Struggling Caribbean islands selling citizenship

passportHadi Mezawi has never set foot on the Caribbean island of Dominica, has never seen its rainforests or black-sand beaches. But he’s one of its newest citizens.

Without leaving his home in the United Arab Emirates, the Palestinian man recently received a brand new Dominican passport after sending a roughly $100,000 contribution to the tropical nation half a world away.

“At the start I was a little worried that it might be a fraud, but the process turned out to be quite smooth and simple. Now, I am a Dominican,” said Mezawi, who like many Palestinians had not been recognized as a citizen of any country. That passport will help with travel for his job with a Brazilian food processing company, he said by telephone from Dubai.

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103 Comments

  1. Voice of the South
    February 15, 2013

    Being that the Chinese are getting so many for free, the the terrorist and International Grade Criminals must pay in order that we can break even on the cost of the paper for printing so many Asian ones.

  2. lol
    February 14, 2013

    They can sell to who ever, as long as they doh sell to Homosexuals. lol

  3. Labharite
    February 14, 2013

    All you hearing is talk and talk and more talk! Dominicans must get things right. They Talk and Talk and when election time is around they still vote these failed and money hungry politicians…..
    What they are hearing, just the tip of the iceberg.
    Lots of bachanal and comess taking play in and out of the country.
    Dominicans are to be blamed and no one else…….
    In time to come, there will be no more roseau or other parts of Dominica… One might be hearing and seeing strange words….. In time to come, they might need visa to enter Roseau, cause is to much pappyshow taking place. And they have this AG who en saying not a thing and them ministers who getting fat and building mansions are just unable to speak…
    Give them a lil sewo or a street jump up with red cap rum and they forget bout their worries. Whilst they forgetting about their worries is more and more bann on Dominica…. They sad thing is most of the folks from Dominica don’t get to travel or hardly travel at all so they en worryyy……
    Visa restriction, left right and centre.
    In time to come cause they selling our passports like they selling world creole music festival tickets…
    This Government deserves a good mark from the wise and learned: in every ministry and whatever they are doing is Fail Fail Fail Fail Fail…. They started out goood but just like a distracted child their grades gone down……….. shame shame shame shame for allowing our passports to be used in dis way…
    One would like to know who are they persons involved in getting these passports from point a to point b and who are the members of this committe or organisation………..?????????????////???????/////??????///??????????????????/?//////????????????
    You think Dominicans can go anywhere around the world and get passports so easily? Dominicans does experience real hell out their just to make it in other countries…But look what this government is doing to the nation………..Madness madness madness madness more madnesss according to Daddy chesss……..in Gentle Rest!Karessa

  4. Cerberus
    February 14, 2013

    First of all it should be made clear that we do not sell passports but citizenships, which would entitle one to apply for a passport.
    The obstinacy of the Govt. to continue with this controversial programme is hard to explain, given that the actual revenue derived from it is relatively small. The latest published offical Govt. figures, listed under “recurrent Revenue” apply to the financial year ended 30 June 2010 but for comparison purposes I also list those for the previous three years (rounded off to the nearest E.C.$1,000):

    year ended 30 June 2007 – E.C.$.4.24 million
    ” ” ” ” 2008 – ” 0.23 ”
    ” ” ” ” 2009 – ” 5.58 ”
    ” ” ” ” 2008 – ” 8.23 ”

    In the scheme of things this inflow of money is rather insignificant. For instance, during the same period taxes on domestic consumption (VAT) increased from E.C.$.129.73 million/annum to E.C.$.174.59 million/annum, a gain of some E.C.$. 44.86 million, when we only averaged a revenue of E.C.4.66 million/annum over the same period for the economic citizenship programme. To put this in perspective this is less than the monthly wage of a top rated international soccer player or the price of a decent home in a city like London.
    There is something else that needs to be considered. The restrictions & taxes on property acquisiton in Dominica do not apply to people, who gained our nationaltiy through our economic citizenship. Non-citizens have to pay an extra 10% of the property value to the Govt. and are restricted as to the quantiy of land they may acquire. It is therefore possible for an economic citizen to obtain property in Dominica, virually without restriction even if he/she is not domiciled here.
    In 2010 the U.K. threatened to impose visa restrictions on the holders of Domminica passports and if the present trend continues we should not be surprised if they decide to introduce them after all. This may also explain Antigua’s hesitation to proceed with their own scheme.
    I would submit, that we do not stand to lose a lot if we were to dicontinue this programme and that the negatives, and possible consequences outweigh the benefits.

