DATE: May 15, 2014 NO. 36/2014
SOCIAL PARTNERS DISCUSS CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAMME
ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, Thursday, May 15, 2014: The Committee of Social Partners (CSP) held its 13th Meeting on Friday May 2nd 2014.
The main agenda item of the Meeting was a presentation of the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI) by the Mr. David Holukoff and Mr. Steve Horsford, Chairman and Executive Director of the CBI Investment Committee, respectively.
The presentation provided an overview of the Programme and addressed many of the concerns raised by the Partners. The Social Partners sought clarification on a number of issues including, due diligence; the selection and role of the local agents; the selection and role of the marketing agents; conflict of interest; tax evasion and marginalization of local businesses; and the experiences of other countries with similar Programmes. The Social Partners also suggested that a comprehensive public relations campaign be implemented. The CBI team assured the Social Partners that this will be done and that protecting the good name of Grenada is paramount.
Some Partners expressed their philosophical opposition to the Programme as a strategy for economic development but noted Government’s commitment to the Programme to create jobs and accelerate national development.
The Social Partners also held discussion on the Constitution Reform Process, in light of the issues emanating from the Social Partners Public Forum on Constitution Reform which was held on Tuesday April 29th 2014. One of the main issues coming out of that discussion is the need for the stakeholder groups to develop position papers on the main issues for reform.
The Committee of Social Partners (CSP) was formed in March 2013 and is chaired by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Keith Mitchell. The Committee comprises representatives from the Labour Unions, Conference of Churches in Grenada, the Evangelical Churches, Civil Society, Private Sector Organisations and Government. The Committee meets on a monthly basis and, to date, the Committee has held thirteen (13) monthly meetings.
The main objective of the Committee is to promote dialogue and gain consensus on issues of national importance. It provides a space for all Partners to be heard and to shape the process of national development, especially faster growth and job creation.
One of the major achievements of the CSP is the development of a Social Compact to guide the working relationship of the Partners over the next few years. This process was facilitated by Dr. Andre Vincent Henry.
The draft document is available for review on www.gov and comments/suggestions can be submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CHANGES MADE TO CONCESSIONS FOR RETURNING NATIONALS
ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, (date): As part of the reforms under the Homegrown Programme, Government has made the decision to reduce concessions to help improve revenue collection.
In this regard, Cabinet has approved the following adjustments for the Returning Nationals Programme whereby Returning Nationals will now be eligible for:
- 50% concession on a vehicle. The standard provisions for Environmental Levy (EVL) on vehicles less than five (5) years and over five (5) years apply
- $75,000 allowance on household and personal effects, remains
These adjustments are effective as of June 01, 2014.
It should be noted that containers shipped before June 10, 2014 will not be affected by this policy change.