Antigua & Barbuda THE CITIZEN

ISSUE 12 • DECEMBER 2021

HAMA 30 years of indigenous filmmaking Oscar-nominated Marianne Jean-Baptiste’s Antiguan heritage

Gastronomy and rum in the sun

Sports philanthropy creating a level playing field for all

I

welcome

I welcome to our shores our new citizens and visitors who have decided to experience the beauty of our exotic tropical seascapes and landscapes, which make Antigua & Barbuda unique in the Caribbean. While here, I would encourage you to challenge your taste buds by sampling some of our many gastronomical delights that will also win your hearts Our English Harbour Rum has been continuously refined over more than 140 years of brewing. It is smooth and gentle and titillates the tongue whilst casting a warm glow over the entire body. Everyone who tastes this magical brew for the first time remarks on its sumptuous flavour and extraordinary ability to transform the spirit.

Our native dishes reflect the islands’ rich history and use of healthy local products. For centuries, the population has consumed a mix of cornmeal cooked with okra, a serving of lightly salted codfish, and strips of cacti delicately prepared in olive oil and with a splash of lemon. It has won the palates of strangers and residents alike. It is a meal to die for!

“While here, I would encourage you to challenge your taste buds by sampling some of our many gastronomical delights that will also win your hearts.”

The chefs at the many luxury hotels, restaurants and private homes have had years of experience fashioning and adapting these much-loved meals to meet the taste requirements of both the uninitiated and those who regularly eat the local cuisine.

Antigua & Barbuda is a paradise in many more ways than most imagine. Our hospitality and friendliness surpass the ordinary. Our cuisine is delicious. Our record of safety and security is unmatched. And the opportunity for investment makes our island-home a veritable cornucopia of peace, opportunity and enjoyment. We welcome you.

Honourable Gaston Browne Prime Minister

ISSUE 12 • DECEMBER 2021

03

W

When visiting a new country, whether on holiday, business or because you’ve chosen it to make your new home, there are so many different sights and sounds to enjoy and soak up. As some of the most beautiful islands in the world, Antigua & Barbuda certainly don’t disappoint in the looks department with their magnificent white-sand beaches, lush vegetation and azure seas. The sound of the ever-present trade winds blowing softly through the palm trees, the gentle waves breaking on the shore, or the unforgettable melody of the Antiguan night will stay with you forever. But as well as the incredible sights and sounds, another sense will certainly be stimulated during your time in the twin islands, your taste.

Whether it is the freshly caught, juicy lobster for dinner in your luxury hotel, one of the richly seasoned national dishes sampled in one of the numerous rustic beach bars, or one of the moreish rum cocktails prepared by a maestro mixologist at your resort, you can be sure that you won’t be disappointed with the delectable food and drink available on the islands.

&

antigua Barbuda 04

THE CITIZEN

Although the exotic food may transport you to another world, Antigua & Barbuda is only a short flight to major business centres in North America and only eight hours to the UK. You can build up an appetite by enjoying one of the islands’ many activities.

Whether it’s kitesurfing and other water sports on the translucent waters of the Caribbean, sailing in some of the best conditions in the world, or taking in a round of golf, you certainly won’t be bored.

Rum lovers can visit the Caribbean’s most legendary rum shop, learn about the infamous history of the drink in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nelson’s Dockyard or visit Betty’s Hope, one of the former plantations, where enslaved Africans were used to cultivate the sugar from which the rum was produced.

For those that choose the islands as their new home, world-class educational facilities, banking, and communications make living in paradise easy and comfortable. And of course, don’t forget the great restaurants found all over!

Antigua & Barbuda’s CBI programme is one of the best in the Caribbean and is in the top five of the Professional Wealth Management’s CBI 2021 Index carried out by the International Financial Times Group. Citizenship to the islands allows visa-free travel to 165 jurisdictions, including Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK and Schengen area.

ISSUE 12 • DECEMBER 2021

05

THE CITIZEN, the official publication of the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), is produced by Select Publishing with the full support of Charmaine Quinland-Donovan, CIU’s Chief Executive Officer and the Government of Antigua & Barbuda.

Publisher: Danielle Jacobsen Managing Editor: Susan Brophy Creative & Art Director: Marta Conceição

For Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) related enquiries, contact CIU at: info@cip.gov.ag www.cip.gov.ag

Advertising Designer: Analu Pettinati/Antonio Caparrós/ SalmanDesign Antigua & Barbuda introduction photo (page 4 & 5): Jonathan Murphy Photo credits: Jonathan Murphy, Andre Phillip, Ronald Silencieux, Frank Jackson, Virgin Galaxy, Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority, Frontier Airlines, Hammock Cove, Ed Gifford/RORC, Fer Ribes, Danielle Jacobsen, Deposit Photos, Shutterstock, Adobe, Ameer Basheer/Unsplash, Aleksandra Pasaric/Pexels, Shantanu Pal/Pexels.

For Investment Migration Council (IMC) membership enquiries, contact the Regional Representative Office at: caribbean@investmentmigration.org www.investmentmigration.org

Translations: BCB Soluciones Repro & printing: Lisgráfica – Impressão e Artes Gráficas Circulation: 1,500 For all editorial and advertising enquiries, or to order a free copy, contact:

CiviQuo is the World’s First Investment Migration Marketplace.

For enquiries, contact us at: info@civiquo.com

select@select-publishing.com

www.civiquo.com

The views expressed in the publication are not necessarily those of the CIU or the publishers. The publishers make every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are correct, but cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information published herein, or be held accountable for any errors, omissions, or claims for any damages.

To access THE CITIZEN:

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without prior permission in writing from the publishers. www.thecitizenantiguabarbuda.com thecitizenantiguabarbuda

thecitizenantiguabarbuda

issuu.com/thecitizenantiguabarbuda

editor’s

letter Susan Brophy Editor

elcome to the 12th issue of Antigua & Barbuda The Citizen. We hope you enjoy delving into this issue to read more about citizenship by investment in these beautiful islands and a whole lot more.

They say that to understand a country’s culture, you must learn about their cuisine. This issue’s cover story sees how the food and drink of Antigua & Barbuda is a microcosm of the islands’ history on a plate; from the ingredients brought by the enslaved people from the African motherland to the rum given to the colonists’ sailors to keep them docile.

And it is the food traditions of Antigua that Chef Claude Lewis, winner of television’s Chopped, is introducing to the public at his restaurant in New Jersey. His mission is to make the food of his Antiguan heritage, not only the food of happy vacations in the West Indies, but of fine dining restaurants everywhere.

Another second-generation Antiguan, this time from Britain, the talented, Oscar-nominated actor Marianne Jean-Baptiste, talks about her heritage and career in film, television and theatre.

2022 is a big year for homegrown talents Howard and Mitzi Allen, the most prolific filmmakers in the Eastern Caribbean. Not only does their company HAMA Films turn 30, but they will be releasing their fifth feature-length movie.

Expo 2020 Dubai came a year later than planned, but for Antigua & Barbuda the event has been the perfect vehicle to showcase its natural beauty, culture and investment opportunities to new markets.

Our featured photographer Jonathan Murphy’s sublime shots of Antigua perfectly demonstrate the natural beauty that the islands are so eager to share with the world. Whilst the island’s adopted daughter, Jan Farara’s fabulous colourful paintings depict the vibrancy of Antigua’s markets, shorelines and ocean.

This issue’s conservation article looks at the majestic whale. There are few people on Earth unmoved on sighting one of these gentle giants. But many aren’t aware that these magical creatures may just be the answer to climate change.

Sports have been around since the beginning of time and are vital for physical and mental health. Like so many aspects of life, access to this vital activity depends on the socio-economic class into which you are born, and sports philanthropy’s goal is to level the playing field for all.

As usual, our Thought Leaders give us their insights into the world of citizenship by investment. And the CIU’s very own Charmaine Donovan lets us in on the Unit’s plans for 2022.

On behalf of the Select Publishing team, I thank all our contributors and readers. We would like to wish everyone a very happy and prosperous 2022!

ISSUE 12 • DECEMBER 2021

07

cont ribu to rs

Christopher Willis

David Murphy

David is the proprietor and distiller at the Antilles Stillhouse.

With an extensive background in winemaking in the Okanagan Valley in Canada, David and his wife Sonu decided to return to his native Antigua to explore island botanicals and produce small-batch spirits.

Is the Managing Director of Latitude Consultancy responsible for Government Advisory services and Programme Delivery. Involved in the immigration industry since 1995, he is a member of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC), the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC) and the Investment Migration Council (IMC).

David Lesperance Christopher K Waters Dr Christopher K Waters is an archaeologist specialising in 18th-century Antigua. He is the current Director of the Heritage Department with the National Parks Authority of Antigua & Barbuda.

He regularly gives “Rum in the Ruins” talks at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites.

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THE CITIZEN

One of the world’s leading international tax and immigration advisors and a published author in the field. David’s experience spans decades and having first established his expertise in major law firms, today he operates his own law firm and works as a private consultant advising ultra-high-net-worth individuals and their families.

Kenneth Green Is the Managing Partner of Advance Global Partners, a citizenship and investment consultancy based in Dominica.

Advance is a best of breed agency who are local agents in Dominica, marketing agents in Grenada, and who also represents the Curaçao Resident Permit Program, and a range of other citizenship and investment services.

Abire Mansoor Director of Citizens International (Antigua) and a qualified Licensed Agent. She has over 15 years’ experience in business consulting, real estate, and e-commerce solutions. Responsible for CI’s operations in Antigua, she also heads up the company’s bespoke concierge service for high-networth clients, providing a onestop-shop boutique experience for their investment and residence essentials, including citizenship.

tho l gu eade ught est rs wr hip ite rs :

6) 38) ( 0) o nce (4 o s a is an per ill M s rW ire d Le he b A avi top D hris C 3 r(

30

43

OPINION

COVER STORY

Of sovereignty and survival

Gastronomy and rum in the sun

52

56

INTERVIEW

FOCUS

Marianne Jean-Baptiste Oscar-nominated actor of Antiguan heritage

58

EXPO 2020 Dubai

62

INTERVIEW Howard & Mitzi of HAMA Celebrating 30 years of filmmaking

PHOTOGRAPHY

68

Antigua through the lens of Jonathan Murphy

les

INTERVIEW

ed

7 76 2 A CIP 82 C rt In s fo W ons & C or er u th va ltu N tio re ot n in g

Sports philanthropy Creating a level playing field

14

PHILANTHROPY

Fix

80

Ar tic

Chef Claude Lewis Bringing West Indian food to the US

Antigua & Barbuda

BARBUDA BELLE

FRIGATE BIRD SANCTUARY

BARBUDA

ANTIGUA

MARTELLO TOWER PALMETTO POINT

BLUE WATERS HODGES BAY JUMBY BAY

FORT JAMES

V.C. BIRD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

SPANISH POINT

REGENT’S BAY

PEARNS POINT BETTY’S HOPE JOLLY HARBOUR

NONSUCH BAY

SUGAR RIDGE TAMARIND HILLS HALF MOON BAY

CURTAIN BLUFF SOUTHPOINT

NELSON’S DOCKYARD ENGLISH HARBOUR

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THE CITIZEN

ARE YOU ALL AT SEA?

WHAT IS YOUR Does your plan B let you decide where you live?

Does your plan B allow you to easily access healthcare in another country?

Does your plan B mean that you can travel to a business meeting on the other side of the world at a moment’s notice?

Does your plan B protect your children’s inheritance?

Does your plan B give you wealth management options?

Does your plan B allow you to relocate your family in the event of a national disaster?

www.cip.gov.ag

DOES YOUR PLAN B

include a second citizenship?

citizenship by

investment programme

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

Citizenship by Investment Programme

There are four types of investment which will qualify you for citizenship in the paradise islands of Antigua & Barbuda. As an applicant, you can choose between a contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF), to The University of the West Indies Fund, purchase property in a pre-approved real estate development, or invest in an approved business venture.

As a candidate, you must be over 18 years of age, hold no criminal record and have excellent health.

Upon successful application, you and your family will obtain a lifetime citizenship and enjoy travelling visa-free to 165 jurisdictions.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND The non-profit NDF was established to fund income-generating public sector projects, innovation in entrepreneurship and approved charitable investments. It is audited by an internationally recognised accounting firm and reports on its status are published each year.

If this is your investment of choice, you are invited to contribute USD 100,000 to the NDF, which is a one-time contribution for a family of four. Processing fees will be applied as indicated below.

For a single applicant, or a family of 4 or less: • US$ 100,000 contribution Processing fees: US$ 30,000.* For a family of 5 or more: • US$ 125,000 contribution Processing fees: US$ 45,000, US$ 15,000 for each additional dependent over five people.

THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES (UWI) FUND This investment option serves as a mechanism to finance the new University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus. This contribution will also entitle one member of the family to a one-year scholarship, tuition only, at the University of the West Indies.

For a family of 6: • US$ 150,000 contribution • Processing fees: US$ 15,000 from the seventh additional dependent onwards.

INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE You and your family can obtain citizenship by purchasing a property in Antigua & Barbuda. You may also benefit from rental revenue with this investment. To qualify for citizenship under this option, you must invest in a designated, officially approved real estate development worth at least US$ 400,000, undertake a joint investment of US$ 200,000 between two (2) related parties/ applications, or minimum US$ 200,000 for a unit/share in an approved property.

You must own the property for a minimum of five years before selling it. At this time, owners may resell their units or shares to subsequent applicants as eligible investments. Processing fees will be applied as indicated below.

For a single applicant, or a family of 4 or less: • Processing fees: US$ 30,000.* For a family of 5 or more: • Processing fees: US$ 45,000, US$ 15,000 for each additional dependent over five people.

BUSINESS INVESTMENT The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) after consulting with the Antigua & Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA) approves businesses, whether existing or proposed, for the purposes of investment in business under the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP).

There are two business investment options: • Invest at least US$ 1,500,000 in a pre-approved business.

•A lternatively, at least two applicants can propose to make a joint investment in an approved business with a total investment of at least US$ 5,000,000. Each investor must contribute at least US$ 400,000 to the joint investment.

For a single applicant, or a family of 4 or less: • Processing fees: US$ 30,000.* For a family of 5 or more: •P rocessing fees: US$ 45,000, US$ 15,000 for each additional dependent over five people.

Please note that all four options also include a due diligence fee of US$ 7,500 for the main applicant and spouse, US$ 2,000 for any dependent child between 12-17 years of age and US$ 4,000 for any dependent child/parent between 18-30 and 55 plus years.

* Processing fees for additional dependents: US$ 10,000 for children under 5 years, US$ 20,000 for children aged 6-17 years, US$ 50,000 for adults over 18 years.

For a future spouse of the principal applicant, a fee of US$ 50,000 is payable upon application.

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THE CITIZEN

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

citizenship by

Citizenship by Investment Programme Frequently Asked Questions

investment programme

Why does Antigua & Barbuda have a citizenship by investment programme?

The programme was introduced to promote economic growth, attract real estate development, increase foreign direct investment to the country, support the development of infrastructure and provide for a sustainable future.

What happens once my application has been accepted?

A certificate of registration of citizenship will be issued and submitted to the passport office. Your authorised agent/representative will forward your passports and Citizenship Certificate to you.

How many visa-free countries can I travel to as a citizen of Antigua & Barbuda?

You can travel to 165 jurisdictions without requiring a visa, including the EU and Schengen countries, Hong Kong and Singapore.

What is the processing time?

Processing your application should take from 3 to 6 months.

Do I need to travel to Antigua & Barbuda to complete the process?

The application process can be made from your country of residence. Once your application is successful and you have received your passport, you must travel to Antigua & Barbuda to take your oath or affirmation of allegiance. You are entitled to take up full-time residence in Antigua & Barbuda at any time you wish.

Who can apply for citizenship?

To apply for the citizenship programme in Antigua & Barbuda, you must be at least 18 years of age, be of a good character with no criminal record, and have good health.

Does Antigua & Barbuda recognise dual citizenship?

There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in Antigua & Barbuda.

Do I need to speak English to apply for citizenship?

You don’t need to speak English to be an applicant.

For how many years will my passport be valid for?

The passport will be valid for a period of 5 years and is renewable for a period of 10 years thereafter, provided that the requirements are met, which includes spending a minimum of five days in the country during this period after becoming a citizen.

Who can be included on the application?

Your dependent children under 28 and dependent parents over 58 can be included within the application.

How do you conduct the due diligence and vetting of applicants?

There are no interviews. However, all applicants undergo rigorous screening prior to consideration by the Citizenship by Investment Unit. Complete files will be forwarded to an international, unbiased thirdparty due diligence service provider who will conduct detailed background checks on all applicants before the application is approved.

