Contract signed for second major project under Citizenship by Investment Program

McIntyre and Edwards shake hands after the signing of the contract
McIntyre and Edwards shake hands after the signing of the contract

The contract for a second major project under the island’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program was signed on Friday at the Ministry of Finance conference room.

Recently the contract was signed for a 160-room resort in Tan Tan by Range Development Kempinski Resort Dominica.

The latest contract was signed between the Government of Dominica and Sunstone Inc. to construct the Tranquillity Beach Resort Dominica in Salisbury.

The 73-room resort will be managed by the Hilton brand and will include a spa, gym, restaurant, conference facilities among others and has been described as a dream by Dominican, Ian Edwards, who is the Director of Sunstone Inc.

“This journey for me started about 16 years ago when I came for the first World Creole Music Festival and then my dream was to someday make a patriotic investment to my country,” he said.

According to him, the beginning of that dream was realized about a year and a half ago when he bought the “perfect piece of property” on the Salisbury coast, adding that he embarked upon intensive research, planning, and design before he met with the government, which welcomed the project while keeping at the forefront the protection of the CBI program.

Edwards stated that the country has now joined the ranks of a number of developed nations who enjoy benefits similar to this type of program and more about it could be sourced online at Tranquilitybeachdominica.com.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Planning/Economic Development and Investment Gloria Joseph, who chaired the function, said no efforts were spared in conducting a stringent evaluation so as to ensure that no only was the project a feasible one but that it met the requirements of the regulations established for these types of projects under the CBI.

“The agreement which will be signed here today commits us to work more closely towards our common goals and that the goals of the government and the goals of the developer and the pursuits of a world class standard resort in Dominica,” she noted.

Joseph explained how the investment will fold out.

“Each of us side by side will pursue many significant activities such as marketing and promotions, sales and investments, awards of citizenships to qualified investors who have met the rigorous due diligence requirements, construction and operation of the hotel according to the standards established and agreed and the creation of jobs and ultimate development of our citizens and of our country,” she stated.

Chairman of the Ministerial Committee of the CBI and Minister for Planning, Economic Development and Investment, Dr. John Colin McIntyre said the investment is remarkable.

“This is both remarkable and historic and is coming at a time when our country is recovering from the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Erika,” he said.

He noted that this is the second major resort to be approved under the CBI program in recent times, the first being the Range Development Kempinski Resort Dominica in the northern section of the island.

“Not only this, the Tranquillity Beach Resort being the second such project signed under the CBI, is an initiative of a native Dominican who has chosen to make a direct investment in Dominica’s tourism industry under the brand of the world-class Hilton Curio collection, the first of its kind in the region,” he said. “What does this say for Dominica? It speaks to the level of confidence that people all over the world that people have in our economy and our tourism product. It speaks of the risk that investors are willing to take based also on our political stability and the visionary leadership of our government.”

The Minister added that the investment also speaks of the government’s interest in growing the economy and helping to create a means for the continued development and well-being of Dominicans, informing that the proposed development is intended to increase guest accommodation, facilities and thereby increasing hotel room capacity on the island.

He said it will be constructed on 4.1 acres of land which is owned by SunStone Inc. and an additional 2.7 acres to be utilized as a buffer zone which will cater to future expansion of the resort.

McIntyre noted that the construction of the hotel will increase local employment and help establish a linkage between agriculture, among other benefits.

In terms of a date for the commencement of the resort, Edwards said it is hoped that it will begin within one year’s time and will also be dependent on sales of citizenship to potential investors.

The final budgeting and drawings have not been done and as a result, Edwards was unable to place a figure on the resort and he foresees that the project will be completed within two to three years.

Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit (third from right) attended the signing ceremony
Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit (third from right) attended the signing ceremony

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49 Comments

  1. happy
    December 21, 2015

    hot rasta

  2. December 21, 2015

    What is all the excitement about? No financial investment; Brokes like me; Architectural plans not yet formulated; All cat and dog come to D/ca get passports sell or don’t sell and we call that investment.

  3. Dominican
    December 21, 2015

    BLAH BLAH BLAH….!!!!

  4. axa
    December 20, 2015

    big move sugar

  5. BEB
    December 20, 2015

    I well come the initiative of Mr Edwards but I hope that,his dream becomes materialistic. Though, one thing I cant understand, will the hotel after its completion ,be Dominicans {Govt’s} property, why the sale of our passports to enhance the building of the hotel? There are so many projects coming off the ground, only then to be looking like white elephants. I would not wish for Mr. Edward’s dream to endeavour that fate.

