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**NYC** » 2013-03-14 19:18

This is a wonderful topic and I wish CA will stay with these good topics a few days until we assemble a team of stalwarts from these bloggers. We do not always see eye to eye but we must recognize that we are all in nation building together and are committed to lift Antigua and Barbuda out of this sorry state of affairs. We need leaders who will rejuvenate the society, pay the bills and lock up those who steal the funds and cause the nation to go bankrupt etc. Choose from amongst some of these bloggers. I listened to the politicians in parliament on the Internet and these guys are weak losers and can be whipped because they are very disrespectful to each other. They do not seem to do their homework, or use common sense when correcting each other. It just doesn’t seem to be in their DNA. They are behaving like street fighters with no respect for each other. We need new blood that will stay above the fray who can plan and provide sufficient tools and resources to execute progressive plans. The older politicians on both sides are probably too old and set in their ways to recover.

**Dr. Isaac Newton** » 2013-03-14 10:38

Most of our local politicians won't survive in progressive societies because the people would demand higher levels of accountability and quality leadership from them. How do we move our people to fire poor performance, reward competence, and punish unethical behavior in public office? I think if we don't get those matters infused in the public mindscape, changing our political leaders won't do much to advance our aspirations or life our sense of people-hood. Sometimes I feel so exhausted and frustrated by this cycle of poverty of soul and spirit. But I am aware that the struggle for freedom of mind, quality life and accountable leadership requires persistence, courage and undying hope! Bright and sunny regards...I am sure we know that the CIP won't cure or resolve our economic plight.... What can be done to put our country on a path towards sustainable growth?

**Dr. Isaac Newton** » 2013-03-14 10:37

Goodly Gents, Thanks for your insightful, provocative and progressive ideas, correctives, and practical recommendations en-route to long-term nation building. What can be done to identify and recruit the best talent to serve? How do we collaborate on re-focusing the m** on developing a national consciousness that transcends narrow party politics? Skyewell given your military and security intelligence background, it is possible to put forward a workable plan to reduce the crime at home?

**SlyThatGuy** » 2013-03-14 09:59

NYC, There are hardly any of those kinds of politicians you described left. Searching for one of those is like searching for a murderer,a thief,or a rapist with ethics. Maybe the ones you are thinking are honest and will stick to their guns just haven't been caught lying or stealing yet,but eventually,they too,like all the others,will start screwing things up.

JD » 2013-03-14 08:04

Call the schemes whatever you will - RIP etc (initially or otherwise) - in the end anyone with the money/'goods' can 'buy' their way into any country and get citizenship status. It happens all the time, everywhere, unofficially or officially. However, that doesn't mean we shouldn't debate it properly here (for our country) to ensure that proper/strict guidelines are set up and adhered to, and to offer RIP or similar instead, with all the benefits and less of the risks perhaps...

**NYC** » 2013-03-13 23:01

No. Sorry if I suggested that. Not the same retirees. I am talking about fresh young bright faces that understand 21st century transformation etc. Select the Best and Brightest who are willing to serve people not themselves. Check out both UPP and ALP past manifestos as a reference. Lots of words and promises but still no beef, jobs, wealth, peace or progress. Everything they promised either ended up as a scam or cant park. Why repeat this another 50 years? If you keep what we have we will get what we got for the past 60+ years.

**John French II** » 2013-03-13 22:34

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock! Skye, some say you have been taught by Jakey (Spoon) that if you are able to develop even a modicum of Convergence of Consciousness to claim space as a Progressive Change Agent on the Rock, then it is possible to change the Conditions for the 95% People of African Descent of Antigua & Barbuda.
You have offered your Services to be a Change Agent as a Special Constable.
Can anything good come out of St. Johnson Village will be the cry? To which this mere voice in the wilderness offers the refrain of Martin Luther King Jr, - Let Justice roll down like the mighty waters at Devil's Bridge and Righteousness like the placid stream at Big Creek! By the Powers vested in the People, you have been sworn in as the Special Constablel. The People will fill the judgeship with the Honourable Justice & Judge, your uncle. A Diasporan, legal scholar, WI & UK Military Man of Letters & Canadian Jurist. The People defer the appoitnment of Prosecuter to another Johnsonian of your choice.
No more Hams for Christmas, It shall be Fire in the Backyard and Pon Green Bay Hill!
Enjoy!
Go Well! Much Respect!

**SlyThatGuy** » 2013-03-13 22:28

Let's start a new party with what,the same old people with the same old qualities and attitudes? Even with a new name,people will still be able to see for themselves that the ALP leaders are the same "all talk but no action"type.