Can I invest with my Bitcoins or other cryptocurrencies?

This is in the pipeline but has not yet been established.

In addition to the citizenship by investment programme does Antigua & Barbuda have a tax residency programme?

Antigua & Barbuda does not currently offer a tax residency programme.

For any additional questions, please contact an authorized representative, licensed agent or the CIU directly.

ISSUE 12 • DECEMBER 2021

15

‫الحصول عىل جنسية أنتيغوا وباربودا عن طريق‬ ‫برنامج االستثامر‬ ‫هناك أربعة أنواع من االستثامرات التي ستجعلك مؤهالً للحصول عىل جنسية الجزر‬ ‫الفردوسية أنتيغوا وباربودا‪ .‬عند تقديم الطلب‪ ،‬ميكنك االختيار بني تقديم مساهمة‬ ‫لصالح الصندوق الوطني للتنمية أو صندوق جامعة الهند الغربية أو رشاء ملكية يف‬ ‫إحدى املجموعات العقارية املعتمدة مسبقاً أو االستثامر يف مرشوع تجاري معتمد‪.‬‬ ‫وكمرشح‪ ،‬يجب أن يتجاوز عمرك ‪ 18‬عاماً وأال يكون لديك سوابق جنائية وأن تتمتع‬ ‫بصحة ممتازة‪.‬‬ ‫عند نجاح طلبك‪ ،‬ستحصل أنت وأرستك عىل الجنسية مدى الحياة وستستمتعون بالسفر‬ ‫بدون تأشرية إىل أكرث من ‪ 165‬والية قضائية‪.‬‬ ‫تقديم مساهمة لصالح الصندوق الوطني للتنمية‬ ‫تم تأسيس الصندوق الوطني للتنمية‪ ،‬الذي ال يهدف للربح‪ ،‬لتمويل مشاريع القطاع العام‬ ‫املدرة للدخل واالبتكار يف ريادة األعامل واالستثامرات الخريية املعتمدة‪ .‬وتُرا َجع حساباته‬ ‫ُنش تقارير عن وضعه سنوياً‪.‬‬ ‫من ِقبل رشكة محاسبة معرتف بها دولياً وت َ‬ ‫تم تأسيس الصندوق الوطني للتنمية‪ ،‬الذي ال يهدف للربح‪ ،‬لتمويل مشاريع القطاع العام‬ ‫املدرة للدخل واالبتكار يف ريادة األعامل واالستثامرات الخريية املعتمدة‪ .‬وتُرا َجع حساباته‬ ‫ُنش تقارير عن وضعه سنوياً‪.‬‬ ‫من ِقبل رشكة محاسبة معرتف بها دولياً وت َ‬ ‫إذا وقع اختيارك عىل هذا النوع من االستثامرات‪ ،‬فيُطلب منك تقديم مساهمة قدرها‬ ‫‪ 100.000‬دوالر أمرييك للصندوق الوطني للتنمية‪ ،‬وهي عبارة عن مساهمة تُقدَّم مرة‬ ‫واحدة عن كل أرسة مك ّونة من أربعة أفراد‪ .‬وسيتم تطبيق رسوم املعالجة كام هو موضح‬ ‫أدناه‪.‬‬ ‫ملقدم طلب واحد أو أرسة مك ّونة من ‪ 4‬أفراد أو أقل‪:‬‬ ‫• مساهمة قدرها ‪ 100.000‬دوالر أمرييك‬ ‫رسوم املعالجة‪ 30.000 :‬دوالر أمرييك‪ .‬انظر الخيار لفرتة محددة*‬ ‫ألرسة مك ّونة من ‪ 5‬أفراد أو أكرث‪:‬‬ ‫• مساهمة قدرها ‪ 125.000‬دوالر أمرييك‬ ‫رسوم املعالجة‪ 45.000 :‬دوالر أمرييك‪ 15.000 ،‬دوالر أمرييك لكل شخص ُمعال إضايف‬ ‫عىل ‪ 5‬أشخاص‪.‬‬ ‫صندوق جامعة الهند الغربية‪:‬‬ ‫يعمل هذا الخيار كآلية لتمويل حرم الجزر الخمس الجديد لجامعة الهند الغربية‪.‬‬ ‫وستخول هذه املساهمة أيضاً حصول أحد أفراد األرسة عىل منحة دراسية مدتها سنة‬ ‫واحدة‪ ،‬تشمل رسوم التعليم فقط‪ ،‬يف جامعة الهند الغربية‪.‬‬ ‫ألرسة مك ّونة من ‪ 6‬أفراد‪:‬‬ ‫‪ .‬مساهمة قدرها ‪ 150.000‬دوالر أمرييك‬ ‫‪ .‬رسوم املعالجة‪ 15.000 :‬دوالر أمرييك من الشخص امل ُعال اإلضايف‬ ‫السابع فصاعدا ً‪.‬‬

‫‪citizenship by‬‬

‫‪investment‬‬ ‫‪programme‬‬

‫االستثامر يف العقارات‬ ‫ميكنك أنت وأرستك الحصول عىل الجنسية من خالل رشاء عقار يف أنتيغوا وباربودا‪.‬‬ ‫كام ميكنك أيضاً االستفادة من إيرادات اإليجار بفضل هذا االستثامر‪ .‬وليك تكون مؤهالً‬ ‫للحصول عىل الجنسية مبوجب هذا الخيار‪ ،‬يجب عليك االستثامر يف مجموعة عقارية‬ ‫مع ّينة ومعتمدة رسمياً ال ّ‬ ‫تقل قيمتها عن ‪ 400.000‬دوالر أمرييك‪ ،‬إجراء استثامر مشرتك‬ ‫بقيمة ‪ 200.000‬دوالر أمرييك لكل طرف‪/‬طلب من طرفني‪/‬طلبني (‪ )2‬مرتابطني‪ ،‬أو ما ال‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫يقل عن ‪ 200.000‬دوالر أمرييك لوحدة‪/‬حصة يف عقار معتمد‪.‬‬ ‫ويجب عليك امتالك العقار ملدة خمس سنوات عىل األقل قبل بيعه‪ .‬ويجوز حينئذ‬ ‫للاملكني إعادة بيع وحدتهم أو حصتهم ملقدمي طلبات الحقني كاستثامرات مؤهلة‪.‬‬ ‫وسيتم تطبيق رسوم املعالجة كام هو موضح أدناه‪.‬‬ ‫ملقدم طلب واحد أو أرسة مك ّونة من ‪ 4‬أفراد أو أقل‪:‬‬ ‫• رسوم املعالجة‪ 30.000 :‬دوالر أمرييك‪ .‬انظر الخيار لفرتة محددة*‬ ‫ألرسة مك ّونة من ‪ 5‬أفراد أو أكرث‪:‬‬ ‫• رسوم املعالجة‪ 45.000 :‬دوالر أمرييك‪ 15.000 ،‬دوالر أمرييك لكل شخص ُمعال إضايف‬ ‫عىل ‪ 5‬أشخاص‪.‬‬ ‫االستثامر التجاري‬ ‫تقوم وحدة الجنسية عن طريق االستثامر ‪ -‬بعد التشاور مع هيئة االستثامر يف أنتيغوا‬ ‫وباربودا ‪ -‬باملوافقة عىل املشاريع التجارية‪ ،‬سواء كانت قامئة أو مقرتحة‪ ،‬ألغراض‬ ‫االستثامر يف األعامل التجارية مبوجب برنامج الجنسية عن طريق االستثامر‪.‬‬ ‫هناك خياران لالستثامر التجاري‪:‬‬ ‫• استثمر ما ال يقل عن ‪ 1.500.000‬دوالر أمرييك يف مرشوع تجاري معتمدة مسبقاً‪.‬‬ ‫• كبديل لذلك‪ ،‬ميكن لطرفني عىل األقل اقرتاح إجراء استثامر مشرتك يف مرشوع تجاري‬ ‫معتمد مببلغ إجاميل ال يقل عن ‪ 5.000.000‬دوالر أمرييك‪ .‬ويجب عىل كل مستثمر‬ ‫املساهمة مببلغ ال يقل عن ‪ 400.000‬دوالر أمرييك يف االستثامر املشرتك‪.‬‬ ‫ملقدم طلب واحد أو أرسة مك ّونة من ‪ 4‬أفراد أو أقل‪:‬‬ ‫• رسوم املعالجة‪ 30.000 :‬دوالر أمرييك انظر‪ .‬الخيار لفرتة محددة*‬ ‫ألرسة مك ّونة من ‪ 5‬أفراد أو أكرث‪:‬‬ ‫• رسوم املعالجة‪ 45.000 :‬دوالر أمرييك‪ 15.000 ،‬دوالر أمرييك لكل شخص ُمعال إضايف‬ ‫عىل ‪ 5‬أشخاص‪.‬‬ ‫رسوم املعالجة لألشخاص امل ُعالني اإلضافيني‪ 10.000 :‬دوالر أمرييك لألطفال دون سن ‪5‬‬ ‫أعوام‪ 20.000 ،‬دوالر أمرييك لألطفال الذين ترتاوح أعامرهم بني ‪6‬و‪ 17‬عاما ً‪50.000 ،‬‬ ‫دوالر أمرييك للبالغني الذين تتجاوز أعامرهم ‪ 18‬عاماً‪.‬‬ ‫بالنسبة للزوج‪/‬ة املستبقيل‪/‬ة ملقدم‪/‬ة الطلب الرئييس‪/‬ة‪ُ ،‬يدفَع رسم قدره ‪ 50.000‬دوالر‬ ‫أمرييك عند تقديم الطلب‪.‬‬

‫‪THE CITIZEN‬‬

‫‪16‬‬

‫‪citizenship by‬‬

‫‪investment‬‬ ‫‪programme‬‬

‫الحصول عىل جنسية أنتيغوا وباربودا عن طريق‬ ‫برنامج االستثامر‬ ‫أسئلة متكررة‬

‫ملاذا متلك أنتيغوا وباربودا برنامج الجنسية عن طريق االستثامر؟‬ ‫تم اعتامد الربنامج لتعزيز النمو االقتصادي واستقطاب التنمية العقارية‬ ‫وزيادة االستثامر األجنبي املبارش يف البالد ودعم تطوير البنية التحتية وتأمني‬ ‫مستقبل مستدام‪.‬‬ ‫كم عدد البلدان التي ميكنني السفر إليها دون تأشرية كمواطن أنتيغوا‬ ‫وباربودا؟‬ ‫ميكنك السفر إىل أكرث من ‪ 165‬والية قضائية دون الحاجة إىل تأشرية‪ ،‬مبا يف‬ ‫ذلك بلدان االتحاد األورويب وشنغن وهونغ كونغ وسنغافورة‪.‬‬ ‫كم من الوقت تستغرق معالجة طلبك؟‬ ‫تستغرق معالجة طلبك ما بني ‪ 3‬و‪ 6‬أشهر‪.‬‬ ‫من ميكنه التقدم بطلب للحصول عىل الجنسية؟‬ ‫لتكون مؤهالً لربنامج الجنسية يف أنتيغوا وباربودا‪ ،‬يجب أن يتجاوز عمرك‬ ‫‪ 18‬عاماً وأن تتسم بحسن الخلق وأال يكون لديك سوابق جنائية وأن تتمتع‬ ‫بصحة جيدة‪.‬‬ ‫هل ينبغي أن أتحدث باللغة اإلنجليزية لطلب الحصول عىل الجنسية؟‬ ‫لست بحاجة إىل التحدث باللغة اإلنجليزية للتقدم بالطلب‪.‬‬

‫امللفات الكاملة إىل جهة دولية غري منحازة تق ّدم خدمات العناية الواجبة‬ ‫والتي ستجري تحريات مفصلة بشأن خلفيات املتقدمني بالطلب‪.‬‬ ‫ماذا يحدث بعد قبول طلبي؟‬ ‫سيتم إصدار شهادة تسجيل الجنسية وتقدميها إىل مكتب جوازات السفر‪.‬‬ ‫وسيقوم وكيلك‪/‬ممثلك املفوض بإرسال جوازات السفر وشهادة الجنسية‬ ‫الخاصة بك إليك‪.‬‬ ‫هل يجب أن أسافر إىل أنتيغوا وباربودا إلكامل العملية؟‬ ‫ميكن إجراء الطلب من بلد إقامتك‪ .‬بعد نجاح طلبك وتلقيك جواز سفرك‪،‬‬ ‫يجب عليك السفر إىل أنتيغوا وباربودا ألداء اليمني أو تأكيد الوالء‪ .‬ويحق لك‬ ‫اإلقامة بدوام كامل يف أنتيغوا وباربودا متى تشاء‪.‬‬ ‫هل تعرتف أنتيغوا وباربودا بالجنسية املزدوجة؟‬ ‫ال توجد قيود عىل الجنسية املزدوجة يف أنتيغوا وباربودا‪.‬‬ ‫كم من سنة سيبقى جواز سفري ساري املفعول؟‬ ‫سيبقى جواز سفرك ساري املفعول ملدة ‪ 5‬سنوات وهو قابل للتجديد ملدة‬ ‫‪10‬سنوات بعد ذلك‪ ،‬رشيطة تلبية املتطلبات التي تشمل قضاء خمسة أيام‬ ‫عىل األقل يف البلد خالل هذه الفرتة بعد الحصول عىل الجنسية‪.‬‬

‫من ميكن إدراجه يف الطلب؟‬ ‫ميكنك أن تدرج يف الطلب أطفالك املعالني الذين تقل أعامرهم عن ‪ 28‬عاماً‬ ‫ووالديك املعالني إذا كان عمرهام يتجاوز ‪ 58‬عاماً‪.‬‬

‫هل ميكنني االستثامر بعملة بيتكوين (‪ )Bitcoin‬أو غريها من العمالت‬ ‫املعامة؟‬ ‫هذا األمر ما زال قيد اإلعداد ومل يتم تنفيذه بعد‪.‬‬

‫كيف تُجرون العناية الواجبة وفحص الطلبات؟‬ ‫ال نجري مقابالت‪ .‬ومع ذلك‪ ،‬يخضع جميع املتقدمني بالطلب لفحص دقيق‬ ‫قبل دراسة ملفهم من قِبل وحدة الجنسية عن طريق االستثامر‪ .‬تُحال‬

‫باإلضافة إىل برنامج الجنسية عن طريق االستثامر‪ ،‬هل لدى أنتيغوا وباربودا‬ ‫برنامج لإلقامة الرضيبية؟‬ ‫ال تقدم أنتيغوا وباربودا حالياً برنامجاً لإلقامة الرضيبية‪.‬‬

‫ملزيد من األسئلة‪ ،‬يُرجى االتصال مبمثل مفوض أو وكيل مرخص له أو مبارشة بوحدة الجنسية عن طريق االستثامر‪.‬‬

‫‪17‬‬

‫‪ISSUE 12 • DECEMBER 2021‬‬

If there’s one thing that 2020 has shown you, it’s that life can be unpredictable. Never has it been more important to have a robust Plan B in place for the unexpected – no matter what life throws at you.

If your Plan B doesn’t already include a second citizenship, perhaps now is the time to think about it to protect those you care about the most.

Investing in the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme means that whatever happens in life, you and your family can feel secure with the knowledge that you have options for where to live and where to go. With flexibility for your wealth management needs, no tax on your worldwide income nor inheritance tax, you can rest assured that your family’s best interest is served both now and in the future.

Furthermore, not only is Antigua & Barbuda amongst the fastest-growing economies in the Caribbean region and an international financial centre whose legal system is based on British Common Law, but there are countless investment and business opportunities available in a variety of sectors.

Visa-free access to over 150 countries across the globe allows you to jump on a plane to that business meeting or conference at a moment’s notice. The world is indeed your oyster.

And should you wish to relocate to these safe, peaceful and beautiful twin islands, you will find yourself in a multicultural society with world-class education opportunities, a strong healthcare system and business-friendly environment.

The country’s strategic geographic location in the Eastern Caribbean together with regular flights to major business hubs in North America and London means you will always be well connected, whether for business or leisure.