    • Anonymous
      February 14, 2013

      So clearly someone or ones stand to lose alot which is why they are not ending the programme. According to your figures it would seem the money is not going to treasury but somewhereelse.

      How do we know exactly just how many people have been sold citizenship and passports? Does the system allow for back door sales or not?

      • Cerberus
        February 14, 2013

        The figures presented by me are the ones published by Govt. I can not pronounce on whether all the proceeds from the economic citizenship programme accrue to government. It is not possible to verify these figures since no data are published in the audit reports on a) the number of citizenships sold in any given year b) the configuration of these citizenships ( there are seperate rates for individuals and families)
        It has to be an article of faith that the information provided by Govt. is accurate but more transparency would naturally be helpful in establishing credence with the public.

    • Gwayais
      February 14, 2013

      The cabal stand to loose my fellow blogger. We wonder why some of these lawyers are quiet and some providing deadly undercurrent forces to insure that this corrupt administration remain in government?

    • Anonymous
      February 15, 2013

      You see this is when I get really furious with opposition and have no use for them. You mean not even this issue they can blow wide open? or is it that they dont want to? Because it would seem that the lack of data, as you have pointed out, Cerberus, for such a major component of not only Dominica’s sovereignty but our international credibility, is the goose that lays the golden eggs and opposition wants that goose intact for if they ever get back in power.

      All of them are the same! Sick of all them!

  5. Anonymous
    February 14, 2013

    …So, anything NEW to talk about today other than what we already know?

  6. Blind
    February 14, 2013

    This selling of passport is wrong. Passport should be given to persons who wants to invest in Dominica or who are skilled at certain jobs to bring business. The last way should be the person have good background and wants to have a change of life in peace. If a person wants to be a Dominican they should first look into the background of the person, what contribution can they make towards the country and they should only be given a permit by which caught in a crime would be returned to thier country and a 10 year assessment. Those who are selling passport cheap will have the reprocautions to deal with in time to come. Being greedy and wanting to be rich will surely hurt the good name of Dominica. Hon Prime Minister why are you allowing this corrupt business to tarnish my good Dominica. We the people are the ones who will suffer because when our kids want to study overseaas or live in different countries that is when restirctions will be enforce upon us. Stop this nonsense before god eliminate you from Government. I am a labour Right but do not adhere to this madness. Do you want terrorist to be part of this nation or the crime rate here to reach at sky levels. Isn’t there enough crime by Dominican nationals. I am living overseeas but will hate to see my Dominica being spoiled by greedy men in power. Think of your son and what type of life will he have if this country become #1 as red Dominica. How will his reign in power be if his father donot control corruption from entering in Dominica. We never know what our children will be maybe the next Prime Minister so create a better palce for him and all Dominicans. God touch Prime Minister and all his advisors to do good for Dominica.

    • virgo
      February 14, 2013

      You are So right.

  7. jb
    February 14, 2013

    i m french a was working and living in dominica for four year, i did and paid my folder to get my work permit and afert 4 year i never get nothing. why? i no have money, nice gouverment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • Deleoncourt
      February 14, 2013

      peut etre tu n’avais le niveau d’angalis requis? mabye you did not have the required level of english ?

  8. Dominican in asylum
    February 14, 2013

    I glad these people getting Dominican passports… sell every passport it have in print. i need my money government owe me. i have land to sell to so i hope they buy my land… ask them to use their passport to get visas to the USA and Canada… Civil servants need their monthly salary so sell more passport :lol: :lol: :lol:

  9. blistex
    February 14, 2013

    Antigua is place lol

  10. daniel thomas
    February 13, 2013

    This economic citizenship program is not a Dominica ting only, many countries in the world uses this method to raised scarce resources, the latest country i see on the net is Australia, if u were told so would you believe it? the key to it is proper implementation and scrutiny of applicant. Let us stop showing our ignorance on issues we have little or any knowledge or understanding of.

  11. Geothermal Awareness
    February 13, 2013

    And this people are going to put Geothermal plants around and destroy what left. your green land.

  12. February 13, 2013

    Aha!One of the view times in my life that has found me to be speechless.Conseqently, the only way for me to find the ability to speak again,was to concentrate mentally to find a biblical text.Guess that which came up! Money changes things, Money changes people, Money changes situations, Yes really!do I! surely,i know the word should be PRAY nonetheless could not have helped it that is what was gotten. peace and love my people

  13. Lougaoo Mem
    February 13, 2013

    Dear you,
    Permit me to say that you are now experiencing the fruition of the governance you permitted. The millionaires at your expense, is a product of your venality and inaction towards the maladies that’re endemic in your minds. No jobs, but you’re dazzled by the current projects, eventhough it’s with minimal local employees. You know of passports sale left right and center, with little transparency while the big boys are getting richer and richer at your expense, and it’s OK with you. You deserve the governance you permit. Believe it or not, you are so blind that you think that there’s no one capable of looking out for your interests better than what you’ve got. I can only pray that one day you’ll see the light for the good of the country, and your children’s future. Democracy is far more than what you’ve gotten. Thank You!

