd monster, which doth mock
The meat it feeds on. That cuckold lives in bliss,
Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger:
But O, what damnèd minutes tells he o'er
Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet strongly loves!

Yes...Beware Gaston...and keep firm.
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dragonfly

just a thought 2............

#29 jeb » 2011-06-30 14:16

Marketing and creating an appeal to desirable immigrants should not present monumental obstacles with a mindset change. Since we are not a Monte Carlo nor ever will be then this tax-obsessed government will have to come to the realization that most people immigrate to places that offer safe, tax-REDUCED havens for their funds…can’t see that a passport is needed, just a simple permanent residency with the appropriate amount of funds spent and deposited (off-shore) locally.
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jeb

just a thought 1...........

#28 jeb » 2011-06-30 14:11

Antigua could make itself appealing to retirees and persons seeking to escape to a warm climate (similar to Florida) there could be an income for the island IF handled properly. It would involve catering to the needs of these potentials and not trying to rip them at every step of the way. It’s called making your destination desirable. The list would be long for Antigua at this time starting with immigration, attitude, crime/corruptio n and medical. Purchasing property is a costly drawn out nightmare; importation is an ulcer inducing nightmare. Some of our neighbours have seen the “light” and have benefited from same. I believe it is called making thoroughness and efficiency simple (keep JS and EC out of it).
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jeb

Congrats to Gaston Browne

#27 Peter Derrick » 2011-06-30 14:05

At least the UPP is using your idea, so it means you are good for the country,and would make a great Prime Minister some day. I hope the UPP gives credit where it is due and tell the public that this was your idea and not theirs. And there are many more ideas that Gaston Browne has come up with but the UPP and PM Spencer are too emba**ed to do them becuase it was Gaston's ideas. At least they are doing one of them.
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Peter Derrick

The Wizard of OZ meets Dorothy

#26 John French II » 2011-06-30 13:52

Notes From A Native Son Of the Rock. The article which has used a highly charged caption to entice sounds of wind, tinkling b** and the roars from the scarecrows, tinmen and lions has been most successful. "When Dorothy asks how to get back home, Glinda advises her to seek the help of the mysterious Wizard of Oz in the Emerald City, which she can reach by following the yellow brick road, and warns Dorothy never to remove the slippers or she will be at the mercy of the Wicked Witch". You know the Witches. They will Crush You. Whether the program, not the headline, will be successful should be debated. Let's be real, The US, Austrailia, New Zealand, Canada and Europe all have a program of a similar nature. If you have money to invest, you get to the head of the line. How do you think so many Arabs & Orientals have been able to gain access to those Countries. Citizenship they gain after the requisite period. Research this issue and then join Dorothy. There have been some excellent comments on both sides who do not see this as Blue or Red. Caveat Emptor. "My Heart Aches as though of Hemlock I Have Drunk". Heaven Help Us All!
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John French II

PRIDE

#25 local » 2011-06-30 13:32

This is one of the most stupid ideas ever suggested....An tiguan Citizenship should be a privilege not a right especially not for sale...What about the proposed citizenship test? Would they be required to take it?

Realistically how many of these 'passports' do they think they'll sell? Would it make any difference to Antigua's fiscal situation? I rather go hungry than have antigua's name dragged through the mud and lose our national pride than sell our souls for 2 pence halfpenny.... Who really comes up with these nonsensical ideas?

Come on guys...think outside the box...
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local

Fancy Words

#24 George LB Bird » 2011-06-30 13:16

Why don't they just say them ah sell Passports instead of this fancy "Economic Citizenship Program". Just hope that our passports don't get into any wrong hands (terrorists, wanted fugitives, corrupt leaders running from other countries etc...) and end up giving real citizens problems traveling in the future! Remember we don't know everyones "REAL" reasons for wanting this Citizenship. When they come with their "foreign dollars" from the Middle East, China, Japan, Canada, UK & the USA they can end up buying up the whole island before our grandchildren even get a chance to breathe their first breath. And they might just end up taking over the whole economic landscape!!!

Maybe they should open up an eBay account and get this thing kick started On-Line by selling the passports on eBay!!!
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George LB Bird

RE: Government Considering Economic Citizenship Programme

#23 Cool Ruler » 2011-06-30 12:26

All I have to say this is a bad idea and the government would be wise to place it whear it belong, in the dust bin.
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Cool Ruler

LIES, LIES AND MORE LIES ... shoddy journalism

#22 Professor » 2011-06-30 12:09

Contrary to popular opinion, some Antiguans LOVE TO READ AND RESEARCH, the blogger TenMan is a good example ... so please do not try to sell us unsubstantiated information.

The selling of passports is a BAD IDEA for Antigua and Barbuda regardless of who is credited for the BAD IDEA.