THE IDEAL PLACE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TO DROP ANCHOR.

www.cip.gov.ag | info@cip.gov.ag

So, is second citizenship of Antigua & Barbuda part of

YOUR PLAN B?

citizenship by

investment programme

АНТИГУА И БАРБУДА

гражданство по инвестиционной программе

Существуют четыре вида инвестиций, благодаря которым вы можете стать кандидатом на получение гражданства на райских островах Антигуа и Барбуда. Вы можете выбрать один из вариантов: безвозмездный взнос в государственный фонд экономического развития (NDF) или в фонд Университета Вест-Индии, инвестиции в недвижимость в один из одобренных правительством проектов или инвестиции в бизнес в одно из утвержденных коммерческих предприятий. Заявитель должен быть старше 18 лет, не иметь судимостей и иметь отличное здоровье. При условии одобрения заявления, вы и ваша семья получите пожизненное гражданство и сможете наслаждаться безвизовым въездом в более чем 165 юрисдикционных территорий. БЕЗВОЗВРАТНЫЙ ВЗНОС В ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ ФОНД ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОГО РАЗВИТИЯ Некоммерческий фонд NDF был учрежден с целью финансирования предпринимательских государственных проектов, инноваций в предпринимательстве и одобренных благотворительных проектов. Деятельность фонда проверяется международно признанной аудиторской фирмой, ежегодно публикуется доклад о состоянии дел. Если вы выбрали этот вариант инвестиций, то вам предлагается внести в государственный фонд экономического развития NDF сумму в 100 000 долларов США, это единовременный взнос для семьи из четырех человек. Ниже указана сумма сбора за обработку данных. Для одного заявителя или семьи из четырех или менее человек: • Взнос 100 000 долларов США Сбор за обработку данных: 30 000 долларов США. Для семьи из 5 и более человек: • Взнос 125 000 долларов США Сбор за обработку данных: 45 000 долларов США, 15 000 долларов США за каждого дополнительного иждивенца свыше пяти членов семьи. ФОНД УНИВЕРСИТЕТА ВЕСТ-ИНДИИ (UWI): Этот вариант инвестиции создан для финансирования кампуса Five Islands Университета Вест-Индии. Это денежное вложение дает право на получение стипендии сроком на один год (только плата за учебу) для одного члена семьи в Университете Вест-Индии. Для семьи из 6 человек: • Взнос 150 000 долларов США • Сбор за обработку данных: 15 000 долларов США за каждого дополнительного иждивенца. ИНВЕСТИЦИИ В НЕДВИЖИМОСТЬ Вы и члены вашей семьи можете получить гражданство купив недвижимость в Антигуа и Барбуда. Выбрав этот вариант

20

THE CITIZEN

инвестиции, вы также сможете получать доходы от аренды. Чтобы стать кандидатом на получение гражданства в случае выбора этого варианта, вы должны вложить в один из официально утвержденных объектов недвижимости не менее 400 000 долларов США, или два (2) ассоциированных лица/кандидата на гражданство могут сделать совместное вложение, минимальная сумма взноса каждого участника составляет 200 000 долларов США, также возможно минимальное вложение в 200 000 долларов США в долю официально утвержденного объекта недвижимости. Вы сможете продать недвижимость не ранее, чем через 5 лет. По истечении этого срока, собственники могут перепродать объекты недвижимости или их доли последующим кандидатам на гражданство, как один из утвержденных вариантов вложений. Ниже указана сумма сбора за обработку данных. Для одного заявителя или семьи из четырех или менее человек: • Сбор за обработку данных: 30 000 долларов США. Для семьи из 5 и более человек: • Сбор за обработку данных: 45 000 долларов США, 15 000 долларов США за каждого дополнительного иждивенца свыше пяти членов семьи. ИНВЕСТИЦИИ В БИЗНЕС Подразделение по вопросам инвестиционного гражданства (CIU) после согласования с Инвестиционным департаментом Антигуа и Барбуды (ABIA) официально одобряет коммерческие предприятия для программы инвестиционного гражданства (CIP). Это может быть как новый, так и уже существующий бизнес. Существуют два варианта инвестиций в бизнес: • Инвестировать как минимум 1 500 000 долларов США в одобренный бизнес.

• Другой вариант - это инвестировать в бизнес нескольким заявителям, общая сумма вложений должна быть не менее 5 000 000 долларов США. При этом каждый заявитель обязан вложить в общий проект не менее 400 000 долларов США. Для одного заявителя или семьи из четырех или менее человек: • Сбор за обработку данных: 30 000 долларов США. Для семьи из 5 и более человек: • Сбор за обработку данных: 45 000 долларов США, 15 000 долларов США за каждого дополнительного иждивенца свыше пяти членов семьи. Сбор за обработку данных для дополнительных иждивенцев: 10 000 долларов США за детей младше 5 лет, 20 000 долларов США за детей от 6-17 лет, 50 000 долларов США за взрослых старше 18 лет. За будущего супруга/супругу основного заявителя сбор в 50 000 долларов США подлежит уплате по заявлению.

АНТИГУА И БАРБУДА

citizenship by

гражданство по инвестиционной программе

Часто задаваемые вопросы

Почему в Антигуа и Барбуда существует гражданство по инвестиционной программе? Программа была создана для содействия экономическому росту, развитию рынка недвижимости, увеличения объемов прямых иностранных инвестиций в страну, поддержки развития инфраструктур и обеспечения надежного будущего. Сколько стран я смогу посещать без визы как гражданин Антигуа и Барбуда? Вы сможете посещать без визы более 165 стран, включая страны Евросоюза и Шенгенского соглашения, Гонконг и Сингапур. Сколько составляет срок рассмотрения заявления? Срок рассмотрения заявления может занять от 3 до 6 месяцев. Кто может претендовать на получение гражданства? Для того, чтобы претендовать на получение гражданства Антигуа и Барбуда вы должны быть старше 18 лет , иметь хорошую репутацию, не иметь судимостей и обладать хорошим состоянием здоровья. Должен ли я владеть английским языком, чтобы претендовать на получение гражданства? Для того, чтобы претендовать на получение гражданства вы не обязаны владеть английским языком. Кто может быть включен в заявление? В заявление могут быть включены финансово зависимые дети до 28 лет и находящиеся на иждивении родители старше 58 лет. Как вы проводите проверку на благонадежность заявителей? Личные собеседования не проводятся. Однако, все заявители проходят строгую проверку Подразделением по вопросам инвестиционного гражданства. Полностью укомплектованное дело передается в международную, объективную, независимую службу проверки на

investment programme

благонадежность, которая проводит тщательную проверку личных данных всех заявителей. Что происходит после того, как мое заявление получает одобрение? Выдается справка о регистрации гражданства, которая передается в паспортную службу. Затем ваш уполномоченный агент / представитель отправляет вам ваши паспорта и свидетельство о гражданстве. Для окончательного оформления дела мне необходимо лично приезжать в Антигуа и Барбуда? Подача документов возможна из страны вашего проживания. После успешного разрешения вашего дела и получения паспорта, вы должны приехать в Антигуа и Барбуда, чтобы принять присягу или подтвердить подданство. Вы имеете право установить место постоянного проживания в Антигуа и Барбуда в любое время по вашему желанию. Признает ли Антигуа и Барбуда двойное гражданство? В Антигуа и Барбуда нет ограничений для двойного гражданства. Сколько лет будет действителен мой паспорт? Паспорт действителен 5 лет и он продлевается на 10 лет, при выполнении всех требований, таких как минимальный срок пребывания в стране после получения гражданства – пять дней. Могу я инвестировать в Биткойнах или других криптовалютах? Пока этот вопрос находится в работе, но пока ещё не разрешен. В дополнение к программе инвестиционного гражданства существует в Антигуа и Барбуда программа налогового резиденства? В данный момент в Антигуа и Барбуда не существует программы налогового резиденства.

Если у вас возникли любые другие вопросы, пожалуйста, свяжитесь с уполномоченным представителем, лицензированным агентом или напрямую с Подразделением по вопросам инвестиционного гражданства.

ISSUE 12 • DECEMBER 2021

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citizenship by

investment programme

通过投资项目获取安提瓜和 巴布达公民身份

有下列四种投资方式,可以让您有资格获得天堂般的安提瓜和 巴布达岛国的公民身份。 作为申请人,您可以选择向国家发展 基金（NDF）捐款,向西印度群岛大学基金会捐款,在预先批准的 房地产开发项目中购买房产,或投资于经批准的商业企业。 作 为候选人,您必须年龄超过18岁,无犯罪记录,身体健康。 申请成功后,您和您的家人会获得终身公民身份,并享有在超 过165个国家旅行免签的优势。

向国家发展基金捐款 非盈利性质的国家发展基金的成立是为了为创收公共部门项 目、创业创新和经批准的慈善投资提供资金。 它由一家国际公 认的会计师事务所审计,并且每年都会公布其财务状况报告。 如果这是您的投资选择,您需要向国家发展基金捐款十万美 金,这是四口之家一次性的捐款数额.办理费用如下所示。

适用于单个申请人,家庭成员四人及以下: •十 万美金捐款 办理费用: 三万美金 请查阅限期价格*。

适用于家庭成员五人及以上: •十二万五千美金 办理费用:四万五千美元，五人之外每增加一人需多缴一万五 千美元。 西印度群岛大学（UWI）基金会： 这一投资选项用于为西印度群岛大学的五岛新校区提供融 资。 这一捐款将使捐款家庭的一员可以获得一项为期一年的 奖学金,即免除在西印度群岛大学一年的学费。

对于六口之家: •十 五万美金捐款

第七位起: •办 理费用：每个增加成员需缴一万五千美金。

房地产投资 您和您的家人可以通过在安提瓜和巴布达购买房产来获得公 民身份。您也可以通过此投资从租金收入中受益。 为通过此项 投资获得公民身份，您需要投资一个指定的，经官方批准的价 值至少为四十万美元的房地产开发项目，可两（2）个关联方或 申请人共同投资，每人投资至少二十万美元，或在被批准的房

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产项目中每人至少投资二十万美元购买一个单元/份额。 在出售房产前，您需要拥有它至少五年。在此期间，业主可以 向后续的申请者转售房产单元或份额，作为后者的投资房产。 办理费用如下所示。

适用于单个申请人,家庭成员四人及以下: • 办理费用: 三万美金请查阅限期价格*。

适用于家庭成员五人及以上: • 办理费用：四万五千美元，五人之外每增加一人需多缴一万 五千美元。

商业投资 在与安提瓜和巴布达投资局（ABIA）协商后,投资公民部门 （CIU）批准现有或提议的商业项目,以便外国人在投资公民计 划（CIP）下投资。 有两个商业投资选项:

• 投资至少一百五十万美元给一项预先批准的商业活动。

• 或者,至少有两个申请人可以提议对经批准的企业进行联合 投资,总投资至少为五百万美元。 每个投资者至少支付四十 万美金。 适用于单个申请人,家庭成员四人及以下: • 办理费用: 三万美金请查阅限期价格*。

适用于家庭成员五人及以上: • 办理费用：四万五千美元，五人之外每增加一人需多缴一万 五千美元。 每增加一人的办理费用：5岁以下的孩子一万美元，6-17岁的 孩子两万美元，18岁上成人五万美元。 主申请人的未来配偶申请费为五万美元，需在申请时支付。

通过投资项目获得安提瓜和巴 布达的公民身份 问&答 为什么安提瓜和巴布达推行通过投资获得公民身份 项目? 这个项目旨在增进经济发展,促进房地产开发,增加外 国对本国的直接投资,支持基础设施建设并提供可持 续发展。 作为安提瓜和巴布达公民,我可以免签到多少个国家 旅行? 您可以去往超过165个司法管辖区,包括欧盟和申根 国家,香港和新加坡。 处理时间有多长? 处理您的申请通常需要三至六个月。

谁可以申请公民身份? 申请安提瓜和巴布达的公民身份,您至少需要18周岁, 无犯罪记录并且身体健康。 申请公民身份需要我会说英语吗? 申请人不需要会讲英语。

谁可以被包括在申请中? 您抚养的年龄小于28岁的孩子和赡养的超过58岁的 老人可以被包括在申请中。

如何进行尽职调查和审查申请人? 没有面试环节。 但是,所有申请人在获得公民身份前 都要经过公民投资部门严格的筛选。 完整的文件将转 发给国际上公正的第三方尽职调查服务提供商,该服 务提供商将对所有申请人进行详细的背景调查。

citizenship by

investment programme

我的申请被接受后会发生什么? 将颁发公民身份登记证书并提交给护照办公室。 您 的授权代理人/代表将转发您的护照和公民身份证明 给您。

我需要亲自到安提瓜和巴布达来完成手续吗? 申请环节可以在您的居住国完成。 一旦您的申请成功 并收到护照,您需要亲自到安提瓜和巴布达来宣誓或 承认效忠。 您随时可以定居在安提瓜和巴布达。 安提瓜和巴布达承认双重国籍吗? 安提瓜和巴布达对于双重国籍没有限制。

我的护照有效期为几年? 护照有效期五年,此后可续期10年,续期的前提是符合 要求,包括在成为公民后在护照有效期间在该国度过 至少5天。 我可以用我的比特币或其他虚拟货币投资吗? 这还在筹备中,但尚未实行。

除了投资计划获取公民身份外,安提瓜和巴布达还有 税务定居计划吗? 安提瓜和巴布达目前不提供税务定居计划。

如有任何其他问题,请联系授权代表,许可代理或直接联系投资公民部门(CIU)。

ISSUE 12 • DECEMBER 2021

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licensed

agents • Eugene Abbott: eabbott@abifinancialgroup.com ABI Financial Group: www.abifinancialgroup.com

• Nuri Katz: nkatz@apexcap.org Apex Capital Partners: www.apexcapital.partners

• McAlister Abbott: mabbott@gcpantigua.com Global Citizenship Partners: www.gcpantigua.com

• Stuart Lockhart: clerks@lockhartlegalchambers.com Stuart Lockhart Legal Services: www.lockhartlegalchambers.com

• Leslie-Ann Brissett George: leslieann@lbrissettlegal.com Leslie-Ann Brissett Legal Services: www.lbrissettlegal.com • Sharon Cort-Thibou: legal@cortandcort.com Turnkey Antigua: www.turnkeyantigua.com • Verlyn L. Faustin: verlyn.faustin@civesmundiinc.com Cives Mundi Inc • Hollis E. Francis Jr.: info@heflawantigua.com HEF LAW: www.heflawantigua.com • Thomas Francis: tfrancis0483@gmail.com Caribbean Concierge • T.M. Rufus Gobat: rufus@cariblife.ag Caribbean Lifestyle Services: www.cariblife.ag • Nigel Gore: nigel@blueprint-development.com Blueprint Development: www.blueprint-development.com

• Abire Mansoor: amansoor@citizensinternational.com Citizens International: www.citizensinternational.com • Kirthley Maginley: kmaginley@jamesandmaginley.com James & Maginley Ltd: www.jamesandmaginley.com • Elizabeth Makhoul: emakhoul@artoncapital.com Arton Capital: www.artoncapital.com • Maya Mansoor-Khouly: cip@khouly.com Atlantik Realty: www.khouly.com • Juliette Marcelle-Bailey: jbailey@jamesandmaginley.com James & Maginley Ltd: www.jamesandmaginley.com • Andrea Roberts-Nicholas: andrea.roberts@robertscolaw.com Roberts & Co: www.robertscolaw.com • Vanetta Rodgers: vcrodgers@avcocorp.com Avco Corporate Services Ltd: www.avcocorp.com

• Jason Hadeed: jason@gambitantigua.com Gambit Management Ltd: www.gambitantigua.com

• Jermaine C. Rhudd: jermaine@rhuddlawfirm.com

• Gaye Hechme: ghechme@ilis.ag Island Living Investment Services Ltd: www.ilis.ag

• Mei Tang: rmeitang@gcpantigua.com Global Citizenship Partners: www.gcpantigua.com

• Julia Herbert: citizenshipsolutions@icloud.com

• Romell Tiwari: rtiwariantigualocalagent@usa.net AIT Management Services Ltd: www.aitms.ag

• Marian-Barbara Hesse: hesse@bhesseandassociates.com B. Hesse & Associates: www.bhesseandassociates.com • Arica Hill: arica@living.international Living international: www.living.international • Radford Hill: r.hill@lawhillandhill.com Hill & Hill Chambers: www.lawhillandhill.com • Alan Hosam: hosama@candw.ag AH Consultancy Services Ltd • Kevin Hosam: khosam@conciergeantiguabarbuda.com Exclusive Concierge Antigua Barbuda: www.conciergeantiguabarbuda.com • Kelvin John: johnk@candw.ag Thomas, John & Co: www.thomasjohn.com

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THE CITIZEN

• Arthur Thomas: thomasa@candw.ag Thomas, John & Co: www.thomasjohn.com • Joseph Warner: info@jdwconsultingantigua.com JDW Consulting Ltd: www.jdwconsultingantigua.com • Kem Warner: kwarner@kawmanagement.com KAW Management Services Ltd: www.kawmanagement.com • Robert Wilkinson: robert.wilkinson@ag.gt.com Grant Thornton: www.grantthornton.ag • Stanley Yang: stanleyyang1993@gmail.com

Interview

Charmaine DONOVAN CEO ANTIGUA & BARBUDA CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT UNIT

Can you tell us about the early days of the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU)?

