New Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), Timothy Antoine believes it is extremely important for citizens to know how much money is collected and spent as it relates to the much talked about Citizenship By Investment (CBI) Program.
He noted that governments must be transparent by publishing all of “the flows, the ins and the outs of the fund.”
“We believe that this is extremely important for people to know how much is collected, how it is spent,” he said at a media event on Wednesday. “So we welcome the efforts of the government to establish in the last budget specifically how much is coming from CBI and what it is being spent on. We think that’s important.”
Antoine continued, “We suggested a template that can be used to publish this information on a regular basis so anybody here, home or abroad can see this information and understand what is happening with the program.”
He pointed out that “none of us” knows how long the CBI will last.
“We hope it will last for a long time, but we really don’t know,” Antoine remarked. “Right now Dominica is doing well on it in terms of collections, but who knows the future?”
He went out to say, many of the countries in the OECS have such programs and so he advised governments to be prudent by not using the money for recurrent expenditure.
“Don’t use it to pay wages and salaries; don’t use it to pay the light bill…because when you do that, if the funds stop you’re in trouble,” he advised. “So what should you use it for? To pay down domestic arrears. If you owe local suppliers of goods and services to government, local businesses, and so use money to pay them, if you have foreign debts, pay them on that.”
He also advised that CBI funds should be used to build physical infrastructure.
“Clearly in Dominica, post Erika, there is need for roads and bridges, we also know that the government is going to use some for geothermal development, we believe that those are good uses of CBI,” he stated.
Pertaining to usefully utilizing the funds, the Governor also means, “Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.” Do not depend on what you have not yet received.
The old adage applies; “whomsoever fits the cap, put it on!”
I get the impression that even if Christ himself came and said no what the governor said allu would still not quell your political foolishness. Only your viewpoints matter and no one elses. Even if Linton was PM it would be the same. Yet we wonder why Dominica is no further forwars. I pitty my fellow countrymen.
I like Mr. Antoine. He seems fearless in his comments. He knows and is concerned about his constituency. The people of the OECS. That is what is currently affecting the core of the islands involved. We didn’t see much of that trend in the past from the ECCB.
One day we will stop being partisan and look at the interest of all Dominicans. We all know there are benefits in the program and of course there are negatives. The ECCB governor have complimented and has expressed concern. “Si ou se creole gardez pour cou” There is a lot to learn from the US and Donald Trump. Remember what Mr. Antoine also said. The Trump presidency might be a blessing in disguise for us.
Thank you Sir.I’m sure you do not mean that the citizens of Dominica are the ones to be transparent with the CBI information.I know that you are not political, therefore in the case of Dominica, it is left to reason that your comments are directed at the Skerritt led government and its staunch supporters and agents.Now let’s see how they respond.
Mr. Governor Sir,
Stop this nonsense.
Before lecturing us about our money, tell us this:-
1) WHO ARE THE FOREIGN OWNERS OF THE ECCB
2) WHY ARE PRIVATE FOREIGN PERSONS OWNING A CORPORATION THAT DECIDES THE MONETARY POLICY OF SOVEREIGN COUNTRIES?
Back to CBI, Dr. Skerrit is doing a great job. We are getting around $35 million a month from passport sales, an amazing achievement. Dr. Skerrit and his team takes around $10 million a month it seems from that money, which is fair commission for their hard work. The rest of the money pays the bills of our country.
Everything is above board and none of your business.
Please get lost.
your phd means papyshow,horrible and dotish
Do you know who owns the ECCB?
They are the same foreign and private white folk who had your forbears picking cotton in their plantations. Get educated and erase your slave mentality which is happy that private persons are 100% pulling the strings of your elected government big time.
Great 35M per month but what is being done the money. Maybe you are part of the smart few that has insite into the use of this monthly 35M but all the other people have a right to know.
You want justice?
Then get Linton and his gang to petition each resident Dominican to sign a document for presentation to Dr. Skerrit:-
1) we. as resident Dominicans, demand a monthly summary of passport sales accounts. This is our right;
2) we resident Dominicans demand that CBI passport owners do not have the vote. This is to preserve the rights of resident Dominicans which are being erased by the CBI program
3) we resident Dominicans demand that every resident Dominican passport holder be granted a licence to sell passports and to retain 50% of the sale value of each referred person who achieves a passport.