The St Kitts initiative did not make even one percent of the figure quoted in the article. In the first paragraph on the St Kitts government website for the initiative it says that only a few persons have taken advantage of the opportunity, so it is clear that it could not have brought over one hundred million dollars to St Kitts ...

READ IT FOR YOURSELF at
http://stkitts-citizenship.com/?gclid=CNG4kq7_3akCFQVR2godFRrjYg
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Professor

Dessalines

#21 Skyewill » 2011-06-30 11:07

Dessalines You are 100, Post 9/11? you think things hard now wait till the state department issue a travel advisory. Kill off tourism, off shore finance, gaming, shipping, Airlines restrictions everything. more tap dancing
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Skyewill

RE: Government Considering Economic Citizenship Programme

#20 Ricky » 2011-06-30 10:41

Exactly my sentiment Dragonfly. My first time blogging. I am ready for a change to Brown with all of his imperfections. I believe he has the country at heart. he has good foresight, is strong enough to rule and charismatic enough to lead. He has my support for next PM.
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Ricky

so what!

#19 dragonfly » 2011-06-30 10:23

so what if Browne is given the praise? you guys are always willing to attack him if he makes a mistake, so it's time praise be given where praise is due.

since he may very well be the next PM it's time you guys get him to give more advise that may just save our backsides.

kudos to you Gaston...you seem to be ready to take the mantle...i'm ready to try something new...not used (like Lester, Maulwyn or robin) and not something Blue (like Baldwin, Harold, or Errol).

keep it up!
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dragonfly

RE: Government Considering Economic Citizenship Programme

#18 Good Job Bob » 2011-06-30 10:19

Sir Allen has an Antiguan passport, and look at how much good that's done for him!
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Good Job Bob

RE: Government Considering Economic Citizenship Programme

#17 Morris » 2011-06-30 10:09

With ANU's tarnished reputation in the international arena; the recent Euromoney report; the Stanford scandal; the government's practice of property acquisition without compensation; the high cost of doing business in ANU, which has discouraged many potential FDIs; current barriers that only serve to discourage entrepreneurshi p; and the squeeze on businesses that have even forced some to close their doors, there is no doubt that we have some serious things to consider before attempting to embark on such a venture.

* What guarantee will we offer these "potential customers" to convince them that ANU will be a safe haven for them despite the laundry list of allegations against us?
* Do we have a workable plan to screen applicants and to prevent high profile criminals from getting their hands on these passports, since this could potentially bring us more unwanted/undese rved criticisms in the international community?
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Morris

RE: Government Considering Economic Citizenship Programme

#16 All a part of life. » 2011-06-30 10:05

Well mouth open and all the juices (internal stories) jump out! In case you guys forget about the word deception you may want to consider showing the 'future' our kids Transformers 3 (maybe some of u should watch it too), for that movie teaches one about loyality and how and where things should be said.
The present generation needs to step up an lead our dear country.
I'm sicken with all this baseless fairly tales
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All a part of life.

RE: Government Considering Economic Citizenship Programme

#15 UPP Executive Member » 2011-06-30 09:47

I like Gaston Brown but I an very worried that the adoption of his ideas by my party may propell him into the leadership of the country. Brown is the one who recommended that the Government go to China and Venzuela for bail our money, they withdrew the airport expansion bill to borrow US$155M from ABIB and took Brown' s advice and approached the Chinese for funding. They quahsed the Hadeed power monoply deal and got the chinese to fund a new power plant and I could go on and on. A word to my party, try and do structure these things differently in the future by varying the idea signifcantly so that Brown is not given the praise in the future.
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UPP Executive Member

Doomed to repeat history

#14 PLM » 2011-06-30 09:39

Apparently we’ve learned nothing from the Asian Village and Lard Ponzi fiascos. No legitimate business person or entity travels to developing countries “buying” citizenship, economic or otherwise. This is nothing more than a mechanism to provide sanctuary for foreign miscreants, and Antigua has too many here already. The $100 million USD figure attributed to St. Christopher sounds dubious to me.
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PLM

Desperation and Hypocrisy

#13 Wisdom » 2011-06-30 09:28

1. Desperation and hypocrisy by the UPP are the factors driving this initiative. "Feasibility" is the euphemism for "done deal". Spencer and Lovell are hypocrites.
2. Will Colin Sampson provide the readers with any details regarding sale of pa-s-s-ports during the LBB administration? Sampson is repeating a lie.
3. Ask the Information Commissioner for the data on the past sale of Antigua and Barbuda pa-s-s-ports, then share the details.
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Wisdom

RE: Government Considering Economic Citizenship Programme

#12 All a part of life. » 2011-06-30 09:21

@ brutusmaximuswa yne *: Yes it’s being said they will do a feasibility study, 9 times out of 10 that means it will be IMPLEMENTED especially after they have empirical knowledge that SKB benefited! Come on ……. We all know how decisions are made worldwide; rather worse in politics!!! Hmp.
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All a part of life.

