Fears voiced over C.I. Bill

In yesterday’s session, several H.R,P.P. Members of Parliament voiced concerns about the Citizenship Investment Bill 2014; its weaknesses and the ramifications.

The Citizenship Bill 2014, created by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour is on its second reading.

It was tabled by Minister of M.C.I.L., Deputy Prime Minister Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo in January this year.

First to speak a f ter the parliamentary break was the Associate Minister of Health, Gatoloaifaana Amataga Alesana Gidlow. She told parliament that Samoa is the only country that she calls “my home, my identity.

“I thank you for the Bill for it reminds me not to neglect my Godgiven rights,” said Gatoloai.

Although Gatoloai acknowledged the government’s work to establish such a bill for the development and to benefit the country, she believes “the legislation poses worry and weaknesses.

“Such weaknesses are that once a person is granted citizenship under the legislation, they have equal rights to any other citizen of Samoa and we cannot separate them (from us); it would be racist.

“Put aside our customary lands, but everything else that we are entitled to, including freehold land, they are there too.”

Gatoloa i pointed out, the population is growing and even 10% of freehold land is much too small for our own growth.

“We are still trying to allocate lands especially to families from Savai’i and rural areas they too want to stay in town close to work and other developments.

“If a citizen who entered under the legislation and has millions, they can easily buy freehold lands and when our children of tomorrow come, they will not have that available for them.”

The Associate Minister also raised concerns on the business side of the bill.

“I know under the Bill there is a reserved list for our businesses like taxi and shops,” she said.

“If I can recall back in the 1980’s when we were still trying to develop our families, I travelled in American Samoa to take some crops to sell.

“I noticed that many of the shops were not owned by American Samoans but by foreigners.

I sat and thought, I hope Samoa does not go through similar situation.”

Gatoloai added: “but from what I see Honorable Speaker, Samoa is starting to follow that line.”

Remembering forefathers and ancestors, Gatoloai reminded that there were three main treasures that one forefather said never to forget.

“First is our language. Second is our culture and thirdly is our land.

“Those are three main treasures that we must protect otherwise they may be taken away from us.”

Claims that many other countries have a similar scheme were dismissed by Gatoloai.

She said Samoa should not be compared to other countries.

“Even if Samoa is small and insignificant we need to guard her for our children and to maintain our birthrights and not neglect her.”

To end her speech, Gatoloai cited the biblical story of King Ahab and Naboth.

“Ahab wanted the vineyard of Naboth,” she pointed out.

“But Naboth replied and said, The Lord forbids that I should give you the inheritance of my ancestors.

“For that Deputy Prime Minister reconsider the legislation for the future of our children.”

Next to speak was the Associate Minister of Public Enterprises, Papali’i Niko Lee Hang.

To begin his speech, Papali’i pulled out a Biblical verse referring to 1 Timothy, chapter 6 verse 10.

It reads: “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”

Papali’i said the reality is, Samoa is founded on God.

“If this is an opportunity that will allow terrorist and other people who are not Christians then I am worried,” he said.

“I am aware that the Deputy Prime Minister has explained the processes that protect us from such but Honorable Speaker, it is happening in Australia and it will possibly be the same for Samoa. These investors will have equal rights as us.”

At this point, D.P.M., Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo cut in.

“Just to remind the Member of what happened in Australia was not done by a businessman or a billionaire,” assured Fonotoe.

“It was a refugee.”

Opposition Leader, Palusalue Fa’apo II disagreed.

“Just to make things clear, it was the son of a millionaire who was a refugee,” said Palusalue.

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi dismissed this.

“It’s easier to escape in Australia but not with our small islands,” said Tuilaepa.

“We have the Transnational Crimes Unit office that communicates closely with international police and correspond on those kinds of people.

“Before they get here, they’d be captured in New Zealand or Australia, just like Ebola that has not reached us.”

Tuilaepa added: “I am worried that you are making all these claims to make people scared and prevent the good purpose of the well prepared legislation.

“People favour the sweetness of those kinds of comments to frighten others at times like this.”

But Palusalue interjected.

“The Prime Minister speaks of people being frightened but what does he expect? We are talking about our citizens, our birth rights.”

Tuilaepa had now taken the floor again laughing at Palu.

“No one is taking away your citizenship,” said Tuilaepa.

