UPDATED March 14, 2013: Comments closed and redirected to latest article
Hi folks. After almost 1,500 comments on this story readers are getting a little tired of having to scroll through them all to continue a current discussion. So we’ve closed the comments on this post and redirect you to the most current Harlequin post as of March 14, 2013…
Harlequin Properties stunner! SIPP-Pension investors advised to act immediately
Prior Updates…
URGENT: Barbados Free Press under attack!
Some folks want to discourage discussion about Harlequin
Wednesday, March 13, 2013 1am Bridgetown
Friends, the number of comments on this story is over 1,300 – a new record for Barbados Free Press. Combine those comments with our other news articles about Harlequin and Dave Ames and there are almost 3,000 comments here at BFP.
The Harlequin discussion is carried on primarily by two kinds of people… desperate investors hoping to understand and get their money out somehow, and people who see no wrong by Dave Ames and Harlequin. Some of the second group use different names to post, like Dave Ames’ head of security who got caught trying to infiltrate the discussion without telling his true identity.
Now some people are using techniques to try and block the discussion here at Barbados Free Press. They are inundating us with spam comments trying to sell everything from ice makers to japanese dating sites. Then we have people calling themselves “Yorkiepoo” going for volume to dominate the discussion with garbage comments. This “Yorkiepoo” has to be more than one person because they are here for so many hours. This is way beyond trolling – this must be an organized group trying to stop investors from talking here at BFP.
So who would want to interfere with the Harlequin discussion? (He asked knowingly.)
We’ll do our best to remove asinine and irrelevant comments – but don’t be discouraged. Just talk ya talk and nevermind them others. In response to the attacks, we’ll post this at the top of the blog for a few days so you don’t have to hunt for this very active article. The more they interfere, the more articles we will run and the longer we’ll leave this at the top.
Chickens do come home and we be working on it!
BREAKING UPDATED: Harlequin pays off investors who launched court action!
Saturday March 9, 2013 7:20am Bridgetown
Echo News reports this morning that the Birmingham High Court bid to freeze Harlequin’s and David Ames’ assets was dropped yesterday when a settlement was reached.
Apparently Harlequin paid off six investors represented by Gareth Fatchett of Regulatory Legal, who dropped the court case. Said Fatchett: “Our primary aim was for the return of these investors’ deposits. We now have 20 more investors seeking refunds due to missed completion dates.”
Meanwhile, the H-Hotel construction site in Barbados remains shut down after Harlequin laid off dozens of workers. We haven’t heard anything recently about The Merricks, but we’ll take a drive out of the city on Monday and let folks know.
Echo News: Harlequin Property freezing order bid ends after investors paid out
Here is BFP’s original story first published on March 3, 2013…
Will Dave Ames dodge SFO bracelets?
Financial Services Authority also investigating Harlequin and Ames
A high court action will start in Birmingham on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 against Harlequin Property and David Ames. This, according to investigative journalists Russell Myers and Sharon Churcher of the Mail on Sunday.
“Legal papers will be lodged at the High Court in Birmingham on Tuesday to freeze the assets of Harlequin Property and its directors in an attempt to claw back money for worried investors.”
The court could deliver a double blow to Harlequin and Ames: freezing all business and personal assets. Plus Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs pensions regulator will act – just as Barbados Free Press first reported several months ago.
As we say in Bim, de chickens coming home…
“Now hundreds of financial advisers, who convinced investors to cash in their pensions, have been given just two days by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) to confirm if any of their clients have SIPP investments in the Essex-based firm, and a further three days to provide all details.
SIPPs are a personal pension plan allowing individuals to cash in their pension to invest in schemes such as property abroad.”
from the Mail Online article: Tycoon accused of taking £300m from British investors…
Guilty Carter-Ruck Lawyers share responsibility for Harlequin fraud?
Harlequin’s law firm Carter-Ruck has been instrumental in attacking any worried investors over the last few years – shutting down websites, threatening lawsuits against vocal investors and negotiating payoffs in return for investor silence. It looks to this outsider that the lawyers probably bought another free year for Ames to carry on with his pyramid scheme.
And that brings an interesting thought… How many people ‘invested’ in Harlequin’s disaster over the last year who would not have invested had they been able to discover the truth about Harlequin on some of websites shut down by Carter Ruck? How many investors were taken in the last year because Carter-Ruck was so successful in shutting down news of Harlequin’s troubles and the stories of worried investors? Carter-Ruck did a cover-up job of disgruntled investors and made sure they wouldn’t tell others.
Should the Carter-Ruck lawyers in any way be held accountable for damages and losses caused because of their heavy handed suppression of the truth about Harlequin?
Guilty Governments
And what about the Caribbean governments that welcomed Harlequin and David Ames with open arms and continued to support the dodgy operations even when it became obvious that the whole thing was a house of cards?
With little regulation and no requirement that Harlequin put deposits in a trust account, Barbados and the other guilty governments were like executioners leading foreign investors up the scaffold. This wasn’t just ‘wilful blindness’, it was out and out betrayal of foreign investors.
How much did Harlequin/Ames give to politicians for ‘campaign donations’? Perhaps the UK court will get to the bottom of that, but I wouldn’t hold my breath because suitcases full of cash are seldom noted in dodgy business records.
Guilty Pension Advisors
The pensions industry jumped on board the Harlequin runaway train, or rather they threw their investors on the tracks in front of the train.
Harlequin sellers were paid 30% commission. For 30% many sales people would betray their own mothers – and some probably did.
Now the Brit authorities are moving to limit further damages to pensions. Better late than never. As one of our readers sent to us…
“Hi guys, have look at today’s issue of IFAonline.
The net is closing on dear old Dave. All of his sources of income have been cut off now – no more IFA business, no more SIPP business and hopefully no one else remortgaging their houses to the hilt.
The UK equivalent of Bernie Madoff and Allen Stanford is about to hit the news….”
FSA probes pension providers over Harlequin Property holdings
Barbados Free Press 
We have spoken to many investors over the weekend, some have terrible stories to tell. Some have invested their whole life savings, some re-mortgaged their homes,some SIPP investments – its awful, some of the investors have no idea what to do next or who to turn to…… If you can please visit our meeting next Saturday 9th March
Harlequininvestorgroupnw
They shut down my website by threatening injunctive relief.
They will not shut down my meeting on Saturday in Manchester
I hope carter-ruck get what they deserve too, after protecting this Ponzi scheme for so long. They should hang their heads in shame. We will stand together and fight for what is ours!!
An interview in The Guardian newspaper (UK) with Dominic Carman, Son of Sir George QC, suggested that his fathers reputation and involvement was sufficient to prevent injured parties from taking action when they were wronged. Most noticeably in the case of the sex offender Jimmy Savile Carman fils, accepted that his fathers action in representing Savile may have prevented him being called to book in his lifetime.
The English legal system embodies the principal that barristers are like taxis, available for hire to anyone who hails them, but in the case of UK libel laws ( which are widely acknowledged to be archaic ) the role of pre eminent council appears to be warping and denying justice to the commoner. That the chambers of Carter Ruck are associated with what appears to be a major scandal should at the very least cause some introspection on their part, if not review of the law in general.
As I have posted on another thread I expect the government of SVG to move rapidly to disassociate themselves from any connection to Ames and Harlequin as this scandal unfolds.
If we stick to facts and the truth, no need to fear Carter Ruck.
Come on Harlisuccess, tell us about the latest wonderful review on TA of BB…as if it matters now.
Or how Harlequin are saying everything is still OK. So it must be.
Harlisuccess is probably crafting a post to tell the world that the genius Mr Ames should be knighted by the Queen for services rendered to the legal profession.
There is only one thing he will be doing at Her Majesty’s Pleasure and it isn’t having a sword touched on his shoulder.
I think he is fighting the Queen for the imodium tablets right now so cannot be on here…….lol
How come the same cannot happen with CLICO?
Bravo for drawing attention to this firm of lawyers and explaining this situation as perfectly as you have. I really hope that this element is appropriately examined in the fullness of time.
Rastaman@ the dam crook lawyers in this all the way , 600 of the lawyers will fall , watch the count , They all cant be stupid , but those who know turn a blind eye and give lawyers talk like others on BU. We on to them, we not running and CLICO pays well to keep them and us at Bay ,All need to stop paying CLICO and watch them drop out of all things .
investigative journalists is what we dont have , just people who report , dam lazy and chicken shit ,, We do the best we can to say what we see , More to come on all the Fraud ,,,DLP and BLP will watch them like a Hawk
From my research this looks like a bit of a red herring. As far as I am aware all assets in buildings and cash are owned by a SVG company well away from the jurisdiction of the UK courts,
I have a feeling the investors are being taken for a ride by a lawyer panicking them and promising recovery of money they have no ability to do so merely to generate fees.
