by Linda Straker
- 3-member tribunal already been appointed to adjudicate matter brought against Grenada
- Dispute concerns Kimpton Kawana Bay Resort on Grand Anse beach
- Developer Newfield accused then Keith Mitchell-administration of transforming into an anti-business regime
Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has disclosed that Grenada is prepared to consider alternatives to resolving a matter that is currently before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) — an international arbitration institution established in 1966 for legal dispute resolution and conciliation between international investors and States.
True Blue Development filed the matter with 2 affiliated entities and its US shareholders. The arbitration is based upon the bilateral investment treaty between the United States and Grenada. The dispute concerns True Blue Development’s Kimpton Kawana Bay Resort on Grand Anse beach, which was to be a 5-star resort project financed through Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme. The programme allows qualifying investors to purchase interests in real estate in exchange for Grenadian citizenship. The company, through a summary dispute statement on its website, said that in 2017, the Government of Grenada approved an approximately US$99 million budget for the development of the resort. However, in December 2020, Grenada withdrew the re-confirmation of the US$99 million budget.
“I am prepared to indicate, however, that the Government of Grenada is prepared to consider alternatives to resolve this matter other than via arbitration because at the end of the day what the people of Grenada have been left with by the prior administration is a white elephant standing at perhaps one of the more spectacular locations in Grenada with no ending in sight to the hotel being completed and becoming operational,” said Mitchell.
Mitchell was one of the local CBI agents before becoming Prime Minister on 23 June. During a news conference on Wednesday, he said that as leader of Grenada he believes that a way must be found to complete this hotel, have it operational and functioning so that it does not remain an eyesore on the southern tip of Grand Anse beach.
He did not suggest or share any alternative.
“That hotel was in fact being built by a local company that had over 200 workers working there. They were sent home; the site was closed and I am yet to date to be provided with any explanation by the former administration as to why the hotel had to be closed; why the workers had to be sent home and why the State of Grenada has to be facing a EC$200 million arbitration.”
The developer behind the hotel project is Warren Newfield, a former ambassador to Grenada who resigned from the post. In his letter of resignation dated 20 May 2021, Newfield accused the Keith Mitchell administration of transforming into an anti-business regime and breaching agreements with businesses. Dr Mitchell under whose portfolio the CBI Committee was administered, informed Parliament that Newfield was spoken to about violating Section 7 of the CBI legislation which speaks to the due diligence of every application. It is widely understood that Grenada’s due diligence involves using Interpol and several other international law enforcement bodies as well as completing 42 different documents.
According to the ISCID website, a 3-member tribunal has already been appointed to adjudicate the matter brought against Grenada. The first session was held in January and on 1 July, the legal team for Kawana Bay filed a Memorial on the Merits as part of the procedure.
The tribunal’s president is Wendy J Miles from New Zealand who has served on at least 9 other tribunals, and in 6 matters, was the president. The other arbitrators are Argentine national Dr Horacio A Grigera Naón, appointed by the claimant, and Canadian Dr David S Berry, appointed by the Government of Grenada.
Surprised to see that my Comments posted on Monday – have yet to be Moderated … over two days later.
To try to hide what really was an ongoing Corruption epidemic in the prior PM Keith Mitchell’s Regime is like not even looking for the missing Shrimp Farm funds — as assuming the real circumstances from day one. Time to bring that into the spotlight.
Hope we begin to see a turnaround and a better future for Grenada.
Our call from the Diaspora for this current Administration as well as Grenada Bar to form an ” Inquiry Commission ” to fully Investigate the Corruption of the Keith Mitchell Regime & to bring Criminal Charges. Plus there are Victims worldwide, to result in Federal Indictments on the International scene. The looting, bribery and shady deals by the Doc are just the Tip of the Iceberg what was an ongoing corruption ops.
This here issue is ones of countless dirty moves by Doc Keith Mitchell & his inner circle cronies. Really shameful that a supposed on surface legit Gov. of Grenada under Doc’s Rule really operated like a Criminal Enterprise headed by Mob Boss Doc Keith Mitchell.
First to begin with, can we find out which law firm was responsible for mr.newfield becoming a grenadian citizen, the we will work on the corruption after.
Sir, Thank You for your Views & Comments. That is good start. As in several other cases, here we feel Warren Newfield is a Victim of Doc Keith Mitchell’s Administration of Corruption.
Equally so, is the CBI Program; used & abused as Piggy Bank.
While touching the CBI ways; how can a fraud king – pin as Charles C. Liu represent Mount Hartman & be issued his own Grenada Diplomatic Passport. Envelope Stuffs & Racketeering go a long way for such heavy personal favors from the Doc.
Same applies to Oleg Firer. From the Miami Night Club Sex Clubs and such as that to the Rise as: His Excellence – First Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Grenada to Russian Federation. If anything, at least the Doc had source of ED Viagra with such Personal favors & high placements. Likely, again his own Diplomatic Passport. Totally shocking.
Amazing, Alarming & Shady: as this is what is Epic Corruption.
We are preparing very detailed Affidavits to Scotland Yard, US, CanadiVegas well as Chinese Authorities. All Way Overdue.
Winston James, I replied to further comment on your Post, but my Comments appear to be stuck in Moderation now for two full days. It appears that when sensitive corruption leaks are mentioned, the roadblocks go up.
Further details in the release of The Grenada Blog.
Outrageous
The NNP stooge must be made to pay. Every single project undertaken by NNP Failed and Grenada taxpayers are left with the burden.
Some folks will not like to hear this but Grenadians must have an appetite for corruption for this to contine to happen time and time again.
The former PM played the race card knowing fully well that he will get public support and his questionable act will not come to light. This was/is absolutely disgusting.
Then we continue blame young folks for the ills of society when in fact young folks are used, abused and then refused.