Hotelier and agent of Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program, Sam Raphael, says the No Travel for Traffickers Act introduced by the United States of America (USA), if passed, may not necessarily bring an abrupt end to the CBI program but it will have a negative impact not only on the program, but on Dominica’s economy.
Earlier this month, March 3, US Congressmen Burgess Owens and Steve Cohen introduced the No Travel for Traffickers Act bipartisan legislation to revoke eligibility for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program of a country that participates in the CBI program.
Although Dominica does not enjoy visa-free travel to the USA, one of the measures in the bill that would impact the country is that the US Executive Branch will be directed to cooperate with the United Kingdom and the European Union to eliminate Schengen area visa-free travel for CBI participating countries.
A release issued on the introduction of the bill describes the CBI program as schemes which “require little vetting and are notoriously abused by human traffickers, international criminals, and corrupt oligarchs.”
The release goes on to state, “Russia is one of the world’s worst offenders when it comes to using these golden passport schemes as a backdoor into other countries.”
Congressman Owens noted that the kingpins of human trafficking and other international criminal enterprises rely heavily on their passports’ purchasing power to travel freely around the world, to open bank accounts, or even to avoid liability.
“The No Travel for Traffickers Act addresses the severe security risks of golden passports, signalling a critical step in our efforts to isolate bad actors around the globe,” he pointed out.
The No Travel for Traffickers Act will also mandate that the Executive Branch publicly list all countries with investment citizenship or “Golden Passport” programs as it is referred to in the release. Additionally, a ban will be implemented on the use of US taxpayer funds to verify “golden passport” applicants so that taxpayer dollars are not used to enable what the proposers of the bill refer to as “these corrupt programs.”
According to Rep. Cohen, many countries sell citizenship to traffickers through fake “investments” such as real estate, which according to him, allows investors the right to travel the world and escape responsibility for their crimes.
“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 US Department of the Treasury added.
Speaking to Dominica News Online (DNO), Raphael stated that due diligence is being done on the legislation to determine the impact that this would have on Dominica and other Caribbean countries who are part of the CBI program.
“This would not be helpful in the Citizenship by Investment field at all because visa-free travel to Europe and other Schengen areas is a major benefit that CBI countries promote. To remove that from passport holders would certainly not be a positive development,” he stated. “We do not know how this thing is going to play out because there are a lot of ‘ifs’ as we are dealing with speculation, but it will be relayed to the United States the adverse impact that such legislation will have on the economies.”
The CBI agent noted that this foreseeable economic shock is evident as Dominica is heavily dependent on the program which serves as the largest source of discretionary income for the government.
Raphael further averred that the program must be protected and preserved in order for social programs such as the National Employment Program (NEP) and upcoming developments, including the international airport, to remain afloat.
“So, in the event that such a legislation is passed, we are going to have a similar situation like what happened not too long ago when an initiative by the United States led to the demise of the banana trade and we saw the negative impact of that on the economy,” Raphael warned.
He continued, “A lot of people suffered and there was a lot of outward migration. So all of these things will have to be considered by the US government and they will make their decision in the perceived interest of the United States government and the Europeans will also have to look at the situation and make a decision. The UK, which is no longer a member of the EU, will also make a decision from where they sit and we will take it from there.”
Of the more than 140 countries that Dominica has visa-free travel arrangements with, the Schengen area makes up a quarter of this amount. While Raphael acknowledged that these are significant countries, he stated that all will not be lost as Dominica’s visa-free travel to China and other countries will not be impacted.
“So this does not necessarily mean that this is an abrupt end to the CBI program, if this happens. But if they are successful in bringing an end to the program, we must be prepared for the major economic shock which will follow,” he said.
Earlier this week, a team from the British High Commission was in Dominica conducting a due diligence exercise on the CBI programme. Raphael admitted that the exercise may have had significance in terms of the current concerns that are being raised about the program. However, he said Dominica was a willing participant in this periodic exercise.
