Dear Sean,
I do appreciate your humble acceptance as published on DNO that some of the information given by you on ‘Talk on the Block’ was inaccurate – though you blame lack of full disclosure for the inaccuracy of your reporting – a deflection of responsibility to fact-find unbecoming of a journalist. Its simple – if you don’t know something to be fact, do not broadcast it as fact. On the bigger issue of taxpayer money, which I do consider libelous, you have dug-in deeper, sticking to a narrative not well rooted in logic, confirming that it is your position “…… that it is Dominican taxpayers’ money that is being expended to build some of the villas at Secret Bay”. As you have one foot in politics and another in business – the ice cream business to be precise – let’s do a hypothetical “Ice Cream” Option under our CBI program to better illustrate the point.
The Ice Cream Option under CBI
Global trends have shown a worldwide boom in Lactose-free Ice cream made from Goat’s milk, infused with healthy and natural superfoods like cannabis, turmeric and moringa. The Government of Dominica takes notice of these global trends and feels Dominica is well poised to make inroads into the International Ice Cream market, particularly with the strong linkages to local agriculture and farming. Further, having sufficiently developed tourism infrastructure as a priority using the Real Estate option, the Government makes a strategic shift towards the Ice Cream industry, launching the “Ice Cream Option” under the CBI program. This new option is identical to the “Real Estate Option”, inclusive of the us$200,000 minimum investment as well as the additional fees paid directly to the Government as part of the final transaction towards Citizenship. The only difference is that the investment is with an approved Ice Cream business instead of an approved Real Estate project.
The Transformation of Douglas Ice Cream
Sean Douglas had been monitoring these trends and had already started raising goats by the hundreds, and farming a variety of superfoods. Douglas Ice Cream has been rebranded Scoops and was already making waves locally and regionally. Sean is thrilled with the new option introduced under the CBI program, and applies to be an approved Ice Cream business under the program. After a grueling three years of back and forth with the Government, Scoops is finally approved. Sean borrows money from the banks, buys a new ice cream plant, quadruples his local work force, sets up sales and marketing offices in Dubai and appoints agents in different parts of the globe. It’s a huge risk, and over a year passes with debt growing, and not a single CBI investor…… until Mr. Mourad Hahmed of Egypt knocks on an agent’s door in Cairo and shows interest in Scoops.
The Scoop on Mr. Hahmed
Mr. Hahmed has a wife and two kids, trades in tiles for construction, and needs to travel for his business. For him, mobility equals survival and the Egyptian passport is severely restricted in terms of where he can travel. His wife needs medical attention overseas and he dreams of a European education for his Children. He has been exploring Citizenship programs for over two years and he favors Portugal’s program, but he finds it too expensive and finds out about the Caribbean programs from a friend, and through that persuasive agent in Cairo ends up looking at Dominica. The cheapest option for him and his family is to invest us$175,000 under Dominica’s Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) option, essentially a direct cash contribution to the Government. However, in discussions with the agent, he learns of the Real Estate Option (where he can buy real estate) as well as the Ice Cream Option (where we can invest in Ice Cream), and both come in at us$200,000 for the private investment transaction and an additional us$35,000 to the Government to complete the transaction. Mr. Hahmed is intrigued with the Ice Cream option and loves that it is rooted in healthy living and feels it has great potential. And although 35% more expensive than the EDF option, Sean eventually persuades Mr. Hahmed that us$200,000 of ice cream from Scoops is a great investment. Mr. Hahmed proceeds, signs contracts with Scoops, pays the company us$200,000 and takes delivery of a container with us$200,000 worth of Ice Cream, which Mr. Hahmed hopes to re-sell and profit from. Mr. Hahmed pays the required additional us$35,000 to Government. All having gone well with due diligence, Mr. Hahmed and his family receive Dominica Citizenship.