    Sincerely,
    Lougaoo Mem

  14. Evan
    February 13, 2013

    this program is just and shame and it will distroy travel prospects and Dominica’s reputation

  15. Holiday island Boy
    February 13, 2013

    Perhaps the family ,friends an associates of the Cuban man in Barbados who is now categorise as stateless,after serving time in prison, could come together and buy him Citizenship, to allow him to travel to where ever he wants.

  16. February 13, 2013

    When hearing some Dominican says it can’t stop. It can stop.no problem selling passport , but where is the money going to government. Minister porker when thy get out of office they should be imprison every thing should be taken from them. All government do it in cluding this one , we must stop siding a party because we voted for them wrong is wrong

  17. Muslim_Always
    February 13, 2013

    This is what our people love to do, talk talk talk! Why is it that non from among the people of Dominica hasn’t formed some kind of organization?

    Dominicans are paying the price in the international world whilst an elite few get richer and richer in this country. Dominica perhaps has earned a billion dollars in this passport scheme, how is this money utilized?

    We have millions of dollars in debt, close to a billion dollars, how comes non of this money was used to clear our debts? This is corruption beyond belief!

    • Truth Seeker
      February 13, 2013

      I woudn’t go so far as to call this entire fiasco corruption. We’re not cetain wheher all the money has gone.

      Could be nonfeasance, though, for I am not satisfied that transacting in Dominican citizenship has met the purest definition of due deligence and imaculate scrutiny.

      It is our citenship afterall, our natural inheritance, a testament to our Dominicaness which is bestowed upon us by dint of our birth.

      It is our birthright, for Christs’ sake! Mr. Prime Minister!

      Our citzenship should not be an instrument of trade, for any sum regardles of the government in power.

      Where has all the money gone is a question that is most timely and that require complete and detailed response.

      Right now. Not later.

  18. Observer
    February 13, 2013

    Your reputation and global access is not in your own control, Dominicans. It’s different with a bigger country, they have more power over matters. But when you so small – you making it a little risky.

  19. toma
    February 13, 2013

    My issue is that this man has no intention to live or invest in DA,check his story, it gives him the ability to travel to other places for buisness

  20. Mwen
    February 13, 2013

    I read that on on another site and the editor hand picked part of the article man? Not the entire story at all. Thanks DNO for providing a link so I could read the entire article

  21. natural dominican
    February 13, 2013

    Sooner or later this will come back and bit us…although t against the program I think giving full citizenship instead of a path to citizenship is wrong…what kind of background check cab be done if someone never sets foot on our soil, yet fully represent Dominica internationally.

  22. I did again
    February 13, 2013

    When a top terrorist with ranks like osama become a Dominican and blowup something oversea’s then we’ll start to panic.

    • Holiday island Boy
      February 13, 2013

      Recently Israel has just blamed terrorist for blowing up a bus in Bulgaria ,transporting Israeli citizens. Two of the men fingered were reported to be holders of Australian and Canadian passports.
      First we had Flags of Convenience sought by some shipping entities,now we have Passports of Convenience. God Help Us.

    • Anonymous
      February 13, 2013

      “NOT WE” nah….who ever started it will start to panic

  23. Sober Porssie
    February 13, 2013

    Some shall eat all. Shut up Dominica to Free. let passports sell this is all we have to export nw under the Labor Party so let it be.
    We wonder why Dominica competing with Haiti for second place in poverty. Haiti says they are no longer first pace.

  24. Watch Dog
    February 13, 2013

    This is just disgraceful!!

  25. Domnique Dou
    February 13, 2013

    All you forgot how Canada end up putting visa requirement on Dominicans? It was under the UWP administration when 14 Chinese landed in Canada with brand new Dominican passports and none of them could speak a word of English, walking in single file to the Canadian immigration. The next month they put visa restrictions on Dominicans. Of course their concern was that Dominica by its immigration policy will (maybe inadvertently) be facilitating the free and easy movements of terrorists and money launderers by this uncontrolled passport selling business. We have no regard for the sovereigh rights of the natural born Dominican who has one passport and who soon will not be be able to travel anywhere without a visa. All you looking for us to come like Haiti or Nigeria. What is it that we think we are really doing to Dominican and Dominicans in the long run? You think money is all?

