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  • The Last Nesters!

    HK's endangered Green Turtles

  • Caribbean Citizenship Without Borders

    Harvey Law Group examines Grenada's premier Citizenship by Investment Program, highlighting its attractive tax neutrality model and US E-2 Visa perk Expanding on our coverage of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) in the Caribbean, we turn our attention to Grenada, the ‘Spice Isle,’ where the scent of nutmeg and mace lingers in the air. For high-net-worth individuals focused on pairing global mobility with top-tier security, Grenada’s CBI program provides a sophisticated, high-value option. Among the ‘Caribbean Five’ – Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia – Grenada stands apart for its lush, mountainous landscape, strong agricultural heritage and sophisticated sailing culture, offering a nature-focused Caribbean lifestyle with a more understated resort feel. DONATION OR REAL-ESTATE INVESTMENT Like its neighbours, Grenada allows CBI applicants to choose between an outright financial contribution and a physical real-estate asset. To protect your capital, the core investment sum is legally required only after the government grants official pre-approval, ensuring certainty before any major financial commitment is finalised. The first option utilises a non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund (NTF), an entity designed to diversify the island’s infrastructure and agricultural sectors. A contribution of US$235,000 covers a single applicant or a family of up to four. This route is typically favoured by those looking to optimise their initial capital mobilisation through a clean, highly efficient administrative process. Alternatively, the second option is for investors who prefer to choose a physical real-estate placement, tying their investment to high-end hospitality projects. Grenada sets its fractional property investment threshold at US$270,000 with a five-year mandatory holding period, granting investors a solid stake in what is widely considered the most lucrative, yacht-driven hospitality market in the southern Caribbean. Once the five-year ownership timeline expires, shares can be resold to incoming CBI applicants without impacting your lifetime nationality. To qualify, a project has to be officially approved by the state cabinet. Current stand-out choices include: Six Senses La Sagesse, a world-class luxury eco-resort offering fractional share units from US$270,000; Beach House by Silversands featuring exclusive luxury coastal residences; Hideaway, an intimate boutique development offering private retreat living; and InterContinental Grenada Resort, bringing an iconic British brand to the island’s southern coast. FINANCE, FAMILY AND MOBILITY A Grenadian passport commands exceptional global mobility, unlocking visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to over 140 destinations worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong and European Schengen Area. Furthermore, Grenada stands out as one of the very few nations globally to maintain an active E-2 Investor Visa treaty with the United States, allowing citizens the unique opportunity to relocate and operate a business in America. When it comes to bringing loved ones along, Grenada is incredibly generous. Eligible dependents include a spouse, children up to the age of 30, dependent parents and grandparents of any age and, notably, unmarried, childless siblings of either the main applicant or spouse over the age of 18. The fiscal environment in Grenada is carefully tailored to support international wealth preservation. The jurisdiction enforces an attractive tax neutrality model, featuring zero personal income tax on foreign-sourced income, alongside a total absence of capital gains, global wealth, or inheritance taxes, ensuring that corporate and personal assets remain insulated. HOW TO APPLY All files must be officially handled and compiled by a government-licensed authorised representative, such as Harvy Law Group (HLG). The end-to-end timeline generally spans six to eight months. While Grenada requires no physical residency to maintain citizenship, all applicants aged 17 and older must attend a secure virtual interview as part of the country's enhanced background screening protocols before taking their official oath of allegiance. Note that the "Caribbean Five" are exploring a harmonised future approach to physical residency or in-person verification. While this remains a high-level concept which could take years to be implemented, we still recommend applicants intending to move forward to apply without delay. Early indications suggest that any future requirement will likely be highly manageable, such as a rumoured 30-day aggregate stay over a course of five years. Between the high-end resort real estate, unmatched sibling inclusion, the Us E-Z visa perk, and heavy global mobility, investing in Grenada is much more than a portfolio diversification move - it is a permanent upgrade to your family's global freedom. Individuals interested in gaining CBl in Grenada, find professional legal advice invaluable. HLG brings over 32 years of immigration expertise with offices in 20 countries globally. Our specialisation extends to the Caribbean, and we offer clients clear, professional guidance with each step of their journey. Reach out to us at contact@harveylawcorporation.com.