The Citizenship by Investment Unit has been in operation for approximately eight years, and we’ve grown significantly during this time. I’ve been working in the CIU almost since its inception. When I joined the team, we were focused on setting up the policies and processes required to get the Unit up and running to process applications.

This included the more granular tasks of designing the Certificate of Registration, which was the document issued to the new citizen once their application was successful, and the Oath/Affirmation of Allegiance document, which facilitates the swearing of the oath or pledging allegiance for all new citizens of Antigua & Barbuda.

You may not know that in addition to citizenship applications, the CIU also receives and reviews applications from licensed agents who submit the applications on behalf of the citizenship applicants; authorised representatives who promote the Programme; applications to obtain approved development status; and applications for approval to be designated a qualified business investment. Therefore, processes for these applications were also necessary.

Our programme is unique in that we facilitate the passport process for successful new citizens. To offer a straightforward process for our applicants, we worked with the Passport Office in Antigua & Barbuda in the early days to hammer out a process that allows the successful applicant to have a ‘one-stop shop’ experience through the Unit.

What was your background before working at the CIU? I started with accounting in the hospitality sector and quickly leapt over to banking for about 15 years. During that period, I worked initially in commercial banking and spent the majority of that time as a bank examiner looking at banking through different eyes - the eyes of a regulator. Like every other financial activity, banking has inherent risks,

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THE CITIZEN

ISSUE 12 • DECEMBER 2021

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Interview

AT LEAST FIVE DIGITAL NOMADS HAVE DECIDED TO APPLY FOR CITIZENSHIP THROUGH THE PROGRAMME, CONFIRMING WHAT WE HAVE BEEN SHARING WITH POTENTIAL INVESTORS ALL ALONG, THAT ANTIGUA & BARBUDA OFFERS A LIFESTYLE THAT COMPELS YOU TO MAKE THE LOVELY TWIN-ISLAND SHORES YOUR HOME.

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THE CITIZEN

and I was charged with ensuring that management of the banks and non-bank financial institutions understood those risks and had the appropriate risk mitigants in place. After almost nine years as a regulator, I returned to commercial banking and headed the Regional Compliance Team for a former foreign branch bank.

Therefore, when I joined the CIU team, I brought along years of experience in risk assessment and mitigation as well as a strong understanding of financial analysis, financial transactions, and due diligence. Initially, the transfer of skills to the investment migration space was not as seamless as anticipated since the risk appetite and assessment process for banking differs from that needed to assess someone’s eligibility for citizenship. As Chief Compliance Officer, I needed to adopt a more comprehensive approach in considering the applications for citizenship instead of my previous regulatory approach.

After the first two years of contributing to building the programme, I left for about 15 months, returning as CEO in 2017.

Since the investment migration industry is very fast-moving, I had to quickly get back up to speed, especially since additional programmes had emerged in our region and competition became extremely fierce. At that time, it was felt that the global migration industry was coming to a close, which sparked several rapid changes to the regional CBI programmes.

“We also want our citizens and potential investors to move away from seeing the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme as simply transactional but more of a connective experience.”

Fast forward to the present day, I think everyone now understands that this industry is here to stay – there will always be people looking for a Plan B. There are those born and living in jurisdictions prone to war and/or acts of terrorism who would like to change their families’ circumstances. Some are seeking improved mobility, or some are simply looking for real estate options for investment purposes and recreation. And with ours having the most options available under any programme, astute investors have a myriad of opportunities to choose from to qualify for citizenship.

How successful would you consider 2021 to have been?

Final reports are still being generated, but I am happy to report that preliminary assessments suggest that we are on par with and may likely exceed the number of applications received in 2019. This year has been very favourable even though we are still operating in a pandemic.

I believe that we’ve had a spike in applications this year, not only because people are experiencing COVID fatigue and want to exercise their options, but because of the work we have been doing to improve the efficiency of our programme.

Interestingly, at least five digital nomads have decided to apply for citizenship through the programme, confirming what we have been sharing with potential investors all along, that Antigua & Barbuda offers a lifestyle that compels you to make the lovely twin-island shores your home. I mean, who wouldn’t want to live in Antigua?

We are excited for next year as we continue to tweak and improve how things are done. We expect next year to rival this year in application submissions.

What are the CIU’s plans for 2022?

Our focus is on even greater efficiency and superior customer service delivery. In December, our nerve centre, the Operations Team, underwent in-house training. We examined various emerging typologies, and we agreed on how they should be managed. The idea was that streamlined processes lead to greater efficiency. We also offered refresher training on various in-house software applications.

We are also working with the software developers to upgrade the application management software to offer a better experience to the Licensed Agents when they interface with the Agent’s Portal.

Interfacing more with all our stakeholders is another goal. When they market the programme, we want our

stakeholders to speak with one voice to convey consistent information and messaging. We are working on additional guidelines to offer greater support to our stakeholders for various circumstances to further enhance their efficiency and client services delivery.

Another of our important goals is to interact more with our diaspora around the globe. After eight years, we have processed more than 3,500 applications, equating to approximately 15,000 citizens. In fact, Antigua & Barbuda is seen as the programme for large families. The UWI option requires a minimum family size of six and is the most attractive large family option available globally. Now that we have expanded the definition of dependents to include siblings, grandchildren and spouses of dependent children, we are seeing a greater take-up by larger families. Therefore, it is important for us to stay connected with our expanding citizenry.

A few weeks ago, I visited Expo 2020 in Dubai, where Antigua & Barbuda has a vibrant pavilion. After our spectacular National Day performance on 1st November, I noticed that my interactions with the new citizens and stakeholders who were present became more enriched. It dawned on me that our diaspora is missing out on experiencing and understanding the country’s culture. They may be Antiguan, but many cannot say much about the beautiful twin islands.

So going forward, we will be interacting more with them at events and exposing them to our culture.

We also want our citizens and potential investors to move away from seeing the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme as simply transactional but more of a connective experience. There is so much more to offer our new citizens, particularly as the opportunities and lifestyle available in the country can match the varied preferences of our multicultural diaspora.

Citizenship can be an incredibly emotive issue. Therefore we want our applicants and citizens alike to know that we at the Unit have this country’s best interest at heart and that the people who are successful through the programme are of good repute.

We will also be focusing more on the customer service experience. People may not always remember what you said or did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

So, when interacting with the Programme, we want them to experience the warmth and hospitality for which Antiguans and Barbudans are known.

2022 is shaping up to be an exciting year ahead!

ISSUE 12 • DECEMBER 2021

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opinion by Kenneth Green

Managing Partner Advance Global Partners

OF SOVEREIGNTY AND SURVIVAL “We live where you vacation”.

That is often the mantra of those of us in the islands when people come to visit.

Many of them envy us, living the dream on these small idyllic paradises, seemingly with no worries and lifestyles that are magazine healthy.

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T

The reality is anything but. Declining tax revenues, high educational and health subsidies by the Eastern Caribbean countries, and high migration of the very human resources who have been subsidised create a cycle where governments are constantly on the backfoot, a situation compounded by frequent external shocks.

Maintaining a decent standard of living with small revenues, rising costs of living and increased public debt burdens is creating incredible pressures on these small, fragile economies.

The irony is that the nations we most have an affinity to: the UK, the United States, and Europe - the quintessential colonial powers and the current global hegemon - have put systems in place to effectively attack our sovereignty.

We are interestingly regulated by the very people who compete against us for tax and non-tax dollars. The result isn’t difficult to forecast.

The reason is simple. Our independence made us competitors, particularly for financial services, but our size and lack of capital make us dependent. If you want to make an analogy, freedom after slavery did not grant 40 acres and a mule for African Americans in the United States. Indeed, the lack of wealth in the African American community in the United States is directly related to the disadvantage of freedom without financial empowerment from the beginning of the post-slavery era.

That being said, you would scarcely find Caribbean critics to point out this double standard when it is applied to citizenship. One major country indeed holds a visa lottery. Imagine Antigua, Dominica or St Lucia having lotteries for citizenship. The outrage would be palpable.

What we are facing is a struggle for survival, and our citizenship programmes are just the latest tool being harnessed to stave off increased indebtedness and poverty.

With climate change largely caused by the same nations pontificating about taking responsibility without actually doing so, and our tourism industry and our way of life affected by more and more volatile weather cycles, there is no respite.

The 2008 financial crisis was a classic case. A crisis initiated by massive irresponsibility caused by lack of oversight by the financial regulator in the US, resulted in chaos for the Caribbean economies and the entire world.

The upshot? The source of the mayhem printed more currency and bailed out the offenders and victims in its own country, and we were left to lick our

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OUR CULTURE IS SO PERVASIVE THAT FEW REMAIN UNTOUCHED BY IT. IT IS THAT WHICH IS OUR SOVEREIGNTY, AND NOT OUR CITIZENSHIP OR PASSPORT. IT IS WHY OUR FOOD, OUR MUSIC, OUR CARNIVAL AND OUR HABITS REMAIN AS STRONG AS EVER NO MATTER WHICH IMMIGRANTS WE HAVE ASSIMILATED ACROSS THE REGION.

wounds and find a way to explain why our GDP growth didn’t quite measure up in the post-crisis years.

This is not an essay on victimhood. This is a reality check.

Citizenship by investment (CBI) programmes are tools for survival.

They enable non-tax revenue to filter into our governments and allow these same governments to meet recurring expenditure such as public sector wages (Antigua and Dominica), to drawdown debt to GDP (as done by St Kitts & Nevis), to build housing stock across the island (Dominica), and to build hotel and tourism infrastructure (all OECS CBI jurisdictions).

The sugar industry in St Kitts & Nevis was decimated by the downward change in prices resulting from the EU

Common Agricultural Policy. The banana industry in the Windward Islands was similarly decapitated by the US/Germany/WTO lobbying by Chiquita Dole and its then millionaire Republican owner Carl Lindner.

The offshore banking industry has now been similarly swept clean with the OECD/EU push against IBCs in the Caribbean. The offshore gaming industry was bludgeoned by the United States as Antigua and Dominica know all too well. None of this has stopped these very same industries flourishing in the EU and the US. Might is right.

Meanwhile, the IMF has issued recommendations to all these islands that for lending to continue at concessionary rates, our collective debt to GDP must drop to 70 percent or below by 2030 (now revised to 2035 because of Covid).

Post-Covid, the average debt to GDP across the sub-region is hovering between 90-100 percent.

The CBI programmes of these islands are valuable because they give our countries breathing room, but we need a new dispensation. Migration of our skilled resources to the usual destinations won’t stop. Climate patterns won’t get better. The cost of living driven by a merchant class who are more allied to their suppliers than to the locals will not come down.

THAT NEW DISPENSATION? A new citizen, resident in our islands, contributing to the GDP growth and investing in these islands long term, not simply in a transient form, gives us the sustainable solution we need to stay alive and build resilient solutions for development.

The United States became great on the backs of absorbing immigrants into a nation that was open to both innovation and new ideas, even whilst it subjugated others to do so. The United Kingdom became great by utilising free labour in its colonies to produce goods it sold across its empire.

We can hone our survival with two variations on this theme: providing a home for innovators worldwide who relish the Caribbean reputation as a zone of peace to settle or building infrastructure that is self-sustaining for our own populations and provided at a premium for those who want to utilise but not belong.

Lewis. We have to produce, to innovate, to develop.

But how do we do that whilst retaining our sovereignty? Sovereignty isn’t to be retained. It evolves. What sanitises that evolution? Culture. Our culture is so pervasive that few remain untouched by it. It is that which is our sovereignty, and not our citizenship or passport. It is why our food, our music, our carnival and our habits remain as strong as ever no matter which immigrants we have assimilated across the region.

RBIs allow us to create a new paradigm for a new type of citizen. For the people who choose to help us build our countries against a so-called international rulesbased order that seemingly only works for those who make the rules. And for the people who choose to pay our VAT, eat at our restaurants, use our schools, and buy and rent homes locally. As the saying goes, those are the real MVPs (most valuable players) because then they truly become vested in the long-term survival of our economies.

It is counter-productive to become insular at this seminal moment in history.

Even undocumented immigrants in the Western world contribute immensely to their economic growth. We are looking for a few good men, women and families to help us fight the good fight.

The move to residences by investment (RBI) should be a natural graduation that sits alongside our existing CBI platforms. We are mainly underpopulated and underinvested. The exit of the Canadian banks said it all. The gravy train is over, and they are moving on.

To do this we need to open ourselves up to a diversified CBI/RBI programme or to inevitably watch as one day our programmes as they are, will be targeted like every other platform for our development.

The increased solidarity with China is more positive than many would realise.

In many ways, China is proof of the model espoused by our own Sir Arthur

We in the Caribbean know how this works.

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thought leadership by Abire Mansoor Licensed Agent Citizens International (Antigua)

FROM LUXURY TO NECESSITY nce the domain of the very few, citizenship by investment is becoming increasingly popular within the realms of discerning high-net-worth individuals.

In a period of expanded political, financial and travel precariousness, the possibility of obtaining a second citizenship has piqued the interest of persons from different backgrounds and generations. In addition to nationals of oppressed nations and continuous political turmoil, the interest and need for second citizenship rose essentially as restrictions and lockdowns throughout the pandemic limited travel, migration and life for many.

A better quality of life with better standards of health, safety and education, as well as global mobility, are still the main reasons why people want to obtain a second citizenship. Another compelling reason for a second citizenship comes from businesspeople worldwide seeking to establish and secure a presence in more developed markets to combat the challenges of deglobalisation. Such a move would enable them to bridge their presence in emerging markets while forging closer relationships with clients in more developed markets and mitigating the risk exposure to economic, political or social challenges in their home countries.

However, a new and significant driving force behind the increasing number of second citizenship applications comes from high-net-worth individuals from western countries that are itching to get back out and resume travel with less limited restrictions.

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“We are seeing a shift from luxury to necessity as we cater to a more varied demographic of applicants for the Antigua & Barbuda and other citizenship by investment programmes.”

At one point or another, regardless of our citizenship status, there is no doubt we have all faced challenges as a result of executive orders and immigration rules set out by countries and regions, including the imposition of quarantines, entry bans, and other restrictions for citizens and/or travellers to ‘red-list’ countries.

There is also no doubt that travel bands and restrictions will continue to have a negative impact not only on travel and tourism but on the ease and convenience of business and trade. As Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO’s regional director for Africa, stated, “Travel restrictions may play a role in slightly reducing the spread of COVID-19 but place a heavy burden on lives and livelihoods.”

Historically, citizenship by investment programmes have attracted nationals from countries with a low passport index, such as China, Nigeria, Lebanon and Syria and others, whose citizens are seeking second citizenship as they strive to pursue a better life for their family due to challenges experienced within their country of birth.

Others may be attracted to tax-friendly jurisdictions due to the increasing tax burden in their home country. However, more recently, we are seeing a surge in privileged passport holders from countries such as the United Kingdom,

the United States of America and a handful of European countries who are increasingly exploring options for second citizenship as they experience family separations due to travel bans whilst the global standing of their passports fall, resulting in a need for alternative residency options and a Plan B in place.

Furthermore, changing working trends towards a more virtual base has added yet another component to the benefits of second citizenship; the ability to work or run a business from anywhere makes the decision of investing in a tropical vacation home an even more agreeable one.

We are seeing a shift from luxury to necessity as we cater to a more varied demographic of applicants for the Antigua & Barbuda and other citizenship by investment programmes.

While the programmes offer a myriad of investment options, the freedom to take refuge on a tropical island should there be a need for it is priceless.

Hence, investing in a second citizenship under the real estate option not only provides a possible safe haven but can also be a lucrative investment, as property values are seeing an increase of 1.5-3 percent each year. Furthermore, property rentals in the approved real estate developments can yield three to five percent a year. Whether one chooses to live, vacation or simply invest, as a citizen, you are guaranteed entry, even if another border closure is encountered. And the Antigua & Barbuda passport currently grants visa-free access to more countries than a passport from the United States.

So, as we see acquiring a second citizenship shifting from being a luxury item for high-net-worth individuals to becoming a necessity, and if the past two years have taught us travellers anything, it’s that it pays to be prepared, and that includes having dual citizenship.

Therefore, whether you want a second citizenship and passport for your future and the future of your family or to simply secure visa-free travel, rest assured that this will be the smartest investment decision you have ever made.