  6. Nac Vibes
    December 20, 2015

    People can applaud this nonsense as loud as they want but I’m not fooled.

    This whole passport selling programme is a frau.
    Every time you anything about investment to do with this program is hotel
    Who are these tourist who are going to occupy these hotels.

  7. DRASTIC
    December 19, 2015

    All those blokes have to be present to see the signing of a contract? Give me a break!

  8. Truth be Told
    December 19, 2015

    So the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program is the only show in the Labour Party development plan for Dominica? Really? By the way did Dominica have a hotel rooms capacity problem? I always thought that our biggest problem for overnight tourist was air access? International airport to bring in the tourists to fill up these new hotel rooms, anyone?

  9. jonathan st jean
    December 19, 2015

    The first citizenship by investment project was the Layou River Hotel Project. Therefore this is not the second. We have all seen where the first one is or is not after all those years, therefore an abundance of caution is in order.What also concerns me is that there isn’t enough focus being placed on increased access to the country. Liat in which the country has investments is not or can’t do more for providing more flexibility to come into or leave Dominica. This is a bottle neck for getting the tourism industry to play a major role in the economy. Until this problem of increased and reliable access is remedied nationals will not reap the maximum results from sale of our birthright.

  10. Silver Sliver
    December 18, 2015

    I Guess that the investment philosophy is” build it, and they will come, by peepwe, or any means!”

  11. Silver Sliver
    December 18, 2015

    It would seem that Dominica has had an invisible and sudden increase in visitors, which has resulted in a seriously hidden need for more hotel rooms. I am sure that the hotel occupancy rate at Rejens, and “the one at Anse de Mai” and Carib Reserve, among many others, must be about 95-98 percent! Here stands the law of supply and demand! These “investors seem to have found a very lucrative area, and are wisely rushing to invest someone’s money, but certainly not theirs! Were these hotel investments carefully pursued for their potential for a good return on the financiers capital, or for some other obscure reason!? Are Dominica’s interest, as the prime financier, protected?? Well Dominica, more salt!! Just suck!!

  12. The Real Facts
    December 18, 2015

    DNO, I note you have somewhat changed the format of posting comments. Good idea. Sometimes we forget to type the information required. This will help us remember to type them.

    How could we now forget? We must see the columns prior to posting our comment. It is an excellent reminder.

    Smart idea DNO! Whoever thought of it, suggested it and implemented it deserves a promotion, an increase in salary or a citation. Or a nice dinner at a reputable restaurant. It is Christmas! :lol: :lol: :lol:

  13. dominican always
    December 18, 2015

    i need help with this one is the citizenship by investment open to dominicans or is it for foreign nationals because i read mr edwards is a dominican if so how and why would a dominican be seeking to invest in dominica under such program

  14. viewsexpressed
    December 18, 2015

    Boy he country nice. If you people that this is going to make a difference in Dominica then you all are sleep walking.
    The fundamental discipline for a country`s development has not been addressed. This is fast food development that will have no significant impact on Dominica`s long term development thrust.
    Alas God Bless and look over Dominica. Our infrastructure is not ready and yet in the 21st century, it is viki vie bagay

  15. Cicero
    December 18, 2015

    Mr. Edwards appears to be an earnest, sincere, and serious young man. And unlike Range Development (Cabrits Resort) he bought with his own money the land for his project. Unfortunately for him he will never see a dime of CBI money which means his project will not get off the ground. Range Development is a Middle Eastern company which has many contacts throughout the region. Range sponsored the recent “sales” visit by the PM to Dubai and therefore will get first crack at whatever CBI funds are generated by passport sales. I am afraid that after Range Development, the agents, lawyers, and politicians have taken their share there will be nothing left to pay for Mr. Edwards’ “dream.” Of course, he can always go to a bank like most businesses do with a viable business plan.

  16. Roseau River
    December 18, 2015

    Wish you the best of luck sir. We all know the challenges facing our nation.

  17. anonymous2
    December 18, 2015

    The future will tell all,

  18. Peter Potter
    December 18, 2015

    Call me a pessimist but none of the two projects will come to fruition. Both so called investors have little or no capital and are dependent on passport sales to raise the funds for the projects. My guess: in a few years time plenty more Dominican passports will be in circulation and the country still has nothing to show for it. Mark my words!

  19. Tom
    December 18, 2015

    Look even Fancine is embarrassed wth this jour jour bam bam!

    Lol she knows that all this signing of empty contracts is a load of codswallop.