Good luck!
As you know, Dominicans are pussycats. They complain and complain, but when it comes to action, they leave that to others and complain when others do nothing.
The island is doomed to Dr. Skerrit and his mob.
Some people are so set in their ways of criticisms that they cannot read between the lines and have the broad-mindedness to comprehend what the Governor stated.
Most of what he stated is exactly what is being done in Dominica.
He made a good point and a wise statement when he said it is not known how long the program will last. However, he stated (while it lasts), do not count on it to pay bills in general. To a certain extent, it is the same as saying, I will depend on winning the lottery to pay my bills.
He spoke to every government which has the CBI Program; not only one.
Therefore, comprehend what the Governor stated and do not misunderstand what he stated, turning it around to suit your mentality.
This sounds like an attempt at a clean up campaign for the program in all of the Caribbean islands that are involved. To ask for transparency after almost two decades of misuse and by some reports, theft of funds that belong to citizens, is too little too late. A huge question comes to my mind after reading this article: Does the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) play any part in the collection and subsequent use of the funds in question? Are any parts of the monies collected over the years sitting in inappropriate bank accounts under the ECCB’s influence? And if that is the case, is there anything the ECCB can do to place those funds in the appropriate accounts?
Good observation. We have to closely monitor our Caribbean Prime Ministers in this scheme, especially those we know absolutely corrupt. Who the cap fit, let them wear it.
to real Possie. why don’t you open your eyes to see read and understand. Tony Astaphan. Roosevelt Skeritt and Vince Henderson all told us that the CBI monies goes into a special account before and I stress before it goes into the country’s treasury. so what are you really saying. open your eyes my friend open your eyes.
In Dominica recurring expenses also mean plane and ferry tickets for election , contract fir Charlie Jung, money to pay Tony Astaphan, money for the attorney general mess up, money to pay CS Global, Lanny Davis $10000 per month, 1.5 million for cricket people account, Kempinski,Silver Beach
Some Gov’t officials, politicians in the region, Dominica is no exception, are too lazy, even to think of creative, sustainable ways to develop their economies. The SELLING of the sacred, collective properties of Caribbean people, their passports, is the worst thing that has happened post-Independence of those Island nations in the region. The scheme is designed to enslave our people, by relegating them to 3rd, even 4th. class citizens in their own land.
Those passport-buying foreigners, because they have the money, and buying our ordinary and diplomatic passports, without the people knowing what is going on, no transparency or accountability, will eventually control you, your country and all that are in it. Enslaved again and again and again, thanks to the corruption of a few greedy, selfish politicians and their ilk.
While they pretend to care about the people they are the architects of the sad state of affairs in Dominica. poverty, unemployment, crimes are rising.
Reasons why I know our patriot honourable Linton,has won the first round of the battle in a resounding manner..The man loves his conuntry…,,,and no one can stop him from championing what is good for country..So many local cowards with vested interest went hiding..Is it that the programme is found wanting???
Same thing being said by the governor of the ECCB,as our local PATRIOT,and champion of the poor man,Leader Lennox Linton..This guy for teacher Linton of Marigot is a
perspicacious human being and a visionary..With agriculture dead,manufacturing dead,unemployment a huge headache agriculture killed by DLP,tourism being nothing to talk about!!!Dominicas economy is in tatters,while idiots in their evil pursuit for perpetuating in power,because of greed may very well see the end of CBI!!!I applaud honourable Linton,for his steadfast and unflinching love for country..MAY GOD GRANT THIS PATRIOT LONG LIFE!!You are our voice brother!Our local Mandela!!
Come on donkeys, bray now!!!
Your name says it all, you bray exactly like one!!!!
for now that passport buisness is too shady.
To;Tony Astaphan again…
The ECCB Governor Timothy Antoine expresses concern about CBI..and the level of transparency that is required..Since you assumed position as main spokesman for the DLP Government can you assert that such transparency is fully evident in the Dominica Government CBI Programme ??? And how would you consider the response of Minister of Foreign Affairs Francine Baron in her non disclosure response in the Parliament regarding holders of Dominica Diplomatic Passports and does her conduct accord with what the ECCB Governor says below..Do you hold also a diplomatic passport and what is your specific function for the country..???