  • Out & About: What You've Been Up To! (October Issue)

    AT THE DB OPEN WATER RACE CHALLENGE The fourth DB Open Water Race Challenge took place on August 30 with swimmers of all ages heading out from either Tai Pak Beach, Sam Pak Wan, or the Disneyland Resort Pier. A special shout out goes to DB resident Jane Ann Salavacion Castellano, a member of the Filipino HK Connect swim team, who broke a record by competing in all three categories (3.8K, 1.7K and 400m). [PHOTOGRAPHY BY Andrew J.C. Spires.] AT AN ORGANIC FARMING WORKSHOP Residents learnt how to grow fresh, healthy produce using organic farming methods at an Organic Farming Workshop on September 5. The event, held at Community Green Square, was led by instructors from O·PARK. [PHOTOGRAPHY BY Andrew J.C. Spires.] MOON FESTIVAL FUN One World Spirit Association hosted a Mid-Autumn Festival Party at Midvale Village Playground on the afternoon of September 27. Attendees enjoyed traditional storytelling (the legend of Chang’E and Hou Yi), a ‘blind’ mooncake-tasting game, Gongfu tea tasting and an archery workshop. [Photography by Andrew J.C. Spires.]

  • Hong Kong Wide: October

    INTERNATIONAL TATTOO EXHIBITION Tattoo artists from around the world head to Soho House from October 16 to 18 for the Hong Kong China International Tattoo Exhibition. Get inked by some of the finest artists in the business, browse industry stalls for supplies and merchandise, and enjoy food, drink, entertainment and a tattoo competition showcasing incredible artwork. Purchase tickets at Ticketflap. MYTHS, MONSTERS AND MANGA Myths, Monsters, and Manga opens on October 17 at M+ Museum, exploring fantasy’s evolution across Asian visual culture. From Japanese ukiyo-e prints and Indonesian shadow puppetry to manga, anime and digital art, the exhibition traces how fantastical ideas have travelled across borders and creative disciplines to make a global impact. Purchase tickets at Klook. LAN KWAI FONG STREET PARTY While the Lan Kwai Fong Association has not hosted an official Halloween celebration since 2019, the area remains Hong Kong’s unofficial Halloween headquarters. Come October 31, LKF’s bars and restaurants go all out with spooky theme parties, and revellers, dressed in outrageous costumes, spill out onto the streets. Expect crowds, and plenty of Halloween mayhem. CENTRAL MARKET OKTOBERFEST Hong Kong’s biggest Oktoberfest returns to Central Market from October 8 to 31. Enjoy German favourites including pork knuckles, pork and cheese sausages and apple strudel, paired with Löwenbräu and Franziskaner beers. Live music from Die Notenhobler, cultural celebrations and beer-drinking competitions add to the fun. Purchase tickets at chefs-market.com.hk. JAPAN AUTUMN FESTIVAL Running through December 22, the Japan Autumn Festival is already in full swing at venues across the city. You can expect a variety of Japan-related activities, including film, performing arts, arts and crafts, food, sports, lectures and promotional offers. First held in 2016, the festival celebrates its eleventh anniversary this year. To find out more, visit japanautumnfesinhk.net.

  • At The Movies: Horror Movie Quiz!

    How much do you know about classic horror films?

  • A Grand Design: Welcome To One Toscana!