**Watching** » 2013-03-13 21:30

If that is the case Gaston that the Bill is dead, why then did a member of your parliamentary team say to a member of the UPP side, "my brother, you are right with the direction you are going with this bill, but you know how politics is played." Ask around Gaston......its the same one who told you - "Comrade Leader we should suspend Comrade Joseph for staying in there. Suspend him comrade Leader."

**NYC** » 2013-03-13 21:13

You have the vision man. A people without a vision perish. Lets start a new party. You have the right talent and we just need to assemble the right team of bright Antiguans to present that plan to the electorate and UPP and ALP will simply evaporate.

**tenman** » 2013-03-13 20:23

JD, you are wrong on this one: The program in the US is about applying for a EB5 visa (see http://www.eb5vermont.com/?gclid=CMP_yoL1-rUCFeRxOgoduBEAZA or google EB5 Visa) which garners you conditional residency (Green card) not citizenship

In Canada the Immigrant Investor Program is similar to the EB5 visa and provides permanent residency (NOT Citizenship) http://www.workpermit.com/news/2013-01-07/canadian-minister-not-contemplating-scrapping-immigrant-investor-program. The program in Canada is currently suspended.

JD to argue that these programs are CIP programs means that Antigua has had a CIP program for years due to the temporary residency we used to issue to persons who purchased property here

..

**skyewill** » 2013-03-13 19:40

Bravo, align the right talent with right task to turn A&B into the Investment Capital of the Caribbean. AND NO TOM FOOLERY

**Dr. Isaac Newton** » 2013-03-13 18:19

The best response to the CIP is to create a highly, targeted, competitive investor friendly environment that is both functional and will create buzz. Let's call it the Investor Friendly Program (IFP). 'The IFP should be devoid of bureaucratic red tapes. It should have special incentives for networking facilitators, and it should align the right talent with right task to turn A&B into the Investment Capital of the Caribbean. But the IFP requires smart work, great governance, and inspirational leadership to deliver fruitful outcomes. An underlying priority should be to establish an unending cycle of profitable partnerships between local investors and foreign investment.

If we think about what's best for Antigua, it should become clear that the CIP is not the best path to pursue.

Truth? We cannot sell enough passports to re-launch our broken economy. And, we are likely to attract persons with little ambition to actively participate in the overall development of Antigua and Barbuda.

**skyewill** » 2013-03-13 18:02

Bamboozling some of our compatriots is as easy as taking candy from a baby.
2011 Census information unavaiable! Finacial Statements Unavailable! "Bewildered & Bemused" are still waiting to be "Leapfrogged"!
The bamboozling will not cease until A&B becomes a reading cognitive with research skills country, not full of itself with "Poor Boast" sound bites peddled by Masquerading Decks of Spades, Clubs & Aces.

**skyewill** » 2013-03-13 17:59

Helping the poor and young people with jobs by buying realestate, HOW? No one does anything for the poor in Antigua except eat their food. You want to help the poor Negotiate with HMB, partner with them and build a mega resort instead of dillidally and run up an extra 50 million. The extra 50 million they wasting could have created real jobs. Check the track record, that's all I am going by the record and this calus behavior is not sustainable and at some point Antigua will crumble. We have no credability overseas or at home. LOGIC: We can not continue down the same path trust me on this!

**2 Cents** » 2013-03-13 17:52

The PM has obviously found a LOOPHOLE ----RESOLUTION. Why is Gaston Browne still harping that the BILL IS DEAD? There is NO BILL... But the RESOLUTION is likely to accomplish getting the CIP passed, and that's what counts for the UPP.

The ALP has to get its ACT together!

**skyewill** » 2013-03-13 17:51

Back in the day Green cards were permanent. Today the first on is for 2 years and 90 days before it expires you have to apply again for a permanent card which may be for the 10 years you talked about. Canada is not just asking for money they want professionals, athletes, doctors, Scientists etc. In parts of Africa they are looking for teachers, nurses, computer engineers. This is to benefit the entire country not just a few chosen.

**my way of helping** » 2013-03-13 17:47

I thank you for you seeing that my crime fighting plan should be considered. I know it will work and it is a sign, the crime rate that increase drastically in Antigua should have been a sign too but let us just use this one as the sign.