    • Malgraysa
      February 13, 2013

      Just goes to show that it does not matter which party is in power. They all succumb to greed, easy money for a few but you know what they say:”easy come, easy go”.

    • Scarborough Toronto
      February 14, 2013

      You are so wrong, i cannot disclose my place of employment in Canada, nor my job title

      Canada implemented visas for Dominican after 9-11, when many of Dominica’s passports were discovered in Afghanistan, and Iraq

      You need to get your facts correct. The same year Mr Douglas passed on, he visited Canada, and was interviewed by a TV station in Toronto

      The interview included the the university riot, and the sale of Dominica’s passport. I guarantee you that the tape is somewhere in the arcade of that station, in Canada they do not get rid of documents, interview tapes etc

      The interviewer asked him why is it that Dominica is selling it’s passport?, the interviewer told him that he must stop the sale of the passport, he responded by saying that, ” Dominica is a sovereign state and no one can tell him what to do

      I am not involve in Dominica’s politics, but you saying that the visa was implemented in the days of UWP is untrue and misleading, I saw the interview, and i am regretting that i did not record it

  26. Observer
    February 13, 2013

    This program is ridiculous! I don’t mind economic citizenship, but it has to be done in a right an cautious manner. It has to be transparent – in terms of at least number of people who obtained these passports listed by countries, and accountability for the money. Furthermore, there should also be a limit on the number of people given these passports. And they should have to wait longer so that background checks can be performed. Individuals should not be allowed to sell these passports.
    I did not see in the article that the passport can be sold for more than $100Grand by whoever, sells them, and they can keep the extras as long as D/ca gets $100Grand. Is that right?

  27. Yam Babawoolais
    February 13, 2013

    I heard that in the middle East the applicants in addition to the money paid must answer two questions. O e is who is Wuksup Up and Sour Sour and two songs Pisanit and Click Clack.
    Once those questions are answered and lawyers get their money they sign Palestinians, Iranians, Chinese good to go.
    après Bondiuer se Passport Dominique.

    • Truth
      February 13, 2013

      I had to laugh eh. We have a problem of accountability. What us this money being invested towards? How many and from which contries.

  28. blistex
    February 13, 2013

    All you dominican ,that buying a green Card ? Whats Up with that,Boy,Boy, let me do and you dont do… Welcome you my dear,365…..

    • Anonymous
      February 15, 2013

      You think if you had a police record fo example, USA would give u green card? And how long does it take to get one? How gruelling is the process? Use ur brain!

  29. Bronx
    February 13, 2013

    I would like to know what the money from this program is used for. I really cannot speak for or against the program but it should be revised. I know with a lower price of a hundred thousand maybe we are trying to bring in more people but i think if you really want to be a Dominican $400k is not too much to pay. Sometimes less is more, i would rather have 5 people at $400k than 20 people at a $100k. A hundred thousand is way to easy to come up with in this day and age. We are making it too easy for anyone to use our sweet Dominica as a door mat.

    • Dominican man
      February 13, 2013

      100000 ontop the table, what about what that under the table?

    • DESIE
      February 13, 2013

      st kitts is at 400k because the amount of places they can go to without a visa

  30. Anonymous
    February 13, 2013

    Hey, the hell with it. If the US and the other countries do not want us to make our money this way to develop our poor islands then step in and help us. When you cause such a demise to us in our banana industry, our coconut oil what do you expect. Look the US went to court with Antigua and lost over some offshore business. These white people there want to kill everything for us poor black countries just so they can continue to be our slave masters. People must consider a Government much like a family as in the parents having to find food for their children, where the parents will do everything they can do whether wrong or right to provide food. What other option do we have? While people in the country crying for jobs and development and these big countries causing so much harm to us small islands and it’s like we have no say because our voice don’t matter then they still want to block our food.

    • no name
      February 13, 2013

      I hope when those passports start causing problems with suicide bombers, and allyou have to run and hide allyou don’t start to cry. Instead of talking nonsense do any of you know what is happening to the money those people paying for those passports?

    • Observer
      February 13, 2013

      I understand you concern, however mine is, how are Dominicans benefiting from this program?, are the so called economic citizens investing in Dominica?, what is being done with the money paid for the passport? is it accounted for? how is that money helping every day Dominicans?. Dominica population may be small but we are not fools. Accountability, transparency and reason is what we expect from our government.