    Brand-new one- to four-bedroom units make their debut at One Toscana, DB’s latest landmark development, where thoughtful home staging meets prestige sea, mountain and park views. Martin Wray reports PHOTOGRAPHY BY Andrew J.C. Spires & courtesy of HKRI Sunlight, ocean and an unobstructed view of Victoria Harbour provide a heart-quickening first impression of the on-site unit at One Toscana 2, where my tour of DB’s newly launched Toscana project begins. As my heart settles, other details come into focus: high ceilings, cinematic curved windows and all the luxury an imaginative interior designer can create with over 1,700 square feet. Only 14 of these four-bedroom, three-ensuite units exist. Occupying an entire floor and accessed by a private lift lobby, they offer a degree of privacy that is increasingly difficult to find. The living and dining room stretches more than 9.5 metres, opening onto a generous 3-in-1 balcony through large sliding glass doors. Beyond, the harbour view takes centre stage. The master bedroom enjoys the same outlook, framed by those distinctive curved windows. In the ensuite, a bathtub sits against a picture window, while his-and-hers sinks add a practical touch. The flat also includes an enclosed kitchen with a double sink and built-in wine fridge. The large sea-view units are just one part of the Toscana offering. Across the two phases, One Toscana delivers one- to four-bedroom homes ranging from 425 to 1,683 square feet. The variety makes the development relevant to a broad mix of residents, from single buyers and young families to those looking for an investment property. From a flat overlooking Park Toscana, I am surprised by the sheer scale of the development. The Toscana masterplan calls for around 1,400 units built across 650,000 square feet of land, an area larger than Hong Kong Stadium. Today, 490 units are being offered across the two phases. One Toscana offers views over the park or the facing hillside, plus beautiful sea vistas. The more premium One Toscana 2 includes these outlooks, alongside dramatic, unobstructed views of the Victoria Harbour Gateway, framed by the iconic landmarks of Central and West Kowloon. A LUXURIOUS, HILLSIDE- VIEW BEDROOM AT ONE TOSCANA Inside, the homes share a set of thoughtful features: extra-tall windows, glass-railed balconies, air-conditioning, built-in induction hobs, combination steam ovens and refrigerators. Most units have unusually high ceilings, with some reaching more than 3.4 metres floor-to-floor. Stylish French kitchen appliances by De Dietrich are paired with sanitary ware from VADO (UK), and Duravit and Bette (Germany). JAPANDI DESIGN MAXIMISES THE SENSE OF SPACE HOME STAGING DEMONSTRATES WHAT IS POSSIBLE The interiors of the staged homes offer a different perspective on the development, showing how the spaces might work in everyday life. In Flat D, 11/F, Tower 9, a three-bedroom home with one ensuite, the designers have adopted the increasingly popular Japandi aesthetic, uniting the tranquillity of Japanese ‘wabi-sabi’ with minimalist Nordic design. Timber furniture and soft, natural tones give the living room and master bedroom a warm, relaxed feel. Bedroom 2 continues the theme with a tea corner, ink-wash paintings and calligraphy, creating a calming backdrop for quiet moments. The third bedroom is designed as a parent-child ‘play and study space’, with room for children to read, create and grow. Together with the greenery outside the window, it feels like a space that could evolve with a family. A PRIVATE SPACE FOR HEALTHY LIVING The two-bedroom Flat C, 11/F, Tower 9 takes a different approach. Designed around the idea of a relaxed, multi-functional home, it reflects the way younger families are using their living spaces. The living room has been transformed into a cat haven, with multi-level catwalks, climbing frames and play features. The master bedroom functions as a KOL live-streaming studio, while the second bedroom doubles as a home gym, complete with fitness, yoga and ball-game equipment, reflecting DB’s healthy living ethos. These staged homes are, of course, carefully designed to demonstrate what is possible. But the wider Toscana project has implications beyond the individual apartments. For existing DB residents, the development brings a number of positive changes to the neighbourhood. On the infrastructure level, we are already benefiting. Exhibit 1) the HK$80 million redevelopment of both ferry piers; Exhibit 2) a new covered escalator running alongside the inclined elevator at DB North; and the big surprise (for me): Exhibit 3) Discovery Bay Sports Club, a multi-recreation centre coming up beside the reservoir. Due for completion in 2027, Discovery Bay Sports Club is planned to include a pickleball court, greenhouse farm, rock-climbing walls, skate park, camping area and restaurant. For those curious, a scale model is on display in the Toscana Sales Gallery. Another scale model to check out shows DB Times Square, the proposed transport interchange complex across from Auberge Discovery Bay. The government has approved its construction and according to the developer, the project will provide parking for over 160 vehicles. The changes are not limited to infrastructure. On an aesthetic level, the Toscana development has already beautified the area leading into the tunnel toward DB North Plaza. This includes bonsai-like flowering trees and an upgrade to the landscaped gardens at the roundabout near Chianti bus stop. A new brick path leads up from there into Park Toscana. 160,000-SQUARE-FOOT PARK TOSCA With each new proper ty development phase, DB residents get a new park. This includes Caperidge’s Peninsula Garden and Siena’s Central Park. And now, Park Toscana, a 160,000-square-foot greenspace designed by Adrian L. Norman. The park features streams and water features, walking trails, sitting-out areas, outdoor exercise stations, art installations, grassy fields and children’s playgrounds. The outdoor spaces are Wi-Fi enabled, and there is also an indoor wellness area. But my favourite feature is the greenery. LARGE SLIDING DOORS ACCESS GENEROUS 3-IN-1 BALCONIES Living in a subtropical climate, it is easy to take a well-maintained landscape for granted. But in DB, every tree, flower and blade of grass was planned before being planted. DB has always had excellent gardeners who conscientiously maintain this foliage long after the sales push and who deserve credit for the postcard-perfect gardens they maintain. Our home is, after all, a manicured urban space, and has been since long before phases began being named after regions in Italy. The Italian influence at DB predates One Toscana by decades, but it is the first phase to take a single region (Toscana is the Italian name for Tuscany) and follow it all the way through to the marble, the arches and the planting. The Toscana Sales Gallery, designed by ARTTA Concept Studio, sits at the top of the DB North Plaza escalator. There, they have recreated a Tuscan home in limestone, Italian marble and bronze, with signature arched windows and doorways that reference Renaissance architecture. Visit to enjoy regular events, like Tuscan wine tasting experiences, and to see models of Park Toscana, Discovery Bay Sports Club and DB Times Square. After that, check out an on-site unit, stroll the park and imagine you are in Tuscany.