Antoine continued, “We suggested a template that can be used to publish this information on a regular basis so anybody here, home or abroad can see this information and understand what is happening with the program.”
Clayton lets see if Tony will say he does not csrry a Diplomatic passport and according to his response Lang Mama will either shut up or unload.
Shoot Tony Astaphan shoot- let me hear you
Not only that Lang Mama, a diplomatic passport from Dominica and being a citizen of another country at the same time?
Clayton, can YOU assert that such transparency is fully evident in the Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences (DAAS) Landgate and Transfergate scandals? Will you therefore disclose to your colleagues in the DAAS the use to which the EC$66,874.72 which according to an email dated 7 June 2010, from treasurer of the DAAS Local (Dominica) Chapter was transferred to “Dr. Clayton Shillingford, Trustee DAAS to continue the (Robert) de Fillips Trust elswhere”, was put?
By the way, by email dated 26 May 2010, you instructed the DAAS Local (Dominica) Chapter Treasurer to transfer the funds indicated above ” by DAAS check from National Bank of Dominica to Bank of Nova Scotia, Roseau, Dominica in the name of Dr. Clayton Shillingford as trustee for DAAS” . Your DAAS colleague Frank Watty in email dated 27 May 2010 questioned your authority as Trustee in the absence of a resolution of the DAAS Executive.
Rupert man, you just wake up? Your disclosure not new and that thing long dealt with, dead and dusted. Both Dr. Shillingford and Dr. Fontaine dealt with that. If you still have an issue, sue them brother for whatever, theft , misappropriation, fraud. Happy friday the 13th. As for me, I’m still waiting for Roosevelt’s disclosure where all the Dominica Petroleum Company and the CBI money went and still is going.
Well, based on the innuendo, I expect Dr. Clayton Shillingford to clear his good name and sue Rupert Sorhaindo.
Rupert,
Please, this is hardly the forum to put Dr. Shillingford under this kind of pressure.
I am sure the money has been well spent. It is not a lot and EVEN IF he took it, no big deal, don’t you agree?
Dr. Shillingford is a respectable man who has done a lot for DAAS. Please stop this.
Excellent response Rupert Sorhaindo. You have documented this very well. Lest short-minded Clayton Shillingford forgets.
The Sorhaindo’s are such intelligent people and with good memory.
Amen,,,,and Amen.
I hope we will get records of the last 17 years. Could be time for some creativity? Nigerian lady could could start that financial advice, lol.
Skerritvand your gang..pay your bills. Not Astaphan…not Gregor….not those boom boom flies of yours. You are a hopeless PM…..not fit to be a Prime Minister anywhere especially in poverty stricken island like Dominica which you created with yiur craxy vfriends
Your words of hate cannot be that of a genuine practicing Christian. Shame on you!
God is taking note of your words.
You are out of order to determine what is what and be in denial and sinful if you are a practising Christian. The poor are suffering and the rich and famous are getting richer robbing from the poor. Does this not touch your Christian heart or you are just a pretender who did to confess and be born again.? Then you may be a hypocrite Christian supporting these disloyal snails sucking the riches of the poor.
Christ echoed words to the Satanic government then who crucified him. Stop being selective and ignorant and in denial. A thief, is a thief, is a thief, when you see one, especially those who abuse high office in shirt and tie and those in legal clothing are dangerous with dirty loyalty. Show me you company and I tell you , who you are.
@ viewsexpressed
You have a severe problem. You have your opinion and you refuse to allow others to provide theirs. Well, I did not read your entire comments.
You must learn diplomacy. You must also grow up; be matured so that you can allow others to voice their opinion as they respect yours.
Is such a course offered in D/ca or wherever you reside? Dignity and respect for others and their opinion. Can you ever learn that? I wonder for a practicing Catholic at that.
If you are in D/ca I must inform the Diocese to preach on these godly virtues . Otherwise, I feel sorry for you. You will grow old; a miserable person. There is no place in Heaven for angry, miserable people who also cannot get along with others because of their political preference and who do not contribute to peace in especially their country.
You have much to confess about and make restitution for., in the form of penance and sacrifice. God is watching you and listening to you from above.
