June 9, 2023 – Liberia Wire

Caribbean CBI countries rank high once again in 2023 World Citizenship Report: CS Global Partners

London, June 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Caribbean nations with Citizenship by Investment schemes ranked in the top 30 per cent of this year’s World Citizenship Report. The Report measures 188 countries across five motivators deemed as most relevant among the mass affluent – Safety and Security, Economic Opportunity, Quality of Life, Global Mobility and Financial Freedom.

This year, St Kitts and Nevis kept its position of 48th out of the 188 countries while Grenada (49), Antigua & Barbuda (50), the Commonwealth of Dominica (52) and Saint Lucia (53) followed closely behind.

The Caribbean is considered the cradle of investment immigration due to the high concentration of countries that offer CBI programmes in the region.

Caribbean nations are becoming investment hubs in the global arena, offering attractions such as safety, lucrative financial diversification options and idyllic lifestyles that make them desirable places to take up second citizenship. For example, all the Caribbean nations hosting CBI programmes are members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) which is committed to promoting and supporting a unified Caribbean community that is inclusive, resilient, and competitive to share in economic, social and cultural growth.

These CARICOM members have also pledged to continue to be vigilant in managing the threats to sustainable development in the region.

This includes implementing initiatives that attract foreign direct investment, ensuring that the region is not perceived as high risk by investors, lobbying against the proposed global minimum corporation tax and continuing to build relations with the OECD (Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) and European Union.

For example, earlier this year, heads of state from all five Caribbean nations offering citizenship by investment programmes met with several US government officials to discuss ways to enhance security and due-diligence checks which will minimise any potential risks of the various CBI programmes on offer.

Prime Ministers from St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Saint Lucia, Dominica and Grenada were all in attendance, alongside the heads of each nation’s Citizenship by Investment Units (CIU). The meeting, which was led by the Assistant Secretary of the US Department of the Treasury had some positive outcomes and all nations agreed to follow six processing principles which were suggested by the United States, including:

The suspension of processing for Russian and Belarussian applicants in all five nations.

Introduction of application interviews, either in person or via virtual interview.
Non-processing of applications of people who have previously been denied visas in other countries.
Conduct regular audits either annually or bi-annually in line with international standards.
Introduce additional due-diligence checks to be made through each nation’s Financial Intelligence unit.
Retrieval by law enforcement of all revoked passports

This year’s World Citizenship Report found that high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and the mass affluent are in search of greater freedoms, and in preparing for the future, they want to have more control over their freedoms.

This group of HNWIs and mass affluent are securing these freedoms by ensuring that they have a second home through residency and citizenship programmes.

For decades countries like the US, Canada, the UK, and France were attractive destinations for many who wanted to migrate. However, those popular countries are all struggling, both financially with threats of a recession and high inflation, as well as experiencing civil unrest in the form of protests and strikes. The mass affluent and HNWIs have begun to look for alternative destinations as a bolt-hole for future crises, countries that offer the freedoms that are lacking in their home nations.

Caribbean nations have been offering precisely this for decades – Dominica ranked the safest and most secure Caribbean CBI nation, and all five countries were almost equal in terms of economic opportunity.

Small island nations are ensuring their prosperity and sustainability through CBI programmes which continue to be a viable way for Caribbean nations to attract foreign direct investment into their economies which is then used for significant developmental projects.

Dominica’s construction of a geothermal plant, another tangible example of how the nation is moving away from fossil fuels in order to become a greener economy, was made possible by the revenue from CBI.

The nation of St Kitts and Nevis is following suit, also moving away from fossil fuel. St Kitts and Nevis has taken the seriousness of its CBI programme one step further by instituting innovative and industry-first regulation that will not only enhance the programme’s international reputation but will also ensure that international investors and citizens alike benefit from a safe, secure, stable and economically prosperous nation.

The inflow of funds to the private sector has had a noticeable impact on the economic activity of island nations, in many instances improving fiscal outcomes, facilitating debt repayment and spurring economic growth.

Caribbean nations continue to be politically and economically stable, with a low crime rate and rich investment opportunities – therefore solid investment options for those looking to attain freedom.

The World Citizenship Report is published by CS Global Partners, a leading investment migration advisory firm.

Attachment

CS Global Partners’ WCR 2023

Chantal Mabanga
CS Global Partners
+44 (0) 207 318 4343
Chantal.Mabanga@csglobalpartners.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8855607

OGFZA seeks peaceful co-existence with host communities

The Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Sen. Tijjani Kaura, has appealed to the host communities of investors operating in the nation’s free zones for peaceful coexistence.

Kaura made the appeal in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

According to the statement, Kaura paid a familiarisation tour to host communities in Ogu, Rivers, where his team was received by King Nicolas Nimenibo (Amanyanabo Of Ogu).