  • TOSCANA SHOW FLATS OPEN FOR VIEWING

    Toscana, the Italian-style oceanfront residential complex coming up in DB North, has launched in two phases: One Toscana 2 on August 11 and One Toscana on September 4. Located on the DB North hillside, the development will cover over 650,000 square feet, with around 1,400 units (one- to four-bed) providing 1,300,000 square feet of living space. The project comprises prestige private residential units, alongside the 160,000-square-foot Park Toscana. The on-site sea-view units of One Toscana 2 are now open for viewing by prospective purchasers. Among them, Flat A on the 10th and 11th floors of Tower 1A is the flagship four- bedroom sea-view residence, with the harbour sea view as its defining feature. In addition, three selected units on the 11th floor have been specially styled as home staging units. Bathed in soft, natural tones and textures, and accented with Italian inspired resort-style furniture and art pieces, these units are designed to merge seamlessly with the surrounding mountain-and-seascape. They allow prospective purchasers to envision the relaxed DB lifestyle and appreciate the flexibility and versatility of the layouts. “One Toscana 2 is the most prestigious and distinguished residence in the One Toscana residential series,” says Pandora Chan, HKRI’s Assistant General Manager, Sales and Marketing of HKRI. “Not only is it located at the residential series’ most seafront location at present but the three-bedroom and four-bedroom units in Tower 1 all face east and enjoy an iconic view of the Victoria Harbour Gateway. The layout design and amenities have been elevated to an even higher level of luxury, with floor-to-floor height of over 3.4 metres. Tower 1A adopts a single-unit-per- floor design, with only one premium sea-view residence on each floor and a private lift lobby for each unit. Tower 1B features a low-density, three-unit-per-floor design. The two towers each offer an independent resident entrance lobby, ensuring high privacy.” To find out more and arrange a viewing, visit toscana.com.hk.