So Truth, only a genuine, practicing Christian can speak words of hate? you are giving yourself away dear. Be careful how you construct your sentences. And my God does not take notes, He knows everything already and is not vengeful. If you love your God, you can not be fearful of Him.
The Governor said exactly what Government is doing with the money. That is what the Prime Minister said. It is written in the Budget. Some of the money is being used for roads, infrastructure, bridges, etc.
They do not need any more transparency.
idiot
So now you self righteous want to tell people what they need.You are an enabler of dictatorial and autocratic behavior.What would be Jesus’ reaction? Surely not what you are espousing
Forkit – what type of name is that? Not a good one.
Jonathan St. Jean, I always say it depends whose side you are on. This is the manner in which I take you UWP supporters and with a grain of salt.
You will get nowhere with me. I will not succumb to your hateful and unfair statements and mannerisms. While you get angry, this is what you two will get from me:
lady Truth, I trust you clean the windows in your apartment? Why, so you can let light come in and see better, not true? please, do not deny people in Dominica the right to see light and have more transparency.
You are right “some of the money is used” for these things what we are concerned about is the rest of the money ?what is it used for? and where is it bank away or secured. In what account. The Governor can be right in his context and position but I rather be right with PM Ralph Gonzales when he says our sovereignty our citizenship should never be for sale end of story.
Father Christmas is for naive, innocent children.
Why did you not print my earlier comment. Money laundering. You just have to buy a passport. Then rent a place in your name and you can open a bank account in Dominica. Simple. You do not physically have to reside here, check it out OK.
You Workers supporters should learn to read in English, The ECCB Governor was not talking directly at Mr Skerrit, in a matter of fact the Governor thinks Dominica is doing all the right things, the Governor was mearly talking to all the CBI program in the region.
Fool Yourself Silver Fox
@Silver fox
School reopened on the 9th of January 2017..The night programme has started at many schools…Start attending.
They are too bent on criticisms that they are blinded by what the Governor stated.
Bram bram,!.. like the sea wall Marigot , that’s not doing its job,, and while the vehicles takes a a sea bath when ever the sea gets vex about the intruders… bram bram ,, Governor need to take a trip on the interior
Silver fox,what is your point?Seems like you have the biggest brain around so you have to tell us what the governor said.Don’t worry we get it.However we live in Dominica and when he said what he said we have to examine it and see if it applies to us.Yes it does apply to Dominica, therefore we now have to determine if our government is doing what he is advocating.No is the answer.When Christ spoke he spoke to sinners everywhere,then we have to examine ourselves to see do we fit his description of those he admonished,if yes then we have to do what he advocated.You see we go from the general to the specific.In this case we internalize the governor’s message that Skerritt has to be transparent
This is where we, Dominicans should take our que, not from the oud mouth Tony Astaphan and the rest of the Corrupt Labour Mop. Mr Governor, you are to the point and right on Q.
Our government is clueless, corrupt, lead by a very inept questionable Prime Minister called Skerrit. They have killed our country and the socio-econoic environment for growth and development is zero.
You are a big exaggerator, making a mountain out of a molehill. You appear not to comprehend what the Governor stated and the meaning thereof.
Simple fact….you remember that word “Fact”? We have no molehills in Dominica but we do have piles of garbage.
The CBI is already in trouble, too late for advice, they have destroyed it
Let hope our GOVT will listen to you….Because Thompson and Lennox has being saying the same all along.
Although I believe your are still very green to these pastures and trying not to muddy the waters.
All the people are asking for is transparence, where is the money , yes the U.S A. has the same program but all is open to the books who , what why and when, some people of government are stashing the money in there own pocket while we are driving in pot hole right across from fort young tell us where the money is going`?.
The Punjabi Dr. Gave speech in Venezuela praising ALBA, speech in Cuba shouting viva la revolution don’t you think all that money pumped into stadium, road, abbatoir, hotels, airports, would have jok started the economic engine. We have a prime Minister who wasted an opportunity because of his socialist ideals of giving and begging. What else you think is going to happen to this. No one is to date mentioning the amount of money leaving the country to online purchase and the countless Hatians who sending all thier money home. Again a psychologist running a ministry of finance is a recipe for disaster and when it is all said and done skerrit will make tropical storm Erika and the recession look like preschooler learning to tie a short lace. Above is all old advice an any one who has 1/2 % commonsense would have done.