  31. February 13, 2013

    i see nothing wrong with this program some of u people get american green card for free without putting a foot there or invest in american instead you all commite crimes yet you all are asking people to come to dominica and invest before geting a passport the man paid for his passport it would be good if other countries would impose that same law on us to see how many dominicas that would get foreign passport

    • Ny
      February 13, 2013

      Sad to say but you have point. I think instead of DA having a population of 70k it would be more like 700k

      • Suki
        February 13, 2013

        who tell u the population going to change? it’s going to stay right where it is… they are just going to take it to move to another country… -_-

    • FED UP
      February 13, 2013

      I agree with you, however, America grants citizenship and green cards to increase its tax base. This means that these holders pay tax regardless of where they reside. Does Dominica do the same? Or are we simply settling for a measly $100,000? Our government should insist that if foreigners want our passports and the benefits they bring, then they should be subject to our tax system and in turn contribute to our society and our development as a nation.

      • Malatete
        February 14, 2013

        This is a very noble idea but in practice it often works the other way. Since U.S. citizens have to declare their income worldwide Dominican citizenships have also been obtained by Americans with large incomes, who then renounce their U.S. citizenship and virtually live tax free, not necessarily in Dominica itself.

    • Just Asking
      February 13, 2013

      is the the green card free?

      • Anonymous
        February 13, 2013

        Actually it isn’t. The application is however to complete the process is very costly (nobody tells you that in advance)

    • hmmmm
      February 13, 2013

      ignorant comment!!!! Do you know how legalities and procedures you have to go throw to get that green card? And is not everyone who qualifies. And more importantly when you get the people’s green card you have to pay your taxes.
      Ignorant people that is why Dominica instead of going forward we going down. The passport will soon have no value

  32. Anonymous
    February 13, 2013

    When Damethe Hon.Mary Eugenia Charles and Hon. Charles A Maynard, Minister of Tourism introduced the Economic Citizenship prpogramme in 1991 they were warned against the many adverse implications for Dominica and its citizens.They refused to accept the advice given by many professionals,including the senior public servants and Hon Jenner B. M. Armour, Attorney General and Minister for Legal Affairs.For the past twenty years ALL political parties in government have continued huckstering our passport for their own gain.It is unlikely to stop. W’ll have to grin and bear …!

    • Anonymous
      February 13, 2013

      I guess there will be a lot to grin and bear when anyone with a Dominican passport will be asked to apply for a visa to travel. You may find that travel will be restricted to the caribbean for those who are unlucky enough to have one passport. Why are Dominicans so docile and just accept all the crap which is dumped on them!

  33. don't be so dramatic
    February 13, 2013

    yeah, a lot of countries sell citizenshi, tell me something i don’t know

    • Malgraysa
      February 13, 2013

      Please, tell us exactly which countries, and on what terms instead of making such a blanket statement without substantiation.

  34. Anonymous
    February 13, 2013

    Well apart from greed running free within an administration that has no interest in implementing checks and balances for obvious reasons, our island will get more and more desperate for sources of revenue in order to pay for all the infrastructure we are putting up while productivity continues to rapidly decline.

    I don’t want to even think about what our main revenue sources will be 10 years from now it will probably make the citizenship programme look like bananas back in the 80s. Scary times. Scary future.

  35. Rastar-Marn
    February 13, 2013

    Would someone tell Marn what’s the VAT on dat transaction(s) and who collecting Dat kinna Money???

    • Jay
      February 13, 2013

      No “VAT” on exports, Rass.

  36. British Citizen
    February 13, 2013

    You guys are so hypocritical how long have you guys been told and warned of and about the selling of Dominica passports but now you coming talking as if it is the first time it’s been said. Shame not on the Government but shame on the people for allowing it and not seeing where the money is going, oh no I forget its going to the RED CLINIC.

    • Malgraysa
      February 13, 2013

      …oh no, not the red clinic my friend! First of al, a substantial part goes to the agents “approved” by Govt. As for the rest, you have to trust the annual audit report. Red clinic money I uderstand comes mainly from the profits Govt. make on the sale of Petro Carib fuel.

  37. TRUEMAN
    February 13, 2013

    ****THE AG AND THE MEDIA****

    The AG was asked how many people was participating in the “Cash for passport” program and he said………

    “Why do I have to speak on that?” said Levi Peter, Dominica’s attorney general. “I have no explanation to give to AP.”

    Woww…. That comment was just crazy!! Seem like the government is not proud of the program but yet we continue selling passport to almost ANYONE with money.