    Soon I shall send my pedigree chum to sign his contract.

  20. dissident
    December 18, 2015

    i have already made contact with people associated with this project.
    This project is not a response to tropical storm Erica.
    This project is still in development stage.
    This project will not start in 2016!
    I know what i am saying.
    I watching

  21. SkepticalOne
    December 18, 2015

    Funniest ting I read all day …\’No efforts were spared in conducting a stringent evaluation so as to ensure that no only was the project a feasible one……\”.
    Can I ask a design question? What happens when the sun hits all that glass? From 12 noon to 5 pm you needing shades on the windows so no view papa. That land is hot like a piece of hell and dry like sahara so where all the water coming from?
    But I would never question the wisdom of all them, I not a designer or architect so what I know.
    But I will say congratulations to our brother from Dominica, hope you succeed here like you have in other places.

  22. being ruled
    December 18, 2015

    DPP’s office broken into. Files stolen, never to return. Difficult for Director of prosecution to even bring some notorious cases forward.

    Remember, the keys for the Registry that went missing from police HQ. The keys were lodged there for f safe-keeping. Well, not even at police HQ the keys were safe. Next thing, you hear, Registry broken into, files/documents gone. Up to now, investigation going on?

    Remember the $1 plus million that was brought to the NBD by somebody? When asked where all that money come out, the person said that is passports they sell so? Who in Dominica could make those huge sums for themselves, but the few bent on selling our sovereignty?

    Selling our passports is lucrative business for a few making millions, getting rich quick, while the country and the majority of its citizens catching hell.

    How many Years now our passports selling,, our land are being given away, deals in the tomfoolery about “investor, investment.” NG Lap Seng…

  23. Dee
    December 18, 2015

    The pictures on the website seem very innovative and promising. Although I am not particularly a fan of this Citizenship by Investment program, I hope to see structures like this in Dominica come to fruition. I just hope the screening process is efficient.

  24. Me
    December 18, 2015

    Why can’t we, Dominicans who do not need to buy a passport, invest in these ventures??

    • Really!!
      December 18, 2015

      off course you can. just invest. You need a business plan, sound research material, forecasting, strategic planning to go with you vision statement and you are good. Dominicans believe that its only through the government you can invest. Do whatever you want with your money. no one is stopping you

    • forreal
      December 18, 2015

      so who is stopping you

  25. December 18, 2015

    IS MR EDWARDS SINGLE???

    • Titiwi
      December 18, 2015

      For your information mr. Edwards is happily married to a lady from Montserrat, who is also his business partner. I wish them both good luck with this new venture.

      • Dominican
        December 18, 2015

        Buz off happily married today done tomorrow stupes give people a break to frre up

      • December 21, 2015

        oh titiwi..poor u…u sound a bit angry bcuz the person asked..do u have an eye for mr Edwards???in ur eyes they can be happily married and at home they fight like dog and cat…bat zarfehw

    • nonamegal
      December 18, 2015

      Concatenate, you want an investor hubby wee hahahaha! I agree with you. Better luck next time. Gosh thanks for the laugh.

    • nicole
      December 18, 2015

      ha ha “concatenate”. My thoughts exactly. I also thought he was rather attractive- I like the locks ( locks too- it looks well groomed).

    • MY 2cents
      December 19, 2015

      I smell a G digger lololol

      • December 21, 2015

        oh shut up..the person was just asking a simple question.. I hope u are not a gold digger urself.

  26. Ron
    December 18, 2015

    Way to go Mr. PM. You’ve done it again. Congratulation to Mr. Ian Edwards. I’ve seen some of his work and oh boy, we are blessed to have Dominican talent producing such a masterpiece in his home land. I pray that you get all the support you need and this project turns out to be a big success.

  27. dissident
    December 18, 2015

    I honestly thought this was a response to de effects of erica but i was wrong.
    First of all this investment is being promoted through the citizen by investment program.
    We are giving de investor our passports for him to raise de funds for de investment. I assume de investor does not have de required capital to fund a project of this nature.
    Imagine the final budgeting and drawing are yet to be done!!!
    this is not an immediate response to tropical storm erica!
    skerrit is playing with our heads again!
    Mr edwards is allowing himself to boldly put his name on this project?
    I have a bad taste in my mouth.
    I was honestly looking forward to this development but i am going to finish pack my bags to leave.
    I have contributed a hell of alot to other people’s economies with my expertise in the constructin/civil engineering field.
    I will go back to where i am welcome!
    Skerrit is pandering to his economic citizens!
    treatin us like crab!