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thought leadership by David Lesperance JD Founder & Principal Lesperance & Associates

CAN CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT HELP YOU BENEFIT FROM CRYPTOCURRENCIES? Sudden wealth and how to protect it ould you please humour me for a moment?

Let us imagine your doorbell ringing unexpectedly. An attractive woman waves a cheque in your face and cheers erupt, “You have won US$15 million in the Lottery!”

The blonde trills, “Here is your money! You will be on the front pages tomorrow!”

It won’t ever happen. Neither to you nor to me.

But such life-changing incidents do take place each year to a very tiny minority of random folk. Like all winners, they will splash the champagne around for three or four days before they think of the enormous responsibility newly thrust upon their shoulders.

The substantial winnings of such people can be compared to the fortunes of established high-networth (HNW) individuals in terms of the amount of cash involved. But in terms of investment history, mental discipline and financial acumen, there is no comparison.

HNW circles have - over decades, even centuries established family offices to safeguard and build their assets. Experienced experts on property, industry and high tech ensure steady growth and profits.

The story arcs, for the surprise winners in this life are entirely different. Lotteries bring sudden rewards.

So do legacies, sudden deaths and calamities. But what mechanisms are there to help and guide these people?

Today, I want to highlight a new type of sudden wealth winner – a species that has leapt ahead over the last ten years: the medium to long-term possessors of cryptocurrency.

We have all heard the mad crypto stories; the San Francisco programmer who can’t access over US$200 million in a

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“HNWs should all have a backup plan to protect themselves and their families from economic, political or societal upheavals. And this is where citizenship by investment comes in.” ‘crypto wallet’; an entrepreneur who lost 800 Bitcoins when a colleague reformatted his laptop or the Welshman who searched a landfill site for months to recover 7,500 Bitcoins.

Common to so many tales has been the happy-go-lucky approach of hundreds of cool, relaxed Bitcoin enthusiasts.

Think student/artist/teacher/’free spirit’.

The crypto industry began in 2009 when the first 10,000 Bitcoins were valued at two Papa John’s pizzas!

Accordingly, www.wealthmanagement.com relates that each Bitcoin would have been worth some US$0.15. No wonder the free spirits treated these puzzling inventions so casually. Since every Bitcoin today is worth well north of US$60,000, then 10,000 of them would have added up to US$600 million.

The world now faces a situation where some 20 percent of the 18.5 million Bitcoin existing early in 2021, worth US$140-200 billion, appear to be lost, according to cryptocurrency firm Chainanalysis.

This gigantic cautionary tale is shocking. But what can and should crypto holders do to continue safely storing their crypto in future years?

Do I need a backup plan? This is the question I often hear from potential clients, especially in relation to crypto. In response, I often use the ‘wildfire’ analogy. Why wildfire?

These fires destroy valuable neighbourhoods and lives. If one happens nearby, you definitely want an escape plan and comprehensive fire insurance for yourself and your family.

The same principle applies to HNWs – whether their

assets come from traditional investments such as property, stock exchanges, and high-tech – or such new sources as cryptocurrencies.

HNWs should all have a backup plan to protect themselves and their families from economic, political or societal upheavals. And this is where citizenship by investment comes in.

Crypto investments are particularly sensitive. The assets, however much they are worth, are not tangible. Despite a massive increase in value over the last 12 years, they have suffered major swings and continue to be volatile.

So what do you need for your own backup plan? I use three headings to define the wildfire issues: FIRE PREVENTION First, learn the tax rules relating to taxable events, capital gains vs ordinary rates and reporting requirements. Take advantage of tax loss and gifting opportunities. Basically, do everything within your jurisdiction to make you more tax efficient. Unfortunately, many jurisdictions are changing the rules around crypto, making planning fluid and difficult.

FIRE INSURANCE Review international alternatives to your current tax home. Along with understanding your (and possibly your family’s) needs and preferences, you need to secure independent professional advice on the immigration, tax, pre-immigration tax planning involved in various second residence and citizenship options.

FIRE ESCAPE PLAN Once you have the ‘fire insurance’ of a second residence and/ or citizenship, then you need to secure professional advice on the issues involved in leaving your current tax jurisdiction.

This may include tax, currency control and dual citizenship issues.

With the steps and costs of executing a ‘fire escape plan’ from your current tax home clearly and properly set out, it is easier to then compare that to the costs of remaining. This makes the decision of whether to and when to execute this fire escape plan apparent.

The conclusion? Whether your wealth comes from yesterday’s lottery, ten-year-old crypto purchases, or thanks to wise grandparents, get the best advice from proven experts. If you are an HNW individual, whatever the legal source of your wealth, go for the strongest option available that gives the best long-term advantages.

As to crypto: treat it as an investment like any other. And the best protection for it? The right fire prevention, insurance, and escape plan.

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thought leadership by Christopher Willis Managing Director Latitude Consultancy

IS A SECOND CITIZENSHIP THE NEW ‘MUST-HAVE‘ LUXURY ITEM FOR AMERICANS? s we review the reboot of the TV series ‘Sex and the City’ (SATC), which deals with lifestyles of New York’s elite, I am inspired by the way in which Carrie Bradshaw asks a question at the beginning of the episode. And so, in a nod to her style, I ask, ‘Is a second citizenship the new musthave luxury item?’

If we look at the US market, the answer is a resounding YES! Conversations over dinner parties or rounds of golf are not about which watch is on your wrist or which car you drive, but which passport is in your pocket?

The pandemic has reinforced the need for options and having a second citizenship is quickly becoming an essential component of a client’s portfolio. When travel bans were in full effect, US passport holders were not able to travel to many parts of the world, meaning their wings were well and truly clipped. They only had access to less than eighty countries. By comparison, a citizen of Antigua & Barbuda, one of the smallest nations in the western hemisphere, could access over 150 countries visa-free. The visa-free access of the almighty American passport paled into insignificance beside that of Antigua & Barbuda.

So why is the US becoming the hottest source market for residence and citizenship by investment applications?

Traditionally, there has never been high demand from the US, but the last couple of years has shown a significant shift in interest. As mentioned earlier, the travel ban was an important wake-up call and reinforced the idea that many people were not as prepared as they thought they were. Although this will self-correct, the need was identified, and people are taking action.

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“The visa-free access of the almighty American passport paled into insignificance beside that of Antigua & Barbuda.”

With so many concerns within the US, which remains a very divisive society, people are looking at overseas options. Americans are immensely patriotic, and as such, their conversations are not about renouncing their US citizenship but instead having other options if things are not to their liking in their home country. Whether political, economic (taxes) or social, the push factors are in place.

Obtaining a second residency or citizenship is not demonstrating that they are unpatriotic but merely enhancing their freedoms.

SO WHERE ARE THEY GOING? THE CARIBBEAN With a choice of five citizenship by investment (CBI) programmes, the Caribbean is extremely popular.

Many Americans have visited the Caribbean and have a familiarity and affection for the region. Moreover, it is geographically close, giving easy access with a strong airlift for those who don’t possess their own plane.

Programmes are also very cost-efficient and the processing times are quick, especially in comparison to other jurisdictions. In the Caribbean CBI countries, there are considerable opportunities to invest in real estate as an investment vehicle. We speak to many clients who are familiar with investing in property in the US, so we suggest purchasing in countries such as Antigua & Barbuda, which offers some phenomenal real estate opportunities and the benefit of citizenship to boot.

Many investors are also purchasing real estate over the minimum investment level as they anticipate spending time on the island and are consequently buying for lifestyle reasons, not just for the investment.

Although US citizens cannot benefit from tax residence programs, there are opportunities in Anguilla and the Cayman Islands for those who wish to relocate from hightax jurisdictions, such as Canada and the UK. EUROPE There are different attitudes to the European options.

Portugal has been hugely popular thanks to a reasonable investment level and day-count requirements being very low; an average of seven days per year for five years is required before they can be eligible to apply for citizenship.

Notwithstanding the need to learn basic Portuguese, it is a safe, long-term strategy with the option of full European Union (EU) citizenship at the end of it.

For those who wish to have the same result but with a more accelerated timeline, Malta is an obvious choice as the world’s number one citizenship by investment programme. Although the journey to full EU citizenship is much quicker, the downside is that the level of investment is higher. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for.

While there are other options in Europe, such as in Ireland and Montenegro, Portugal and Malta have been the clear favourites.

The United Kingdom always remains popular and is for those willing to commit the majority of their time to living in the country. The Innovator visa has been an attractive option for those looking for an alternative to the Tier 1 Investor. Interestingly, many in the UK have been looking at options in Europe, such as in Portugal, as they no longer enjoy the settlement rights they enjoyed pre-Brexit.

As the girls from SATC always seem to be setting the trend, I suggest they apply for a second citizenship and pave the way for the American elite.

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Explore, experience, live and invest in Antigua & Barbuda

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story

You have to taste a culture to understand it.

– DEBORAH CATER

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A cover story

Around 1800, the artist W.E. Beastall went to the Sunday Market in St John’s. He was greeted by a bustling marketplace where vendors sold turkeys, chickens, ducks, pigs, goats, yams, melons, pumpkins, potatoes, cassava roots, pineapples, spices like turmeric and ginger, spinach, and countless other items. What Beastall produced was an image filled with the colours, sounds, smells, and tastes of a bustling marketplace and a great reminder that even though it was one of the harshest times in Antigua’s history, as arguably every person depicted in the rendering was of African descent and enslaved, it also shows the long legacy of culinary tradition on the island, incorporating ingredients from the Caribbean, Africa, Europe and the Pacific with

possible arable acre was devoted to sugarcane fields.

As an industrialised process, sugarcane plantations required large influxes of labour. For 200 years, this was done through enslaving Africans. Every aspect of this work was only made possible and profitable through enslaving tens of thousands of Africans. By 1730, more than 90 percent of the island’s population was enslaved. In fact, approximately 40 percent of all enslaved Africans brought across the Atlantic landed in the West Indies between 1600 and 1860. In Antigua alone, an estimated 142,000 individuals were brought across the Atlantic in chains. Looking at Beastall’s artwork, it is easy to see the different African influences on clothing and foodways.

“By Independence in 1981, Antigua & Barbuda’s kitchen was complex, nuanced, and full of flavour and spice. And it is still evolving as Antigua welcomes new visitors and citizens from around the world.”

West African and later South Asian techniques, all of which makes Antigua’s cuisine unique and tasty today.

For more than three centuries, Antigua was a lucrative sugarproducing island. Produced from extracting the juice from sugarcane stalks, sugar was the first massproduced and mass-consumed commodity in the modern world.

Antigua’s tropical location and fertile soils made sugar plantation owners not only the wealthiest people in the world, but the revenues derived from sugar and rum production from Antigua and other islands in the region drove the industrialisation of Europe. In Antigua, almost every

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Plantation owners were required by law to provide basic rations of bread, occasional salted meats and fish, and dried legumes. These were European staples in the maritime world before refrigeration. In addition, most plantations allowed space for the enslaved to grow food in gardens and raise small animals after working hours or on Sundays. It was from these plots where the food in Beastall’s Sunday Market came from, and it was from these plots where culinary traditions were maintained, and new ones created.

After Emancipation in 1834, new migrants came to Antigua: some more willing than others. South Asians from southern India were brought to

work in the cane fields as indentured servants, bringing with them new spices and introducing curries which were quickly adopted and adapted across the region. Portuguese, Lebanese and Syrians, and Chinese labourers and merchants arrived too, each introducing new recipes, tastes, and ingredients across the late 19th and 20th centuries. By Independence in 1981, Antigua & Barbuda’s

ISLAND RUM CULTURE By the early 20th Century, most villages had a rum shop serving spirits imported by the barrel from Barbados.

Aged, blended, diluted and coloured with caramel or prune juice by the owner of the rum shop, who was often a Portuguese immigrant from Madeira, it was sold by the glass or bottle to the men of the village who would meet up for a friendly, or sometimes more competitive, game of dominos. There was a rather compelling reason to win the game because tradition had it that the loser bought the next round.

kitchen was complex, nuanced, and full of flavour and spice. And it is still evolving as Antigua welcomes new visitors and citizens from around the world. Whether you stop by a roadside barbeque for goat water or fungee and chop-up, or you go to a fine dining establishment, the Antiguan touches from this long tradition are there in every bite.

A DRUNK SAILOR IS A DOCILE SAILOR A pint of rum is quite some alcohol for one person. But that is precisely what every Royal Navy sailor was entitled to daily back in the 18th century. Each warship, like those found in Nelson’s Dockyard at that time, had a much larger crew than was necessary to sail it in case it found itself at battle. The theory behind giving the sailors such ample rum rations was that drunk sailors wouldn’t mutiny against their superiors. Bear in mind that the rum that was being consumed back then wasn’t like the beautiful smooth English Harbour Rum we drink today in our delicious rum punches, but instead came from the first distillation, which not only made it very cheap but also extremely strong. And by strong, we are talking about 80 percent alcohol per volume. Unsurprisingly, mutinies were rare.

By Dr Christopher Waters

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cover story

ITAL FOOD: CONNECTING WITH NATURE While it was widely regarded as a fringe movement in the not-too-distant past, veganism is now firmly mainstream.

Practitioners who are committed to a plant-based diet, avoid anything that is an animal product or a derivative such as eggs, meat, dairy and honey.

But in the Caribbean, veganism is both a spiritual and practical matter for followers of the Ital diet, the traditional food of Rastafarianism. Like practitioners in some Asian religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, Rastafarians also refrain from ingesting animal products.

Rastafarianism began in Jamaica during the 1930s through the promotion of an African-centric view of the Bible. With at least 1,500 practitioners in Antigua today, Ital food plays an important role in the country’s cuisine. So what exactly is Ital food? The Ital diet is based on the idea that being vegetarian improves health and energy and increases one’s connection with nature. The name is derived from the English word “vital”, a popular mantra in the religion that “Ital is vital”. The fact that it begins with the letter “I” has special significance to the Rastafari as it shows the self-determination of the black race, which resulted in their use of the word “I” to replace the first letter of many words.

Not only do Rastafarians want to protect God’s living creatures, but they are also in tune with nature, only eating food that is organic, local, seasonal and unprocessed.

Comprising delicious food full of energy-giving fruits and vegetables and protein-providing pulses, prepared without additives and chemicals and flavoured with aromatic herbs and spices; it’s all about treating their body as a temple.

With the world focusing on healthy, crueltyfree cooking, Ital is becoming increasingly popular outside the Rastafarian community. Maybe it’s time we all treat our bodies like a temple?

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EAT LOCAL, EAT HEALTHILY The world over, people are becoming increasingly concerned about where their food comes from.

You may all have heard the buzzwords “Eat Local” and “Farm-to-Table” being bandied around, as people turn their backs on imported, pre-packaged and processed food for more organic, seasonal and local ingredients. Even in a small island nation like Antigua & Barbuda, where due to its sheer size and consequent lack of resources, it isn’t always easy to eat local, things are slowly changing.

Certainly, travellers’ tastes are changing. Thankfully, long gone are the days when the majority of tourists wanted to recreate the food of their home countries, albeit in the sunshine.

Although, of course, there are still those who are too set in their ways to try the local nosh, according to a survey by booking.com, 35

percent of travellers today take vacations specifically to try the local cuisine. Not only does sampling native delicacies and meeting the locals in their own eateries provide an authentic cultural experience, but it also supports the local farmers, fishermen and communities. Numerous chefs across Antigua are ensuring that locally sourced ingredients are used whenever possible on their menus, primarily because they want to support local suppliers but also because their clientele now expects it.

And with locally grown food having a smaller carbon footprint thanks to less fuel being used for transport, it additionally helps the environment. This can only be seen as a positive for a somewhere like Antigua & Barbuda, which takes its eco-credentials very seriously.

Unsurprisingly, for an island surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, there is an abundance of seafood and fish available year-round. The fertile soil provides nutrients for delicious fruit and vegetables and pastures allow the free-range farming of cows, sheep and poultry- although perhaps not enough to satisfy the whole population. But Antigua’s local products include rather more unexpected ingredients such as honey, wild mushrooms and freshwater shrimp, as entrepreneurial citizens realise that this bountiful land can provide so much.

Although it may seem like the farm-to-table idea is a relatively new concept in the twin islands and beyond, you only have to look a few generations back to see how communities historically sourced and consumed food.

This was a time when people had no choice but to eat local, in-season food. If we all applied this philosophy - even just a little bit - to the way we buy and eat our food, there would be a more sustainable outlook for the future of food.

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cover story

THE GIVING TREES OF ANTIGUA It’s difficult to imagine Caribbean cuisine without breadfruit, plantains, tamarinds and even mangoes. But travel back a few centuries and you won’t find any of these staples on the menu for the simple reason that they hadn’t yet been brought to the islands.