  • Learning for Life: The Boarding Edge!

    How Harrow Hong Kong combines pastoral excellence, academic achievement and world-class university outcomes PHOTOS COURTESY OF Harrow Hong Kong For many families in Hong Kong, choosing a school is about far more than academic results. Increasingly, parents are looking for an environment that nurtures independence, resilience, leadership and personal confidence alongside academic excellence. This is where Harrow International School Hong Kong stands apart. As the only international school in Hong Kong offering a British boarding education, Harrow Hong Kong provides a distinctive model that combines outstanding pastoral care with exceptional university outcomes. Boarding has long been one of the hallmarks of British education, not simply because it provides accommodation, but because it creates a vibrant learning community where education extends beyond the classroom. At Harrow Hong Kong, all pupils become members of a House, with House Masters, House Mistresses and tutors playing a central role in both academic and personal development. The benefits of this environment are perhaps best described by the students themselves. “Boarding has helped me become much more independent and organised. Having dedicated study time and support from teachers in the evenings has made a huge difference to my academic progress,” says a current senior boarder. Another pupil highlights the social dimension of boarding: “Living in the House means you’re never alone. You form friendships across different year groups and learn from older students who have already been through the same experiences.” The school’s pastoral team places significant emphasis on creating what many describe as a genuine home away from home. Older students routinely mentor younger boarders, fostering confidence, responsibility and a strong sense of community. This structured and supportive environment translates into remarkable academic outcomes. In 2025, Harrow Hong Kong achieved outstanding public examination results, with 33% of A Level grades awarded at A*, 70% at A* to A and 90% at A* to B. GCSE results were equally impressive, with 59% of grades awarded at Grade 9 and 91% achieving Grades 9 to 7 or A* to A. However, Harrow Hong Kong’s success extends well beyond examination statistics. Recent graduating cohorts have included athletes, filmmakers, musicians, writers and student leaders. The school’s educational philosophy focuses on developing well-rounded individuals with the confidence to pursue their passions and contribute positively to society. The school’s outstanding academic results are matched by equally impressive university admissions outcomes. This year, Harrow Hong Kong students received 115+ offers from G5 universities, 390+ Russell Group offers, and 50+ offers from Ivy League and top 30 US universities. These figures demonstrate both the breadth and depth of opportunities available to Harrow graduates and reinforce the link between the school’s boarding environment, academic excellence and world-class university preparation. “The headlines are exceptional: they tell a story of excellence, hard work and perseverance. Yet what truly distinguishes Harrow Hong Kong is the breadth of talent, ambition and character demonstrated by our pupils,” says Rosie McColl, Head of Harrow Hong Kong. Recent university destinations for Harrow Hong Kong graduates include Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford, Princeton, Columbia, University of Pennsylvania, Imperial College London, London School of Economics, University College London, University of Hong Kong and more global universities. These destinations demonstrate the breadth of opportunities available across leading institutions in the UK, US and Asia. One current boarder captures this advantage succinctly: “Boarding has prepared me for university because I've already learned how to manage my time, work independently and live as part of a community.” For expatriate families navigating Hong Kong’s diverse educational landscape, Harrow Hong Kong offers a compelling proposition. Its unique status as the city’s only British boarding international school is more than a differentiator – it is a proven pathway that connects exceptional pastoral care, academic excellence and access to some of the world’s most prestigious universities.

