The marina project for Sandy Ground has brought into sharp focus some real shortcomings in the democratic process, and the obligation of elected officials to be transparent in how they govern on the people’s behalf. In the case of the marina, documents were prepared and, without debate in the House of Assembly, secretly signed despite instruction from HE The Governor not to do so. During the transition phase of the AUF to APM administration people made conscious decisions not to inform the new administration until a full two weeks after the new administration was sworn in.
We are sure that the Attorney General who must have been fully aware of this whole process, checked his law and advised the then government that they were within their legal rights to act in this way. Even if true, Legal rights are one thing, good governance is another. Good governance has been stressed as a requirement by the British Government on several occasions, notably in HM Government White Papers of 1999 and 2012.
We are now at 2020 and it does not seem there has been much progress. And in this latest display both the Governor and the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office have washed their hands of any responsibility. So what has changed? What is going on?
On another note, we are not at all comfortable with the way the companies have been set up for the development of the marina – and perhaps most people either do not understand the picture or are maybe not bothered by it. But please be aware that this is a big deal. The ultimate developer, SF Marina of Sweden, has an associated offshore company registered in Switzerland. The Chairman of SF Marina AB is listed as a director of this Swiss company called SF Investments GmbH. SF investments GmbH controls two companies in Nevis, Sandy Ground Development Ltd. and Antillean Development Llc. A Director of SF Investments GmbH is the managing director of Sandy Ground Development Ltd. It is this gentleman who signed the Definitive Agreement with the AUF administration. Sandy Ground Development Ltd. Nevis is listed in the agreement as The Developer.
From the outset, the Sandy Ground Community Association has been questioning why these companies were registered in Nevis and not Anguilla. Nevis has an appalling global reputation when it comes to financial probity. What could possibly be the advantage to a legitimate developer or investor to hide behind an impenetrable wall of secrecy?
We have written letters pointing out our concerns to the Anguilla Financial Services Commission. No reply. We have written to The Governor.Not interested. We have written to The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office UK.Not interested.
Therefore we now again bring this unacceptable state of affairs to the attention of the Anguillian public and yet again ask the Anguilla government and HM Government the following: Who are the beneficial owners / shareholders of Sandy Ground Development Ltd. and Antillean Development Llc. In our opinion, transparent clarification of this issue should be a prerequisite for any further discussions between the Anguilla Government and SF Marina AB. These questions are easily answered but everyone is keeping mum.
Anyone who has any doubts should read the following. Go to your web browser and type in Guardian Nevis Secret.
