How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the Grenada programme and work of the Grenadian Citizenship by Investment Unit?

I would say that Covid-19 has generally had a positive impact on the Grenada CBI Unit, in that the processing of applications have never halted or stopped. The CBI Unit immediately implemented an online platform to facilitate submission of all applications digitally and the staff have continued to work assiduously throughout the pandemic – hats off to them.

There have been some delays, and a lower number of applications coming into the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Programme due to the inability of applicants in many instances to obtain the required documentation because the pandemic has slowed or closed operations in some regions. 

What are the main benefits and attractions of citizenship in Grenada? 

A client who applies for the grant citizenship of Grenada is not required to (i) visit Grenada, or (ii) Know and speak English. The benefits of Grenadian Citizenship by Investment are many and includes the eligibility to apply for the USA E2 Visa – passing down Grenadian Citizenship to future generations, enjoying global mobility and visa-free access to over 144 countries, while not paying taxes on global earnings.

Why do you think the programme is so attractive for investors? 

I believe that the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Programme is the best in the region because it is family inclusive, affordable, processing your application is easy and, as a bonus, Grenada is a safe country for investments.

St George’s University has world-class medical facilities. Are Grenada’s high class educational institutions an important factor for many applicants? 

It should be a consideration for applicants who have children who would be looking to achieve a university degree. It provides accredited qualifications and citizens of Grenada who have resided locally for at least one year prior to enrolling receive up to 90% reduction in tuition fees for undergraduate studies.

What are the different ways to gain Grenadian citizenship? 

An applicant can obtain second citizenship of Grenada through investment mainly by one of two ways:
(i) Investment into an Approved Project with a minimum investment of USD$220,000, or (ii) Investment into the National Transformation Fund (donation) for a single applicant USD$150,000, a family of up to four including the main applicant USD$200,000.

How many applicants achieve citizenship each year through the programme? 

For the year 2019, the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Committee approved under both Sections 10 & 11 a total of 270 applications and in the past year, 2020, there were 375 approved applications.

Is there anything particular that potential applicants need to be aware of to navigate the application process successfully? 

My humble advice to applicants is to ensure that you make full disclosure to your local agent and marketing agent, that you have no criminal record, and your source of funds are legitimate. Full disclosure of all information helps to dispell any suspicion that may arise through information received during the due diligence process. In cases of a refusal it is because the client has not made full disclosure to his or her local agent and most often a client will know exactly why their application was refused. 

Can you briefly explain the screening and due diligence processes for applicants? 

There are many layers of screening and due diligence for the clients, starting with your marketing agents, local agents and developers. Each do their own due diligence of applicants which may include engaging Thomson Reuters and utilising World Check. Documents of the applicants are then submitted to the bank in order to clear incoming funds. It is only after the bank has cleared the applicant that the funds are then credited to an escrow account for payments. Once the bank clears the applicant’s funds and the payment is made to the CBI Unit then the complete file is submitted for processing. The Unit will engage agencies to conduct enhanced due diligence and it is only after a favourable report is received that an applicant can expect to gain approval of their application. 

Applicants may think that this is a very rigorous due diligence process, and I must agree. However, I would not have it any other way. This process ensures the safety of all, including the applicants investment. I am sure that all applicants who invest such large sums are comforted by knowing their investment, and they themselves as a Grenadian citizen, are safe from criminal elements.  

What kind of projects are approved for investment, and how has CBI contributed to the local infrastructure and real estate market in Grenada? 

While there are a number of real estate approved projects, there is no exclusion of the kinds of approved projects. We also have one approved project which is in the soursop industry. There is definitely scope for other types of approved projects. Regarding local infrastructure, this is a work in progress. Schools are benefiting, roads, the healthcare industry and the country overall. What is the impact on the real estate market in Grenada ? It is my opinion that real estate market has benefitted from Grenada CBI Programme and we have seen appreciation in land and property values across the country. While the Grenada CBI Programme is not the only cause for this, it definitely has had a boosting effect.

How do you see the economic future of Grenada generally, and the investment programme in particular? Are there any programme changes due in the pipeline? 

As a local agent I can see that the CBI Programme has contributed to Grenada’s economy and will continue to do so. The nation’s GDP has grown even during the height of COVID-19 Pandemic globally. 

I believe that the Grenada Programme is one of the best worldwide and that it will continue to go from strength to strength. I am certain that there will be some changes to the programme in the near future which will make the scheme stand out even more for its quality, especially with the proactive persons we have at the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Unit and also at Governmental level.

Is Grenada’s E2 arrangement with the USA an important factor for many applicants? 

Grenada’s eligibility to apply for the E2 Visa is definitely an important factor for many applicants, especially those who would have been interested in the EB5 Visa – which as those of us involved in this industry know has a huge backlog for many countries, especially China and India. With the grant of Grenadian citizenship within four months that successful second citizenship applicant immediately becomes eligible to apply for the E2 Visa, which is usually granted within 2 months and requires a minimum investment of only USD$100,000.

What are Orion Solutions unique selling points for investors? What aspects of your background, skills, experience, and in-house processes help you with this? 

We at Orion Corporate Solutions Inc. provide the best advice on investment to all investors. We are responsive, timely and professional. Being a practising lawyer allows me to analyse and find solutions for each client and our work ethics assist vastly. We are here to assist each and every client from the begining, throughout and right up to the point the client receives their Grenada Citizenship Certificate and their Grenada Passport, giving them easier global mobility to over 144 countries. 

How does Orion Solutions help with an application? 

As an authorised local agent, Orion Corporate Solutions Inc. assists investors to complete their application, filling the prescribed forms and ensuring that all required documents are in order and properly certified. Once all documents and prescribed forms are ready for submission we submit to the the CBI Unit. We field all queries from the clients, agents, the bank and CBI Unit and provide appropriate solutions. 

Orion Corporate Solutions Inc

Ms. Sabrita Khan-Ramdhani

Managing Director & CEO

Tel: 1(473)435-0134  /  1(473)405-0960

Email: cbi.orionsolutions@gmail.com