The Stupes for the Taxman
With the banks on his back, that us$200,000 sale allows Sean to breathe a sigh of relief. Sean increases ice cream production, raises more goats and ramps up superfood production on his farm. He is thrilled beyond belief that Scoops is on more solid financial ground and poised for further growth….. and he anxiously awaits the next sale…. until the Taxman shows up at his door… “Hey Sean, that us$200,000 that the Egyptian just paid you for Ice Cream, hand it over please…… its taxpayers money!” To which Sean responds, “Ou ka palay sot gason! Stttuupppppeessssss…. “
More Scoops and Less Stupes
In Dominica, river water, dasheen and common sense exist in abundance, and it is the common sense out there that will trip you up every time. You know that phrase that we hear all the time: “wake up Dominica, wake up!”. Dominica is woke my friend, appeal to her common sense. There is much to talk about, much that needs improving, but it needs hard work, research and deep thinking. A well-articulated position to reform and improve the CBI program so that we secure it for future generations, would not fall on deaf ears. A comprehensive proposal on independent regulation towards greater transparency, accountability and compliance, would be well received. A creative and well documented strategy for diversification of investment options into new innovative areas of economic development, like high tech agriculture or renewable energy diversification, would get attention. But these are way beyond mere sound bites on a radio program that only appeal to the converted and are in fact detailed positions requiring real effort – positions that would appeal to common sense and earn the respect of the unconverted. Of course, you could call for an end to the CBI program as well, but not sure anyone would pay attention. And to close off the matter, while I do consider the statement on taxpayer money to be libelous, the disconnection is self-evident, hopefully made further so by the Ice Cream illustration, which by the way, should not be ignored. Lactose-free superfood-infused Ice Cream……. Scoops becoming a global brand…. Nobody would stupes at that!
Not one to comment, but loved this piece. Read it several times. It’s a superpack of info. Brilliant analogy, great sense of humor. Speaks to how CBI works, what options are, how the money flows, what motivates persons to Citizenship, competitiveness of industry, why government focuses on a particular sector…. Even hints at ways to improve the program, as well as contains a great business idea – I want to go and register “Scoops” now and start raising some goats! Seems to me there is alot that is misunderstood about the program (possibly intentionally), as well as much concern and suspicion about the program (probably valid). Dominica is either in the business of CBI or not, and if we are in it, what is important is that we succeed at it, meaning money is raised and we see an impact on the ground. The Government is committed to it. What is the opposition’s official view on how to improve it, or why it should be shut down? What are Mr. Nassief’s ideas to make it better?
100% agree. Gregor’s response is exceptional. It is informative while also encouraging dialogue but from an informed perspective. That is the key – informed. We all understand the precarious situation we are all faced with in speaking freely while still aiming to run our private enterprises and genuinely interested in the growth of Dominica. We can’t all play the same roles. The driving force of evolution is dynamic with influence necessary from all sectors – some overt and some covert. In his response, Gregor illustrates the value of the programme but hints at our need to actually research and understand the topic at hand in order to engage in much needed debate on the topic – debate, nonetheless, hinged on accuracy and sound understanding. Let’s remove the emotion and bias, concede on valid points, and bring collaborative ideas to the table. My two cents.
It’s free enterprise capitalism, let the guy do his thing as long as it’s governed by the laws of Dominica. The gov’t gave them wings, let them fly, in the end we all stand to benefit. I can’t follow the money so I’m leaving it to the watchdogs.
I wish they would quit stalling and give our local farmers the same wings by legalization of cannabis. Nassif seems to be dropping hints to the potential for small farmers growing cannabis. That would be a win win for us all as most farmers do not want, nor intend, to leave the country side for hotel jobs fixing beds for tourists. We must add cannabis to our business potential for the small farmer.
The sale of citizenship to finance those hotel projects, where citizenship is a state asset and or resource, our patrimony as a nation, yet the state of the Commonwealth of Dominica does not retain any shares in such a venture! Why do you, Gregor Nassief, tell us Dominicans how many shares does Dominica own in your hotel development as is Dominica resources which are being sold to finance the expansion of your hotel? How could state assets be sold but the state does not receive any interest in such sales.
In a 1924 case, Hammerschmidt v. United States, Chief Justice William Taft (who was US President from from 1909 to 1913) defined “defraud”.
“To conspire to defraud the United States means primarily to cheat the Government out of property or money,” he said.
“But it also means to interfere with or obstruct one of its lawful governmental functions by deceit, craft or trickery, or at least by means that are dishonest.”