  • Moving with the Times at Discovery Mind

    Discovery Mind is entering the new school year with a clear vision for the future and the leadership of newly appointed Head of Kindergarten, Joyce Fong. At a time when artificial intelligence and rapid technological change is reshaping the world, DM is focused on preparing children not only for the next stage of education, but for a future that is impossible to predict. Many of today's professions may not exist in 10 or 20 years, making adaptability, creativity, critical thinking and collaboration more important than ever for our children. “Academic skills such as numeracy and literacy are important, but I always think that a school should be about growing a young person in the widest sense,” opens Head of School Chris Jackson. “Whole person development includes the academics, but it also includes helping children develop their sense of self and helping them learn to work and play with others, so that they may become thinkers, creators and collaborators. “Our website celebrates that we have been nurturing holistic growth since 1996, and Joyce joining DM is the beginning of the next step in this continual journey.” NEW HEAD OF KINDERGARTEN Ask Joyce what excites her about becoming the new head of Discovery Mind Kindergarten, overseeing both the Discovery Bay and Tung Chung campuses, and she says, “I am truly inspired by the energy and sincerity of the school founder and senior leadership team. It is exciting to be part of a school where we share such strong alignment in values – especially in nurturing children’s character, preparing them for the future and creating a community where happiness, safety and respect are at the heart of everything we do.” While DMK is known for its human-centred educational approach and emphasis on parent-teacher collaboration, one of the things that truly differentiates the kindergarten is its future-focused bilingual (English and Mandarin) programme. “In today’s rapidly evolving world, where information is increasingly accessible, children need strong language abilities to understand, interpret and express ideas effectively and ethically,” Joyce says. “Our fully immersive bilingual environment allows children to develop confidence in both languages, connect with different cultures and begin to see the world from a broader, global perspective. “We also place strong emphasis on core values such as respect, responsibility, resilience, empathy, curiosity, trustworthiness and self-awareness. Our teachers model these values, and gently nurture these everyday habits in our students.” At the heart of this is DM’s human-centred approach, which is rooted in the school’s distinctive educational DNA: Respect, Responsibility and Resilience (the 3Rs). VISIONARY SCHOOL DNA The DM curriculum balances strong foundations in literacy and mathematics with advanced language development, communication skills and emotional intelligence – capabilities that AI cannot replicate. DM intentionally cultivates distinctly human competencies such as empathy, collaboration, ethical reasoning and critical thinking, reinforcing Respect for diverse viewpoints and Responsibility in decision-making. Student wellbeing and a positive mindset underpin learning, including the ‘safety to fail’ approach, where children learn accountability while building the Resilience to adapt and grow. The curriculum remains agile: it is regularly refined to meet the needs of DM students and stay ahead of technological and societal shifts. These principles are applied concretely – from kindergarten show-and-tell, which builds storytelling skills, confidence and mutual Respect, to the primary entrepreneurship programme, which develops real-world problem-solving, Responsibility and the grit required to innovate.

  • Hong Kong Wide: September

    ASIA+ FESTIVAL Hong Kong’s Asia+ Festival offers a vibrant, citywide celebration of cross-cultural artistry spanning the ‘Belt and Road’ countries of Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas. Running from September 23 to November 22, the event combines large-scale outdoor performances, curated exhibitions and unique on-stage collaborations. Purchase tickets through URBTIX. HONG KONG LESBIAN & GAY FILM FESTIVAL The 37th Hong Kong Lesbian & Gay Film Festival hits town from September 4 to 20. This year’s lineup includes 37 international feature films and seven curated shorts, alongside global festival favourites, timeless classics and director Q&As. HKLGFF partners with the Broadway Circuit to host its screenings at Broadway Cinematheque, Palace IFC and Premiere Elements. Grab tickets at cinema.com.hk. CENTRESTAGE A must for fashion lovers (and modelizers), Centrestage returns to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from September 2 to 5. With runway shows, international designer showcases, and panels analysing the latest fashion trends, there’s plenty to see, do and – of course – buy. Be sure to catch the final of the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest on September 5. Purchase tickets at hktdc.com. CATS THE MUSICAL This is your last chance to see Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats The Musical, running daily through September 6 at the Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre. Based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the celebrated musical features iconic characters like Rum Tum Tugger, the rock-star cat; Mr Mistoffelees, the magical conjuring cat; and Macavity, the villainous mystery cat. Purchase tickets at Cityline.