RE: Government Considering Economic Citizenship Programme

#11 Maria V » 2011-06-30 09:20

@ Thinking big, you are so right, Gaston is now emerging as the real leader. This program has merits and risks. If it is not a wateredown program like the one in Dominica and is well regualted, I am for it. Keep it up Gaston.
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Maria V

pepperpot

#10 microwave chef » 2011-06-30 08:55

how on earth are you going to sell something that has become without value , honestly both alp and upp have rendered the once priced commodity of being antiguan to junk bond status. so i ask again sell what? to whom? and why should they buy it? for criminal purpose? i see no other benefit for any one to want to buy an antiguan passport.
last? can i now sell my passport because just like the government i am dead broke and need the money. . i say Ebay here i come opening bid 5000 shekel .
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microwave chef

see why people suppose to read before coming to......

#9 brutusmaximuswayne * » 2011-06-30 08:54

...their own baseless conclusions???? The first sentence says: QUOTE: "establishment of a task force to examine the FEASABILITY of implementing an economic citizenship programme". All of you missed it! I'm sick and tired of ya'll coming to your own ridiculous conclusions! You know what a feasibility study is???? :-x NEXT........
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brutusmaximuswayne *

@ All

#8 Dessalines » 2011-06-30 08:43

For all the bloggers who think this is a good idea I've posted a link detailing what happened to Dominica after they implemented their pa.s.sport sale policy. Feel free to comment

http://www.da-academy.org/johnson3.html

Their program was implemented in 1991 and if I'm not mistaken some 20 years later they still need visas to visit Canada.
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Dessalines

Fred Skyewill

#7 Dessalines » 2011-06-30 08:39

It is a very bad idea - The UK, Canada and Europe will impose visa restrictions on Antiguans which will in turn defeat the purpose of any one wanting an Antiguan passport. We'll have to provide a job letter and pay US200.00 in addition to the ticket cost to travel to Canada, UK and Europe now. How is this a good idea? This is what happened to Dominca and Grenada who implemented these programs in the past. It's not like the extra revenue will be used to add value - they'll just rent new buildings and pay salaries These MPs all have diplomatic passports and dual citizenship so this additional hardship would not affect them.
If our immigration dept. cant stem the flow of JA, GT and Dominican working girls from coming here how are we going to vet Russian and Middle Eastern criminals (read terrorists) to whom money is no object? You think after Antigua's international reputation and past pa.s.sport scandals the Canadians and EU countries will trust us to vet applicants satisfactorily? .
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RE: Government Considering Economic Citizenship Programme

#6 All a part of life. » 2011-06-30 08:37

I am a bit perturbed that after approaching the IMF for money they want to implement this new plan. AFTERWARDS..... ............ WOW!!!
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All a part of life.

exicution

#5 apec » 2011-06-30 07:25

It,s not a bad idea ,actually i see where the country can benefit,but the only problem is the make up of the task force.With Justin Simon and Erol Cort involved it could only be a disaster
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apec

I don't understand

#4 Skyewill » 2011-06-30 07:13

Why would an honest person buy a passport for $300,000? Can anyone see Donald Trump saying, I think I need an Antiguan passport? can you see problems with USNCIS/Homeland Security? Tax evasion, Tax haven? we have problems to fix. More smoke and mirrows and I don't believe the St. Kitts story and I know several persona in the US who have been arrested for fraud and tax evasion because of the Nevis connection. yes I know them personally, pass clients of mine watch the IRS take them down the stairs in hand cuffs. 2 Bridges to barbuda in one day. We are batting a thousand
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Brown Running the Country

#3 Thinking Big » 2011-06-30 06:49

But Gaston Brown is leading the country not Baldwin or Lovell. This is precisely what I mean when I say that these folks in the UPP always seek to cast down ideas that don't come from within their camp. That is because they are driven by ego not great performance. What if they had given Gaston's idea a chance two years ago? We would have possibly avoided the IMF that is socially destroying the country!
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Thinking Big

RE: Government Considering Economic Citizenship Programme

#2 Fred » 2011-06-30 06:37

Colin you are right. I remembered when we were pillorying Gaston for the economic citizenship. I didnt see the merits of it then, but I think he was right. These are very difficult times and the UPP should move forward with the programme. As Colin says, the ALP members will be waiting opportunistical ly to oppose the programme. I doubt though that Gaston will stand with them since they did not stand with him.
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Fred

RE: Government Considering Economic Citizenship Programme

#1 Do The Math » 2011-06-30 02:38

Another piggy bank. Charming.
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Do The Math

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