**skyewill** » 2013-03-13 17:42

I agree that this is a good thing in principle. However, this is a democracy and I know the people don't understand or want it. The Senators that killed it saw a good reason to do so. They want to money to go to the treasury instead of being unaccountable for and I hate the Media muzzle. UPP failed to sell the idea and that's their fault. Look at the way the leader of the Senate, a PhD handled it. Too many arrogant mistakes. so the people don't believe they can run this program without crazy things like WPP and HMB, fenses issue and all thos unfinished projects. DO THE PEOPLE HAVE A VOICE? I know of many countries that have CIP programs but not just for money but for fundamental values that will really help the people. You would go with the guys that put this in their budget before it's approved? **ED!!

**skyewill** » 2013-03-13 17:33

He spent the time with me. He showed me respect. I am currently gathering my thoughts so I can share our conversation with all of you. As you may know it’s all on the table for me. You will have to move from center in order to participate in the elections. So here is your option. You can go the guys who want to negotiate with HMB for 70 million instead of 20 million. Do you understand when you take an oath to protect your country what that means? Ask your boy Caught where are the WALKIE TALKIES we bought for the police. Me and Browne is don't agree on everything 1. He want to buil 500 houses in 500 days. I want to finish those unfinished projects and 200 houses. Browne would entertain Social Security increases and may even extend the age. I am not with that but my choice is much too long for this debate but fundamentally I see difference and different is good right now and you know what they about who God bless.

**skyewill** » 2013-03-13 17:26

You to damm lie and you need to stop. First I am not interested in politics. And I am not looking for no job in Antigua, I want to bring jobs to Antigua. You or no one have ever heard Mr. Browne or myself discuss anything of that nature. But If I accept any job offer it would have to be to a special constable to lock up those who have betrayed on both sides ( THAT’S CENTER). I know you are afraid of Browne and you need to be. I don’t believe “Error Caught “would not tell the truth to save YOUR life. Browne is telling the truth and I can agree with the truth. I have disagreed with Browne on several issues but he is on point with this one and you know it. I will not even begin to tell you how bad a shape Antigua is in because I do not want to scare you. Let’s just say the ship HAS SUNK, Past Participle of the verb to be. I, ME went to see Browne. I wanted to know where he stood on certain issues and how he plans to save the country. The man had ideas. In 2004 I was not at center, I listened to the UPP SWEET TALK of change now look. Elections soon come and we will either have to go left or right. The middle is not an option, so I interviewed Browne.

**Village Boi** » 2013-03-13 16:38

JP if you do ur research you will see the USA, UK and Canada dont have a CIP, they have(Residence by Investment) RIP which is totally different from CIP and there is no guarantees that you will get citizenship if you r in RIP in the US, UK and Canada.

There is a clear differents between CIP and RIP.....with a RIP u have to perform and ur contributions have to increase before you can even be consider for citizenship verses the CIP u pay one set of money and u get a passport and citizenship in a very short space of time. No performs and no continuous investment is needed.

The reason why i have a problem with the CIP is because its going attract the undesirables that we dont want or need. Who is only going to use us to get into the US, Canada, Uk and other countries which they cant entry directly or have diffculties to entry from their our country. WE r the middle man or middle country lol

I am looking on the long term possiblities and effects and not short term ones

Lets look at programs that will continue to benefit us over a long term period

**CIROC** » 2013-03-13 16:25

I keep hearing about" the will of the people" in regards to CIP.Did anyone take a survey with the people at large.I am not referring to Caribarena bloggers.For anyone to write that the vast majority of Antiguans and Barbudans are against this bill.I need to see the facts,not political jargon.In my opinion the will of the people are all of you ALP/ABLP/NEW LABOR PARTY.There are three parties within the Labor Party.That could be the reason you all are confused.As a supporter of Gaston Browne,not Labor,let your words be soft and sweet,just in case you have to eat them.A few words from an older,duncy Antiguan.You cannot always show your cards.

**rupert j.** » 2013-03-13 16:10

Some time ago I mentioned that gaston brown was a snake in the g** just waiting to pounce and here is doing just that, having being the individual to introduce this idea of the CIP to the antiguan public under the guise that the powers that be would not act upon it but lo and behold they decided to act on it and now that things are not going well he is in the back ground knocking the government. What he should have done is since he saw the merits of such a plan he should have put the party politics aside and work together to see that the final outcome would have been a positive one but I guess that he is not on that level where you you leave ideology aside for the benefit of country,but as I said the man is a snake in the g**.

**Professor** » 2013-03-13 15:52

I thought of you when I heard that the new pope is to be known as POPE FRANCIS. It maybe a sign that the time his come for the government of Antigua and Barbuda to finally accept the F.R.A.N.C.I.S. Crime Plan.

