US Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Linda S. Taglialatela, is of the opinion that there should be residency and fingerprint requirements for people seeking passports in regional countries with Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programs,
Speaking with Ken Richards of WINN FM’s The Bigger Picture on March 21, she said although the US does not tell countries what to do, she thinks recipients should be brought in to be fingerprinted before receiving passports.
“One of the things and I know why some of the countries are reluctant, I would prefer that each country requires the individual to come to the country to be fingerprinted and have their fingerprints on files for passport purposes and other things,” she stated. “I would feel more comfortable because then you know who you are dealing with and if you have biometric data on the individuals then you can perform additional checks and balances on other people to see exactly where they stand.”
She stated that she understands this might disadvantage one country’s program over another, but it would “be nice if they can set a standard across the five countries that have programs and attempt to rationalize their programs a little bit more.”
Taglialatela said each country in the region has a process for people who are seeking passports but suggested a residency requirement.
“I honestly believe that if you are going to have an effective program you have to bring the individual here, there should be some kind of residency requirement whether you come once a year to the island, particularly if you going to need to re-validate your passport…” she stated, adding that if biometric data on passports are done in the country and individuals meet Immigration authorities and go through a final interview before receiving passports, then it will be “much more sound.”
She stressed due diligence in the program.
“I think you have to do the due diligence, you have to make sure who you are talking too, you have to know what their intent is, why they want a second passport and what is it they are going to contribute to the country when they become a citizen of that country,” he noted.
She stated that the issuance of diplomatic passports is of concern to the US.
“The problem is again there need to a process by which these individuals are vetted, by which these individuals are then approved by a group of people whether it is your parliament, whether it is a special panel set up by the Prime Minister but there needs to be something that is transparent and regularized so that people just don’t get diplomatic passports,” Taglialatela stated.
All of the suggestions that the US Ambassador made are included in the recent announcement by Prime Minister Skerrit.
Skerrit made so many announcements, do you believe all of them?
Linda, it is none of your dam business how we run our passport enterprise…go to hell
go to hell 
go to hell 
.I have a bottle of bwa banday for you…. 
Thousands of passports are reported stolen annually. The stolen passports are either modified or used as templates for counterfeiture. In effect, the legal process is bypassed and the criminals sell their product at a lower price. Residence proves nothing. How long did Sanford live in Antigua?
this should have been done ages ago
In the case of Dominica I think we are out there looking for clients that we know are in trouble with the law so we could go to bed with and cut a secret deal with and therefore that fingerprinting thing or any of your suggestions are not for Dominica madam.
I agree because Skerrit is one that keeps telling us that America and other Democratic countries have similar Passport programs. But what he does not tell people is, those that purchased their American passport are all fingerprinted and must reside in the US. But madam in all fairness to Mr. Skerrit, you used some words that Skerrit hates with a passion: transparency? Due diligence? Fingerprinting? Vetted? Parliament? Sorry madam these words are very offensive to Skerrit and he hates these words
If the US is serious about this then it’s simple. Place a temporary ban on travel from all Caribbean countries with CBI programs until they implement these measures. I can guarantee you if the white house wasn’t tied up with the health bill and other crap something like that would have happened already.
Wow. You are really suggesting that all Dominicans wishing to travel to the US and all those in the Caribbean with such schemes, be excluded from travelling? You really want Dominica and the entire Caribbean economy to suffer that greatly? Ever heard the phrase, cutting your nose of tp spite your face?
And for those who agree with the above article, ask yourself this simple question, Can Dominica sustain the people that are willing to pay upwards of $150,000 to $250,000 for a passport? We do not have the diners, the housing, the entertainment for such individuals. We can’t much cater for the usual tourist much less some of medium wealth. Be realistic. Lastly, the type of people that buy US or UK passports can afford to fly in and out on their private jets at private airports at any moment. Their residency is of no consequence.
A word to the “wise” is sufficient! New US /Trump policy on the way!
Mark our words! Plea tar plea twiss!
How they will get there cut
All the USA Embassy has to do not honor any CBI passports and Diplomatic passport of foreign nationality as long as these processes are not put in place by these countries and get the UK on board.
Thats the common scense approach, unfortunately, if those seeking to obtain our passport to sucumvent and allegedly fly under the Raider, for that very reason such individuals will not Border, to apply, hence defeating and stalling the money Train, In my opinion, those seeking our passport do not need us! We need them, that `s why we are where we are, so much light is shining on our CBI, program all the ### are going to stay away from us, or take their money some other place. What Next.? Just asking. O,O,O. D.O.A.