Still no reply to our ivitation to the meeting from Mr Ames…….
Still no reply from Waltonpaul AKA Grust Grust on why don’t you give the £45k you were offered by HP to the workers at BB when they cannot be paid due to frozen assets.
If Mr Ames paid me in line with my contract……… not staged payments who knows……
@Yorkiepoo, I’ve just posted this on another thread, but it tends to back up your opinion.
http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/investing/article-2044136/5-000-Arch-Cru-victims-caught-crossfire-advisers-fall-54m-compensation.html
@36.
@36 come along and ask yourself if you are so worried. Pennone will also be there if you don’t like Mr Fatchett
Any comments on Pennone?
http://www.pannone.com
@36 or comments on:
http://www.no5.com
My comment was not based upon personalities or the like, my question was if the British Courts had the jurisdiction to make a ruling against a company that id based in SVG? If not then don’t waste your time spending money on a UK lawyer to pursue a company in the UK who has no assets.
Some lawyers see desparate people as cash-cows, is this the case here?
Hee, hee, hee
Do not listen to Yorkiepo. There is assets in UK that can be frozen, then more action in SVG later.
If that is the case then fine, what surprises me is that through the newspapers Harlequin have been forewarned of the legal challenge that is looming, I’m sure Ames is no fool and when you get to the UK cupboard it will be bare. All I am asking is are we sure there is sufficient assets in the UK to commence proceedings?
‘fatchett does not represent me’ – you should be ashamed! people have invested their life pensions and all you can offer is cruel comments??!!
It depends on the type of investment, SIPP or cash there are options in the UK not always against HP.
@Harlequininvestorsgroupnw (aka Grust Grust) No5/Pannone? that is a different choice. I think not! From the Free Library 2013
“For 2013, No5 have put together a legal team with Regulatory Legal and national law firm Pannone LLP to develop an investor protection proposition. The joint venture has been called Risk Warning.”
Come on, I thought you would at least be honest!
@Yorkiepoo, What I dont understand how there can be a legal challenge in the legal team do not have a mandate. There has not even been a meeting yet. Who do they think they represent? Not 3500 investors thats for sure. Or perhaps its themselves to generate their own fees and commissions. As I’ve asked before without an answer “is this no win no fee”
Fatchett doesn’t represent me – The answer is I don’t know the answer to the question. I was only stating what was said in the MOS article that legal papers would be submitted tomorrow. i have no idea if its no win no fee, I doubt it, there is usually a fixed fee plus a % of any recovery.In my opinion a UK challenge will be fruitless its the assetts in the carribean that is worth anything. I have to be clear I have no connection to HP, but I do know alot about what has gone on and we are only scratching the surface – infact the truth is better than the rubbish written so far in the Mail on Sunday!!
@Fatchett does not represent you, The Harlequin Investor group has been set up by me My Name is Erica Broughton @ Harlequin Property Problems.co.uk. I am no longer afraid of the Carter Ruck gagging order
There may not be 3,500 people at this first meeting but I am sure there will be a good turn out.
Come and meet me and shake my hand
Erica – I understand you suspended your website whilst you negotiated a settlement with Mr Ames – How did negotions progress?
They didnt after several email between Carter Ruck and myself I had to suspend the website as they threatened injunctive relief.
I cannot sit back and stay quiet anymore.
Fatchett does not represent me
come to the meeting and find out?
Well done to Erica Broughton and Paul Walton who refuse to be intimidated!
If HP refuse to honour the contract regarding the refund process, and offer staged payments over 18 months and charge over 60% in fees what do they expect? Seems a little excessive? And a NDA….
Awww Paul hope your enjoying your holiday leaving me to all the hard work!!
It is what Harlequin call business why not go for a resale lol and then you can pass on your wonderful investment to somebody else like 36 who would just love to take it of your hands!
Yes, that too was mentioned in the meeting, as well as completing in April!
Will be flying back soon…. see you Tuesday!!
I hope you’re not holidaying at BB Paul!
Erica, any plans to unlock your website again?
@Fatchett does not represent me
In the absence of any other groups or people who are prepared to stand up and be counted, what do you recommend investors do who want their money back?
You lost £6k when you ‘apparently’ got a refund? Please correct me if I am wrong…. And did you not say something like, sign a contract and stand by it?
Pity HP don’t do that. If they did we would have had our money back and that would be the end of it.
There is an interesting TA review from one Tackleupboss on March 1st. He says in it that they had just returned from a one week stay at BB, so his stay was mid to late Feb 2013…the height of the “high season”. The review was as usual, very positive,and I believe it to be an honest review from a guest, not an investor . However, this one comment caught my attention…”It was an all inclusive deal with 4 restaurants available. More are planned. Because occupancy was light during our stay 2 of them did not operate every night.”
If occupancy was light in Feb, imagine how low it will be in the coming months? How can BB support what has been reported to be 351 staff, with that level of occupancy as reported.
Well good luck – I think you will need it, I think most assets will be long gone, 40p in the pound may be alot better than when your a creditor to a bankrupt company, poor offer but might be the best you will get!
@E Now now Erica, just when I thought we were getting on, the sarcarstic comment comes out. No need for that.
@GG, yes I did lose £6K and I’ve explained how and why. If HP pay your interest then you loose it off the payback. Quite correct.
Fatchett – No thats not quite correct is it, the delays to the project have made investors incurr additional interest cost they would not have suffered had the projects been delivered in accordance with the contract. Non-completion should result in Harlequin paying for any lossess including interest charges for breach of contrat? Is that not reasonable?
@Yorkiepoo
many thanks….. but to be paid over 12-18
Well that offer is poor because there is no way Harlequin willl be around in 12-18 weeks never mind months!
Now I hope you know why I refused it, and any conditions that would have come with the offer
How can anyone defend Harlequin? Some, like Fatchett/36, may have an investment in BB and want to protect that. But as we all know, all the “developments” are interlinked and funds co mingled. I don’t see how an investor in BB is protected from the stark lack of action elsewhere as Harlequin have to pay the piper at some point and come up with the money to fulfill their obligations to those people who invested elsewhere and whose money helped build the units at BB that people like 36 own (or not, if title has not passed) Harlequin clearly cannot build what they sold, as evidenced by the fact that have not even started to build what they have sold! 36, you would do well to come over to the Caribbean and see just what Harlequin have done with people’s money who invested in Marquis, Merricks and the three in DR. How can you defend their business practices knowing they took everyone’s money and did less than 5% of what they said they would?If 36 and others at BB get clear title to their property, then they may indeed have something for their money, and one day may get some return or value from the investment. Without title, they are in the same boat as everyone else and when Harlequin goes bust, as it surely will, they too will have lost out. Can people get clear title if they have not paid in full for their property anyway? Most people have “finance” from Harlequin, and if Harlequin own the land, and hopefully have got the necessary block and parcel numbers from planning, what is the hold up in passing title over to those investors?
Not that it really matters now, but also noting the lack of clarity ever given about the all-inclusive aspect of BB – what amount is being taken from the room rate for the AI supplement to then calculate the share of revenue to the investor? Any BB investor getting regular statements of the rental pool numbers that they can share and advise on the AI supplement? That could explain why guests have to sign even though are there as AI guests, a question that has been asked many times on TA and elsewhere.
@100 Yet again you misrepresent me. I have not defended HP, only given additional information which does not happen to be the same as many other posters on here. I’m sorry if people have had a bad experience. I HAVE NOT. Now if you want me to make up some negative information just to fit in with the crowd, well tough. And by the way I have been to the caribbean, to BB which I was impressed with. But that is where my investment is. And the delays in the projects have meant no stage payments so no extra interest to come off the value of their property, depending what that value might be. And I have no clue what that is.
36/fdnrm is very annoying to some people which is no great deal,but if he was to turn up at the meeting in Manchester and had a similar effect this could look bad on any media coverage. agent provocatuer??
One thing is certain and that I will not be paid off I am aware that this is happening for some people today in light of my meeting! This has got to be a majority agreement not a minority.
I have had so many private emails encouraging me to carry on and I will as my Husband said this is not now about the money this is about people!