Like Sam Raphael, Antigua and Barbuda’s prime minister, Gaston Browne, also foresees major problems for OECS currency union countries if what he refers to as “efforts to undermine” these countries CBI programmes, succeed.
“In the case of Antigua and Barbuda, about 10% of our revenue…maybe no more than 12-15% comes from the CIP [Citizenship by Investment Programme] but in some countries within the sub region, the CIP contributes up to 50% of their annual revenue. So you can imagine the impact in those countries,” Browne remarked.
The Antigua and Barbuda leader said he has written to parliamentarians and policy makers in Europe as well as the two US congressmen who are sponsoring the bill, to apprise them of the impact that the enactment of the legislation will have on the Citizenship by Investment programme and by the extension, the economies of the participating OECS countries.
Browne said he also reassured the EU parliamentarians and US law makers about the type of due diligence which is done on CIP applicants.
“They have to provide a police report from their country of origin or country of residence or both. The also have to get clearance from Interpol and there’s without fail, a review of their financial background if they have companies and businesses and so on to determine their source of income. So the due diligence is robust and as far as we are concerned, our Citizenship by Investment Programmes do not represent any risks to these countries as how they so put it,” Browne explained.
Come on boom boom fly you think you can think for the US and the EU like when you come on the radio and talk your crap people like you have to pay for your dishonesty time will tell.
Well, if that is the case then all we can say is that it was good while it lasted. We truly did get a lot of good out of this program. Now we need to quickly beef up our other sectors so the economy will be able to withstand the shock of the loss of the CBI program.
Good for who while it lasted?
Indeed some people “the salesmen and women” some who are a majority of foreigners in Middle Eastern countries, are profiting from it; even more than is going into the treasury of Dominica.
Ask yourself if what you heard is true about the billions of dollars belong to Dominica, which are in the pocket of friends of alleged prime minister of Dominica?
From the outside looking in; fools goal looks very authentic, looks like the real thing; to you it may seems good; meanwhile the practice of selling the nations passport is more or less an obstacle in the way of development in our country.
The ruling politicians and those empowered to sell the document, are all millionaires; set for the rest of their life’s, however, none of the proceeds are used to create a single job on the island. The youths of the country are without jobs, with nothing to do they become in thievery, and murder.
The sale of our passports is not good!
we.got nothing from the program , unless you are one of the sellers yourself, you and your boys got everything, you win , and we lose
Sam, continue spewing garbage, until the passport source of revenue runs dry, and Dominica’s economy collapse under you and Roosevelt!
Those of you who profit from the sale of passports want this crooked corrupted affair to continue forever; one way or the other it will come to a climax, and and all the thieves involved will be brought to justice, and held accountable for the billions of dollars some people have in pocket.
I seems to remember a certain fellow who owes the Treasury of Dominica in one case $6,000,000.00 dollars, and refused to pay it back, then hurricane came along smashed up a guess house, I believe this time around that same fellow obtained quite a few millions of dollars from this crooked corrupted government; I wonder if that crooked fellow paid those previous, and recent millions back to the government treasury!
And let me remind you all, the EU could care less about Dominica, poverty; they know corruption is involved, they intend to destroy this CBI…
I am one that will be very happy when nations, within the EU, the United States, and Canada refuse to accept or allow holders of Dominica passports into their country, unless the bearer prove they are actually born on the island of Dominica, or obtain citizenship after residing on the island for five years!
After becoming a permanent resident of the United States, I had to live and work here for a period of five years before I could apply for citizenship; and trust me I had to satisfy the immigration and naturalization services with police references from every place I ever lived, including Dominica, and Antigua.
This passport economy must be scrap!
Poor a place as St. Vincent; and although I d not like Ralph Gonzales, I admire the position he took when he said “St. Vincent Citizenship is not for sale.”
Anybody; prime minister, or a people who based their nation economy on the sale of passports is a fo..!
Be like St. Vincent!