    The selling of passports should not be the hallmark of Dominica’s economic developement. We seem to have given up on ourselves to create a viable path towards prosperity. Instead we seem to be laying our hopes & dreams [for economic freedom/prosperity] at the mercy to all who will buy our passports.

    If we are not CREATING, GROWING,BUILDING or MANUFACTURING our way towards economic propsperity in this country then……

    who exactly are we? Are we of any value to our country? Will we become like “a land of the living dead” ??

    We are capable,we are able, we are smart and hard working people but yet we seem to be running away from harnessing these qualities for the betterment of our country & ourselves.

    Friends, let’s think it over!

    -Thanks

  38. Steve
    February 13, 2013

    Why do I have to speak on that?” said Levi Peter, Dominica’s attorney general. “I have no explanation to give to AP.”

    Wow we definitely have the best and brightest serving our island at this time–Mr. AG this is is the best you can come up with? This is the Associated Press not q95 or Kari……..

    Wow!!!!!let’s say a prayer for our island home….

  39. van
    February 13, 2013

    These people are not aiding Dominica in the long run. They may never(will not)visit Dominica.

    They are using Dominica as a stepping stone to other countries and when things begin to go wrong Dominica will be held accountable – as these people are ‘DOMINICANS’

    • Jay
      February 13, 2013

      Of course they are Dominicans and have all the rights of a native-born Dominican, including the right to vote, even though they may never have visited- or have any blood ties with our country.
      We are prostituting our nationaltiy but hey, who cares it is money after all but despite this we remain the poorest nation in th eastern caribbean. I wonder why.

    • no name
      February 13, 2013

      did you hear what he said, it will now help him to travel with his job as a Brazilean food processor. when things happen who will they classify him as? a Dominican

  40. Viellecase
    February 13, 2013

    The powers that be can manipulate the court system ( no ifs or buts about that). They can fast track cases such as Deny Shillingford’s case, they can protect Easy Door, sway judges decision, smoke cases filed by inland revenue but they cannot fast track their case against Thomson Fontaine. You wonder why the lawyers for te complainant keep delaying court procedures when Tony sent out drones to seek and serve Tho mson Fontaine. I am asking Mammy , Parry , Korkorm or Brain to call The Heng and ask them what is the status of the Thomsom Fontaine case.

  41. justice
    February 13, 2013

    shocking….thats what we become now? selling our sweet little nation to the unknown? No matter how tight things get i believe there are steps we should never take…and this is one of them.

  42. Homeboy
    February 13, 2013

    This is just the beginning. I don’t mind if the money being infused into the state coffers were used for the betterment of the country! But boy!

  43. educate me
    February 13, 2013

    how has Dominica benefited from such a scheme? I would like to know the economic impact that its had on the country’s growth and development

    • Suki
      February 13, 2013

      It has done nothing… all the money going into someone pocket -_- it’s real sad… these people not going to visit the island in no way… they wouldn’t fly over it… they passing it straight and moving to one of d 50 countries we can actually travel on

  44. rass
    February 13, 2013

    Wellcome to the NEW WORLD. The United States sells citizenship also, the only diference is that it cost way more than $100,000 to become a citizen there.

    • Anonymous
      February 13, 2013

      rass you are a joker-go ahead and compare Dominica, a small rock in the middle of the sea, with the USA.

    • Jay
      February 13, 2013

      Rass, the big differenc is that you actually have to, make an investment in the U.S. economy whereas in the case of Dominica you only have to pay the money. There is supposed to be a vetting (due diligence) process but the results of that do not necessarily have to be acted upon by cabinet. The P.M. has the final say.
      And another point. If you want to register a property, change your name or even take out a simple tavern licence in Dominica this has to be published in the local press in order to give the public an opportunity to lodge an objection- or caveat. I find it extraordinary that the same does not apply to people, who want to obtain our citizenship for payment. It is all so secretive as to invite suspicion.

    • Brit
      February 14, 2013

      Price is not the only difference Rass. They is a time frame. a process, business investment, employment minimums etc…
      and Residency requirement. Say it as it is, don’t omit. Thats how you all keep the uninformed fooled? By telling them its only one difference? Price?

  45. US insider info
    February 13, 2013

    During the early 2000 a lot of money movement through US banks to accounts of different individuals – not just politicians but lawyers, friends of politicians, even relatives of politicians. Now since this passport scheme had been exposed the money movements have been running from Dubai,UAE , Iran. Etc straight to private Swiss accounts. So Dominicans should not expect these transactions to reach the treasury.

  46. DRAGON
    February 13, 2013

    I hope this is a joke and that was a “PRANK CALL” by someone attempting to shed some light on the ridiculousness of the Dominican citizenship program.