@homefront, yes it would be interesting if a vote was taken to persue a freezing order. Oh I foregot that is already being done without any mandate from the majority of investors. Perhaps someone can tell me how that works. Its called autocratic not democratic.
Trading insolvently is a crime and if and I do say if that is what Harlequin were doing then this should be stopped it is not up to you to decide that a criminal offence has taken place it is up to the courts to decide
Was that aimed at me Erica? I have not commented on whether a criminal offence has taken place or not. It is not up to an ambulance chaser to put employees from BB out of work. I suggest you read the post on the other thread re workers at BB. What’s more you do not know if HP is trading insolvent.if you get to freeze HP assets then I might counter sue as your actions might cause the loss of home. How would you feel about that?
Well, I’d like to know how the financial advisors are going to acknowledge the ‘Beginning of the end for Harlequin Properties’. Here is Invest5Star still puffing the HP business model
http://www.invest5star.co.uk/caribbean-barbados-merricks/
http://www.invest5star.co.uk/nulife/
Along with a jerky video of Phil Spencer advertising Harlequin saying ‘Would you like to join Phil Spencer as an investor here?’
http://www.invest5star.co.uk/phil-spencer/
Kim Whithey, who flogs Harlequin (dunno if she’s a bona fide Financial Advisor) posted a glowing review on Tripadvisor about her trip wiv hubby to Buccament Bay that was subsequently deleted. Her daughter’s post remains.
Now really, would you like to join Phil Spencer as an investor here? And did he ever take his own advice? Nah though not.
Point taken 36/FDNRM, however what would you do if, for example, you had invested in Marquis in 2008? With no construction started or looking likely, and if contracted completion date was past, and Harlequin were not paying/refusing to pay back the monies paid over in accordance with the contract, what are those investors to do? If as has been said this is people’s life savings or pension funds that they are relying on in their retirement, what alternative is there than taking action of the kind they are taking, and setting up an event for investors to compare notes and work out a way to get their money back? All funds were comingled going in, so afraid they may have to be comingled coming out, and BB could well be collateral damage. I would not blame the investors for putting people out of work as they try to get their life savings back, I would blame Harlequin for forcing them into this position. I am sure, whatever happens, a resort will operate on that location for many years and there will be jobs for many years, but due to the mess Ames has put everything in, there may (and maybe not) be short term interruption to the operation of BB.
WOW – what a witch hunt!! We have invested and would like to see a return soon. however, there HAVE been hitches and we have to accept that. Why invest in this type of project and expect there to be no hitches? I think you should all have put your money into safe, low yielding ISA’s or the such? You seem to want it all – big returns AND no risk!! BB is up and running – the reason for the 2 year 10% payments is because it takes time to build a reputation and good customer base before these resorts start to perform to a good yield, yet you criticize the low up-take there at the moment. If this was a scam, then NO resort would have been built and Harlequin would be long gone with all our money!! All this negative press will only harm the company – and our investments with it!! Anyone realise what they are actually doing here!!!??
Yorkie Poo, Foreign Judgments can be served and serviced in St Vincent and the The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom is St Vincents highest court.
@FDNRY,,QUOTE
Trading insolvently is a crime and if and I do say if that is what Harlequin.
As you can see I say IF twice I am not certain if that is what they are doing, but the fact remains the same any company which does not have any money is trading illegally and it is not up to you or me to decide whether to take any action it would be up to a court of law not this kangaroo one on here!
As for trying to take any assets of mine be very careful intimidation is a serious crime also, plus of course I do not own anything anymore as Carter Ruck threatened injunctive relief and so all my assets are no longer my own:)
And more to the point why would you talk about freezing anyones assets if they had not done something wrong pray tell!!
!!homefront, yes it would be interesting if a vote was taken to persue a freezing order.!!
LB, you may be burying your head in the sand I am afraid (and by the way, Madoff and Sandford ran their scams for many years before anyone did anything, Madoff chairman of Nasdaq..) The issues at stake are not about returns and hitches, which are indeed normal in overseas property investments. You have put your money with David Ames – someone with no experience whatsoever in resort construction, management, Caribbean property, even running successful businesses having been bankrupt twice. He tried to recruit a resort operator, who scarpered, and has tried to use contractors who also have scarpered along with, it is alleged, US$13m of your money. Not well managed. You know he charges 30% deposits, and you know he pays large commissions to those that sell, as well as pays commissions to himself, as shown in UK filed accounts. You also know he has sold some 6,500 homes (he himself says he sold 1,200 in St Lucia alone back in 2009 which makes that 6,500 perhaps even on the low side) You know he does not have financing in place, you know he has had many legal battles that cost money, that he has purchased a couple of planes and that he has bought two hotels, one of which is costing huge amounts to rebuild. You don’t know due to the lack of accounts, but it has been said by Harlequin staff, that BB was losing millions when it opened. Based on what you know, and based on Ames’s recorded track history of lying and of poor communication, do you not think that building the 6,200 homes he has committed to is a real challenge and people may be forgiven for thinking it will not happen and just want out? It goes way beyond how well BB is operating.
This was posted today online:
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/10259910.Harlequin_boss__happy__to_meet_fraud_team/
Mr Ames said: “Harlequin has not been contacted by the SFO as part of any investigation.
“This allegation stems from (St Vincent opposition leader Arnheim) Eustace and appears to be politically motivated.
“As far as Harlequin is concerned there is no reason why the SFO should or would be looking at the company.
@Erica: stop being so sensitive. The “your” was a collective term, not you in particular. More to the point the “freezing of assets” comes from your solicitor mates,not me.
Concise and accurate analysis 100, pyramid schemes do have a momentum in the early stages which is a simulacrum of progress and growth; until growing concerns outstrip the ability of investors to turn a blind eye to risk assessment.
Allying himself with a particular political element in St Vincent may prove to be an unwise move by Mr Ames; as we have seen recently Caribbean elections can be volatile affairs – and unpredictable in outcome. As I have suggested in another thread local intervention cannot be ruled out.
@FDNRM/36
If one single investor has a contractual right to a refund which isn’t forthcoming then they have the right to seek a freezing order without reference to anyone else. I don’t know why you think the decision should be some kind of democratic process and I haven’t the first clue why you think anyone should come cap in hand for your permission to proceed with such an action.
Perhaps because they’re not terribly clever, and prefer their general position of wilful denial and head-in-the-sand delusion and supposed optimism.
So true I am due my refund this month so I will be consulting with a independent solicitor Thanks for that chaps 🙂
Hi Fatchett I also have my investment in ST Vincent I am almost 2years behind my completesion date . I have been there and yes it is beauitfull but all constructen stopped a long time ago .I also have not recieved my monthly interest payment for the last 3months.I have also found out that some of the Villas are finished put the owners can not close because Harliquin can not produce the deeds .I love the whole idea of BB in st Vincent but the money has to be freed to finish the project .I hope this project can be completed it is a wonderfull island and the airport if that gets completed next year it will be a complete turn around Well I believe it will
freezing the assets in the uk will be a relatively simple process if the courts decide in favour of the “case”. however i don’t believe there will be many assets to “freeze” per se in the UK. freezing those abroad and in all the various countries may prove more problematic.( and in all the various holdings/directors/ in different countries/caymen islands !!!! )- i’m assuming this can be done but would need a qualified and registered solicitor in that country to make the claim (if on a class action case- a uk solicitor could easily liaise with a SVG/Barbados/DR firm to take the case forward) otherwise you would need to do this on a individual basis and given the court backlogs would be “ages” before any actual outcome. as far as i can see the only viable option for “investors” to get a multi freezing on all assets abroad in the near future would be if the SFO investigation proves that an actual “crime/deception/fraud” has taken place and then under the proceeds of al crime act they have TOTAL power to freeze/ seize all assets. i am not a solicitor so please feel free to correct me if i am not correct in this assumption.
Harlequin cannot produce the deeds?? Why is that not a surprise. Get real anyone who has any doubt that Ames has conned everyone. Started selling a small development in svg, then just kept selling and selling without any understanding or financial planning to ensure all was under control. He was taking off the top, so was happy to keep selling. Has come nowhere near delivering. Hoping is a waste of time, he is a bandit and a thief and you need to get real if you expect harlequin to build 6 more places let alone 6000.
Would be a great shame after all this to end up with the wrong legal representation.