Why are we still clinging on to the skirts of the US and the EU? We already have a visa free travel agreement with China, and China is quickly overtaking both the US and the EU as the richest country in the world so why don’t we encourage Chinese tourists to come to our shores and spend their new found wealth? The European tourist market is propped up by rich Chinese and Russians spending power. If we can get a share of this market we can dodge the bullying of the US and the EU. Although we are located right in the Americans back yard and are former colonies of Britain and other EU countries, they have no interest in seeing us develop as black Caribbean people so why are we still clinging on to them for dear life? It is time to chart our own path in the world. A united Caribbean would be a strong Caribbean that can stand up to the US and EU imperialists.
When last have you traveled to China, by the way?
How many of your relatives are living in China and sending back Chinese currency to Dominica?
We already have enough Chinese businessmen in Dominica sending all their profits back to China.
You are talking nonesense.
Sell your house and land and car to China since you love China so much, then give the money to yours truly the king of Dominica. Then go work for the Chinese.
Go to China then, nobody is stoping you. ….!
…and don’t forget to take your PM, his family and his Ministers with you.
I agree. When you speak the truth, for those who do not know what’s going on, they give you the thumbs down. Continue to speak and declare the truth, my brother. One day, some people’s eyes will be opened. Peace ☮
Has yours truly + crew done something wrong? He seems scared. Has anyone in Dominica sold passports and Dominican citizenship to nefarious characters like the Taliban? That is a rumor. Inquiring minds would like to know the facts. Dominica’s credibility and honor is at stake.
It is not the USA that may cause difficulties. CBI programs may be under threat from the EU. If the EU requires Dominican passport holders to get a visa, all Dominicans, not just 2nd passport holders, may need a visa to go to Guadeloupe or Martinque not to mention to go to any EU country.
The future of Citizenship by Investment Programmes in the Caribbean is under threat with the European Union set to issue what some may consider an untimely ultimatum. Last Wednesday, a vote was taken by the European parliament to ask the European Commission, which can be likened to the Cabinet of Europe, to formulate a strategy asking countries that offer CBI to phase them out or face visa restrictions.
What is yours truly going to do without the millions to deposit into his personal bank accounts overseas? That’s why he is scared the free money is about to dry up.
“What a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive” is the “money bridge” falling down Sam, (the most honest/dishonest politician) maybe Bob is right karma coming to get you all boy? sad thing is we will all [suck salt] and pay for it. Ops!!! sorry except those guys who have syphoned away $ millions of our passport monies while, window dressing the country with empty promises and fancy edifices; and of course keeping the poor poorer while shouting “I poto Laba”. It may be a blessing in disguise like Bob Marley said “the truth will be revealed”
I went to Jungle Bay and am still impressed at the level of thinking and work that went into developing this venture for Sam as an individual and also for Dominica through employment, local supply purchases and taxes etc. and I was quite Proud to see a Dominican deciding to push so hard for his country. We need more Sam Raphaels in that regard.
However, those who benefit directly from the program would also have first responsibility to implore that the government do things in a manner that is fair for all Dominicans to benefit. Firstly, the decision to Grant Passport Agency Status should not be with the PM solely that is clearly just an invitation for corruption.
They should also advise the Government to use the revenues from the passports strictly for Capitalization of other projects that can be sustainable. The Hotels and Apartments roll, is just too much right now.
Gov’t should also realize that the good time will not last forever, when it’s over, then what!!? 20 years is 2…
We do NOT need any more Skerrits or Nassiefs or Raphaels.
That the wrong Steve Cohen in the picture.
ADMIN: Thank you for pointing that out. The picture has been updated.
Who knew that passport program was vulnerable? Skerrit has hedged his bets on this program at the expense of developing the country and its people to look after themselves. He has single-handedly developed a culture of dependency among our people, making them believe there is a free lunch out there, once they declare their devotion to him.
Unfortunately, Skerrit and his band have made out quite nicely through that program so they have nothing to worry about after the program is curtailed or worse, shut down.