The breadfruit tree is one of the highest-yielding trees, with a single specimen producing 450 pounds of fruit per season. Today touted as a “superfood” thanks to its vitamins, minerals and high-protein value, it was transported to the region from the South Pacific by the infamous Captain Bligh on the HMS Bounty

in 1789. Used as food for enslaved people, breadfruit is today found in dishes across the islands thanks to its versatility. Similarly, the plantain, the stalwart accompaniment of many an Antiguan dish, arrived on the island’s shores due to slave traders looking for a cheap and filling source of food.

On a hot day, a refreshing tamarind juice is just the ticket. The tamarind, too, came from India in the mid-17th century, although it is native to Africa.

And like so many of these “giving trees”, not only is it delicious, but it has medicinal benefits into the bargain.

The fertile soil of Antigua ensured

THE QUEEN OF FRUITS Nothing says the tropics like a juicy and aromatic pineapple, whether in a cocktail or simply to quench your thirst after a long, hard day laying on an idyllic beach. But in Antigua, the fruit you will find certainly isn’t your run-of-the-mill pineapple.

Indeed, the Antiguan Black Pineapple is known as the sweetest pineapple on the planet. Don’t be fooled by the name; the fruit isn’t black, but its flesh is a delightful golden in colour, crisp in texture and flavour and above all, extremely sweet. Smaller than most other varieties of pineapple, it lives up to the idea that small is beautiful, just like the island where it is grown.

Its sweetness is all down to the unique combination of Antigua’s rich soil, tropical sunshine and just the right amount of rainfall. As the twin-island nation’s national fruit and taking pride of place on the country’s coat of arms, Antigua & Barbuda is rightly proud of this delicacy.

Brought to the islands’ shores by the Arawak Indians over a thousand years ago, it is grown mainly on Antigua’s southwest coast near Cades Bay. For centuries, only small, family-run farms harvested the fruit, but by the middle of the last century, Cades Bay Pineapple Station was created, and today, it is there and the Claremont Farm where you will find this beautiful jewel growing.

Whether you try a refreshing slice at one of the many roadside fruit stands, or in a sumptuous savoury or sweet recipe in a high-end restaurant or mixed with local rum in a very Antiguan cocktail, the Black Pineapple is undoubtedly one of the stars in the twin islands cuisine.

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that these alien trees thrived and became as ubiquitous as their native counterparts, such as the coconut palm or soursop-giving graviola tree.

The soursop is indeed one of the most intriguing fruits in the twin islands.

Despite its somewhat off-putting name and unattractive appearance, this fruit is a powerhouse of nutrition and curative benefits. Not only do its antioxidant properties boost immunity, lower blood pressure and inflammation and cure parasitic infections, but they have been studied for their potential to prevent or slow the growth of cancer.

THE BOTANICAL ISLANDS The Caribbean has forever been a place of intense flavours.

Every island is different and diverse; a place of exotic geology, plants and culture formed by dramatic history, wars, colonisations, and migrations - each culture bringing a pocket full of seeds, the flavours of home. Many plants once critical to daily life have been largely forgotten, yet they continue to grow on the islands. In Antigua, the majority of our plants were introduced to the environment and still survive in the wild. For someone in love with botanical flavours, this is truly paradise.

Butterfly pea blossom (Clitoria ternatea), originally from Southeast Asia, named by a particularly childish Victorian botanist, grows in a variety of colours within Antigua. The blue variety known to both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for numerous purposes is now cultivated mainly for culinary use. Lending a fresh

peppery pea flavour, these blossoms are a great addition to salads or as a garnish and are truly special brewed into a tea or when used to colour rice.

Originally from Mexico, another common vine in Antigua is coralita, or Mexican creeper (Antigonon leptopus). Its leaves and beautiful pink blossoms are brewed into a tea to soothe colds and treat sore throats. Every part of the vine is edible; the roots produce little potato-like tubers, the seeds can be popped like popcorn, and the blossoms make a dramatic cocktail garnish.

Garnish one too many cocktails with the above blossoms, and traditionally, your go-to botanical would be Plectranthus canisus, locally known as the paracetamol plant; a fast-growing garden herb traditionally prepared into a tea to treat headaches and migraines.

Antigua’s unique place in the crossroads of history means the hills and shores of our island are alive with former medicines and foodstuffs, making it a fascinating place for modern foraging.

By David Murphy

ANTIGUA’S UNIQUE PLACE IN THE CROSSROADS OF HISTORY MEANS THE HILLS AND SHORES OF OUR ISLAND ARE ALIVE WITH FORMER MEDICINES AND FOODSTUFFS, MAKING IT A FASCINATING PLACE FOR MODERN FORAGING.

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Some of the best lobsters in the Caribbean can be found in Barbuda.

Coconuts are anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-parasite.

The dolphinfish is certainly not a dolphin. Its alternative name is Mahi Mahi and can be found on menus all over the twin islands.

Rum is thought to be the world’s oldest distilled alcoholic drink.

The name ‘rum’ may be an abbreviation of ‘rumbullion´ or ‘rumbustion’, slang from the 17th-century meaning tumult or uproar.

Although rum-like drinks were found in Cyprus, Persia and the Far East, modern rum was discovered by slaves who discovered that molasses could be fermented into alcohol.

Lemongrass is used to both repel mosquitos and attract honeybees.

Coconuts are highly nutritious, rich in fibre, vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6; and minerals including iron, copper, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc.

Seafood is a popular choice in the Caribbean, with conch being amongst the delicacies.

Caribbean cuisine is most like African and Creole cuisine.

Caribbean cuisine is a melting pot of influences from the different cultures that have visited the islands.

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Fungee is part of the national dish fungee and pepperpot.

Fungee is not a type of mushroom, but a dish made from cornmeal, similar to Italian polenta.

THE CITIZEN

The ubiquitous mango found on the island was initially brought to the Caribbean by Spanish and Portuguese explorers in the 15th century.

The secret of happiness is variety, but the secret of variety, like the secret of all spices, is knowing when to use it

Interview

Marianne Jean-Baptiste

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Actor, singer, songwriter and director, Marianne Jean-Baptiste was born in London to an Antiguan mother and St Lucian father. Her career took off in Mike Leigh’s 1996 masterpiece Secrets & Lies, for which she received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress as well as the Golden Globe and BAFTA Award in the same category. Classically trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, she is as comfortable on stage as she is in television series on both sides of the Atlantic, such as her leading roles in Without a Trace and Blindspot or in movies such as Peter Strickland’s In Fabric and 2020’s Fatman with Mel Gibson. The Citizen caught up with Marianne to talk about her Antiguan heritage and her varied career in the UK and the US.

You’ve worked in film, television and theatre. Which do you find most satisfying and why?

Theatre. I have always loved theatre and the process of rehearsals where you really get to dive in and explore the characters and themes of the play. There is something quite frightening about it, but it’s also exhilarating; when you’re live on stage, no one can call cut; it’s just actors truly taking control of the piece - or the piece taking control of them in some cases. The audience is right there experiencing the play along with you. It’s magical.

Your first major role in Secrets & Lies was with the legendary Mike Leigh, who has an extremely unique improvisational approach to his filmmaking. Was it difficult to readjust to more ‘traditional’ directors after this experience?

I think I’m still adjusting! Working with Mike Leigh is such a unique experience. There is no script, and you create the character from scratch, so it’s a very long and intense experience, but for an artist, it’s extremely rewarding; I guess I miss that in the more traditional projects, the time spent and attention to detail.

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Having written the soundtrack for Mike Leigh’s Career Girls, you are also very musical. What does music bring you that acting doesn’t? Is this something you want to do more of?

I am a huge music lover. In my opinion, it’s the purest form of expression. It transcends everything. You don’t have to come from a particular place or speak a certain language; it cuts right to the soul; it speaks to everyone. I love the solitary aspect of it, playing around with chords on the piano. I’d like to write more; it’s just carving out the time that’s challenging for me right now.

You were Britain’s first Black Academy Award nominee.

Do you think things have progressed in the 25 years since the film came out for Black actors and Black filmmaking?

We are seeing some movement in the industry with Black films and artists being given more opportunities. It’s quite exciting to see. There is still room for more variety and growth, but things are shifting.

You’ve been living in Los Angeles for several years now. What do you most miss about your hometown of London and the Caribbean?

I am at home in California with the sunshine and being around nature. I miss my family in London, the galleries and fashion - Londoners are very stylish! I also miss easy access to Caribbean food; you can find it here in Los Angeles, but I generally have to cook it myself when I want it. I have grown accustomed to a slower pace and bluer skies.

Funnily enough, visiting Antigua feels more like going home than visiting London does. I told one of my daughters the other day that I always sleep well and deeply when I’m in Antigua. I find I can really relax and allow life to happen.

I always stay somewhere where I can see and hear the sea as the rhythm of the waves is just calming. I miss calling Roti King and ordering a whole wheat roti with conch (and tamarind sauce on the side). In fact, it’s usually my first stop when I arrive. I miss how in Antigua you can meet friends for coffee and then coffee turns into lunch and then dinner, and before you know it, you’ve spent the whole day ‘liming” - just hanging out, relaxing, chatting and laughing.

How important is your Antigua and Caribbean heritage? How has it shaped the way you approach life?

My Antiguan heritage is very important to me. I wouldn’t be who I am today without it. Having an Antiguan mother who was fiercely proud of her culture has rubbed off on me.

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MY ANTIGUAN HERITAGE IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME.

Throughout my childhood, she often talked of going home.

When we visited as children, we would stay in Jennings Village and become ‘Antiguan children’, running around, picking ginnips [a wild, native fruit of Antigua] and helping to turn fungee! [the national dish of Antigua] We were in our element. Knowing that I am part of such a rich culture is a source of pride.

You were named as Honorary Tourism Ambassador to the twin islands. What do you tell people about Antigua & Barbuda to encourage them to visit?

Being named Honorary Tourism Ambassador was a tremendous honour for me. I have gone out of my way to tell people about Antigua & Barbuda. It’s the perfect place to relax and refresh. The beaches are spotless and never overcrowded, and Antiguans are friendly but not overbearingly so. There is a strong sense of pride and a willingness to share the history and culture with visitors. If someone is looking for activities, there is plenty to do, but it’s also great if you don’t want to do anything at all. Several of my friends in the industry have visited and fallen in love with Antigua.

Where is your favourite spot on the twin islands?

I think this is a very unfair question! Do I really have to choose one? I love Hermitage Bay and Shirley Heights with its fantastic views of the island. Lighthouse Bay in Barbuda was also a favourite of mine with the pink-sand beaches and just the sense of peace that exists there. And last but not least, Roti King in St John’s.

What’s next for you?

I’m taking a little time off right now as I’ve had quite a busy year. I’ll be at home gearing up first for Thanksgiving and then Christmas. You’ll see me soon though in Boxing Day, a British film by Aml Ameen.

Spotlight on the twin islands at The World’s Greatest Show The world may have had to wait an extra year for Dubai Expo 2020 to begin. Still, when it finally opened with a bang at the beginning of October at its inauguration ceremony, everyone agreed it was worth the wait.

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Although the theme for this year’s exhibition is “Connecting Minds and Creating the Future”, the Expo has always been a trailblazing event, all the way to its start in London in 1851 with “The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations”.

Opened by Queen Victoria in the architectural marvel Crystal Palace, a giant glass-and-iron structure built especially for the event, The Great Exhibition housed over 100,000 objects displayed along more than ten miles.

Not surprisingly, it was probably the most successful and memorable cultural affair of the 19th century, visited by over 15,000 contributors and considered the world’s first international event. Not only did the exposition showcase the very latest inventions and wonders like an early fax machine and a stereoscope, but the Crystal Palace also hosted the first public toilets - something we all take for granted today, but back then being able to “spend a penny” was a very welcome novelty.

Since then, expos have continued to be at the forefront of innovation and invention. The Eiffel Tower in Paris

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– still the most visited monument in the world - was constructed for the Exposition Universelle in 1889. Had it not been for this event, the skyline of Paris would look very different today.

Alexander Graham Bell demonstrated the first telephone in 1876 at Philadelphia’s Centennial Exposition of Arts, and the first live television broadcast was made at the New York World’s Fair in 1939.

The first Expo to be held in an Arab nation, Expo 2020 Dubai, is no exception. As one of the most future-forward expos in history and focusing on mobility, sustainability and opportunity, three of the world’s most important driving forces today, the event is exhibiting countless technological advances in fields such

as artificial intelligence, renewable energy and transport. Even the iconic Al Wasl dome, the centrepiece of the four-square-kilometre site in the desert, is the world’s largest unsupported dome and provides the largest 360-degree projection surface.

One hundred and ninety-two countries are participating in the 182-day event, and more than 25 million visitors are expected. Indeed in the first month and a half alone, over four million people visited the impressive site.

Antigua & Barbuda is found in the imposing Mobility pavilion designed

by Foster + Partners, which features the world’s largest passenger lift. In this district, visitors can catch a ride in an autonomous vehicle and even explore space. For the first time in World Expo

Al Wasl Dome, centrepiece of Expo Dubai 2020

history, every participating country has its own pavilion. That belonging to the twin islands exhibits the exceptional strides the country has made in their socio-economic growth over the years.

The Dubai Expo is truly an opportunity to showcase the country to visitors from all over the globe. As Shermain Jeremy, special projects and events manager from the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority, pointed out, “I would say 90 percent of the people who come through the pavilion are not familiar with Antigua & Barbuda.” Over 100,000 visitors came through the doors of Antigua’s pavilion in the first month alone, meaning that there are at least 100,000 new fans of these paradise islands in the world today, a figure that is growing every day the Expo is open.

The pavilion’s slogan “The beach is just the beginning” is how the twin islands have been pitching themselves for a while; indeed, it couldn’t be more accurate. For whilst Antigua & Barbuda is certainly showcasing the incredible beaches and turquoise waters for which it is best known, its presence in Dubai is highlighting everything else available in terms of nature, tourism, culture, sporting traditions, and economy.

Visitors can enjoy local artisans selling their wares, play the traditional game of Warri, and listen to local music.

However, many other cultural and informative events have been taking place to demonstrate the opportunities in the tourism and economic sectors, especially for those previously unfamiliar with this Caribbean nation.

As expected, the country’s jewel in the crown, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nelson’s Dockyard, is taking pride of place inside the pavilion alongside other attractions like the world-class yachting, sailing and water sports on offer.

For a country so focused on its ecocredentials, unsurprisingly, the pavilion highlights many of the pioneering sustainability efforts made over the past few years, including the islands’ ongoing initiatives to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy solutions.

The Citizenship by Investment Unit has been on hand to guide those who have been impressed by all that’s on offer in Antigua & Barbuda and are considering becoming citizens of these paradise islands with all the benefits citizenship entails. And as an island nation surrounded by the sea, The Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) are also around to highlight the country’s many marine and shipping possibilities.

But certainly, the country’s highlight of the exhibition so far was the celebration of Antigua & Barbuda’s 40th Anniversary of Independence on November 1st. The spotlight was well and truly placed on the twin islands, with a flag-raising ceremony at the striking Al Wasl Plaza, the central hub of the whole exposition, and the broadcasting of Wadadli, a short cultural presentation exploring the music, dance and heritage of the islands.

Claude Lewis, winner of the US reality cooking show, Chopped, came to the stand to cook some of the islands’ most popular dishes for visitors, and various appearances were made by local musical legends like the “Soca Diva” Claudette Peters.

And with three more months of this exciting event remaining, let’s see what Antigua has in store for the many new visitors set to discover the wonderful twin islands.

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Interview

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Husband and wife team, Howard and Mitzi Allen, founded HAMA Productions in 1992 and have been called the most prolific filmmakers in the Eastern Caribbean. Their debut movie, The Sweetest Mango, was the region’s first indigenous feature-length film. Their second and third movies, No Seed, a political drama, and Diablesse, based on Caribbean folklore, were released in 2002 and 2005 respectively. Their 2011 supernatural thriller, The Skin, was screened to great success at film festivals in Toronto, Los Angeles, the UK, Washington, Trinidad & Tobago and Belize. They are due to release their fifth film, Deep Blue, next year. HAMA has also produced a wide variety of television programmes, including the widely distributed drama series Paradise View as well as many documentaries. Howard and Mitzi found the time in their busy postproduction schedule to sit down with The Citizen and talk about their last 30 years as HAMAFilms.

How did HAMA Films come about?