“But you hold Australian citizenship. How does it feel?” asked Tuilaepa.

“It feels good right? We have heard of the news presenter in Australia (mentioned by Fonotoe) who said having Australia citizenship makes him feel good.

“When you want to jump on the plane, you just use the other passport.” Tuilaepa revealed he only is a citizen of only one country.

“But I’m afraid to ask Aeau (Peniamina Leavaise’eta) how many he has.”

Palu took the floor again.

“My constituency is listening. Just to let you know I am using only one citizenship, the Samoan citizenship.”

Again Tuilaepa interjected.

“One citizen here but you have been living in Australia using Australian citizenship because we can hold more than one citizenship, even hundred citizens.”

Tuilaepa added the only thing he regrets now, is objecting to allowing citizens to be granted to rugby players so they can play for Samoa.

He recalled that in the past there was an amendment on granting citizens to athletes.

“But now that I have thought of it I shouldn’t have taken away that amendment. We have many athletes who can win us Sevens and basketball.”

The Speaker, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao then returned the floor to Papali’i.

In ending his speech, Papali’i said his concern is using the citizenship of Samoa as an incentive.

He used a Samoan proverb that stresses the importance of the fishing net rather than the fish.

In Samoan, aua le naunau ile i’a ae maumau ai le upega.

“What it means is although money is important, but let’s not prioritise money and forget the drastic effects on the Samoan culture and traditions and in particular, land.

I am concerned about its possible negative effects and unforeseen circumstances which is why, I cannot fully support the bill.”

Papali’i moved to address the reserved list and qualifying investments.

Fonotoe then cut in to clarify this part.

“There would be no change to the reserved list in relation to bus operators,” he pointed out.

“The bill provides opportunities for applicants to make request to the relevant Committee but this does not affect local bus or taxi operators.”

Papali’i referred to Clause 18 (1) (b) the conditions of citizenship by investment.

“A citizen by investment is subject to the following condition upon granting of citizenship the investor is entitled to invest in any other business or economic acitivities listed under the Reserved List and the Restricted List,” Papali’i read out.

Fonotoe reminded him that there are preceding steps which must be considered first before this particular clause.

At this point, the Speaker informed the House that members are restricted from addressing specific details of the bill.

M.P for Siumu, Tu’u’u Anasi’i Leota also spoke about the bill.

He spoke in support of Papali’i’s comments and quoted statements made by other Members during a pre-sitting briefing on the bill.

The comments from the Members that were not named in parliament, opposed the bill.

Tu’u’u questioned whether the bill title that leads with ‘Citizenship’ is appropriate.

“First it says Citizenship and then Investments,” pointed out Tu’u’u.

“If only our citizenship was not being used as a bait to lure investors and millionaires.

“Our identity, which includes citizenship and passports, concerns people and their future.”

Tu’u’u made reference to Yazaki and other similar investors who have invested in Samoa without being given additional incentives such as citizenship.

“The restrictions provided in the bill are insufficient to bar immigration by unwanted visitors,” said Tu’u’u.

The M.P for Siumu’s made reference to a provision which voids citizenship and asked at which point citizenship may be declared void after an offence has taken place.

He also raised concerns over local business owner’s inability to compete with foreign investors.

At this point, Fonotoe cut in.

He informed the house that all member recommendations have been noted.

He clarified that “Yazaki did not invest as a result of an investment programme however the Bill in question monitors investors.”

Fonotoe also addressed concerns made in relation to the eligibility of non-Samoans to become Members of Parliament.

“There’s a possibility that they might end up taking our seats in parliament,” said Fonotoe.

“But you must understand you need to be a matai, it is a requirement for membership.”

Palusalue interjected.

“You have given almost all the Chinese matai titles.”

Fonotoe continued to speak over Palu.

He said: “Even if they were given titles they are not registered. So they would be ineligible to serve as Members of Parliament.”

He told parliament: “Bills brought before parliament are for the betterment of the nation and its people, this includes the bill currently discussed.”

Tautua Samoa Whip, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi interjected.

“There was a European that ran for office in the 2011 general elections,” reminded Leala.

Fonotoe clarified the European candidate was a citizen married to a Samoan, not a foreign investor.

Before parliament was suspended yesterday, the Prime Minister gave his Ministerial statement.