Let us the Dominica public understand how this CBI program only contributes tax revenue to the state and there is no vested interest of the state. We all pay taxes, if I sale a property I pay state taxes, but being the owner i get most of the money. Where my friend is Dominica share in the sale of her property? I would like Mr Nassief to tell us how many shares does the state of the Commonwealth of Dominica owns in his hotel development!
Okay, here we go again. This is about the route to Citizenship and who “owns” the asset and who “owns” the money. Read this: https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/investment-options/ …. Under the EDF option https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/investment-options/economic-diversification-fund/ the Citizenship Investor pays directly to the state, so 100% of the funds go to the Government, and the investors owns NOTHING but gets Citizenship, and this is by far the cheapest option. Under the Real Estate Option https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/investment-options/real-estate/ the Citizenship Investor pays fees directly to the Government (depending on family size) and ADDITIONALLY INVESTS IN (buys, takes ownership of) a real estate asset (i.e. a villa) and those funds used to purchase the real estate or villa go to the developer, and the developer NO LONGER OWNS the asset/villa, and the Government does not own it either, ONLY THE INVESTOR OWNS IT and expects to get returns in the future from their investment!!!
Jonathan the bad name you and your UWP aholes given to Dominica what has it done to the country?We know about Anthony Skase and Al Masari if you are so honest tell Dominicans about those international crooks who bought Dominican passports from UWP.The guy Jonathan,does not own an once of land in Dominica,no business,nothing but he calls himself Dominican.He does not know what Castlebruce or Delices look like.He still believe Dominicans are travelling on trucks with wooden boxes,like in the days of WILEY ST.JEAN.
That is why I always say IBO FRANCE is buried up to his eyebrows in the highest level of stupidity anywhere on earth.DNO has always tried to protect him,that is what he is a complete ahole typical UWP ,always picking a fight with DNO.
ADMIN: We try to “protect” everyone’s right to free speech since we work to apply the same standard across the board.
Protect from who or what? DNO is always happy to throw me under the bus. They have a strong animus for the truth.
ADMIN: He is likely referring to his deleted comments ,in which he criticized you, that we believed were not in keeping with our comment policy. You would not see it, but we do delete the worst of these comments on a daily basis ,not just for you or Lin clown, but everyone.
“DNO is always happy to throw me under the bus. They have a strong animus for the truth.”
The issue (which is common to commenters on the internet) is a lack of objectivity and incessant desire to have one’s opinions validated over others. You may perceive the application of our policy as personal victimization when we make the effort to treat everyone by that same standard – coupled with the fact that you know when your comments are deleted but do not see when we remove or delete the comments of others.
Again, see our comment policy here for guidance: https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/policies/#comment-policy
Blah blah blah. Incredible the level of myth peddling and misinformation that still exists. That’s why this opposition will continue in opposition longer than any other opposition party in Caribbean history… because they will not get down and work and speak to our collective common sense… they prefer the blah blah blah route. Like Douglas standing wrong and strong on this issue, and Nassief, who is investing and creating economic activity, has to waste time to respond to the blah blah blah. So many of us would love a real alternative at the next election, but all we get is blah blah blah.
But Who really Running Secret Bay Nuh???
For a Man that suppose to be running a business you sure sound like a pardner in on of the local Rumshop wi ,,,
The comparisons you making there has no relations to the topic at hand!!!
The Fact is this:
You have established an enterprise to sell that which you don’t possess!!!
You cannot sell Dominican Citizenship for your Profit!!!
Only the State Department should be handling revenue from all aspects of its Immigration processes,,,
The CBI program is suppose to generate revenue to benefit the Social Construct of Dominica not for “Gregor Nassief and WhoeverCompany”!!!
Any aspect of CBI you or any of them other Cabal Members collecting revenue on is cheating the Taxpayers of Dominica, because it’s those taxpayers the government claims is paying for the proper governance of Dominica,,,
Gregor, Rastar is curious to see how your investments is directly providing Social benefit to local communities!!!
There is…
Here we go again. Secret Bay is not an agent and does not sell Citizenship. I am an agent and I sell Citizenship on behalf of the Government. Why why why can’t you guys understand the difference between the EDF and the RE options under the program, same as in the other 5 Caribbean jurisdictions, and many international. Don’t read, and prefer to misunderstand… not a great motto. Your best quote: “You have established an enterprise to sell that which you don’t possess!!!”. Nassief is selling land and villas that he DOES possess. Lord help us.