I sympathize with the ambassador’s comment. She did not come out against the CBI program. All she said is that it needs to be tweaked a bit to make it more transparent. Furthermore, she said that America cannot tell each CBI country what to do. This is not the news that Lenmox and the UWP wanted to hear. I am of the opinion that the UWP wanted the ambassador to put punitive measures in place against Dominica; that did not happen and will not happen. All that hoopla about Dominica will be sanctioned and that Dominicans will be disadvantaged and that Skeritt will not be able to do this and that is total nonsense. UWP will have to look for another horse to ride; that one is dead.
Try reading between the lines i see you did not quite understand what was implied.
@Expat, you should understand that the reason why the US Ambassador gave this interview and made these recommendations is because the US understands the importance of the CBI program to these resource starved and poor countries, and does not want to see them collapse.The region has been warned and they are being pointed in the right direction.If they ignore this advise then drastic measures will follow.The US does not think like you and just come down with draconian measures.Your understanding of how things work in a real world is primitive.
In context, I’m left wondering why you would sympathise with the Embassador’s statement.
Now, your display of joy and your assumption of endorsement of they program by the Embassador clearly shows your lack of understanding of international diplomatic language. The fact that she is pointing to and suggesting weaknesses and solutions intimates concern and I hope that those who run the program (unlike you) will have picked up on her subtlety.
You well know that all reasonable people, opposition included, who has commented on the CBI program have called for the same transparency and audits as the Embassador, tweaks as you call it, so in local parlance, wheel and come again.
world security lets work to realize it root out the danger.
I hope Skerrit is reading between the lines. Back when Foodie Douglas was the prime minister, the Canadian government hinted to him about the passport program, but he did not understand the signals. Soon after they imposed visa requirements on Dominica. If we are not careful it will eventually become very difficult for Dominican to enter the US.
There is a strict vetting process already in place for Dominicans seeking to enter the US with the visa requirement. It is already very difficult for anyone from any country wanting a visa to visit the US in case you have not noticed. Then again with tthe MAGA man in charge, anything is possible. Also, who needs Merica when you have China. Barbadoes and China just signed a visa-free agreement.
Madam very good idea as majority of intelligent people on island have suggested the same to Skeritt. For some reasons he has brushed aside commonsense, ands sell’s these passports just as bread in a bread shop. Any one who can afford bread, x,will buy one, and that’s the CBI.
sure why not the US should come Dominica and set up the necessary system……
The USA wont come and do that,but they can kill the programme.
She is echoing many of same improvements Lennox Linton and UWP have been advocating for all these years.
Those DLP scatterbrains and buffoons called Linton “TRAITOR”,when he concurred with the CBS intervewer that our CBI PROGRAMME is like Mail ORDER..To those DLP clowns,thats what the US ambassador is implying..It should not be like L ORDER..I am a traitor too,because i will continue speaking the truth as opposed to the lie the DLP gang feeds people with.
Sounds like a brilliant idea but I can tell Ms. Taglialatela that it’s a no no for Dominica, under pm Skerrit, w Fingerprint? That one is not for Skerro. Let’s wait untill the new administration comes in to do that and fix Skerrit’s mess
I’m not saying these are bad ideas or good ones, but either way, who the hell does she think she is?
she has the listening ear of the US President, so one word to him could make lots of problems to Dominica
One of your compatriots Steve!?
“US Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Linda S. Taglialatela”
I know, I know you’re obviously not an idiot but maybe that part just didn’t register. She speaks to the Caribbean on behalf of the United States so our leaders should take heed. It would be fairly trivial for our dubious citizenship program to be classified as a security threat and the entire country by extension. You should already know where that leads…
Read between the lines – Steve is not an idiot ! What has the US DONE for the Caribbean States lately ? Very little ! Obama wanted us to get rid of our Marijuana plants – While 3 states in the US sell Marijuana : Morning , Noon and Night . Hence the US is ………….? Good day to you .
I know what her position is. But it’s no more her place to tell Dominicans what to do than it is Hendo’s job to tell the Americans what to do. Yes, countries convey their wishes to each other through private conversations, but to do so publicly like that is extremely arrogant and patronising.
And it’s especially relevant in the wake of that ridiculous report of their basically saying that every country in the Caribbean is a money laundering hotspot, it’s in the interest of small countries to stick together to resist being bullied by the biggest kid in the neighbourhood.
I realise that most people like or dislike things based solely on red vs. blue, but this is something that is bigger than that in the long run.