**NYC** » 2013-03-13 15:10

After almost10 years of doing nothing UPP is desperate for an investment election gimmick to boast about but CIP even if allowed won't be enough to satisfy the electorate. Can someone find a successful investment credited to UPP during the past two terms that they can brag about since CIP is dead on arrival?

JD » 2013-03-13 14:33

Of course there are CIP schemes in Canada, the USA and the UK (just to name the 'big' players)! Some might take longer to acquire, or have stringent application processes, or need lots and lots of money/investmen t, but it definitely exists so I'm not sure where some bloggers are getting their 'facts' from. It is just a matter of economics in the end - no man is an island, and our island can't just survive all on its own without interacting in some way with the rest of the planet. It's how CIP will be administered etc here that we need to be worrying about - don't close your mind to opportunity and experience.

**Lord Have Mercy** » 2013-03-13 14:26

We can all agree that a properly administered Residency by Investment is far preferible to a Citizenship by Investment Program. If Governments arround the world have no problem making money from these programs I believe that I should also cash-in on the easy money that can be made from these programs.

I have already spoken to my web designer about creating a webiste that is a one stop shop for our GLOBAL RESIDENCY BY MARRIAGE PROGRAM. For a small fraction (US $25,000) of what the US, Canadian, Australian, and Caribbean governments are asking for, I can find applicants in any part of the world a HUSBAND or a WIFE, which qualifies them for RESIDENCY in the country of their choice.

Men and women can advertise their availability and get paid for their BIRTHRITE instead of allowing the government to sell it and get nothing.

**Gunter** » 2013-03-13 14:03

As a frequent visitor to Antigua who has no knowledge of Antiguan politics, I hope Mr Browne is correct. This CIP bill sells the political future of Antigua for at best a small gain. I have EU passport and easy access to your beautiful island. Why would I be needing an Antiguan passport? I propose that the only people who are really needing to buy an Antiguan passport are the people who should not have one at any price - some will be pirates (brothers to some current supporters of CIP?) and some potentially disruptive refugees who would be upsetting the socio-economic balance of the island when and if they come to live. And GOAB is selling these people a vote?

**my way of helping** » 2013-03-13 13:47

I honestly thought Mr. Browne knows the rule of law does not apply to UPP and its people. What UPP blogger on here do you see have respect for others? What UPP leader you see stand up for what is right?

**John French II** » 2013-03-13 13:32

Notes From A Native Son Of he Rock! Reading CA confirms that some have & will continue to suffer from a Neglected Education.
Bamboozling some of our compatriots is as easy as taking candy from a baby.
2011 Census information unavaiable! Finacial Statements Unavailable! "Bewildered & Bemused" are still waiting to be "Leapfrogged"!
The bamboozling will not cease until A&B becomes a reading cognitive with research skills country, not full of itself with "Poor Boast" sound bites peddled by Masquerading Decks of Spades, Clubs & Aces. CXC results were known in January. No Data! No Management Information! Many relish in the Politico's Short Snappers! CXC Results 2013 - approx 75 words.
www.ab.gov.ag/article_details.php?id=3915&category=40 Pompey is forever competing with Knaax's "Kentucky"!
Anyone who continues to echo that the US & Canada have CIP's is a clod. Information is available on those Government Websites. They are Residency Programs! No Shortcut to Citizenship! You do the Time! Canada has increased the cost to $4.5M CAN or $11.78M EC.
Quote:

Hark hark the dogs do bark!

Nation Building Is Hard Work! Respect!

**Professor** » 2013-03-13 12:37

I am not necessarily opposed to the selling of passports by any name ... any port in a storm. I was not opposed to it when ALP made a successful business out of our passports, so I cannot be like the hypocrite ABLP politicians and pretend that all of a sudden the selling of passports is such a terrible idea. If truth be told the whole selling of passports idea is Gaston Browne's pet project, supported in parliament by Asot Michael, who is alleged to be the financier of the ABLP LEADERSHIP.

If passports have to be sold to provide jobs for our young people, or to alleviate the burdens on the poor and vulnerable, or even to help pay civil servants, I am all for it, whether it be New Labour, True Labour or the Bluebirds. What I am opposed to is the selling of passports to create a SLUSH FUND to finance UPP's Election Campaign.

**anuson** » 2013-03-13 11:29

"I have my head on." That is a direct quote from the Prime Minister. I heard him speak in parliament on Monday. He sounded like a man that his head has come off. What an angry man....