E – Do you think that if they was going to freeze his assets they would publish to that effect – No that gives Ames the chance to move it around ,,, Thats not how it works .. total scare mongering !! in 2006 the economic climate was completely different then .. the last 4 years have been a nightmare for any business let alone Harlequins .. if Ames can open his doors to the SFS and win the case against the fraudster builder .. There is No case really to back all this fraud aimed against him..Too many people on here jumping on band wagons with no real idea that the real crooks at the moment are the ambulance chasers that are hawking money of vunerable investers .. Go ahead guys give them your up front fees and when they look at your case and Ames is clean – then you will LOSE money
Anonymous – Harlequin have deeds covering all the land they own in there offices ..FACT .. Jesus where are you getting this crap from
@truth. time will tell. however, GF is more than qualified to take on this qualified and on the “sols reg board”. has proven track record, familiar with fsa after arch cru ( which by the way contrary to previous posts is different from this. those funds were invested in a “regulated uk” investment. and covered by the fscs to a certain degree.
@ivor have YOU seen the deeds and accounts with your own eyes. If the money is safe why doesn’t Ames produce proof of it and why aren’t interest payments being paid. You talk like £1500 is a lot of money for legal advice. I spent four times that on local solicitors before I found someone that knew what they was doing. You sound like a desperate Harlequin employee.
Ivor, scroll up to John delhirro post which references deed issue. Harlequin still don’t have planning in st Lucia or merricks, not to mention have not started building. Your defense of them is flimsy, they have shown they cannot do what they told their investors. Agree that there will be no international freeze, but his model is obviously unworkable to even the most mathematically challenged person.
hello ivor-. you seem to be in the know. do they have some 1 billion or so in the coffers to build all the other as yes not started / unfinished units.. FACT they were selling this well prior to the “credit crunch”. FACT. in 2008 clients were already taking legal action for breach of contracts that were “then ” past their contractual deadline and are btw still yet to be built or indeed have full planning in place. get a grip . you have the fsa, sfo etc crawling all over this and STIILL some of you out there are” oblivious”.to the obvious risks
Harlequininvestorgroupnw Ames will not attend meeting as he will have been instructed by Ruck solicitors to media ban until the builder case is resolved … I recommend have this user group meeting when the case is won and then invite him.. a kangeroo court wont help trust me .. another few weeks wont make much difference
I know for a fact that Dave Ames will not be present at the meeting – I spoke with him today. He will have somebody there mingling in the background tho reporting back.
Terry and Co – Go and waste your money with the legal vultures out there .. the only thing they have is breach of contract on finishing dates – Thats it – BUT that does not apply to everyone. Yes they will take your case and keep your money.. I have done my homework the proper way not looking at forums with no facts just angry investors – to which I am one of and not an employee as someone suggested….I dont want dave Ames found guilty as then we are all in the shite..I have visited his office a number of times and I am happy that our money is safe. The deeds are there to be viewed and my connections in the media world informed me that the News reporters where offered the chance to see then ,,,,the sfs and fsa will have nothing on Harlequin guaranteed…. there are issues yes but the caribbean building laws are tough and slow .. the problem is Harlequin keep making changes to development re size and scope and it needs to fit into all the eco friendly guidlines… As for the payments ,, there was a glitch in the system that has been fixed I was told by another investor back in Dec ,, he missed payments but is back inline again ….
Deluded. Ames being not guilty in Ireland will not make us$1bn appear. Scotiabank in st Lucia and st Vincent have shunned them, said no chance they would ever lend to this due to…….it being unfinanceable. How can you seriously speak to Ames, or watch him on YouTube, and know all the facts, and still think things are safe? Mind boggling delusion. Time will tell, but I don’t think you have much more of that – and even if you do, you ain’t seeing anything like 6000 more homes built.
Anonymous, Ames/Harlequin owns the land that the resort is built on. The only think fake on that resort is the beach as it is a black sand beach and not white sand. Also, as I pointed out before The highest court in England is also St.Vincent & the Grenadines highest court and any lawyer can service the judgment. This is not the 1920s, the greater majority of St Vincent senior Lawyers over 55 are either Cambridge or Oxford graduates, so wake up.
Has anyone noticed the sudden increase in positive Harlequin posts suddenly? All from new posters and all repeating the same crap ad nauseum?
Me thinks there’s a little panic in the Harlequin camp. The ship is sinking and the rats are getting worried.
@ Ivor12.22am Can you or anyone dispute the fact that a Mr Punnett in St Vincent owns much of the land at BB, and that he leases it to Harlequin? If this is so, title can never be passed to Investors whose units are on that land, or will be built on that land.
You sound like another Harlequin employee, so I reject your claim that Harlequin owns all the land .
@Mr Blue…I noticed the same thing..It`s almost as good as TA!
Ivor Hadenuff
March 5, 2013 at 12:22 am
Anonymous – Harlequin have deeds covering all the land they own in there offices ..FACT .. Jesus where are you getting this crap from—————————————————————————————————————————-
I and most people believe this statment to be true this is not the issue the issue is “What land do they own?” that is my issue also I would like proof that this land was totally unencumbered.Do they now own the land in Brazil?
I have a email from K Manderfield APRIL 2011 saying they have planning permission on Two Rivers and then in a video clip published late last year Garrent Ronan says they are in the process of getting it.
In the same video clip Garrent Ronan also says that Harlequin has “Court orders against all these alternative website and people running them”
That too is not true a deal was struck with Harlequin that they would not come after my house and my assetts if I suspendend my website.
Harlequin property problems .co.uk
I have always been led to beleive in freedom of speach and one of the main things that alarms me about Harlequin is there litigatious nature when they do not like the questions people are asking.
Maybe because we were all possibly naive investors trusting IFAs this has been allowed to happen but I have never had to sign a gagging order in any other business deal I have ever made
I will no doubt have more letters from Carter Ruck concerning my meeting and my comments so feel I should say the opinions expressed on here are my own and nobody elses and I now have no known assetts
the only undisputable guide to Harlequin health is the building of resorts I dont know so I ask how is that going
@homefront. You are right to ask the question about progress on the build programme. The question needs to have some bite because it would be easy to answer a question with platitudes that sound plausible and to offer apologies for delays that were outside the control of the developer.
Harlequin now have to work extremely hard to win back investor confidence and so nothing less than a detailed construction programme with all the keys dates from now until the opening will be sufficient. The programme for each resort should be made available to all the investors so that they are able to properly check the progress in the future and to ask reasonable questions should any deadline be missed between now and completion. This would also give investors valuable information to help them plan their finances and retirement in the knowledge of when they may expect a return.
If harlequin can’t, or won’t, do this then it is another worrying indicator that they are not fully in control of events or that some other key ingredient (such as funding or title issues) remain unresolved.
So a request that all construction programmes be made available to investors would be my question.
If any head-in-the-sanders come back and bleat that this is an unreasonable request I would simply ask what is unreasonable about providing valued investors with information about the progress of their resorts.
@Terry, so you have paid Fatchett £1500 already? Ha Muppet.
And just to add according to Simon Terry Harlequin conveyancing solicitor at the time I spoke to him last year told me” I am no expert but it takes 18 months to 2 years to build a resort”
Like I’ve said in a previous thread. They won’t be built in my lifetime!
yatiniteasy, do you live in St Vincent or is even Vincentian?
Harlequin resort is on land once owned by the Punnets and there is a strong likelihood that the land was owned by two families of the Punnets plus other land owners, so get your facts right.
You sound like a ULP operative trying to spread muck.Do you know the difference between people supporting Harlequin and people pointing out the facts or aspects of the truth?
Who in their right mind builds a 5 star resort and then turns around and buys two small planes over 20 years old, one of which was parked (without use)up I believe in Holland outside in the elements for over 1 year?
is anyone familiar with the weather in Europe? in the UK, summer is about 21 degrees with Winter averaging about 5 degrees.
Isn’t the norm for 5 star resorts to have jets? after all, according to the Bajans, wifey did brag about having £300 million.
Wow so many posts in one day!
If all is well as some posters claim, HP has only built approximately 5% of what they have sold, had around £250- £300 million from deposits, how much should be left in the bank?
Fair question?
And if they have very little left, and very little coming in, how long can they go on for?
Fair question?
Or in order to build the remaining 95% how much would they need? And where will it come from as the product now is very difficult to sell via a SIPP?
Even the most vigorous HP defenders must agree?