Zandoli, only more foolish political talk. People like you don’t care what happens to Dominica. We are still pointing fingers and blaming each other for the collapse of the banana industry, knowing full well that it was the Americans lead by Bill Clinton and the Europeans that were responsible. Slavery.
Bill Clinton gave Dominica the SHAFT like he gave Haiti the SHAFT after the earthquake millions was connected by Clinton and his crew, where is it? Clinton needs to be banned from entering Dominica he cannot be trusted. He is to to blame for the collapse of the Dominica banana industry which was thriving till he became US president with his sidekick Hillary.
Not surprised that this will happen. Although most investors are the “good” guys unfortunately they always have to pay the price for the few “bad” guys. With this knowledge in mind it might be time to re-construct our country and be ready for the crisis.
that CBI project was never sustainable, it’s long overdue time for the government to search for alternative forms of revenue generation, things that are sustainable and last not some quick fix schemes
Thats why you don’t keep only eggs in a basket. Creating jobs for people which is not happening. Hotels ok, but there are so many other projects that could be done, like a canning factory. We are seeing more crimes, vicious and lethal and this will continue as persons don’t have a job/money.
CBI DOES NOT HELP THE PEOPLE IT ONLY MAKES THE WEALTHY MORE WEALTHY. IF IT DOES HELP THE POOR SHOW US HOW !
Sam Raphael used to be a big critic of Skerrit and the Cabal. As soon as millions of dollars from the CBI TREASURE CHEST became available to him to complete his new hotel development, he all of a sudden was Skerrits best friend and an avid supporter of the CBI program. He also became a passport agent. Raphael turned out to be a true Dominican, greedy and totally without scruple when there is easy money on offer. The country itself is not important no more. I used to stay in the old jungle bay but I will never ever frequent any of these man’s businesses. Nor do I frequent any business of that Nassief clan anymore.
We ought to boycott them all. Soon they would be singing a different song. Dominicans toooo docile!
Sam we didn’t get visa free travel through CBI, it was earned through years of trust and a built relationship, people like yourself support skerro in his abuse of the program. Now if we loss our 2 weeks visa free travel to gwada, we are the ones who didn’t put a stop to skerrit and the madness, now maybe now we might understand. These people like Sam don’t give shit about Dominica, it’s what in it for Sam. You think Washington doesn’t know about skerrit in the Panama papers hiding his ill gotten gains and the corruption which exist in this CBI? We allowed it now we’re going to pay for it!
every dog has its day everything must end
Does Dominica unelected Prime Minister Sam Raphael even know that our elected Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, and his corrupt US Ambassador Loren Bannis entered into relationship with Syria just a day before Syria sent troops to Ukraine to help Russian troops? Does he know that Skerrit’s decision angered the Arab Nations and they too wrote to the UK and EU according to this: https://english.alaraby.co.uk/news/syrian-regime-establishes-diplomatic-ties-dominica
So Sam Raphael needs to shut up because he is not Skerrit. We need to hear from Roosevelt Skerrit and not from Sam Raphael, a passport dealer.
Antigua’s PM Gaston Brown addressed his people so why is Skerrit not doing the same?
When Dominica signed last week to enter into relationship with Syria, a known terrorist nation that is now fighting alongside Russia, Skerrit / Dominica was telling the world that they too were joining the war with Russia by providing terrorists with our passports so they could attack the US and…
Is Sam Raphael the Prime Minister of Dominica? Why is he the one talking and not Roosevelt Skerrit? To me that’s a lot of disrespect for us DNO to have Sam Raphael alongside a statement by PM Gaston Brown of Antigua. Why all you shielding Skerrit man? At least all you should say Skerrit was contacted but he either was in the toilet poopooing or he just didn’t have time to respond.