**Village Boi** » 2013-03-13 10:16

I keep on hearing that the UK, USA and Canada has a CIP. I did some reseach the only countries that has a CIP program are St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica and to some extent Austrian......C ountries that has offered the CIP but terminated it were Ireland, Belize and Grenada.

the USA, UK and Canada offer a Ridence by Investment and maybe later down they can get citizenship.

PPl know you facts before you misinfor ppl......
https://www.henleyglobal.com/citizenship/citizenship-by-investment/
http://www.high-net-worth-immigration.com/hnw-immigration-blog/bid/118806/The-Best-Citizenship-by-Investment-Countries

I am not a support of the CIP in the form that it has been presented...... at the end of the day call it would u want but u r selling our passports and thats all.......The Government is just going take these ppl money and misuse and mismanage it like they did with the tax money that they have collected.

**tenman** » 2013-03-13 09:13

Professor Browne has stated via parliament that they will be taking this matter to court. He stated this before the opposition walked out. Was it bluster? Lets give it a few weeks and see

..

**tenman** » 2013-03-13 09:12

Quote:

Facts about Green card - Did you know? Green card doesn't mean citizenship. You might apply for citizenship after holding Green card status for a certain period of time. Green card is not issued for life time. It is for a specific period, which is normally for 10 years. You need to revalidate it after that limit. There are certain conditions in order to maintain the status of Green card. www.path2usa.com/green-card-process

JP Farnsworth is everyone who have a green card guaranteed Citizenship? I ask this because to suggest residency by investment programs offered in the US and Canada are CIP's must be derived by an affirmative answer to the first question.
..

**JP Farnsworth** » 2013-03-13 08:36

It's so silly people are fighting about how the bill is presented, we all know it's a good thing for Antigua. Before we used to give away citizenship to people like Stanford now they will have to pay for it up front and they will investigated first, not after at their expense. Many countries such as Canada have a citizenship by investment program why do we think we are protecting something sacred. There are many ways to become a citizen in Antigua, now we are just going to make some money from it. If someone is willing to pony up a million I say let them have it. ;-)

**Lord Have Mercy** » 2013-03-13 08:34

Mr Williams I think it is shameful and beneath your dignity for you to let the leader of the opposition have you singing for your supper in this way ... all for a position (PAYCHECK) that you say he promised you. Here on Caribarena, we respect you as a non-partisan voice of patriotism, please do not let this SWEET TALKER degrade you in public in this manner.

All of your objectivity and critical faculties are out of the window when it comes to this guy. If it was Errol Cort that had said the same thing you would not be singing his praise. Please brother, move back to the center and find your African mind.

**Professor** » 2013-03-13 07:12

"According to the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party leader, the government’s actions have circumvented the standing orders of the Parliament, as well as the provisions of the constitution of this country."

When a fourthright person makes that kind of allegation against the government, what comes next is the PROOF to SUPPORT the ALLEGATION, otherwise the ALLEGATION is considered as UNFOUNDED (UNSUPPORTED BY THE FACTS).

I am asking that GASTON or his lawyers or advisors to BACK UP HIS CHAT (POLITICAL TALK) and please tell me and the nation:
1. What SECTION(S) of the Standing Orders were CIRCUMVENTED, and
2. What CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS have been contraviened.

Comrade Leader also stated that "... there cannot be an active parliament by way of resolution, adding that there is case law to confirm this." In the same order of ideas I am asking that the leader of the opposition SUPPOR HIS CONTENTION by providing the name and jurisdiction of the CASE.

Today is not like before, the young voters in particular are demanding more than TALK.

**tenman** » 2013-03-13 06:21

The AG makes this loud argument that since the bill was not rejected by the senate twice it can be sent back to them in this session, by parliament, after (lower house) debate (AG Weighs in on CIP Fiasco, 27 February 2013 02:30 By Delana Isles, Caribarena). Strangely the government side then decides they are not sending back a bill but a resolution, hence no debate. If the AG claims the door is available why are they trying to bring this in via kicking down the proverbial back door?

..

**skyewill** » 2013-03-13 04:09

Here you have a man who clearly wants to be Prime Minister saying that even though something is in his opinion, HE WILL NOT GO AGAINST THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE. Same guy bold enough to challenge the "status quo" in his own party, why? same reason. HE WILL NOT GO UP AGAINST THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE. Now what you guys need to figure out is if that is a quality you want in a Prime minister or you want people who don't care what you thing and shove WPP down your throat even though it is obviously bad for the country. IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT?

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