  47. Shameless
    February 13, 2013

    I dont understand why we Dominicans like complaining without taking no action. So long Thompson, Linton et Al telling allu what happening but nooooooooo, allu love the PM so the BS continues. Where are the churches? They also love the PM! Where are the police? They also love the PM! Where the Dcan intellects? They loved the PM so much that they flew down to Dca from all across the globe to vote him back in power. Therefore, I support the PM and his cohorts in their efforts to sell the dam country to the LOWEST bidder. Sell, sell, sell until the only thing left are those Roseau paros. Then give them away and sell their birth certificates.

    Assertive, NOT Agressive!

    • hmmm
      February 13, 2013

      I hear you about the current government, but let’s not forget that this program did not just get into place. Ask it of all those who have been around when it first started.

      yes, the current govt has a lot to answer to, but they are definitely not the only ones.
      Perhaps if Dominicans had stood up at the get go and ask where is the money going, show me what the money is doing, we wouldn’t be in this situation.

      So i think we should stop laying blame as it gets us nowhere, and it’s time the people in Dominica who are being affected by this stand up and take a stance.

      That is what annoys the crap out of me. Dominicans in Dominican definitely need to put their boots on the ground. They need to learn soe skills in terms of mobilising and using grassroot organizations. Go after the government, sue the government. The government enact the laws to protect the people and are responsible for their well being. There is such a thing as holding the government to task when it fails to live up.

      I say… start acting Dominicans. You don’t need any activities that will cause strife, but you can act – you can mobilise, get the community involved and organise. Put pressure – use the media, do rallies, do campaigns – come on Dominica…it doesnt take a lot to get your voice heard

  48. IluvmyPm
    February 13, 2013

    Our birthright is being sold to Bin Laden Dominicans need to take out dem greedy fellas.

  49. mouth of the south
    February 13, 2013

    The poster named hmmm… has expressed how i feel about that situation… not against it… but St. Kitts is showing us how it’s done… we should have a similar thing like them… but the crooked lawyers don’t want any ‘red tape’ to slow down there milk and honey smh…. we can’t show nothing for this programme… a shame. bernard wiltshire said over 3000 people have benefited from our programme… multiplied by 100,000. equals over $300,000,000.00

    folks that’s 300 million U.S dollars over the years since Mamo days…. what do we have to show for it????? *crickets*…… as expected

  50. zorryy worryyy
    February 13, 2013

    Goodness Gracious! What am i reading there? Its it a movie scene or is it real or blatant disrespect but these failed politicians? Reading this article is so embarrassing and shameful because right now its like we are in the gutters. The sad thing is that, such activities are being done without the knowledge of Dominicans especially those who just putting crosses by a shoe when election is around.
    This Government has really failed and continue to fail in so many ways. This is a sinking ship moving in the direction of disaster. No wonder these failed politicians are puffing up their faces and accumulating more and more wealth at the cost of the poor and ignorant in Dominica…….
    what a shame, what a shame what a shame,,, shame on the government, shame on the crew who is trading the passports, left, right and centre to folks who doesn’t even know where Dominica is located……..
    How come the people in Dominica, en putting pressure on this failed government and demand from them answers and more answers………..
    Its like they all looking for money anywhere no matter what……
    Could someone just remind the Government of its irresponsible behaviour and blatant disrespect….. Its Chinese nowwww they reallly went far passing passports like tickets to world creole music festival. Is Dominica for sale? Tell these failed politicians, that Dominica is not for sale!

  51. Orange County
    February 13, 2013

    It’s interesting how CARICOM and the wider Caribbean Policy Makers view their destiny..

    One had they pushing hard to get away from the Privy Council in the UK, talking about we Independant ETC

    But on the other hand they selling the Nationality For a few Pennies…what a Joke..

    Folks need to understand the Black Race has many A Gifted Talent but they lack the ability to be Deep On Integrity issues…just always as a race doing Silly things which causes dark cloud vibe amongst Them….Sad but true…

    Guess a Double Standard element in the Black Race!
    The Past Civil Rights Mentors must be turning in Their Grave seeing the sellout by a So call Educated Bunch…

  52. Anonymous
    February 13, 2013

    I am sick of this nonsense.

  53. charls
    February 13, 2013

    Dominicans will find out.sooner than later am just sorry my family and friends is still in Dominica,because greed and power is a dangerous combination.Good luck.it took me almost six years to get my US passport.back ground check like crazy.
    Dominicans wake up.stop minding each other business that’s not concerning you .this is your business,its your Island,wake up.you guys think that you all in haven ,but you guys just seat there and do nothing ,you guys will be living in hell.