Lol, some of you people read with no understanding. The man clearly used Dominica as to how to use the CBI money but you all talking about who chastised Linton for what. DA is one of the only country who gazette the people who comes into the program, by that alone you can tell how much monies were collected by knowing that. If one puts money into the CBI they deposit their checks strait into the bank, in other words not Mano, Skerrit, or Tony puts the money into the accounts by their hands. So with all that said some of you will say they paid them cash them they put the rest into the accounts, am hoping you all can sho us the accounts they hide the monies in.
Well Real Possie the 1.5 million that came into a private account in one of the banks on island and when asked for disclosure of the source it was said from passports sales. I wonder if it was Lennox account or hand who put it there or is it one of the above names you mentioned. Your guess is as good as mine. Good luck with all you passport scam.
Why didn’t you appear on CBS to say such..Were you also taking refuge in a hole like the other members of the cabal?..I almost referred to your foolishness,which you should spout to labourites at Lagon as asinine!!When the picture is so perfect go defend the programme to promote it nah!!!Doesn’t that make sense?
Now I hope we can all agree to the Governor on this point.
great advise for the government hope they utilize them:
“Don’t use it to pay wages and salaries; don’t use it to pay the light bill…because when you do that, if the funds stop you’re in trouble,” he advised. “So what should you use it for? To pay down domestic arrears. If you owe local suppliers of goods and services to government, local businesses, and so use money to pay them, if you have foreign debts, pay them on that.”
He also advised that CBI funds should be used to build physical infrastructure
You see that? Lennox vindicated by the Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Bank! Time for Tony and Roosevelt to change their underpants. Their attacks on Lennox beginning to smell like rotten fish.
Yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss……Good. Hon Linton, you have set the example.
Since you lack understanding….here :
“So we welcome the efforts of the government to establish in the last budget specifically how much is coming from CBI and what it is being spent on. We think that’s important.”
Stop trying to tie the Governor to Lennox and his despicable behavior
Yes but he also said there should be transparency both in terms of inflows and outflows and recommended a template for that purpose. Is there a template that exist for that level Iof transparency. That’s a big no! He also said don’t use it for paying wages! Oops aren’t we being told that the CBI is being used to pay for the wages and other subsidies for the NEP? And in some instances salaries for public officers. Emmmh? But transparency goes broader the monies assigned to infrastructure works these works should be tendered for in an open and transparent way. Question can we say that the contract for the West bridge and other CBI projects met with open tendering and transparency. I am sure if the governor are made aware of these facts he would certainly raise his eye brows. But time will tell enjoy all yuou passport scam. We suffered from the Layout project saga and the millions that is still unaccounted for this time it is not millions but billions are likely to be unaccounted for.
Using CBI revenue for recurrent expenses is akin to eating your corn seed. It must be used for investments only that produce a positive return, employmnet and long-term growth, as was originally intended.
WHERE IS THE MONEY???? Keep singing it, WHERE IS THE MONEY???
De ECCB Governor saying the same thing like Linton and not one dog barking but when it was Linton all rats come out from there hole attacking the man, Dominicans need to appreciate there own. You give skerrit good advice not to use it for recurrent expenditures but mister is a fool he using it for recurrent expenditures.
linton never gave advise ,he’s accusing the government of stealing from the passport sales for personal gains,and of which he does not present proof,are you deaf or something?
Who is the government???
Since you lack understanding….here :
“So we welcome the efforts of the government to establish in the last budget specifically how much is coming from CBI and what it is being spent on. We think that’s important.”
Stop trying to tie the Governor to Lennox and his despicable behavior
So let’s see the records for the last sixteen years
Read the budget statement then listen to the budget address and please note the discrepancy between what is in black and white and what PM said then come back to post your comment. Sorry that is if you can comprehend budgetary language. Pure rhetoric and dishonesty was at play and that fact can not be twisted by non of you.
Thinker
If you are a thinker and really interested in Dominica you would not limit your wish to see records to the last 16 years. If you see the years preceding that, at least five more, you might be able to do an analysis and come to a rational conclusion about the programme in its various forms and who might be attempting to do a better job at it.
They say that those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it.