Mitzi: Our first movie from 2000, The Sweetest Mango, is the story of how we met and fell in love. Thirty years ago, I returned to Antigua & Barbuda after working in Toronto as a broadcast journalist. I met Howard at CTV/The Superchannel where we began together. When we started dating, he told me that he had always wanted to have his own company and had created the name HAMA as a company name. I thought it was our names combined, so I asked him what it stood for thinking I was being coy - and he told me “Howard and Maxwell Allen” – Maxwell being his brother! However, it did become Howard and Mitzi in the end! Filmmaking was always Howard’s dream, and I had always dreamt of being an actress.

Howard: One day, Mitzi was reading some of her old journals, and she remembered that I had given her a mango as a gift when we first met.

And that is how the idea for The Sweetest Mango as a screenplay came about.

With all the excitement leading up to the year 2000, I wanted The Sweetest Mango to be a millennium project – to take Antigua & Barbuda into the new era. Although there had been a few films made previously in the 1970s and 1980s, they weren’t feature films and I wanted to take filmmaking to a new level.

What are you working on now?

M: We’ve just wrapped Deep Blue and are now in post-production. Our original idea was to have it completed in time for the COP26 conference

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because of the environmental theme. But since it’s an important story, we believe it will resonate whenever it shows.

HAMA turns 30 in July 2022, and we plan to celebrate that milestone. From the beginning of January onwards, we are going to promote the work that we’ve done so far and then gear up to show our fifth movie!

You made a very popular series Paradise View – I’ve heard you’re bringing it back?

M: Yes, we produced Paradise View in 2007 and we are now bringing it back as viewers have been asking us for season two.

H: It will be a brand-new story with new characters. This time we are tackling the controversial subject of human trafficking. The first season dealt with HIV. It was partly funded by the Kaiser Family Foundation and distributed across the Caribbean by the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership on HIV/AIDS (CBMP/HIV).

Is the industry growing in the region?

M: Yes, it is growing. The technology is accessible and because of the streaming platforms, a lot of Caribbean filmmakers are producing content – mainly short films. Films are costly to produce and filmmakers don’t always get the kind of support they should.

There are plans to bring filmmakers together as a pan-Caribbean movement, as it is vital that we work together.

There is also talk of Netflix establishing an office in the Caribbean and it would be wonderful to have Antigua & Barbuda as the hub. However, training is a key component so that we can benefit from them being here. Without enough technical know-how, the economy doesn’t benefit as much as it should.

We hope that the governments of the region will understand the viability of indigenous filmmaking. Filmmaking is a multi-billion-dollar industry, but for some reason this region doesn’t see itself as part of the bigger picture yet. The governments sometimes see the islands as a beautiful backdrop, but they don’t see themselves investing in local film productions. It is very important for us to tell our own stories.

How do you fund your films?

H: As HAMA, we usually raise at least 30 percent of the film’s budget, and the rest is through product placements and in-kind investments from family, friends and supporters of our work.

We have been fortunate to have friends who support us by letting us use their homes or cars or whatever else we may need to add production value. The Ministry of Tourism sometimes provides ground transportation, airline tickets or accommodations for our international cast and crew.

Mentoring young people is very important for you, can you tell us more about the way you develop young talent?

M: Ten years ago, we participated in a youth media workshop with the Department of Youth Affairs; it was funded by UNICEF. The participants were young people between the ages of 12 and 18. We trained them to produce, shoot and present PSAs about issues that affect them.

In 2003, we began an internship programme with one of the best film schools in New York, Ithaca College. A couple who worked at the school were in Antigua on holiday and after seeing our film being premiered, they got in

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HAMA TURNS 30 IN JULY 2022, AND WE PLAN TO CELEBRATE THAT MILESTONE. FROM THE BEGINNING OF JANUARY ONWARDS, WE ARE GOING TO PROMOTE THE WORK THAT WE’VE DONE SO FAR AND THEN GEAR UP TO SHOW OUR FIFTH MOVIE!

touch and asked us to come to their college to speak to their students. We conducted a masterclass on “Feature Filmmaking on a Shoestring Budget”.

It was the beginning of a collaboration in a series of workshops in Antigua & Barbuda with Ithaca students and Antiguan and Barbudan students. There were workshops on sound-gathering and screenwriting and it led to us offering internships every summer.

Deep Blue is an environmental story, what brought that idea to you?

M: Over the past 15 years, we have been producing documentaries, infomercials, and PSAs for the Department of Environment, the Environmental Awareness Group and other NGOs. We learnt so much from this, that we thought that a fictional environmental story would bring that same information to a broader audience.

H: By using entertainment and emotion, you get to connect with the audience on a very different level.

What next?

H: The story of King Court, one of our National heroes, was the first story I wanted to tell but it would obviously be a period piece and a multi-million-dollar project. It continues to be in development until we find the right collaborators.

Antigua & Barbuda looks forward to

WELCOMING YOU AS AN INVESTOR The Antigua and Barbuda Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) was established to regulate and supervise �inancial services business carried on in and or from within Antigua & Barbuda and facilitate innovation in �inancial services business. The Commission is pleased to share the improvements in two �inancial services available in the twin islands, available to persons through licensed Corporate Management and Trust Service Providers.

INTERNATIONAL TRUSTS 

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Discretionary Trusts: The settlor sets criteria for the trustee’s discretion concerning the investment of assets on the behalf of bene�iciaries.

Fixed Trusts: This structure allows the distribution of assets predicated on certain �ixed conditions. For instance, the distribution of assets to a minor bene�iciary on reaching the age of majority.

Bare Trusts: Under the ITA a settlor may also be a bene�iciary or the sole bene�iciary of the trust. A bare trust may be an appealing structure in arrangements that provide settlors and bene�iciaries with access to trust property.

The main bene�its of the Antigua & Barbuda International Trusts are:  

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CONFIDENTIALITY – We provide clients with opportunities to manage their affairs with a high level of con�identiality.

FLEXIBILITY – We provide broad �lexibility in terms of the trust type or purpose and structure. An international trust may be formed with several objectives, such as estate or succession planning, asset holding or charitable purposes.

TAXATION - Enjoy favourable tax treatments which include exemption from income tax, capital gains tax, estate and inheritance, and stamp duty relating to the trust property.

DIGITAL ASSET BUSINESS

Antigua & Barbuda is one of the �irst countries in the Caribbean to have enacted legislation supporting the establishment of Digital Asset Business. Those who wish to establish a digital business can apply to the Commission for licenses for the following:  Payment Service Provider  Digital Asset Exchange or a  Digital Asset Service Vendor

MORE INFORMATION, APPLICATION FORMS AND LIST OF LICENSED PROVIDERS ARE AVAILABLE ON www.fsrc.gov.ag

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ANTIGUA THROUGH MY LENS by

Jonathan Murphy

Jonathan is a native Vincentian and has been an IT professional specialising in the hospitality sector for 20 years. He developed a passion for photography in 2008 and became the understudy of the renowned professional photographer Alexis Andrews. Although initially interested in landscape photography, this has since morphed into real estate and underwater photography. His natural gift for perception, depth, contrast, balance and symmetry has enabled him to capture the enchanting scenic beauty of the Caribbean. He has a magic touch for the aesthetic.

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More of my work can be found on Instagram: jmpimages www.jmurphotography.com.

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How did you develop your interest in photography?

I’ve always loved art, but I couldn’t draw at all, unlike my brothers. My first use of a camera opened a new world of creativity, and I was instantly hooked. It allowed me to be creative in a new and exciting way.

What does photography give you that your IT job doesn’t?

As much as I love IT, photography is my escape. It’s where I can forget about everything and get lost in my creative world. It allows me to capture something unique and share the beauty of God’s creations.

Why are real estate and underwater photography now your chosen genres?

Real estate brings out the perfectionist in me. I can focus on a composition for hours, feasting on its latent beauty and exotic brilliance. Then my forte for detail, balance, depth, shadow, light, and colour kicks in to produce a work of incredible artistry. As for underwater photography, I’ve always loved the beach and the ocean. For me, it’s mainly about showing the beauty of the underwater world.

I hope it brings awareness to the damage and destruction we’re doing to our reefs and aquatic world. In a mystical sense, it’s also my special way of taking my audience with me to an unexplored world of the exotic since most people I know don’t snorkel or dive.

Where is your favourite place to take photos on the twin islands?

I would have to say Pillars of Hercules.

I love the different and unique rock formations. It’s a spot for amazing sunsets, and due to low light pollution, it allows you to photograph the Milky Way. What makes Antigua & Barbuda special in your opinion?

Its beaches, the indented contours of its coastal landscape, and its overall varied topography.

What is your life motto?

Each one help one. I love helping people. Society has become very narcissistic, but if I can help someone hone their skills and develop their talent, I would do it even if that person surpassed my level of competence. Their excellence and success would bring me joy.

It’s not about ideas.

It’s about making ideas happen

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Interview

Born and raised in Jersey City to Antiguan parents, Claude Lewis is today the chef and owner of Freetown Road Project Restaurant in New Jersey. After winning the prestigious Food Network competition Chopped in 2018, Claude opened his authentic Antiguan/West Indian restaurant. Named after the Antiguan village where his parents grew up, Claude is on a mission to elevate Caribbean cuisine and introduce it to the American public. The Citizen caught up with Claude during his busy pre-Christmas period to learn about his food journey.

What started your passion for food?

I grew up in a ‘food family’ as both my parents can cook. My mother generally cooked Antiguan food, and as my father had moved here a couple of years before the rest of us, he had experience with American food. I therefore have had a lot of influence from both Antiguan and American cuisine.

It’s difficult to get that authentic taste of home living here, so I had to learn how to make the food myself because I couldn’t always go back to Antigua to eat it!

What made you apply for Chopped?

I had just got a job at an Italian restaurant, Porta. Hospitality is very competitive, and as a person of colour in America and with immigrant parents, you feel like you’re behind. I wanted to prove that I belonged in this field. I did some other culinary competitions while I applied for Chopped. They answered me back, and the interview process took about three and a half years. They called me at the end of the third year to film the show. It then didn’t air for another two years. So the whole process took five years!

It was a great experience, and I represented my culture, my city and my island in a good way.

How did the concept of Freetown Road Project come about?

When I went on Chopped, I didn’t plan to cook Caribbean food.

I was head chef of an Italian restaurant, so I thought of doing Italian dishes. However, when they gave me the gefilte fish as an ingredient to work with, I decided to make something I was comfortable with.

The way the episode went and how proud everyone was of me, provided me with the vision to create a Caribbean restaurant. I knew I wanted to open a place, but I didn’t know what it would represent. So Chopped really cleared it up for me, and we started working on the restaurant very soon afterwards.

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I WOULD LOVE TO OPEN A FREETOWN RESTAURANT IN FREETOWN ITSELF TO BRING SOME ATTENTION TO THE VILLAGE AND THAT SIDE OF THE ISLAND, PROVIDING JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM. I FEEL IT WOULD BE GOOD TO GIVE BACK IN THAT WAY AT THE SAME TIME AS EXPANDING THE BRAND.

How do you want to put West Indian food on the map?

I don’t want to disrespect any Caribbean chefs; they represent their islands exceptionally well. However, being American born gives me a different perspective on the culinary scene. Cooking is taken so seriously here that Caribbean cuisine wouldn’t be respected if it isn’t taken to the highest levels. People in the islands live so long because the food is good, wholesome and has no additives.

I am using the French technique that I’ve learned and my experience from cooking food from all over the world to ensure that Caribbean cuisine is something that can be eaten in fine dining restaurants. I really want to elevate it.

How would you describe West Indian food to the uninitiated?

I always say it’s Caribbean soul food. It uses the same ingredients as American soul food: okra, potatoes, cornmeal and meats like chicken and goat and it’s certainly big hearty food that makes you want to sit back and relax. Most cultures have soul food; the first bite should make you feel at home.

What is the star dish on your menu?

Our oxtail and curry chicken are two of the most popular dishes. My mom’s curry chicken is the dish I would choose as my last meal on Earth!

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For our brunch, we serve Wadadli chicken and waffles.

We grill the pepper chicken and serve with waffles made from plantains and sweetcorn with some English Harbour rum on the side. The food is fun and delicious but it’s also approachable for the public.

What is your favourite food to eat when you’re not working?

I absolutely love all food, but sushi and pasta are my favourites. I love Italian cooking. In fact, I am a certified Neapolitan pizza maker. I competed in the Caputo Cup [Italy’s most renowned pizza contest] against 100 other pizza makers and I came 25th.

Your restaurant is involved in charity work. Why is it important for you to give back?

My sister opened her non-profit, The Salt Foundation, during the pandemic. She was working out of her car, picking up food and dropping it off to people in need together with my brother and father. At that time, no one was allowed in the restaurant, so we used the space to cook and store food for the foundation. We worked with three or four different non-profits, which made us an epicentre of food and community. We continue the work as unfortunately, there are still people in need. As a family, we feel blessed, so we like to give back any way we can.

Where is your favourite place in Antigua?

Shirley Heights gives you an excellent taste of Antigua.

Every Thursday there’s drinks, dancing and you can eat grilled jerk chicken and ribs. I also love visiting St John’s – walking around, you smell the food, and you see the people. And the beaches, of course. Old Road Beach is where many of my family are from, and it’s so beautiful. I have great memories of being a kid and getting up before sunrise to jump in the water before it got too hot and then going to get breakfast. Just being in Antigua is wonderful.

The air is different, and the sun is different; I can’t explain it.

So, do you plan to become the first Michelin-starred West Indian chef?

That is definitely my goal! I’m fighting for my brand to become a household name so that when people see it, they know what it is. My father owns land in Antigua, and I plan to open something there. I would love to open a Freetown Road Project restaurant in Freetown itself to bring some attention to the village and that side of the island, providing jobs and opportunities for them. I feel it would be good to give back in that way at the same time as expanding the brand. Perhaps that restaurant could become the Michelin-Starred restaurant!

Sometimes paradise is just paradise

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Arts &cu ltu re

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Born in Britain, Jan Farara arrived in Antigua on a sailboat in 1970 and never looked back. Jan combined being a restauranteur with her love of painting in her adopted home of Antigua before dedicating herself full-time to painting in 2005.

Since then, the internationally recognised artist has had four successful exhibitions, and Jan’s many commissions can be found in the twin islands and beyond in private homes, restaurants and hotels.

Working in acrylics, using her fingers and a credit card to move the paint around the canvas, her bright and bold paintings demonstrate her love affair with the Caribbean. Whether it’s depicting the colourful characters or the spectacular nature, landscapes and seascapes she sees around her, her paintings truly capture Antigua’s vivid spirit and personality.

Jan’s delightful studio/gallery is found at her home in Buckleys in the centre of the island, where she welcomes visitors to see how she creates her original paintings and artwork and where they can purchase her fine art prints.

Jan Farara

Caribbean Kitchen

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Arts&culture Sunflower

English Harbour

Banana Leaves My Favourite Beach

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Mangoes

Limin

Into the Bay

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conservation Saving the whales may be the answer to climate change Spotting a whale in the wild is on the bucket list of many throughout the world.

Few animals capture our imagination the way these immense, intelligent and awe-inspiring creatures do. But what if these gentle giants are also the solution to the destruction that humans have been wreaking on our planet as we hurtle headfirst into irreversible climate change?

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There are about 40 species of whales in total, with about 25 of those having been observed in the Caribbean region. One of the largest whale species, the impressive sperm whale, can sometimes be spotted in the waters around the twin islands, as well as the musical humpback whale, which is found during the January-through-April spawning season. Short-finned pilot whales are also a reasonably common sight in the region, travelling in pods of up to 20 or more individuals.

However, given that six out of the 13 great whale species are classified as endangered or vulnerable, seeing a whale is sadly becoming an increasingly rare event. The beleaguered North Atlantic right whale (so named as they were the “right” type of whale to hunt) is probably the world’s most endangered species, with just 336 left and its numbers in steady decline since 2010.

With whales being at the top of the food chain, they are vital for the marine environment’s overall health. But even after decades of protection, their numbers continue to dwindle. And although these generally beloved creatures’ plight does indeed resonate with people, and it is now common knowledge that the world has a responsibility to protect them, much more needs to be done to increase their numbers.

Notwithstanding that a worldwide moratorium was placed on commercial whaling in 1986 by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) – a global intergovernmental body charged with the conservation of whales and the management of whaling – some nations such as Norway and Iceland still support whaling or simply disagree with the ban. Over 40,000 large whales and 100,000 smaller whales and other cetaceans have been killed since then. Despite that, the ban has been heralded as one of the outstanding environmental achievements of the century, and since its introduction, many whale populations have been slowly recovering.

