The passport selling scheme as you have referred to it goes by a name, that abbreviates to ‘IIP’. There is indeed a reason why I prefer to refer it by its abbreviation than its full name.

[Daphne – You miss the point. There is a reason why the government called it that, and you are obliging them in their deceit by using the name they told you to use, which disguises the true nature of what that scheme is.]

However, and irrespective of semantics, the point I am making is one that deserves much closer scrutiny. The IIP is a scheme that is designed to sell passports cheaply, rather than generate real investment, as much as it is designed to line the pockets of select individuals.

If anyone fails to suspect that various interested parties (other than Henley and Partners) are not lining their pockets directly , or indirectly through offshore bank accounts or other connected entities, would have to be rather obtuse.

May I also remind readers that the proceeds from this programme are going into a government slush fund of sorts, which gives ample room for further abuse. A Nationalist government will do well to investigate the administration of the scheme as well as that of the NDSF itself and on the force of the evidence obtained together with some political will, they will be sure to secure some convictions.

Of course it is still very early days, particularly with our very fickle electorate.

Clarity is key.

Calibre

http://www.lignod.com/ammo.htm

No 71 in the chart is especially appropriate for this case – short and fat.

It is one of the most sought-after jobs for hangers-on and competition for the post is intense.

One thing you can say about Manuel is that he is loyal to his people – just like Joseph.

The person who is responsible for potentially ending his short but eventful political career is being defended by the minister’s law firm, presumably free of charge.

Except that the word ‘calibre’ under the PL government has taken on a completely different meaning.

[Daphne – There we go again: ‘IIP applicants’. Just because the government said so. They are not IIP applicants. They are applicants for the purchase of Maltese citizenship.]

Would he also welcome persons who lie to the authorities to get other people arrested and those who insert themselves into investigations they should be the focus of?

Will welcomed talent also habitually resist arrest, use foul language in public and to undermine police?

Since we know that family members will get a discount with the IIP scheme it would be good to know that there would presumably be a lower rate for family members who, even before they fully understand what is going on, use agression to stop their relative’s imagined arrest.

[Daphne – Stop repeating the government propaganda and calling it “the IIP”, for crying out loud. They’re selling passports, not seeking investment. It’s a passport sales plan, not an investor programme.]