@Harlequininvestorgroupnw
To add to your previous post. If the business model is sound then there should be no need of any new investors in order for Harlequin to complete their commitments to existing investors. They should be able to close down the sales arm and concentrate on building. I realise that in the early days when there were only a few investors this wouldn’t have been the case because you need a minimum number of sales to make a sustainable resort. According to Harlequin’s own information most resorts had well surpassed that level of sales many years ago and so they should have everything they need to complete the resorts to at least BB levels and probably beyond. If there are a few units left to sell on each resort then I’m sure these would be snapped up once the resort was operational and everyone could see for themselves how successful it all is.
A simple land registry check with the planning office in St Vincent or with the chief planner Mr A Ollievere will confirm that Harlequin do indeed own the land Buccament Bay is built on and that Mr Ollievere himself oversaw the subdivision of the six parcels of land in order for individual title to be obtained for each unit thus enabling completion to now go ahead! Amazing how untrue and unsubstantiated rumours can be peddled by either sacked ex employees or contractors trying to lead a stampede away from their own guilt! Classic case of deflection hey Cliff, Paudie and Jeremy!
All these positive post on Harlequin are made by Harlequin to try to stop the freezing of assets and stop investors to go to the Manchester meeting.
But, Ames is not going to stop me and many as we are going forward there is no more reverse.
Regarding the case in Ireland, Ames cannot and will not win because of his negligence, no point dreaming the resorts are never going to be built…
It’s better to try to save something than nothing although, time is running out!!
Just for info – the SIPP problem is easing now – it affected the investor market as a whole very badly – not just Harlequin. After close scrutiny Harlequin have been approved by some major players for SIPP investing, so money will start flowing again. I don’t believe they would have been approved under such close scrutiny if the accounts and business plans were so dodgy as some people are trying to infer. Bring on DR – 18 months and counting…… I’m glad to see other positive posts on here – I have faith in Harlequin – as I am sure many more do.
Thank you anonymous 9.25am
It’s good to get a flow of verifiable information coming. Can you also confirm that Harlequin is in possession of full title for all the land on which units have been sold (not just those that have been built as yet) at BB and other resorts.
@Rainbow – I am not Harlequin – rather a sweeping statement from you when you have no real idea who is posting comments here!! Is this your way of trying to keep up the momentum with other complainers?? You may not believe it but there ARE people and investors out there who believe in the product and the company!!
Then they believe in Santa…I have passed that stage.
@ LB does it really matter who is posting here? This is a Ponzi scheme and things are now in the SFO’s hands…
Good luck
STOP PRESS : Please be aware that no petition of papers is to be presented to the Birmingham HighCourt today! Scaremongering , possibly by O’Halloran, Newman and Fatchett, the ambulance chaser. Fatchett trying to frighten you into attending the meeting on Saturday.
You are so wrong I will tell you all later at the moment I am talking to the Newspapers with reference to what has happened
Hardly No one is scaring anyone into coming to the meeting on Saturday everyone is big enough and old enough to decide for themselves if they want to attend.
What’s up Ames? Scared the net is closing in??
New Stuff you welcome and anyone who is an investor, as opposed to an agitator with ulterior motives, will have or if they did not but had an IFA through their due diligence have determined this. Simple for any one with genuine concerns or who does not know to check the truth with the official planning department in St Vincent instead of being led astray by spurious lies.
My wife and I did our due diligence prior to investing as that is the point of a SIPP and our IFA’s leaflet said the following
“More than three quarters of a million people have a SIPP (Self Invested Personal Pension) and there is no sign of demand slowing. The most obvious reason for their popularity is in the name: self invested.’ They give investors access to a huge range of investments so they can run their pension themselves. For many people their pension will be their second most valuable asset after their house; so this freedom really matters.
Remember that investments should be held for the long term as they do fall as well as rise in value. This means you could get back less than you invested. As you approach retirement you should normally reduce exposure to volatile and riskier investments in preparation for securing your retirement income.”
Our investment in 2011 is based on a 15 year plan till we retire and we are comfortable with the progress and growth forecasts our IFA has provided and yes we have been to St Vincent, St Lucia and Barbados in September last year, visited Buccament Bay, Blu, H and the Merricks and went to their Carribean office and met their Project Director Mr Campion and I believe our due diligence and IFA’s advise, for us Harliquin was a fit for the investment vehicle we were looking for.
I believe in multiple streams of income and not putting all your eggs in one basket, additionally with SIPP’s there is not one fits all! The whole idea of a SIPP is it should be personal and geared to the individual investor!
My macro commentry for today is: After several weeks where the glass was seen as half full, investors are now having to digest an increasing flow
of negative news. This is having a de-stabilizing influence on financial markets. The serene decline in the VIX Volatility Index (the market’s “fear” gauge) to multi-year lows has been replaced with a period of sharp spiking
higher and lower. Increased volatility means decision-making is much harder for investors. A key reason why markets moved calmly higher in recent months has been the absence of bad newsflow from the Eurozone. An inconclusive Italian election has seen the return of that word “uncertainty”. Watching yields on peripheral Eurozone debt could once more become a key gauge for investors, with 5% an interesting watershed on the Italian BTP (10 year) yield.
Be aware too with currency: After the UK’s Moody rating downgrade on the 22nd Feb from AAA the weakness of Sterling over recent weeks has been astounding. The pound has now overtaken the Japanese
Yen as the worst performing of the major currencies in 2013. Having traded above $1.6000 just 6 weeks ago, Cable is now at a two and a half year low and is flirting with $1.5000. Rumours of, and subsequent confirmed loss of the UK’s AAA credit rating has impacted, while the mere mention of negative interest rates by Paul Tucker of the Bank of England appears to have resulted in investors heading for the hills. The Euro has suffered amid the uncertainty created from the Italian election. Without any stable government, Italy’s austerity drive is now being called into question and the Euro is being punished. The Dollar has been mixed recently amid the mixed views from the Fed over quantitative easing. Non-farm Payrolls are always a big impact on the Dollar.
WATCH FOR: Mervyn King’s testimony to the Parliamentary Select Committee to influence Sterling, as could the Bank of England MPC statement. Any sign of an agreement over a new Italian government
could strengthen the Euro, while Non-farm Payrolls will be the big standout for the US Dollar.
I wish you all the best and every success with your investments and or SIPP’s. We live in interesting and momentous times folks! I am mindful of Richard Branson who said that for every business success he first had two failures but you are only a failure if you give up! Never give up on yourself or your endeavours!
Queen’s Bench Division Court
It is for an APPOINTMENT TO FIX A DATE FOR TRIAL, even if it doesn’t get heard today it doesn’t have any great significance. It can always be heard at a later date.
TLQ/13/0055 Ames v Newman scheduled for 15.00 on 5 March 2013
New Stuff you welcome and anyone who is an investor, as opposed to an agitator with ulterior motives, will have or if they did not but had an IFA through their due diligence have determined this. Simple for any one with genuine concerns or who does not know to check the truth with the official planning department in St Vincent instead of being led astray by spurious lies.
My wife and I did our due diligence prior to investing as that is the point of a SIPP and our IFA’s leaflet said the following
“More than three quarters of a million people have a SIPP (Self Invested Personal Pension) and there is no sign of demand slowing. The most obvious reason for their popularity is in the name: self invested.’ They give investors access to a huge range of investments so they can run their pension themselves. For many people their pension will be their second most valuable asset after their house; so this freedom really matters.
Remember that investments should be held for the long term as they do fall as well as rise in value. This means you could get back less than you invested. As you approach retirement you should normally reduce exposure to volatile and riskier investments in preparation for securing your retirement income.”
Our investment in 2011 is based on a 15 year plan till we retire and we are comfortable with the progress and growth forecasts our IFA has provided and yes we have been to St Vincent, St Lucia and Barbados in September last year, visited Buccament Bay, Blu, H and the Merricks and went to their Carribean office and met their Project Director Mr Campion and I believe our due diligence and IFA’s advise for us Harliquin was a fit for the investment vehicle we were looking for.
I believe in multiple streams of income and not putting all your eggs in one basket, additionally with SIPP’s there is not one fits all! The whole idea of a SIPP is it should be personal and geared to the individual investor!
My macro commentry for today is: After several weeks where the glass was seen as half full, investors are now having to digest an increasing flow
of negative news. This is having a de-stabilizing influence on financial markets. The serene decline in the VIX Volatility Index (the market’s “fear” gauge) to multi-year lows has been replaced with a period of sharp spiking
higher and lower. Increased volatility means decision-making is much harder for investors. A key reason why markets moved calmly higher in recent months has been the absence of bad newsflow from the Eurozone. An inconclusive Italian election has seen the return of that word “uncertainty”. Watching yields on peripheral Eurozone debt could once more become a key gauge for investors, with 5% an interesting watershed on the Italian BTP (10 year) yield.