Man, don’t be so pedantic. You want to make us believe that the purpose of getting that CBI citizenship is not a Dominica passport. Don’t take us all for mugs with your hairsplitting and tell me does Gregor or other developers of approved schemes sell these properties freehold or leasehold and does his enterprise not enjoy a tax free holiday for many years never mind concessions on import duty. I’m not saying he doing anything illegal but please disclose everything as it is. I tired of being treated like an imbecile you hear.
Toto, but of course the purpose of getting Dominica Citizenship is to get a Dominica passport! Why else? No one is saying otherwise. What you need to understand are the different routes to Citizenship, EDF vs. RE, etc., and how the money flows. And yes, Jungle Bay, Secret Bay, etc., are all selling freehold real estate. Have you ever gone to the Government website and understood the various options? Please do!
The Residences at Secret Bay, an astute real estate offering and qualifying investment for Plan B Citizenship and a second passport. Recently named as the region’s “#1 Resort Hotel” by Travel + Leisure, Secret Bay is the only government-approved real estate project in Dominica to offer completed villas with a track record of rental income and performance. Discover why The Residences at Secret Bay has earned the attention of investors from all over the world and why Dominica’s own Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit described it as “a project that cannot be compared to any other in the Caribbean.”
This is directly from: https://secretbay.dm/cbi/
Go see for yourself nuh,,,
If this is not full proof of Gregor selling something he doesn’t possess then Dominica is done wi,,,
And even using Skerrit there as Advertiser wi!!!
Rastarman key is “qualifying investment”.. Study route to Citizenship, who “owns” the asset, who “owns” money. Read: https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/investment-options/ …. Under EDF option https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/investment-options/economic-diversification-fund/ the Citizenship Investor pays direct to the state, so 100% of the funds go to the Government, and the investors owns NOTHING but gets Citizenship, and this by far the cheapest option. Under Real Estate Option https://www.cbiu.gov.dm/investment-options/real-estate/ the Citizenship Investor pays fees directly to the Government (depending on family size) and ADDITIONALLY INVESTS IN (buys, takes ownership of) a real estate asset (i.e. a villa) and those funds used to purchase the real estate or villa go to the developer, and the developer NO LONGER OWNS the asset/villa, and the Government does not own it either, ONLY THE INVESTOR OWNS IT and expects to get returns in the future from their investment!! Nassief is only selling what he…
@RastarMan, Get back on the hills under a Mango tree along with ugly Lenny, to drink rum and smoke your dope heads out with crap there are 12 rules of Karma, one of which will soon be knocking on your lots UWP criminals doors.
The leadership of the opposition would be well served to read the last paragraph of Mr. Nassief’s letter. It is instructive. And for those of you who say this exchange is foolishness and should not be published, you are wrong. It is of national importance because it demonstrates the depth of misinformation around very fundamental issues and the unwillingness of so many to get down to the real work of nation building.
Is Mr Nassief admitting FACTS that can be confirmed with the CBI UNIT regarding ice cream CBI option?
This is a serious disrespect to the tax paying public!!!
That is why I watch where I spend my$$$$$$$ Gregor!!!!!
Businesses need to keep a reputable image. Secret Bay is no different. If Mr. Nasseif doesn’t respond to these allegations what will the public think? Was Mr. Douglas right?
What the public say about you or your company doesn’t have to strike a nerve to step in and say, “Correction! This is inaccurate. This is what’s right”.
Blah, blah blah…Why is Gregor so adamant to respond to this issue and not let it go? Gregor what I want to hear from you is the denunciation of the bad image that the country has gotten since the airing of the CBS program about the CBI program. You were livid that Lennox Linton spoke to the folks at CBS and you considered him as harming the good name of the country Dominca even if Antigua was also mentioned. Since then numerous scandals have come out which harmed the good name you claimed to want to preserve, egs. Monfared,NG Lap Singh, Madweke, and Choksi. What have you got to say in defense of the good name of the country? That would be more pertinent than splitting hairs with Sean.