She is the highest ranking official of the US government telling the countries of the region what the US will and will not accept.The region can access and change their modus operandi or they will face the music and collapse because they are resource starved and poor.That’s who she is ,the representative of the mighty USA.The region has been warned
Someone with common sense sharing an opinion. The question is who the hell do you think you are to question her opinion??
Thank you sir !
Thank you !
Boss you have dunk to a new low. Your only opinion on the matter comes with a totally abhorrent question “who she think she is?”
I would like to think thst you are having regrets after this comment
From my reading, it seem as if this CBI is becoming more and more fragile..I do agee though that these citizens should visit Dominica for the fingerprinting,etc.It should not be like MAIL ORDER BUSINESS AT ALL.Remember the DLP clowns,comics,IDIOTS and classical numskulls do not even know what mail order is, but this is how our programme, Dominicas CBI has been severely tainted by this evil DLP regime,so they better listen,before the programme leaves us. WITH ALL THESE ISSUES with our CBI programme,
@ %. You would like the CBI program to leave us. Do not act like you are so concerned about it. Just because the ambassador did not sing the song you wanted to hear you are now pretending that the loss of the CBI is of concern to you. Revisit some of your posts.
Dear Madame,
This woman is insane. You mean you want to spoil DLP cash cow. My lady, this is a good suggestion but this is bad for business. We want to make money to win the next election, the international airport, house for residents in Colihaut and Dublanc, reopen DCP, NEP, RED CLINIC, AND MUCH MORE. You see Madame this is our lone income earner, if it is destroyed we will suck salt. PLEASE, PLEASE, stay in your Embassy in BRIDGETOWN and leave US ALONE. If dogs have money we would sell them passports far less for money launderers and criminals. Go away lady with your bright ideas.
sincerely,
Real Dominicans
These people will stop buying our passports if they cannot get a visa to go to the U.S.A. and if the E.U. re-imposed via requirements and this time don’t be surprised if the U.K. does the same.
I love it..I really like it…sarcasm at its best…I really like it.
The Best Comment – The US give billions of Dollars to middle eastern Countries – and a few millions to the Caribbean States, hence that is why – WE Have the Program in 5 States – We Need the Money to pay civil Servants, repair roads , air port , etc . Mrs Ambassador ! If we impose these requirements of yours – the client will go elsewhere – and that we Cannot Afford. The reality on the ground speaks Volumes ! We are poor and ineed of CASH TO TAKECARE OF OUR CITIZENS – HENCE THE ANSWERS TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS IS A NO . Enjoy your stay in Bridgetown Barbados .
Very funny but true
lol. Great satire
“She stated that the issuance of diplomatic passports is of concern to the US.” As is the present administration ties to Russia. I am in total agreement about the fingerprinting requirement.
The Skerrit administration has ties to Russia?
Is the Pope catholic? You don’t know one of our oldest authorized CBI agents called CCP in Copt Hall? The last owner of Banco Transatlantico ( previously Griffin Bank), located in the Fiance Centre , is a Russian citizen. And how many Russian citizens bought and are still buying our passport. Even our High Commission in London had an attache, who is a Russian citizen. Why should that surprise you since we also have American citizens that have our passport. Anywhere there is big money we have a finger in the pie with our CBI programme because that is what it is all about, not patriotism but Money!!!
I totally agree
This is an excellent idea. Not least it would give a boost to the moribund property market in Dominica and give a fillip to the construction industry , It also would put more money into circulation as these new Dominican residents residents tend to have more disposable income than the average native-born citizen. It would benefit retailers and restaurants alike. Not least it would give a boost to the respectability, genuineness and and integrity of our programme.
I fear they will go to the other islands, where this is not a requirement
So, why they not all coming to us now if according to P.M. our program is the best???
Not an excellent idea – if implemented – clients will go elsewhere : st lucia , Grenada , st kitts , Antigua . Implementation is a NO . GOOD DAY .
The advice and suggestions from the US Ambassador to read the US government is not only for Dominica but all the countries in the region.If the other countries heed the advice of the ambassador,then and only then will people go to them instead of coming to Dominica
You would prefer??? You can make suggestions, we understand that, but YOU would prefer? Okay. Okay.
DNO! Is that all the lady said? Can the reading public get a more objective review of what the lady said in regards to Dominica’s CBI program. Ken Richards asked her a direct question with regards to Dominica’s program and the recent hoopla about inadequacies of the system and threats the p[esent CBI pose to the US security and national intersts.
residency will be another problem..
all you want people voting in roseau central election??
If they come and live here, why not? They would be fully qualified Dominican citizens and free to vote for whom they want.