ROSEAU, Dominica, Oct 30, CMC – The president-elect of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), Gregor Nassief, Friday announced his candidacy to contest the next general election in Dominica, constitutionally due in early 2028, but widely expected to be held before that date.
“Today, I am announcing my candidacy as an independent candidate for the Mahaut Constituency in the next general election. I am running to help build a constituency where people can earn a decent living, create a secure future and vote freely,” said Nassief, who will most likely face National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore, the parliamentary representative for the constituency since 2005.
In recent weeks, Nassief has been vocal about a number of issues in Dominica, including aspects of the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI) through which foreign investors are given citizenship of the island in return for making a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the country.
Nassief is the chairman and chief executive officer of GEMS Holdings Limited, the company behind several properties including Secret Bay, Dominica’s pioneering luxury boutique resort, The Residences at Secret Bay, and Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort.
Nassief, who is due to take over the leadership of the CHTA in December, has also built a successful technology career launching Cerca Technology across Latin America, said he was getting involved in elective politics “not out of ambition, but out of deep concern for our democracy, our economy and our future.
“After years of raising concerns about the direction of our country, I have concluded that speaking alone is no longer enough. I feel a responsibility to step forward, offer my time, energy and commitment, and work with others to build a better future.”
Nassief said that his vision is national, but that his immediate responsibility is to the Mahaut Constituency, adding that residents have spoken about a stagnant economy and the lack of good work opportunities, the rising cost of living, neglected communities, among other concerns.
“I believe deeply in Dominica. We have talented people, extraordinary biodiversity, clean air and water, fertile land that supports our farmers and agriculture, fresh local food, a rich marine environment that sustains our fishers and coastal communities, endless adventure, room to breathe, and a way of life rooted in nature and community that is increasingly rare,” he said, adding that the central idea of his campaign is creating opportunities for people to build better lives.
“ I want an environment in which people can find meaningful work, build businesses, own assets, create wealth and provide for their families with dignity. Through the businesses my family and I have built, I have seen people develop skills, grow into leadership and support their families. I want our young people to see a future here, and those who have left to see a reason to return. Opportunity must be deliberately built, not simply promised,” he added.
Nassied acknowledged that “no leader has all the answers” and that “politics must never place a price on a citizen’s vote”.
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