The good name of Dominica has not been tarnished. Lennox tried to tarnish it but didn’t succeed. No county, international organization or foundation has ever blamed, sanctioned or reprimand Dominica for its CBI program or for assigning diplomatic positions. As I speak, the IMF, European Union and the world bank hold Dominica in high esteem.
Your responses were very brilliantly structured and well delivered Mr. Nasseif. It’s both an education for Mr. Sean Douglas on the CBI program and for other Dominicans who believe that the CBI funds are taxpayers money. Thank you for this article.
DNO – I really don’t understand how by this publishing Gregor Nassief’s response to Sean Douglas, entitle Scoops & Stupes broadens the average Dominican knowledge base, as provided for their following protection under the Constitution:
• Human rights
• Equality
• Privacy
• Human dignity
• Freedom of expression
• Religious freedom
• Arrested persons
• Labour relations
• Children
Sean is finding everything wrong with taxpayers money because he was fired by Skerrit.Has he ever mentioned the Aljazeera money laundering report?
Hilarious and great reading. Especially for those who still struggle to understand the basic money flows of how the program works. To say that money being paid in exchange for a businesses product or service is taxpayers money is ridiculous.
Dear DNO – why on earth are you bothering to publish this nonsense. It’s ridiculous. These two people need to grow up and speak to each other directly rather than try to show off like two brats in a playground.
DNO should hang its head in eternal shame for facilitating this foolishness. Mr. Gregor Nassief writes his estrogen laced attack articles against Sean Douglas, knowing fully well that DNO will be ecstatic in helping him to publish them.
Dominica is drowning in serious, perennial problems. Yet, not one article from DNO highlighting one of these detrimental issues and possible solutions. By publishing these empty, fractious articles, DNO is fanning the flames of division in the country. DNO has become a liability. It’s not an asset for sure at this point in time. It’s rapidly losing its credibility as a serious news entity.
ADMIN: We are no more “ecstatic” to publish Sean’s or Gregor’s statements than we are to publish your own smear-like criticisms of us – but we do believe in the value of free speech as guided by the laws of this country and our comment policy.
As we published Sean’s statement we consider publishing Gregor’s response (as it met publishing standards) to be consistent with those values. Unlike yourself, we do not need to agree with someone’s view in order to respect their right to express it.
And you have WAY too many pop ups and adverts for this to ever be considered a serious news site. It’s absolutely awful and such an embarrassment that this is one of the best news sites Dominica has to offer. Not a real country. Not real journalism.
I agree with that. Too many pop ups and…..ice cream inevitably melts Gregor and Shaun, if the evidence of its existence is not consumed before then.
ADMIN: There should be only one such ad loaded in between transitions (when loading an article for example) per browsing session.
If you are having a different experience please let us know in detail here or better yet email us at [email protected]
Sean, it is incredible that you are a businessman and cannot understand what is and is not taxpayer money. Now you have an ice cream illustration to help you. Enjoy the flavor!
Sean Douglas was recorded by an operative of UWP boasting,how he was making big money off the taxpayers by travelling frequently and living in expensive hotel.The recording was sent Skerrit and Sean Douglas was fired as government press secretary.This guy should be the last person talking about taxpayers.Every Dominican know,including Sean,that all monies made under the CBI programme does not belong to government.
Nassief, as I mentioned some weeks ago, Sean hit a nerve with you! Otherwise you wouldn’t even answer his statements. It’s as simple as that. Don’t try and use your little head on us, it won’t wash. We have somebody who is doing that all the time and he is better at it than you.
DNO, can you pass on the email addresses of these two gentlemen to each other?
I hardly believe we need to be subjected to the exchanges between the two.
I for one did nor read this article because I find the whole matter rather boring.
Oh dear, I think that Gregor may have lost the plot. I wonder if there’s any chance he might use CBI funding to develop his Trafalgar nudist colony. Before his raspberry ripple curdles.
Mr nassiefs and his fancy language means nothing .he still hasn’t product the documentation to refute Shawn’s claim.
Nassief all of this bla bla bla make no sense. You are so good and writing and having your writing published. Why can’t you publicly publish all relevant and true documentations that are related to the issue in question. Again, stop crying and just make available to all Dominicans the documents related to the villas. Be a man Nassief.