  • Smiles In Focus: Dr Safar At Bayside Dental

    You may have already spotted a new face at Bayside Dental. Originally from Ukraine, Dr Safar Baisov joined the practice 10 months ago after spending a decade working in Beijing, bringing with him extensive experience in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, dental surgery and complex root canal treatment. For Dr Safar, Hong Kong offered the perfect next step. “It’s more international – and it was a climate choice; I like the warmer weather,” he opens. “Beijing was a great experience, challenging; I learnt a lot there and met some amazing people. But Hong Kong is somewhere to settle long-term, somewhere to plan retirement.” Although he currently lives in Central, Dr Safar already sees DB as his future home. “DB is a great place to get to know people – you bump into them on the ferry, at the supermarket. In Central, I don’t know my neighbours. In DB, you really live with the community. I will move here after a few years, when I get married and have a family.” PRECISION, PASSION AND PATIENT CARE Dr Safar splits his time between Bayside Dental’s DB North and South clinics and its sister practice Smith & Jain Dentists in Central. He has recently installed a surgical microscope for root canal treatments at the DB North clinic, allowing more precise treatment for complex cases in DB. “I like to do work with my hands and dentistry is all about this,” he explains. “It’s important to be sensitive to detail and I like to do work that’s very, very detailed. I’m a bit of a perfectionist and in dentistry that’s actually not a disadvantage, it’s a big advantage.” Helping patients regain their smile is what motivates Dr Safar most. “Through dentistry, you can create positive change in someone’s life – making them feel more comfortable and more confident. And you do this with your skills, with your hands.” That patient-centred philosophy was shaped by an early mentor. “The most important lesson I learned was to listen. People need to feel heard. They’re not always looking for perfection or miracles; they want someone who understands what matters to them.” When it comes to preventing dental problems, however, Dr Safar’s advice couldn’t be simpler. “The biggest issue I see is tooth decay, and it’s a simple thing to prevent if you follow basic hygiene rules,” he says. “Most cavities form in between the teeth not on the surface, which is why you need to floss as well as brush.” Whether providing a routine check-up or advanced dental work, Dr Safar wants every patient to leave feeling the same way. “I hope they feel they’ve been listened to, understood and cared for.” SOUNDBITES Q: What’s the one piece of dental advice everyone should follow? A: Floss every day. Q: How often should we visit the dentist? A: Adults should have a hygiene clean every six months and see a dentist at least once a year. Children should see a dentist every six months. Q: Manual or electric toothbrush? A: Whichever you prefer, both are good for the job. Electric brushes are especially helpful for the elderly, as are water flossers. Q: Hard or soft brush? A: Soft. I use an Ebisu soft toothbrush. Q: How do parents encourage good dental habits in young children? A: Parents need to educate their kids about dental hygiene every day. It’s important to assist children under seven years with brushing, particularly night brushing. Q: Is teeth whitening safe? A: Yes. When used correctly and under the advice of your dentist. Q: Favourite toothpaste? A: Any fluoride toothpaste that isn’t abrasive. The brand isn’t important but avoid whitening toothpastes. Q: Mint or salt? A: Flavour is up to you. Salt is good for gum disease but I don’t recommend using it daily. Q: Best celebrity smile? A: Julia Roberts.

