Page 142 - Decadence

ISLAND LIFE
Christopher Dunhill talks to James Elcocke-Harris about his passion for the undiscovered gem that is Vanuatu and how he can get honorary citzenship
Previously named The New Hebrides, The Republic of Vanuatu has seen its relevance to the UK slide since achieving independence in
1980. However this is set to change as Britain contemplates its “post-Brexit” future. Former dominions whose geographical remoteness might have rendered them peripheral to the UK’s overseas interests are about to nd themselves back in focus - as members of a resurgent British Commonwealth (these days called simply “The Commonwealth”).
In anticipation of this renewed interest and, with an eye to the opportunities for enhancing bilateral trade, investment and tourism, Vanuatu is stepping up its efforts to engage with the UK in 2018 – a year in which the UK assumes the Chair of The Commonwealth from Malta during a convening in London in April of Commonwealth Heads of State.
However, Vanuatu has appeal beyond simply its rugged beauty as an exotic island nation in the arc of the ‘ring of re’. Membership of The Commonwealth and long historical ties with the UK have gifted Vanuatu with another asset – that of a passport that punches well above its weight, in terms of offering visa-free/visa on arrival access
to almost 130 countries globally – including the UK, most of Europe and of course the other 50-plus members of the Commonwealth.
This coupled with being an almost completely tax- free country and regularly voted amongst the top ve “happiest countries on the planet”, makes Vanuatu a highly attractive prospect for those seeking the convenience and security of holding a second passport.
Having secured a position as the most popular Citizenship by Investment Program in the Asia Paci c, the aim now is to globalize the program. Leading the move to establish a London base for promoting Vanuatu in Europe, the Middle East and Africa is James Elcocke-Harris, Managing Director of the Vanuatu Information Centre (VIC) global network.
Vanuatu Information Centres (VIC) are a global network of government approved establishments for the promotion of the Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment Program, as well as the provision of Investment, Trade and Tourism information. Headquartered in Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila,
VIC partners with major Citizenship & Residency Consultancies globally to distribute the Vanuatu Citizenship Program – the “Vanuatu Development Support Program”(DSP). The Program offers individuals the opportunity to obtain an honorary second citizenship in a tax free, British Commonwealth member state, in exchange for a contribution to Vanuatu Government Development Funds.
So-called “CIPs” (Citizenship by Investment Programs) are widespread in the Caribbean nations and some exist in Europe. However, Vanuatu’s Program is unique as the rst and only CIP of its type in the Asia Paci c. CIPs have exploded in popularity in the past ten years, particularly amongst high net-worth individuals seeking the advantages offered by having a second passport, both for ease of international travel and personal security, as well as citizenship in a safe, “tax haven” environment. Globally minded people are increasingly turning to CIPs as a highly valuable element of their personal asset portfolio.
Mr Elcocke-Harris explained that the Vanuatu Information Centre (VIC) Network oversees the
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