The Cannabis Option under CBI
“Global trends have shown a worldwide boom in Lactose-free Ice cream made from Goat’s milk, infused with healthy and natural superfoods like cannabis…”
Products infused with Cannabis should be explored by ice cream producers and other processors.
Gov’t should really explore the cannabis option under the CBI so superstars like snoop dog, mike tyson, etc. might be willing to invest in cannabis farms in Dominica.
for example:
https://suntci.com/mike-tyson-reveals-plans-to-set-up-cannabis-farm-in-antigua-to-cater-for-po-p4608-135.htm
https://sifted.eu/articles/snoop-dogg-cansativa-germany-cannabis/
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-pot-power-list-the-celebrities-investing-in-cannabis-gcgv5llnm
DNO, I certainly thought you had enough of this juvenile,frivolous and personal exchanges between these two pugilists. Does this protracted feud benefit the Dominican public or does it titillate your editors?
You find time and space to publish the animus that these two have for each other. Here are a few issues that need constant ventilation until the people get resolution.
* The potbelly size of the cabinet which adds to the already mammoth national debt. Revenue that could be used to bring relief to the poor is being used to service this ever ballooning indebtedness.
*Sensible and fair electoral reforms. DNO add your voice to that of NJAM. Try to bring about some constructive change in the country.
*Make a case for all CBI revenue to be placed in the Consolidated Fund with transparency and proper auditing
Time for this infantile back and forth to end between these two toddlers in adult bodies. And DNO stop fanning and exploiting this petty fight.
Dominicans may soon only have access to ice-cream right?
Quote “Giving traffickers the ability to purchase passports or extending citizenship rights allows them to travel the world and escape accountability for their crimes,” said Rep. Cohen. “Many countries sell citizenship to traffickers through phony ‘investments’ such as real estate, and this must be stopped. I am proud to join Congressman Owens in introducing the No Travel for Traffickers Act, which will help restrict this misuse of the legal process.”
“Congressmen Owens and Cohen are leading to protect our security by introducing bipartisan legislation to clamp down on the dangerous practice by some countries who sell their citizenship and passports. These so-called “golden passport” schemes are abused by criminals and traffickers from around the world, and this practice needs to come to an end.” – Marshall Billingslea, former Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing at the U.S. Department of the Treasury”
Don’t be fooled by the screen and smoke. The us has a CBI program. To obtain a US passport, you need to invest $900,000 in an American company, live in the country for five years and obtain citizenship by naturalization.
If this legislation is passed (which is doubtful) and is only possible because of the current Russian conflict – It might only streamline the process by recommending stringent requirements.
Misinformation:
The US EB-5 program is not equivalent to the CBI Programs. One reason congress has allowed it to lapse since July 2021 is because of regional machination.
In the US program, the investor has to live in the country.
Crooks, money launderers. dodgy figures etc were allowed to enter because of state control. Congress made this the responsibility of DHS and the program was allowed to lapse; it is still awaiting renewal.
And, Canada ended their program in 2014, with vestige remaining in PQ that has also ended. The EU has upended Malta’s Program.
Simply put:- politicians need to be more productive and creative; stop selling their countries Citizenship for a quick buck
Yes, The US EB-5 program is not equivalent in terms of the process to the CBI, but isn’t their objective the same, to get foreign investment at no cost to the country. The so-called regional machination In the US program, the investor has to live in the country, does not say or conclude that the concept is not beneficial to the State or Country.
Your simply put, is irrational and laughable in the face of evidence, isn’t the construction of Marigot Hospital a testament to a productive and creative venture using the CBI and what about the proposed financing of the International Airport. What about The US https://iiusa.org/advocacy/eb-5-success-stories/ What is it that is so sacred about the concept of citizenship, here is some food for thought https://conceptdaily.com/nationality-concept-citizenship-and-naturalization/
Gary you should look up the term ‘ word salad’. That is precisely what your contribution is here. It is nothing but unadulterated garbage. Were you drinking heavily just before you penned this filth?
Ibo France, how long are you going to sustain this repulsive behavior. Do you think your claptrap assumptions and perceptions of people is an intelligent method to accomplish your political agenda, your behavior tells me you are irritated, you are showing weakness by not being able to have an informative dialog, the truth can set you free, or it can piss you off.