  • Global Citizenship, Naturally

    Harvey Law Group explores how Dominica's Citizenship By Investment Program combines international mobility, financial opportunity and an exceptional Caribbean lifestyle Following our review last month of Antigua and Barbuda’s popular ‘365 Beaches’ Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, we turn our attention to Dominica, another heavyweight in the Caribbean investment migration landscape. For high-net-worth individuals evaluating long-term security and global flexibility, Dominica’s CBI program stands out as one of the world’s most enduring and reputable options. It is described as the most cost-effective citizenship program in the world, and it’s also one of the oldest, in place Dominica is known as the Nature Isle of the Caribbean. Beyond its pristine coastline, the island’s natural attractions include Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the world’s second-largest hot spring. Here you can trek through lush rainforest and explore the iconic Trafalgar Falls. Spectacular scenery like this underscores Dominica’s unique appeal, shifting the focus from classic resort living to a way of life that is truly immersed in nature. INVESTMENT OPTIONS Much like the framework we examined in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica’s CBI program allows investors to choose between a straightforward economic contribution or a tangible property asset. The capital investment is only required after the government issues an official pre-approval, eliminating financial risk during the initial processing stages. The non-refundable contribution route funds the nation’s Economic Diversification Fund. For a single applicant, the entry threshold is US$200,000, while a family of up to four can secure citizenship for US$250,000. This route remains highly popular for individuals prioritising a streamlined administrative path and a lower overall capital mobilisation. Conversely, the real-estate pathway appeals to investors looking to anchor their capital in premium brick-and-mortar assets that can yield rental revenue. In Dominica, the minimum investment sits at US$200,000 in a government-approved real estate project to be held for at least five years; resale options are also available in established resorts once the original holding timeline is satisfied. Investors must also factor in government fees: US$75,000 for a single applicant, US$100,000 for families of up to four persons, US$25,000 for each additional applicant under 18, US$40,000 for each additional applicant over 18. To ensure investor protection and maintain strict standards, only government-designated developments are eligible. For instance, investors can currently invest in The Residences at Secret Bay, part of the award-winning Secret Bay resort, which offers ultra-luxurious eco-villas with fractional ownership, strong rental demand and high occupancy. The minimum investment is US$220,000 for a villa share, with the option to buy additional shares or a complete villa. CITIZENSHIP BENEFITS Citizens of Dominica enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 destinations worldwide, including global hubs such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Schengen Area, ensuring seamless international mobility for business and leisure. Appealing to HNWIs, the financial environment in Dominica is highly supportive of international asset protection. The country offers a protective fiscal regime featuring zero personal income tax on foreign-sourced earnings, alongside a complete absence of capital gains, wealth, or inheritance taxes, allowing families to pass down their wealth completely intact. CBI in Dominica also ensures that extended families can obtain protection under a single unified application. Eligible dependents can include spouse; children aged under 18 of the applicant or spouse; children aged 18 to 30 if studying and supported; an unmarried daughter under 25 years living with the applicant; and parents and grandparents over 65 if supported. APPLICATION PROCESS Applications must be submitted through authorised representatives such as Harvey Law Group (HLG). The process typically takes six to nine months. New citizens must spend at least five days in Dominica, find professional legal within the first five years and take an oath of allegiance. Note that the ‘Caribbean Five’ (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia) are exploring a harmonised future approach to physical residency or in-person verification. While this remains a high-level concept which could take years to be implemented, we still recommend applicants intending to move forward to apply without delay. Early indications suggest that any future requirement will be highly manageable, such as a rumoured 30-day aggregate stay over a course of five years. For global citizens looking beyond standard real estate plays, Dominica delivers a compelling proposition combining global mobility with a foothold in the luxurious Caribbean property market. Individuals seeking Dominica citizenship through the CBI program find that professional legal advice is invaluable. HLG brings over 32 years of immigration expertise with offices in 20 countries globally. Our specialisation extends to the Caribbean, and we offer clients clear, professional guidance at every stage of the process. Reach out to us at contact@harveylawcorporation.com.

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