  28. Ryan..
    December 18, 2015

    I welcome the initiative of the young man and his plans of investment but I will continue to say that we need to put a stop to that sale of our Citizenship.. Stop the sale of our passport that’s a bad signature on our country.. Dominica is now know for the easiest Country where u can Obtain a passport,. Mr PM stop it .. That’s a bad light on us …

    • real possie
      December 18, 2015

      Ryan please tell us how you’re going to entice investors. Do you even understand how that works? If you’re a rich outsider who’s willing to invest in that type of sector you will be awarded a citizenship, after due diligence is done with the background checks. The great U.S. has the same program the only thing is they give you a green card to hold still. Dominica ain’t no U.S. to go that same route.

      I wonder how long Ian stayed out of the country to be ok to return and no one is saying he not Dominican? LOL. Am so happy to see our people are turning back to help take us forward. Thank you Ian, may God guide you to see this through.

    • The Real Facts
      December 18, 2015

      Some of you critics must get off your high or low horse and do something for Dominica. If, through the years, these D/ca residents as much as cared for their country and their future and did something for its progress, it probably would not have been necessary to implement this Citizenship by Investment Program.
      Therefore, since you want it eliminated, you could commence a campaign and promotion throughout the island to inform some of them who are also laissez faire to encourage them to do something about building up D/ca and their future.
      The best area to also commence is with students. Inform them also to study diligently that one day they will be in a position to invest in their very own country. The opportunity today is much better,than in bygone years. May they take advantage of this golden opportunity.

  29. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    December 18, 2015

    Time well tell, let’s see if this fantasy materializes: I hear de Moroccan got finished last night, and my morning it was filled with guess!

    • Derick Gonsalves
      December 18, 2015

      For a so called educated man who always running your mouth on DNO You should go learn to spell. The word is guest not guess……..

      • December 18, 2015

        When u are entertaining u don’t have to spell correctly. Get a life stupees

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        December 18, 2015

        But you are a damn fool, so whereas where you red “my morning” that also indicate I do not know how to spell by also! Mind your business fool, I am not competing against you for a price.

        If you want to know if I am a dunce or not; put up a few thousand dollars in US currency because I do not want Dominica money: pick a subject and let us both write a paper on the subject let’s see who gets the money!

      • The Real Facts
        December 18, 2015

        It is not easy to be a perfect typist. It is easier for those who are proficient on the keyboard and have been typing for years. Some words get stuck and letters on the keyboard become worn off. It depends on the type of keyboard. Recently, I bought a new keyboard. I noticed one letter is already practically worn-off. These days manufacturers do not make good and lasting products.
        Anyway, this must be a typographical error. All of us have that problem. There are times I have to check my writing more than once to ensure there are no errors.
        I feel this system plays tricks and without realizing it, some words quickly change Sometimes I think I typed a word correctly and then it appears incorrect. I do find it strange. If undetected and the comment is sent, it will obviously appear as an error, not that of the writer.
        This also occurs if comments are written in a hurry and not edited. This is why I usually state diplomatically, “Did you mean . . .?” :lol:

      • The Real Facts
        December 18, 2015

        Another matter crossed my mind. These days the digital prints are small and may not be able to read easily. No matter how good the eyesight or whether eye glasses are worn, they could be difficult to read
        I recently told someone, those who devised digital figures and letters want to make us blind and some blinder. :lol:
        Some people find it necessary to increase the font and bold the information in order to read it. Some may not know that and may not know how to do it. We should make a fuss about that including increased costs, smaller prints, etc., and products..
        We have a serious problem and few are saying anything. Most accept what is dished out. I spoke to my MP about increased costs and decreased products,
        I plan to write the Minister of Consumer Affairs. They know it but turn blind eyes. In the New Year I will be going on the warpath but respectfully. :) Whatever is done is done for the benefit of everyone.

      • MIA
        December 19, 2015

        We all make mistakes in life, correct him and let learning/education be the foundation of your post. Don’t be afraid to look at your faults. -Yoruba proverb

    • Concerned
      December 18, 2015

      Try wishing us well for a change or just keep your comments to yourself.

    • warma
      December 18, 2015

      lmaooo Francisco, boy you di best

    • The Real Facts
      December 18, 2015

      You should be pleased that this hotel is finally completed. :lol: :lol: :lol:
      It required a lot of money to build and it took time to build. Consider the type of weather D/ca recently got. So this is a beginning. Everyone must be patient and give these projects their blessing; not curses with their critics.

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