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conservation

Saying all this, the woes of whales are not all caused by deliberate hunting, although admittedly, the human hand plays a role in all of them. Entanglement in fishing gear – it is estimated that 80 percent of right whales have been entangled at least once in their life – being struck by ships, toxic contamination, and habitat degradation are just some of the threats facing these marine mammals. As oceans are getting louder through noise pollution from boats and submarines, this is seriously affecting their orientation and how they detect prey, leading to strandings and starvation.

And of course, the biggest threat to humankind and nature alike, climate change, is also having a devasting effect on whales.

Somewhat ironically, cetaceans have regularly been fingered as climate culprits, given the large amounts of carbon dioxide they emit due to their immense size. But this couldn’t be further from the truth.

In fact, the carbon capture potential of whales is truly remarkable. Whilst the world’s carbon footprint has put us on the brink of the point of no return regarding the fight against climate change, scientists are in a race to find ways of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

However, many of the proposed solutions, like capturing

climate change cannot be undermined, it isn’t an exaggeration to say that protecting whale populations holds the secret to combatting climate change. To put this statement into perspective, a great whale can sequester around 33 tonnes of carbon dioxide during its lifespan, whilst a tree only contributes three percent of this amount during that same period.

But it’s not just in death that whales are saving the planet.

While they are still alive and kicking, their iron and nitrogen-rich faeces contribute immeasurably to carbon capture by creating ideal conditions for phytoplankton to bloom. Although you may not be overly familiar with these microscopic marine algae, they incredibly produce at least 50 percent of the oxygen in the atmosphere and capture around 40 percent of all carbon dioxide. To say they are vital to life is an understatement.

According to a 2019 International Monetary Fund (IMF) report entitled “Nature’s Solution to Climate Change”, the amount of carbon captured by phytoplankton is equivalent to the amount sequestered by four Amazon forests. This same report calculates that if the estimated 1.3 million whales alive today can be protected so that they rebound to their pre-whaling numbers of four to five million, then

A great whale can sequester around 33 tonnes of carbon dioxide during its lifespan, whilst a tree only contributes three percent of this amount during that same period.

carbon from the air and burying it deep in the earth, are complex, untested, and above all prohibitively expensive.

So, what if there was a low-tech, organic way of mitigating climate change – one with a low monetary cost and one which would benefit humankind in more than one way? Planting billions of trees across the planet is one of the biggest and cheapest ways of taking CO2 out of the atmosphere – who hasn’t been asked to donate to plant a tree to offset the carbon of a flight they have taken?

But what if there was an even more effective, and indeed cheaper, way of tackling climate change? The answer, simply, is to protect whales.

Whales accumulate massive amounts of carbon throughout their incredibly long lives, sometimes stretching to 200 years. When they die naturally and sink to the seafloor, their carcasses with their accumulated carbon are trapped in the ocean’s depths for hundreds or even thousands of years. When whaling occurs, the carbon is no longer sunk to the deep ocean floor but instead released into the atmosphere.

Although the importance of trees in the fight against

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the number of phytoplankton would significantly increase.

If phytoplankton productivity increased by a mere one percent, “it would capture hundreds of millions of tons of additional CO2 a year, equivalent to the sudden appearance of two billion mature trees.” To put it bluntly, whale’s poo matters.

For those non “whale huggers” whose heartstrings are not pulled by the plight of these majestic beings for conservation or moral reasons, their monetary value may, on the other hand, strike a chord. Thanks to the incredible carbon-removing service that these creatures provide, a conservative estimate by the IMF is that the value of the average great whale is more than US$2 million and the current global stock of great whales is worth at least US$1 trillion; a definite economic incentive for the most hardhearted of politicians.

Although for most of us, the monetary value of the whale is probably by the by, our interest lies in simply protecting this most magnificent of intelligent beings for their own good; it is also worth remembering that saving the whales might just be saving you.

HUMPBACK WHALES DON’T EAT FOR MOST OF THE YEAR. ALL TOOTHED WHALES USE ECHOLOCATION TO HUNT THEIR PREY. OVER 80% OF NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALES HAVE BEEN ENTANGLED IN FISHING GEAR AT LEAST ONCE IN THEIR LIFETIME. SPERM WHALES HAVE THE BIGGEST BRAINS OF ANY ANIMAL ON EARTH. THE BLUE WHALE IS THE BIGGEST ANIMAL TO HAVE EVER LIVED ON EARTH – INCLUDING DINOSAURS. IT CAN WEIGH AS MUCH AS 30 ELEPHANTS – ITS TONGUE ALONE CAN WEIGH AS MUCH AS ONE ELEPHANT.

AMBERGRIS (OR SPERM WHALE VOMIT) IS MORE VALUABLE THAN GOLD AND IS USED AS AN INGREDIENT IN EXPENSIVE PERFUMES.

6 OUT OF THE 13 GREAT WHALE SPECIES ARE CLASSIFIED AS ENDANGERED OR VULNERABLE. THE ORCA OR KILLER WHALE IS IN FACT A DOLPHIN. WHALES ARE DIVIDED INTO BALEEN (TOOTHLESS) WHALES AND TOOTHED WHALES.

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philanthropy HOW SPORTS PHILANTHROPY CAN LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD

I

It is said that sport is a great leveller in that rank, race, religion, and gender do not matter the moment you step onto a pitch. Unfortunately, getting onto the pitch in the first place can be the biggest challenge for many around the globe. For whilst it can be argued that those living in poverty and the marginalised would most benefit from participating in sport, it is they who are ofttimes left behind.

Nelson Mandela rightly pointed out that sport is universal in all cultures and societies. Sports have been around as long as humans have existed; cave paintings from over 15,000 years ago depict wrestling, and the Olympics began in 776 BC. It is now one of the largest and most popular activities in the world for participants and spectators alike.

Not only does it improve the health and wellness

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to the youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers.” NELSON MANDELA, 2000

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of its participants, no matter their socioeconomic situation, but it also unifies cultures and, without doubt, is a significant factor in children’s development.

All research indicates that engaging in sport positively impacts everyone’s life. It naturally contributes to physical health, but moreover, it can also be life-changing for mental health by providing confidence, improving social skills and reducing anxiety and stress through the production of endorphins. The life lessons from sport, like teamwork, leadership and dedication, can help in so many aspects of life.

Due to its innumerable benefits, everyone should have access to sport. However, where you are born, the colour of your skin and how much money you have are just some of many obstacles to accessing this vital activity. Unsurprisingly, the philosophy of many sports charities is that your place of birth, race, gender and financial circumstances shouldn’t be a barrier to participating in any sport, and it is they who frequently have to step in to level the playing ground.

Money is undoubtedly one of the significant hurdles in the chase for that sporting dream. This starts young. When parents can pay for extra coaching and better equipment, their lucky offspring are more likely to succeed. In the US,

In many countries and areas where food is scarce and poverty is widespread, sports are unsurprisingly far down the list of priorities. Thankfully, there are many charitable sporting organisations in place around the globe, although there is still much to do. Keeping youth off the streets, away from delinquency and gangs, is essential in deprived areas where crime is rife. Organisations like the AIR Sports Network in the UK use sport to “rescue troubled lives” amongst ex-gang members and rehabilitate offenders so they can get back into their communities through mentoring, training and support. In Los Angeles, California, philanthropic foundations are recruiting young people to play organised sport to keep them out of the clutches of gangs in the most deprived areas of the city.

For people with disabilities, sport is not only liberating and empowering for the athlete themselves but may also serve to reduce stigma and discrimination from the wider society.

However, since specialist equipment can be prohibitively expensive, access to sports for the disabled is certainly not a given, especially for persons with limited means. This is where charities and foundations play a vital role. Taking it to the professional level can be even more challenging depending on where the sportsperson was born. Researchers

It is said that sport is a great leveller in that rank, race, religion, and gender do not matter the moment you step onto a pitch. Unfortunately, getting onto the pitch in the first place can be the biggest challenge for many around the globe. youth sports have been transformed by that elusive chase for athletic scholarships offering admission to the best colleges. No expense is spared in training youngsters to save the substantial college fees facing students’ families. Of course, many of these more privileged youngsters may have the natural talent to take them far despite the leg-up from wealthy parents. Still, it also means that many incredibly talented but financially or otherwise disadvantaged youngsters are completely off the radar.

In Antigua, Curtain Bluff ’s Old Road Fund, one of the most successful private foundations in the Caribbean, as well as helping those in the wider community, has allowed local children from families of modest means to play what is arguably an elitist sport, tennis, and subsequently go on to have success in many different walks of life. The Calvin Ayre Foundation sponsors local sports teams and trains budding Antiguan athletes hoping to catch the eye of US college scouts for scholarships to prestigious post-secondary institutions. Something which would otherwise be entirely out of their range.

at Stellenbosch University found that high-income countries like the US, Sweden and Norway were 3.4 times more likely to participate in the Paralympics than low or middle-income countries like South Africa and India, where disability may still carry a stigma. Charities such as the Agitos Foundation work tirelessly to provide opportunities for para-athletes in countries lagging behind more developed nations.

Let’s not forget, when a sportsperson has “made it”, they often go full tilt into philanthropy. A host of “celebrity” athletes like Michael Jordan, Cristiano Ronaldo and Serena Williams use their fortunes to make the world a better place. As role models to so many, the causes they champion resonate with the general public. Those like Ronaldo, who came from humble beginnings themselves, are even more inclined to give back and help those in a similar position.

Sports have been around since the annals of time, and with their increasing popularity, they will certainly be around as long as humans inhabit the Earth. But it is up to all of us to make sure that the playing field is level for everyone, no matter the lottery of life.

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WOrth Noting

CARIBBWIIN COMING TO ANTIGUA IN 2022

THE TWIN ISLANDS WIN ANOTHER TRAVEL AWARD Antigua & Barbuda has been ranked number five in the Top 10 Caribbean Islands in the World in the Conde Nast Traveler 2021 Readers’ Choice Award. Conde Nast Traveler is a leading luxury and lifestyle magazine. The annual Readers’ Choice Awards is the world’s longest-running travel awards franchise.

In May next year, the Caribbean Women Inventors & Innovators Women Network (CaribbWIIN) is coming to the twin islands. An African-themed night to showcase invention and innovation will celebrate 100 women “making the Caribbean great”. CaribbWIIN is part of the Global Women Inventors & Innovators Network, which focuses on empowering women in the realm of invaluable inventions and innovations from individuals, the workplace and the business environment.

HAMMOCK COVE WINNER OF CARIBBEAN TRAVEL AWARD Hammock Cove has been named the Best All-Inclusive Resort in the Caribbean 2021 in the 2021 Caribbean Journal Traveler’s Choice Awards voted by Caribbean Journal readers.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA CELEBRATES THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE On 1st November, the twin islands celebrated their ruby anniversary of independence of political independence from Britain under the theme Resilience, Reflection and Recovery with several celebrations across the islands.

V.C. BIRD INTERNATIONAL NAMED CARIBBEAN AIRPORT OF THE YEAR Antigua’s international airport has been named the Caribbean Airport of the year in the 8th annual edition of the Caribbean Travel Awards, an initiative of the Caribbean Journal.

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worth noting

SAILING AND YACHTING EVENTS BACK ON THE CALENDAR IN 2022 Antigua’s sailing calendar is revving back up in 2022. From 30th March 30th to 4th April, the spectacular Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta is inviting participants to sign up their Historic Class of yachts, built or designed on or before 1976.

The RORC Caribbean 600 is also back and set to start in Antigua on February 21st, 2022, with at least a dozen different countries registered already.

The race is a 600-mile race around 11 Caribbean islands.

As always, the sailing season culminates with the world-famous Antigua Sailing Week slated to take place from April 30th to May 6th, 2022.

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How to future-proof your life?

DIPLOMATIC AND TRADE OFFICES IN THE UAE After the recent change in status of Gilbert Boustany, the twin islands’ Ambassador to the UAE from Non-Resident to Resident Ambassador, an embassy and a trade and tourism office will be set up in Dubai. This announcement came at the same time as Antigua & Barbuda is exhibiting in Expo 2020 Dubai. This establishment of offices will increase opportunities for trade and tourism and strengthen relations between the two nations.

FRONTIER AIRLINES ARRIVE IN ANTIGUA The inaugural Frontier Airlines flight arrived at V.C. Bird International Airport from Orlando, Florida, on 4th December. The co-pilot and one of the flight attendants were native Antiguan & Barbudans. Direct flights will be every Saturday.

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worth noting

DIAMOND JUBILEE OF NELSON’S DOCKYARD Nelson’s Dockyard, the only Georgian dockyard still operating in the world today, celebrated its Diamond Anniversary (60th) from 14th November to 13th December. The celebrations kicked off with a service of Thanksgiving, and several events took place over the month-long period, including special tours of Clarence House.

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TALISKER WHISKY ATLANTIC CHALLENGE 2021 On 13th December, 107 rowers from around the world set off on the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge – an incredible 3,000-mile rowing race across the Atlantic Ocean dubbed “The World’s Toughest Row”. The teams set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands and will spend between 29-60 days at sea on average to finish in Nelson’s Dockyard.

FLIGHTS BACK ON TRACK IN THE TWIN ISLANDS WestJet has resumed weekly non-stop flights from Toronto, Canada, to Antigua & Barbuda after more than a year. Likewise, Air Canada resumed its Toronto-Antigua service on 3rd October.

Regional flights are being boosted by increased flights with the Guadeloupean Air Antilles. From 17th December, the airline commenced a non-stop service between V.C. Bird International Airport and Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados.

There are direct flights from St Maarten via Guadeloupe to Antigua on Wednesday and Sunday.

InterCaribbean Airways is starting two new nonstop flights connecting Antigua with Barbados with an initial two weekly flights and a nonstop service from Antigua to Providenciales, Turks & Caicos. The Barbados flight will make it easy to connect to Guyana, St Vincent & the Grenadines, St Lucia and Grenada.

WESTERN IMPERIAL MEDICAL UNIVERSITY TO PROVIDE FREE MEDICAL EDUCATION The Western Imperial Medical University (WIMU) will provide free medical education to combat the shortage of healthcare professionals.

The goal of WIMU is to make financial access to medicine easier. The institution will waive its tuition fees for all students to democratise the reach of knowledge. Its diverse group of students are to be trained in medicine, clinical practice, research and patient care.

worth noting

MONROE COLLEGE COLLABORATION WITH THE TWIN ISLANDS

PRODUCTS FROM RECYCLED PLASTIC A new plastic recycling plant will soon be opened in the Cassada Gardens area. Residents have already handed in 600,000 plastic bottles for a small fee, and the plant will be using moulds to make beach chairs, lawn chairs and other items from the recycled plastics.

CRUISES BACK IN PORT All signs are that it will be a good winter season for the cruising sector in the twin islands. At the end of October, the new season got underway as the Viking Orion was welcomed with an inauguration ceremony, affirming the island’s “regional position as a destination and port of choice for the most discerning passengers.”

For the first time in over a year and a half, on 14th November, three cruise ships were docked at St John’s Harbour.

In addition to the Sky Princess on her maiden voyage to the twin islands, the Silver Whisper and the Britannia were docked at the Nevis Street and Heritage Quay piers.

A few days earlier, the Celebrity Apex also made its maiden voyage, adding Antigua to its itinerary.

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Monroe College, with campuses in New York and St Lucia, has partnered with the government of Antigua & Barbuda to provide educational opportunities and scholarship funds for deserving Antiguan and Barbudan students. There will also be a partnership with the Antigua & Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute and the Five Island Campus of the University of the West Indies for a hospitality management baccalaureate degree.

Monroe will also open a branch of its own International Hospitality Training Institute on the island.

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FIRST ANTIGUAN IN SPACE! Keisha Schahaff, a 44-year-old health coach from Antigua, will be the first Antiguan in space. Winning two tickets worth a million dollars each through the Omaze platform, which was raising funds for Space for Humanity’s citizen astronaut programme, Keisha will be taking her daughter, an astrophysics student who shares her dream of visiting space, with her on the adventure.

Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Galactic, surprised Keisha at her home to congratulate her. The flight is expected to take place in late 2022.

ANTIGUA TO BARBUDA FERRY BACK IN BUSINESS

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The Island Escape ferry has resumed operations between Antigua and sister-island Barbuda.

The ferry is under new, local ownership under a joint venture between Tropical Adventures and Rendezvous Antigua. The ferry departs the pier in St John’s on weekdays at 7 am and returns from Barbuda at 4 pm. As of December, it is operating a Saturday departure to capture the tourist market.

ENERGY TRANSITION AGREEMENT SIGNED The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) signed an agreement at COP26 known as “Adaption Day”. This will see the two organisations work closely to mobilise climate finance and advance renewable energy deployment across Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

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