Kaura said the purpose of the visit was to accord respect and recognition to the highly regarded traditional institution in Ogu community.

He called for peace and security of business enterprises in the host communities.

He told the community how he took over leadership of the authority from his predecessor, Mr Umana Umana, with assurance to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor.

He described the free zones as an initiative of the Federal Government which relaxes taxation for both foreign and domestic investors.

He assured them that OGFZA would work with the community to thrive; adding that it is strategic in economic and commercial activities to enjoy benefits of investments.

He further assured the management of the authority of his readiness to add value to business establishments in Ogu community.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Nigerian publications below international standards, says National Librarian

The National Librarian, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi has expressed concern over how some Nigerian publications fall below international standards.

Anunobi spoke in Abuja on Thursday at a Sensitisation Workshop on Legal Deposits and International Numbers Utilisation organised by the National Library of Nigeria (NLN).

The theme of the workshop is tagged: ‘Bibliographic Control in Information Resources Publishing in Nigeria”.

The national librarian said there was need for authors and publishers to have the international standard numbers for proper documentation and collation of Nigeria’s heritage.

According to her, ”documentation of history of a people could determine the root of the people.

”The law of the National Library of 1970 gave the national library the mandate of legal deposit which is the collation of what is published and depositing them for posterity.

”While the documentation of this history makes it possible for a society to trace its roots, it becomes easier to access and utilise the history for the diverse needs of the people.

”’Documentation of the knowledge heritage is one aspect while publishing them in the globally acceptable standards is another.

”How embarrassing will it be to have our published heritage despised and/or criticised in comity of global documented knowledge. Such is also the concern of National Library and by extension the global publishing industry.”

She added that a published document would be globally accepted where it has international standard numbers.

She, therefore, urged authors and publishers to also make it a point of duty to submit electronic copies of their resources for proper documentation and collation.

She added that the national library had succeeded in automating the process, while calling on authors to familiarise with the requirements as well as ways and means of getting published resources assigned the standard numbers and newsletters inclusive .

”Our decision to begin this conversation in Abuja this year is derived for the observation that many Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs) publications fall short of international standard expectations.

”It is then a case of rushing to help a neighbour make his bed when yours is in disarray. Thus charity begins at home , we must surely give back to the seat of federal might before moving to the states,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr David Adejo, called for concerted efforts to collect all materials published in the country.

Adejo, represented by the Director, Special Duties in the ministry, Zubairu Abullahi, commend the National Library for the continuous effort in sensitising the public about the legal requirement of publication.

He also said that proper documentation is foundation for all materials stored in books to get to digital space.

”Nigerians are good in writing and creativity for a very long time, most of the time we do not have a standard procedure of recording our achievements.

”The best of what you have done if it is not recorded in accordance with international best practices, there is every chance that over time you are going to miss it.

”So for the sake of history, posterity and longevity, this particular exercise we are doing with the national library is good for the country.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Hajj: NAHCON sets June 20 as last day to transport pilgrims

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has said that all arrangements to transport 2023 prospective pilgrims to Saudi Arabia must be completed latest by June 20.

This is contained in a statement issued by the commission’s Deputy Director of Information and Publication, Mala Mousa Ubandawaki, on Friday.

Ubandawaki said that all states that are scheduled to fly are on course to do so without any disruption related to visa procurement.

“We want to reiterate our commitment to transport every eligible Nigerian pilgrim to the Holy land not only in good time, but also in comfort and best welfare service.

“Our attention has been drawn to a news story that over 45,000 Nigerian pilgrims may miss this year’s Hajj as a result of non-availability of travel visas to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“The report is not only misleading, but mischievous and aimed at causing panic and apprehension among intending pilgrims in particular and the public in general.”

Ubandawaki, however, admitted that there was a technical problem relating to visa processing.

“But it has been resolved at the moment, as visa processing is ongoing. In the last two days, visas to state pilgrims have been steady, and no flight has been cancelled due to visa issues.

“Therefore, over 35,000 Nigerian pilgrims are in the Holy Land, while the remaining pilgrims are expected to be transported in the next 10 days.

“It is interesting to note that out of 75,000 slots, more than 58,000 visas are being processed for Nigerian pilgrims. Of these, 20,000 visas were issued between Thursday and Friday while the remainder will be processed by Saturday.

“Despite the hiccup, the commission is committed to concluding the airlift operation to Saudi Arabia before June 20.”

Ubandawaki said the commission had resolved to transport all pilgrims to visit Madina before Arafat, and synchronise the transportation with the available accommodation in the city.

“And not to overcrowd the place, the commission is cautious of pushing more pilgrims out.