But anyway Mr. Brown what do you think think you can say to the US or UK in your letter that they don’t know about? They know what the corrupt Caribbean leaders are doing and even more than you. So your letter is like trying to put water in a glass that doesn’t have a bottom. In fact both the UK and the US know how our corrupt Caribbean leaders are putting their people in great danger with their passport sale that is nothing more than a powerful weapon put in the hands of terrorists to help attack them. So don’t waste time. By the way has Skerrit written his personal letter to the UK and US? If not why???
You all know why they want to be friends with Syria now right, all countries blocking Russians, especially the billionaires, no doubt Dominica has been getting a lot of passport sales from Russians, I mean all the time we hearing of billionaire Russian yachts in the Caribbean, now they want Syrian passport money to continue their scheme
I Will not waste time with Sam Raphael because he is not the Prime Minister of Dominica like Gaston Brown is the Prime Minister of Antigua. But both Raphael and Gaston Brown are day dreaming.
Gaston Brown does not seem too worried because according to him Antigua only gets 10% of its revenue from sale of passports. But still he decides to write to the UK and the US to let them know how their decisions could affect the Caribbean. But Mr Brown do you understand that the US and Uk are concerned about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and how that invasion puts the US and UK at risk? Mr Brown, do you also know that last week Syria sent troops to help Russia? Sir do you also know that your friend Roosevelt Skerrit, the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica has, according to the Arab press, established diplomatic relations with Syria, just last week? I wonder why Skerrit is not writing his personal letter to UK and the US since Dominica depends on CBI for over 50% of its revenue?
Playing the innocence…. profiteers on a mission with a sole belief even God, they can convince all’s watertight with the CBI passport / citizenship passport selling affairs.
Let me hear Sam tell the 2 US representative that he not selling citizenship and passport,!!!!
Hahaha!
Dat citizenship business is doomed Sam!
Our parliament and de country as a whole are well aware of abuse of our citizenship.
And Skerrit can’t even tell us how much money we making in that venture.
While you telling dem de adverse impact this measure will have on economies like ours you should tell dem of de creative ways you will use de PUBLIC FUNDS!
TELL DEM YOU WILL BEGIN TO PUT DE MONIES EARNED FROM CITIZENSHIP IN DE CONSOLIDATED FUND!!!!!!
Skerrit would not be sucking salt now if de funds was in de CONSOLIDATED FUND!
This is not bananas Sam!
Our leaders have to now show us how creative they are to keep their economies afloat!!!!!
All of dat money!!!
You want dem people to feel sorry for Skerrit????
Hahaha
My brother Skerrit been in de position of PM since 2004!!!!!!
Nobody should feel sorry for Skerrit Sam!
Raphael further averred that the program must be protected and preserved in order for social programs such as the National Employment Program (NEP) and upcoming developments, including the international airport, to remain afloat.
But wait awhile Skeroo do say they have the money and just waiting for the go-ahead to build the airport……
Yet nep bareLy getting paid
If they get paid it not on time
They severely underpaid @nd there supervisors hire only Labourites
The airport money there then it not there then it there again then it not there then they waiting on it
Is abou5 time that cbi thing got amputated cause th3 money for that either does disappear. Go into the h@nds of hotel o2ners in dca that can launder it for uncle.
Even building hotel# all over the country with no surport in infrastructure
Building an airport with no means of bulk fuel dilivery close by. Not even a storage system and pipeline from posie yuh. Them little trucks will have to make kommeh runs to fill a 747 yuh.
Bring back our agriculture, market ourproduce as organic or semi-organic
By the way where the boat uncle say he was going to buy to export produce nuh.
Just remember the coolout allu get last election. Till next election it have again yuh
So ban your belly and start drink bush tea for the hard times
“Building an airport with no means of bulk fuel dilivery close by. Not even a storage system and pipeline from posie yuh. Them little trucks will have to make kommeh runs to fill a 747 yuh.”
Exactly and the little and yes the plane that landing ( American Airlines ERJ-175 jet) is a little jet much less for those big jets that can land in an international airport. I’ve literally seen when that jet lands in Dominica it takes a whole tanker truck to fill it up, every single time