Be aware too with currency: The weakness of Sterling over recent weeks has been astounding. The pound has now overtaken the Japanese
Yen as the worst performing of the major currencies in 2013. Having traded above $1.6000 just 6 weeks ago, Cable is now at a two and a half year low and is flirting with $1.5000. Rumours of, and subsequent confirmed loss of the UK’s AAA credit rating has impacted, while the mere mention of negative interest rates by Paul Tucker of the Bank of England appears to have resulted in investors heading for the hills. The Euro has suffered amid the uncertainty created from the Italian election. Without any stable government, Italy’s austerity drive is now being called into question and the Euro is being punished. The Dollar has been mixed recently amid the mixed views from the Fed over quantitative easing. Non-farm Payrolls are always a big impact on the Dollar.
WATCH FOR: Mervyn King’s testimony to the Parliamentary Select Committee to influence Sterling, as could the Bank of England MPC statement. Any sign of an agreement over a new Italian government
could strengthen the Euro, while Non-farm Payrolls will be the big standout for the US Dollar.
I wish you all the best and every success with your investments and or SIPP’s. We live in interesting and momentous times folks! I am mindful of Richard Branson who said that for every business success he first had two failures but you are only a failure if you give up! Never give up on yourself or your endeavours!
New Stuff you welcome and anyone who is an investor, as opposed to an agitator with ulterior motives, will have or if they did not but had an IFA through their due diligence have determined this. Simple for any one with genuine concerns or who does not know to check the truth with the official planning department in St Vincent instead of being led astray by spurious lies.
My wife and I did our due diligence prior to investing as that is the point of a SIPP and our IFA’s leaflet said the following
“More than three quarters of a million people have a SIPP (Self Invested Personal Pension) and there is no sign of demand slowing. The most obvious reason for their popularity is in the name: self invested.’ They give investors access to a huge range of investments so they can run their pension themselves. For many people their pension will be their second most valuable asset after their house; so this freedom really matters.
Remember that investments should be held for the long term as they do fall as well as rise in value. This means you could get back less than you invested. As you approach retirement you should normally reduce exposure to volatile and riskier investments in preparation for securing your retirement income.”
Our investment in 2011 is based on a 15 year plan till we retire and we are comfortable with the progress and growth forecasts our IFA has provided and yes we have been to St Vincent, St Lucia and Barbados in September last year, visited Buccament Bay, Blu, H and the Merricks and went to their Carribean office and met their Project Director Mr Campion and I believe our due diligence and IFA’s advise for us Harliquin was a fit for the investment vehicle we were looking for.
I believe in multiple streams of income and not putting all your eggs in one basket, additionally with SIPP’s there is not one fits all! The whole idea of a SIPP is it should be personal and geared to the individual investor!
My macro commentry for today is: After several weeks where the glass was seen as half full, investors are now having to digest an increasing flow
of negative news. This is having a de-stabilizing influence on financial markets. The serene decline in the VIX Volatility Index (the market’s “fear” gauge) to multi-year lows has been replaced with a period of sharp spiking
higher and lower. Increased volatility means decision-making is much harder for investors. A key reason why markets moved calmly higher in recent months has been the absence of bad newsflow from the Eurozone. An inconclusive Italian election has seen the return of that word “uncertainty”. Watching yields on peripheral Eurozone debt could once more become a key gauge for investors, with 5% an interesting watershed on the Italian BTP (10 year) yield.
Be aware too with currency: The weakness of Sterling over recent weeks has been astounding. The pound has now overtaken the Japanese
Yen as the worst performing of the major currencies in 2013. Having traded above $1.6000 just 6 weeks ago, Cable is now at a two and a half year low and is flirting with $1.5000. Rumours of, and subsequent confirmed loss of the UK’s AAA credit rating has impacted, while the mere mention of negative interest rates by Paul Tucker of the Bank of England appears to have resulted in investors heading for the hills. The Euro has suffered amid the uncertainty created from the Italian election. Without any stable government, Italy’s austerity drive is now being called into question and the Euro is being punished. The Dollar has been mixed recently amid the mixed views from the Fed over quantitative easing. Non-farm Payrolls are always a big impact on the Dollar.
WATCH FOR: Mervyn King’s testimony to the Parliamentary Select Committee to influence Sterling, as could the Bank of England MPC statement. Any sign of an agreement over a new Italian government
could strengthen the Euro, while Non-farm Payrolls will be the big standout for the US Dollar.
I wish you all the best and every success with your investments and or SIPP’s. We live in interesting and momentous times folks! I am mindful of Richard Branson who said that for every business success he first had two failures but you are only a failure if you give up! Never give up!
@LB you have to get used to the insults and personal name calling if you disagree with the pack on here. Even BFP, who did not put a banner headline regarding DA denying bribes because of over exposure to HP insist on putting up the next bit of HP news they can drag up.
B Baywatch
Oh dear , Oh dear. Yet more reports of robberies, in broad daylight at that, in Hastings. Reports of widespread animal cruelty. More tourist vowing never to return. Cause and effect?
I think you will find that I have paid with a bank card in my name for the venue. I am a lose canon and on my own so watch out!!!
Well said!!
Yatinkiteasy. You spend a lot of time in Hastings. Woudn’t know anything about the robberies, would you ?
Yes, Yatinkiteasy, yet more excellent reports on Trip Advisor for beautiful Buccament Bay! Of course it still matters.
Hi all sorry I posted twice in a hurry and then signed in as neither showed and reposted and all three came up, I have tried to find a way to delete two of the posts but no success. Apologies
@Harlisucess. Your so right about the round in circles bit. The Arc Cru investors have received nothing as the “legal” people squable amoungst themselves.
@90 – I meant “well said” to you!! So nice to hear a leveled opinion.
@Fatchett does not represent me – Thank you – I will continue posting to give the other side of investors opinions!!
If all is well as some posters claim, HP has only built approximately 5% of what they have sold, had around £250- £300 million from deposits, how much should be left in the bank?
Fair question?
And if they have very little left, and very little coming in, how long can they go on for?
Fair question?
Or in order to build the remaining 95% how much would they need? And where will it come from as the product now is very difficult to sell via a SIPP?
Even the most vigorous HP defenders must agree?
@LB thank you and Watch for:
FX GBP/USD BOE Governor King’s testimony tomorrow! Outlook: A minor bout of consolidation appears not to have been enough to hold back the Sterling sellers as downward pressure on $1.5000 grows. After increasingly dovish rhetoric from the Bank of England it will be interesting to hear the views of Mervyn King tomorrow. Cable is oversold still, but as yet this is having little influence.
FX EUR/USD Watch for: Non-farm Payrolls on Friday! Outlook: A new two and a half year low means Euro-Dollar is at a 2013 low. With supports being broken and momentum indicators deteriorating the outlook is concerning. This is likely to continue while the political situation in Italy remains unresolved and uncertainty looms. Strong employment data out of the States this week would pile further pressure on the downside.
Stock markets are becoming increasingly range-bound. The strong and solid gains evident throughout January have been replaced by far more erratic investor sentiment. That is not to say that markets are boring though, as
increased volatility is resulting in equities spiking higher and lower. The Sequester in the US coming into force will take around $85bn out of government spending this year, which the IMF describes as a “negative impact” on the global economy. The inconclusive outcome of the Italian elections has increased uncertainty within the Eurozone once more, which is in turn leaving a shadow over equity markets. Furthermore, with earnings season in the US drawing to a close, a significant factor that has helped markets higher will be removed. Bernanke insists that the benefits of the Fed’s QE programme outweigh the costs, however the minutes from January’s FOMC suggest that winding down is increasingly an option. Non-farm Payrolls and unemployment in the US this week are always a big influence on market sentiment.
So will a bullish markert turn bear? Its been an interesting couple of years! Hope you loving it too!
Anyone like to comment about HP refund process? Contract states 60 day refund – HP offer staged payments between 12-18months in my case?
first offer 60% fees deducted?
@Harlequininvestorgroupnw and E we are going to try and make the meeting on Saturday, it should be interesting as we were told it was going to be a meeting of like minded investors and concerned parties and yet from what I have been reading on these blogs it appears noone is like minded or able to agree on anything! Guys as investors we hope for the best for Harlequin so that hopefully this investment is secure but agree that if there are legitimate concerns they should be addressed.