“We want to urge our partners in the media that while it is critical for them to push the interest of Nigerian pilgrims, they should also be conscious of the fact that they might be indirectly creating worry and anxiety for the hapless pilgrims.”

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Boosting Catfish: Stakeholders begin implementation of programme in Africa

Stakeholders in the agricultural sector, on Thursday in Abuja, launched the African Catfish Value Chain to address the challenges in its farming and boost productivity.

The Representative of UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Fred Kafeero, during the launch of the flagship programme, themed: “FISH4ACP”, said the project was an opportunity to reiterate FAO’s commitment to a blue transformation of the catfish sub-sector.

Kafeero said FISH4ACP” was a global fish value chain development programme, set up by the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), being implemented by the FAO, and funded by the EU and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

“Nigeria is a very important and strategic member state in the development. Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of African catfish, with an estimated annual production of one million tonnes (in 2021), worth around 2.6 billion dollars.

“Additionally, Nigeria has an estimated 285, 000 producers, of which small-scale farmers represent over 60 per cent. The catfish value chain itself offers employment to about one million people.

“This data, according to the value chain, followed the analysis conducted by FISH4ACP and the FMARD (Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), which underpins the strategy we are launching today,” he said.

Kafeero noted that the strategy would reduce harm to human health, and lessen the burden on the environment, through the introduction of cleaner smoking technologies.

Frank Okafor, who represented the International Partnership Officer of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Urszula Solkiewics, said the African Catfish Strategy, developed under the Fish4ACP Programme, reflected stakeholders’ commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive growth in the fisheries sector.

“The EU and the German Government, have long recognised the importance of investing in the fisheries sector, both as a means of livelihood for communities, and as a contributor to the overall economic growth of the continent.

“Through the Fish4ACP Programme, we aim to strengthen the capacities of African countries to sustainably manage their fisheries resources, enhance the competitiveness of the sector, and foster regional cooperation.

“By supporting the African Catfish Strategy, we strive to address the challenges faced by catfish farmers and entrepreneurs in Nigeria and beyond,” Solkiewics said.

The Permanent Secretary, FMARD, Dr Ernest Umakhihe, represented by the Director of Special Duties at the Ministry, Fausat Lawal, said Fish4ACP Initiative aimed to ensure economic, social, and environmental sustainability of the fishery and aquaculture value chains.

Umakhihe said the ministry was supporting fish farmers’ efforts at boosting the catfish sector due to its potential for job creation and widening business opportunities.

The National President, Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON), Dr. Ebinimi Ansa, said the catfish value chain played a vital role in meeting the growing demand for quality fish products, generating employment opportunities, and contributing to Nigeria’s food security and economic growth.

Ansa said the launch of the programme marked a significant milestone in the collective efforts to harness the potential of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, by focusing on the value chain approach.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Organisation unveils App to aid research, data collection

Preston Associates for International Development (PAID), a development sector research organisation has launched the “Iwadii App” to aid research, data collection, and analysis processes.

The App was launched at an event to mark the 10th year anniversary of the organisation, in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the term “Iwadii” is a Yoruba word that means “to find out”.

Dr Nkemdilim Ene, Chief Executive Officer, PAID, said the App was developed to aid the easy collection of data that would be helpful in enhancing development not only in Nigeria and Africa.

She said that accurate data was important to enable any government to bring about meaningful development to its people, especially meaningful development to its people, especially in the areas of health, education, gender, child and youth development, among others.

“The Iwadii App is something that we really want to bring to the world because we believe that there is not enough Nigerian or African data out there.

“Any time we want to do a study, we borrow data from other countries and the only way to do that is to start from the ground up.

“For Academia, we need to get the average user involved in research, everybody needs information to do what they are doing.

“So the generation of evidence is key to our existence, we need data for decision-making at all levels, starting from the household level, private business level, and at the national level,” she said.

According to her, gone are the days when we listen to the person that has the loudest voice, sometimes those who have access to the key decision-makers in government get to have their way.

“Their way may not be representative of what Nigerians are going through, what enables more equitable decisions to be made and better planning is access to empirical data that is collected in time.

“So what we are saying is that there are indigenous companies that know how to gather these data in the context of our knowledge of the African setting and so we are here to work with the government in achieving that,” she said.

On its achievements, Ene said that the organisation, which started from a “Kitchen Office Space” had so far been able to provide technical support to development partners as well as engaged in philanthropy activities in the country.

“We have come a long way, we started in a small converted kitchen office, but along the journey a lot of people joined us, just like a train, some people jumped in and jumped out at different times.

“But we sought to make a difference, we put value ahead of profit, for a long time we didn’t break in because we were seeking to do more than we were being paid to do.

