The parliament in Grenada last week passed the Grenada Citizen by Investment Act 2013, which offers passports in exchange for a certain level of investment in the country.
Prime minister, Dr Keith Mitchell, who tabled the bill, said the move would “provide tremendous job opportunities for Grenadians who, for years, have not been able to get a chance to ‘earn a bread.’”
The island now joins Dominica and St. Kitts which offer similar programs. However, the Grenadian law is different in that it will have a residency requirement.
Officials say this is to protect the image of Grenada.
“In all of those countries they do not insist on a residency requirement, but here in Grenada, because we are so concerned about the protection of the image of our country, we have gone the extra mile to insist that those who apply for permanent residence should reside in our country,” Education Minister, Anthony Boatswain, said.
During his budget presentation last month prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, announced that his administration will expand the existing program to target investors who prefer fixed investments, such as real estate, and/or a local address.
Attorney general, Levi Peter, has projected that Dominica will earn “in excess of $60-million” from the program for the 2013-2014 financial year.
I hold a Dominican passport which I obtained through the Economic Investment Program. My past life history was thoroughly inspected to be sure I had no criminal record. My financial status was also reviewed to be certain I would not become a burden to the Country. Although I do not live in Dominica, I am proud to be considered a citizen. I read DNO to keep up with Dominican news. I contribute to charitable organizations that support the schools of Dominica. So I contribute something even though I do not live on the Island. Not everyone who obtains a Dominican passport is inconsiderate of Dominica after receiving the passport.
You’re a fake Dominican!
Shame on Skerro, so long u are pm, u running China & Venezuela and cannot improve any program for your country, shame on you letting Grenada show you how.
Thats the only way that EConomic citizenship can work. You can’t give them a passport and they’re not required to come and live and contribute positively in the society… Dominica politicians are DUMB!!!
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I really pray that Dominica reviews its policy before it is too late. Government needs to understand that Dominica does not belong to them and we have to ensure that when we implement policies we must think about our future generations.
Every country doing it. It must be a Gold mine and a easy way to make millions, and some,for the deep pockets ??????????
Grenadians have not been able to get a chance to “‘earn a bread’ for years”? What have they been living on? Are you not ashamed to even put that piece online?
The only good thing you have said, so far, is that those seeking to purchase Passports have to become residents. I applaud you for that because a person should not obtain a Passport from any Country that is not their birth Country unless they become a CITIZEN of the Country that they are seeking to obtain the Passport from.
Grenada is so concerned about the protection of the image of its Country, that they have gone the extra mile to insist that those who apply for permanent residence should reside in their Country.
I think Roosevelt should take a closer look at his requirements for obtaining a Passport from home. I think that not the IMAGE of the Country that needs protection, but the CITIZENS of the Country.
CRIMINALS AT LARGE ARE APPLYING FOR OUR PASSPORTS WITHOUT A SECOND THOUGHT OF THE CONSEQUENCES. MONEY IN MOST CASES EQUAL GREED.
Please post a list of ALL THE CRIMINALS who are travelling on a DOMINICA PASSPORT. You should really show the evidence when you come in the public domain to give information. Applying and actually receiving passports are NOT THE SAME.
Anyone may apply for a passport, but everyone who applies may NOT RECEIVE ONE. Please be informed.
An soon some other caribbean islands are also go follow,
Most of them already do the economic passport thing. Nevis leads.
I believe that in every other country this programme will be better managed than in this country led by the team of LAZY, GREEDY AND INCOMPETENT GANG. What has been done with the $60 000 000.00? Why we cannot see or realize tangible returns in the forms of jobs from this programme? Isn’t it for the people of the country? Why are some people benefiting so well from the sales of citizenship, and the remainder of the people are in poverty?
When the article says the Grenada law is different it suggests that there is a Dominica law. Is there a similar law in Dominica?