Has it been stated that people should bring their investment contracts/SIPP statements, both of which we have, with to ensure that all present are legitimate investors and not as some are suggesting agitators or stoolies? Are there going to be steps taken to ensure that attendees are legitimate?
I do not want to drive all the way from London just hear people who are not investors ginding their axes or who have ulterior motives, it would not be productive for meI
@Harlequininvestorsgroup. Care to put up the full details of your contract. How much paid, did you take out financing, what was the second offer? Or are you just going for the headline numbers?
Investment 112k
1st offer 45k paid over 12-18months
2nd offer 71k paid over 15 months
3rd offer 112k paid over 12 months
My contract states 60 days
no finance.
clear enough any comments?
@90, well thats the press buggered then. Unless Russell Myers has bought into BB And good luck with your resonable attitude to HP and hope they pull through. There’s money to be made by the legal profession here so you will be whipped up like a lynching party.
Would have thought the person who is Ames eyes and ears at the meeting would have had no problems obtaining a dummy contract to prove he was an investor! No option but to take people on face value!
@Fatchett does not represent me
not comments about the refund?
how strange…….
@Yorkiepoo the contract we have is legal and we have our Gaurdian SIPP statements and documents showing it was set up in 2011 and I assume all investors would have similar papework so it should be easy to weed out those who are not genuine concerned investors!
@Harlequininvestors etc. So they offered to pay out all your investment over a 12 month period and you turned it down. For that you are willing to put hundreds of people out of work, ruin 3500 other investors investments and give money to ambulance chasers. I cannot see the logic in that one at all.
@harlequininvestetc. calm down Grust Grust you are not the centre of my world, 5 mins window to respond! My my you are impatient!
@Yorkiepoo I thought the point was that Harlequin were invited to listen and speak to the investors!
Why state 60 days in the contract then? if its causing such a potential problem for other investors, pay up? I do not see why not? unless they have not got the money? I do not understand HP’s logic
I don’t think it really gets us anywhere by declaring people to be pro, anti, investors, agitators, trolls, sock puppets…
It doesn’t matter what anyone believes to be the case, all that matters is what actually IS the case. What would we find if we were all able to lift the bonnet of this particular car and take a look inside. What would we all find if the accounts were laid bare along with all other details that are so elusive.
My suspicions start because any remotely flattering titbit of information, no matter how trivial, is usually the basis for a laudatory newsletter. So if the accounts were really that good I’m sure they would have been published. Nobody can say for sure. They may all be exemplary with everything in order and all ready to go.
90 – After speaking to Dave Ames I think he feels his presence would not be treated in a productive way – justa lynch mob mentality, not prepared to listen
Yorkiepoo how can call any of us a lynch mob when you’ve never even met us???
@Harlequininvestorgroupnw and E any decision on whether there will be resticted entry only to genuine investors as I do not have a lynch mob mentality! If we take the time to come all the way north to attend the meeting it will be because we have invested our hard earned capital and wish to ensure it is safeguarded!
I read with interest the news reports in the Irish papers as they recorded court proceedings that substantiated what Harlequin have been saying about the ex contractor and likewise the only court proceedings I have been able to verify scheduled for today are in fact the court registering of D Ames against his ex accountant J Newman!
This flys in the face of other sensationlised news reports about court proceedings as they are in fact being brought by D Ames against J Newman!
Ames not coming because he has finally discovered that his business model cannot work and will not work…
72 – I didn’t call you a lynch mob – I explained that Dave Ames considered there could be a lynch mob mentality which would prevent productive accurate discussion – its not my opinion, I don’t care either way how the meeting is conducted to be honest!
Harleconned – BTW would you attend if you had had death threats delivered to your house – BTW I do not think for one min that it was anyone discussing the matter here!
Your capital is not safe
@90 just to be clear, there is a current court case vs O’Halloran, but has been adjourned for 3 weeks, and another one vs Newman which will probably take place later this year. The Newman one may include Wilkins/Kennedy but not sure on that.
Anonymous made a statement at9.25am.
In it this brave but nameless soul states ” Classic deflection by Cliff , Paudie and Jeremy !
Now Put up or Shut up Substantiate your claim and show My involvement.
But then as a nameless and faceless minion I won’t expect a reply other than another anonymous and groundless comment.
When the time is right, I Will make Mt opinion known and I won’t sell my story to the highest bidderMr Anonymous as You Did !
I’m pretty sure that non of the members of the group have sent death threats to Ames…Why bother doing that when you can hire someone to do it?? That’s just stupid.
90 I can personally assure you that there will be no lynch mob, I have very good friends who are doormen in Manchester that will be attending so anyone who misbehaves or acts in a way that will jeopardise the meeting will be escorted off the premises.
It’s obvious Ames is still hiding behind Katharine Manderfields skirt because he isn’t man enough to face the people who he’s took hard earned money from.
Who’s Cliff?
@72 Spread betting in the investment world is a way for me of hedging the risk, I walked in with my eyes open and after doing what I considered, as I am sure most here did or at least their IFA if using one, reasonable due diligence invested!
I have followed and done my own investigations into the various blogs and news reports including monitoring of the websites Singing Pig and Harlecon both of whom have been discredited and shut down and continue to monitor and filter all reports on Harliquin and try to keep an open mind, albiet a subjective one being an investor and hoping for the best for our investment.
@72 Your capital is not safe! interesting observation and one I have been told before but then again we were looking for a higher risk investment due to the higher projected capital and income returns! Buying off plan is higher risk as you have to trust that the finished product is going to turn out as the CGI’s portrayed.
My wife and I travelled to Cypress, both north and south, in June 2010 and viewed a number of projects but after investigation decided against investing, likewise previousily with Spain and Romania. We are invested in Las Canas in the DR and with an expected completion on our unit in 2016.
After visiting Buccament Bay in August 2011 and then again in September 2012 my wife and I have been pleasantly surprised at the unfolding panorama that has brought to life the CGI’s we were originally shown and the caring staff and standard of service. Even more we were impressed with the Merricks in Barbados, a beautiful location with a view we fell in love with. In fact when we were being shown around the show village we even inquired if we could purchase one of the completed units as we fell in love with its location.
I look at stocks! Banking results dominated last week, with a negative reaction to finals from both Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds putting significant downward pressure on the shares prices of the banks sector. In the current bull market where do you invest without risk?
Harleconned – Its easy to make that statement when its not you on the receiving end of the threats! The threats show that there are some irrational people who are saying they have hired somebody and are waiting for the opportunity. Mr Ames has had to hire a bodyguard with your hard earned cash to keep him safe! Its Sean Ghent the ex-McCartney Mills bodyguard – not cheap I guess!
The business model is TOTALLY dependent on external funding to complete the resorts. IF external funding was made available they would require security. The only security Harlequin has is the freehold of investors mostly unbuilt units. Who is going to lend to a business that has no security, loses money every month and pays its monthly outgoings with new investor money?
The side issues of the builder, accountant , deeds, accounts, and ambulance chasers are just distractions from the above stark reality.
@ Hardlysuccess.Yes I do spend a lot if time in Hastings, and thats why I can report accurately that there is little or no activity at H Hotel construction site…people sitting in their cold winter homes in the UK can not see this.
BTW, where are you commenting from these days?
BFP post:
“North Somerset Council Harlequin supporter uses many identities to pump positive vibes about Harlequin, David Ames”
That’s not because of death threats Yorkiepoo that’s to make himself feel important. Let’s face it the only reason Ames has/had millions is because we gave them to him! It’s our money he’s spending.
He should stand up and act like a man instead of saying “I’m not going because it will be a lynch mob mentality” What does he expect when he’s sat pretty with our money?? This is a business meeting which will be conducted in a business like manner nothing more nothing less.
So far from the emails we have received from worried investors, not a single one has been angry or shown any mob mentality they are worried, upset about losing their homes potentially and need answers so they can sleep at night. I bet Ames is sleeping well at night in a nice lovely bed that we’ve paid for.
What’s the reason no work has been done on the site for months? Why isn’t h hotel moving in Barbados? I saw a program on iplayer about Harlequin, very interesting listening to it. Did anyone else see it? The name the program is ferett and can be found on iplayer. It’s going to be very interesting what panorama have to say. Also wonder how Ames is going to sue all the press that are commenting on him at present. There is a lot of bad press about right now.