“That came with a lot of sacrifices, but because the vision was clear, it was easy to persevere when the going was tough and now we are on the other side,” she said.

Also speaking, Dr Eleanor Nwadinobi, Chairperson of the occasion, lauded the organisation for its numerous achievements in the development space.

“The unique thing about Preston Associates is that they are African homegrown and home resourced.

“The best place to find gold is where you found it before and Africa is really the new frontier for advancement, Africa is the new bride, as we have amazing resources, not just in our mineral resources but in our human resources.

“All we need in Nigeria is the conducive environment and I would like to see reversed medical tourism, where Nigeria would be the preferred destination,” she added.

On his part, Dr Kene Mkparu, Chief Executive Officer, of KOMWORLD Cinemas, also commended the organisation for its resilience in community development initiatives in the country.

“It takes resilience to leave the big city to do business and provide services to people in rural communities.

“A lot of people give up or focus on the money but refuse to focus on the developmental aspect of what they do and have been quite resilient in the last ten years,” he said.

A staff of the organisation, Mrs Abimbola Daramola, Grand Compliance and Human Resources Manager, said that for any nation to develop properly there was a need for information and accurate data.

“When we mention figures in Preston, it is backed by data and also our goal is to prove that Nigerians have integrity, we don’t cut corners.

“Part of our goal is to provide those facts that can be used to make informed decisions as a nation, and on how to go forward,” she added.

NAN reports that the theme of the event is “Built to Outlast – Growing Resilient African Businesses to Compete Globally”.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Total of 31 Billion Seedlings Would Likely be Planted in Ethiopia by End of This Year’s Green Legacy Season: PM Abiy

Ethiopia will have planted a total of 31 billion seedlings by the end of this year’s Green Legacy planting season, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed disclosed.

The premier also called on all to join and plant the future today.

Abiy launched yesterday the second phase of the Green Legacy Initiative in Afar region.

The prime minister wrote on his Face-Book this afternoon: “We always finish what we start. By the end of this year’s Green Legacy planting season, Ethiopia will have planted 31billion seedlings.”

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Ethiopian Eyes Significant Fleet Expansion

Ethiopian Airlines has fully recovered to pre-pandemic operational levels and is now looking to further expand its fleet and network map, Ethiopian Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said.

“Now we are operating around 140 aircraft, but this number continuously varies. By 2035, we forecast 271 aircraft in our operations. That means we need at least 130 additional aircraft,” the CEO told Aviation Daily on the sidelines of the IATA Annual General Meeting in Istanbul.

With older aircraft needing to be replaced, that number could increase, he added.

According to him, the next round of aircraft orders by the end of the year will be a mix of narrow body and wide body aircraft.

“The Embraer E2 series versus the Airbus A220 are candidates of the lower end of aircraft size,” Mesfin said, adding that the carrier is still evaluating a 100-seater.

Besides the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo as narrow body contenders, the 777X and A350-1000 are being considered for the wide body side of the order.

As of June 5, Ethiopian Airlines’ order book comprises 29 aircraft: 17 737 MAXs, five 777Fs, one 787-9, and six Airbus A350-1000s.

In the current financial year, which ends June 30, the airline received 12 new aircraft, it was learned.

As the carrier prepares for a busy summer season, it is also being affected by the global supply chain issues impacting much of the aviation industry.

“Not on the older models like the De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 or Boeing 737NGs,” Mesfin said “the problems are with A350s and 787s. We have a critical shortage on components.”

So far it has not been necessary to ground aircraft, he said, “but in July and August during the high season, every aircraft is needed, and then we could have a problem.”

Regarding network growth, in a year or two the Star Alliance member may expand to Australia, the last continent to which it is not flying to.

More services to the Americas are also being planned.

“We want to increase flights to Toronto, and for Montreal we have applied for traffic rights,” the CEO stated, adding that in the US, Ethiopian operates to New York JFK, Newark, Chicago O´Hare, Atlanta, and Washington Dulles.

In South America the carrier serves Buenos Aires and Sao Paolo, “but our network is permanently developing and when we see an opportunity then we use it,” he said.

In Europe, Madrid and Lisbon are also on the radar.

Besides serving 63 international destinations in Africa, Ethiopian’s current domestic network of 20 airports will increase to 27, as five new airports are planned in the nation.

For the current fiscal year ending in June, the airline will be reporting slightly higher passenger numbers of 13 million compared to 12.2 million in 2019.

“Our revenue met our target,” the CEO said. “It will be about 50 percent higher compared to pre-COVID levels and partly contributed by cargo. Cargo still has a big contribution to our overall revenue.”

Source: Ethiopian News Agency