  54. Anonymous
    February 13, 2013

    Very dangerous game, let us see where it leads to. the thing is dominican parents abroad who have children sometimes cannot get passports for those children, but people who have nothing to do with the country can go and buy a passport? Well they have a place to run when they commit their crimes. I am still waiting to see the difference their money makes to the country – US100,000 cannot even buy 1 house. shame to those in charge!

  55. JUDGE DREDD
    February 13, 2013

    i think the citizenship programe was rushed into and the policy makers and their crooked lawyers were thinking about their pockets before implementing it…
    the citizenship programe should include in its contract that the people benefitting must contribute to our economic developement by setting up business to creat jobs for the poor locals, instead its the other way round, the chinese are given the economic power, they bring in people from china to work and the poor locals resort to drugs and crime.

    • Just Asking
      February 13, 2013

      I share your comments, Judge. The Economic Citizenship Programme must be tied to the economic development of Dominica. It MUST be investment oriented and to the benefit of Dominicans. Failing that, it is fraudulent and subject to abuse.

  56. hmmm
    February 13, 2013

    I do nto mind the economic citizenship program because it has become a staple for many countries. What i do mind is that fact that I do not know or have not seen how it benefits Dominica. How many citizenship passposrts hae we conferred unto others? How much money has this made? What has the money been used for? Why is the amount so low? $100000, NO NEED TO VISIT, NO NEED TO INVEST? This is absolutely RIDICULOUS. At least …have some rules. What’s going on with that program that our Dominican people do not know.

    DNO – is there a way that you can find out this information? Does Dominica has a freedom of information body, where you can request government info? We need some research and stats on this.

    • beekeeper
      February 13, 2013

      I could not agree with you more. I read the yahoo article in its entirety and our contribution is the lowest….is it because we are one of the most developed country???

      But seriously, even if a list is not published but Govt should state where the money is being spent.

    • February 13, 2013

      I agree with you we need someone to help us Dominicans understand where and how the funds are been used Will someone out there look into it what about that Lennox

    • Paix Bouche wit love
      February 13, 2013

      hmm I agree with you, at least in St kitts they starting all kinds of new projects, research kitticean hill, christophe habour etc however I cannot explain what the citizenship is doing for our country except that the agents seem to be doing very well under the programe. You could check the Gov of Dominica official website you will see who the official agents are. DNO we really need to do some investigative reporting in this area. E.g how many economic citizens are there? How much money have we received from this programme up to date? Why is our passport so cheap compared to that of St Kitts? Is this the money that is being used to pay civil servants since in our country there appears to be no other viable income stream created by our government? When last was the program reviewed? What are the new policies coming out from under the program? I recall Canada placed visa on us because of their difficulty with this programe. Are we negotiating with the Canadians to get them to remove this visa retrictions on us. The canadians have not placed any visa on St kitts, are we looking at the st kitts programe to see what they have done differently, and to copy the safe guards they have in place that prevents Canada from imposing visa restrictions? With a program like this that adds new citizens everyday better explanation and education should be afforded to the citizens and I am not speaking about the maypwi form that comes up in parliament by supporters of the program everynow and again when the question comes up, nor the propanganda articles that come about stating that criminals have our passport everytime the issue comes out. The program can be positive but we cannot state that it is if we the citizens are not kept abreast and understand what the program entails.

    • Anonymous
      February 13, 2013

      I hope these people with dominica passport when traveling to other country should be band to enter ,no one wants to give passport to arabs but dominica such a shame PM must be voted out.

  57. Anonymous
    February 13, 2013

    Soon I won’t be able to even go Antigua cause they may think I am from Africa….have mercy on us true Dominicans.

    • k
      February 13, 2013

      Antigua discussing bill to start there own economic citisenship programe

      • budman
        February 14, 2013

        only thing is Antigua wants to charge 500,000 for its citizenship. st. kitts is similar. don’t understand why we charging 100,000.

    • Observer
      February 13, 2013

      What is wrong with being from Africa?, A African might benefit Antigua better that you, coming from Dominica with nothing to offer. The way some of you people think makes me wonder. Exposure, exposure, exposure.

    • budman
      February 14, 2013

      what’s wrong with Africa? have you ever been? or just what you see on TV? i have been and its FAR FAR more developed than we are.

      • Observer
        February 15, 2013

        I have been there and know for a fact that the country I visited in Africa is by far more develop than Dominica. Dominicans need exposure.

  58. Anonymous
    February 13, 2013

    It’s a shame and enbrassing

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