Harleconned – Your miles off target there – the threats are real thats why he has employed a bodyguard – they are not a figment of Mr Ames imagination and thats fact! Your minimum wage dead heads at Manchester will protect him – I wouldn’t bank on it!
I have organised this meeting I have paid the Marriott for the room I have done this as Mr.Ames was approached and asked for a meeting with My Husband and Myself but he failed to respond to this to discuss issues I raised with the Panorama team. I have never recieved regular updates with regards our investment dispite speaking to both Katherine Manderfield,Simon Taylor and our IFA Debbie Stokes Tailormade Financial solutions. TM have in light of my website refused to discuss any issues I might have and told me to direct any questions to Harlequin. Harlequin will not/do not want to talk about these issues and as we are still unforunatley investors I have called this meeting as I want some questions answered does that sound unreasonable to you?
I have sent a invitation to Mr.Ames and I have now sent him the Agenda to be followed.
I have invited members of the media to the meeting and I have invited you so what is your issue?
There are going to be a lot of development later on today
He can bring his own bodyguard if he wishes. There would be no need really this is a business meeting not a kangaroo court like I stated days ago!
Land ownership in st.vincent? All owned by harlequin? Really? How come there are 3 plots of land owned by the rasta men? Who refuse to sell up and holding out for more money than there land is worth? Bernards sister owns land which again she is refusing to sell, Why is Bernard chasing money all the time? Why does he run the block plant and cement plant? How is he always having stuff and doesn’t have to pay for it? Dave Campion showing drawings along with Sean O’Conner of what land is owned, There was a 4 plots one which has been purchased, 3 which hadn’t been purchased. One the plots there is a. Rasta currently living on it. His field is looking like he has a lot growing in it. Questions need to be asked…. Truthful answers is what everyone wants….. I see there is a mention of mr. Ollievere, he’s not the same person who a certain Mr. Coggle arrange for his roof on his house to be changed using the same martials that are on cabanas? The matrials investors paid for? Interestings what you can get favour for a favour???? As for Ghent, not much really can say for him, I bet he is waiting to sell his story to the press if he hasn’t already done so. The guy is a rude and ignorant man…. He isn’t very much liked on the island…..
Harleconned – Its not me that needs convincing!
Good post Terry:
The business model is TOTALLY dependent on external funding to complete the resorts. IF external funding was made available they would require security. The only security Harlequin has is the freehold of investors mostly unbuilt units. Who is going to lend to a business that has no security, loses money every month and pays its monthly outgoings with new investor money?
I agree Yorkie. Odds say out of the £300 million he’s scammed there will be a small percentage of people that did not earn their investment by legitimate means. Bluntly most likely some dirty money by very naughty people. My experience is that the naughty people don’t employ lawyers, they go after your family to get their money back. Which gives you the measure of the man really, he has no problem putting his family in the firing line for money.
Terry – and if that what Ames has done I have no problem with it either! But from what I can see we are talking about non-delivery of projects, I don’t think anyone has lost any cash yet have they?
I notice it isn’t the first time pat cash has been involved in this sort of thing…..
I Have to say when I ran the Harlequin property problems website I had a lot of interesting email one was from someone who wanted to remain anonymous but said of sean ghent He scared me he told me “I can make you disapear boy” This was to someone who complained over not getting there wages.
@Harliconned, sorry DA bodyguard would not be admitted as he probably has not invested in HP LOL
E – well like Terry likes to point out about Mr Ames putting his family at risk for £300 million – but on the flip side is £300 million gets you some serious heavies if Ames requires them!
A lot of posts on here and very different approaches. Having no axe to grind or dog in this fight, and simply a Caribbean citizen, business person and property owner, I want best for this region and the best would have been a successful Harlequin development program. However, from very early on, when they kept increasing what they were going to build, without actually building anything, and changing plans, alarm bells rang and I am of the firm belief that they are very bad news and you can, quite understandably, dismiss this viewpoint and others like it, or take it on board, I give opinion as someone on the ground (I noticed a Bajan developer who I am pretty sure I know comment on here what is happening in Barbados and I would be warned by that certainly).
90, you bought in 2011 – did the fact that they were supposed to have completed projects that had not even started not concern you? Did they show you the books on BB resort operation to give you some assurance? In basic terms, for these projects to work, even though funds are comingled, one would hope they have 6 sets of books for the different resort developments, or 8 now there is H and Blu. For example, if they took deposits from Marquis, Merricks etc to build BB, then there would be a payable by the BB leger to the Merricks and Marquis ones.
Also, if as Mark Sawkins told me personally, BB was losing US$1m per month when it opened, that money was taken from Las Canas to cover that, then again there would be a receivable from Las Canas from BB. The same goes for the payment of mortgage interest. It is quite conceivable that everything has been piled in to BB from all the other developments, which means they must be paid back by BB, or money must come from new investments to make up for it. The basic maths of deposits less commissions and lack of finance would suggest the remaining pot cannot be very big to build with. If Harlequin are not running different sets of books, then the example is still the same – the money required/earmarked for those developments is being eaten up by BB. BB would have to start making many millions a year to begin to essentially pay back the other projects, and this is not likely until long after the new airport is opened (the margins on construction were tight to begin with with their low pricing, and huge/prohibitive infrastructure costs in some of them so they cannot afford to be loose with the money) Investors could just wait and be patient, but is it reasonable to wait 10 years for a small holiday investment to be built? (e.g. people invested in Merricks in 2006, and it will never be operational by next year, they don’t even have planning permission)
Some people’s patience/acceptance of lack of any action has led them to demand money back and it has not been forthcoming, so they want to work out how to get it out. I don’t think any other investor can fault them for that, and if some investors want to contine to wait for what, from where I am standing, will never materialise, then they also cannot be faulted if that is what they choose to do. As New STuff has said, if the Harlequin machine is in good shape, the contracts are robust, then they can weather the storm of some owners wanting to get out – after all, they should be prepared and set up to build 6000 plus more homes, so refunding 100 or so should not be a situation that brings them down. Those owners who are so confident in Harlequin therefore have nothing to worry about – the press allegations will prove incorrect, owners who want out will be out, and you can carry on.
If things are not in order, which I am convinced is the case from all I have seen and heard on the ground, then indeed 100 people pulling funds out could be the end. I do hope I am wrong and they have things set up, but I have met hundreds of developers in the islands over the years, from cowboys to billionaires, and Dave Ames was the least impressive of the lot of them I am sorry to say, and clearly the most out of his depth when it comes to this industry. He is not a man that can get you out of this mess, but he is absolutely the one to get you into this.
Trev. On my website I had a video clip of Mr.Ames saying there was going to be Gary Player golf courses on every resort.
I have a email from Gary Player saying he is only interested in building with Harlequin in St Lucia.
I told Gary Player in 2011 that they were various companies selling Harlequin and saying there was going to be golf courses on all Resorts, as far as I know this continued long after I told him.
My IFA told me I was wrong and that there was going to be golf courses on every resort and that I was lying, I probably was but did not know it at the time as they will probably end up as something like a golf course when the land is sold to pay the debts.
Members of the press will be admited dispite not purchasing a Harlequin Property.
If Mr.Ames feels the need for protection personel he can either provide them himself or I do have a friend who runs a protection business we can recomend they will all be welcome and expected to pay on the door the same as everyone else.
I have been led to believe that some of the post on here are coming from Harlequn employees and feel I have to say Mr.Ames if you want to do your dirty washing in public we will any coments you want to make to me or about me do so in a profesional way by either telephone or email I will not tolerate this abuse.
@Annon73, some good points in that. IF BB was losing $1m per month thats aprox $25m since it opended. But as some posters say, whats the difference between $250 and $300m? So as some will write off $50m as being insignificant then BB loses are unimportant. Yes?
E – I have said already Ames will not be present but am sure a set of ears and eyes will be there on his behalf
Well that is up to him all I can say is it is a shame he cannot/will not attend when so many investors would just like answers at the end of the day and we never get them at the update meetings do we?
I can personally guarantee Mr.Ames will be safe this meeting if anyone even thinks of coming and causing trouble they will have me to answer to I will not tolerate bad behavior and anyone thinking of coming and causing trouble think again and stay at home.This meeting is for likeminded peole to get answers and explore option available
As an investor $50 million is not unimportant, lets look at the accounts?
E – So for people who are unable to attend because of distance, will they be excluded from the discussions?
We will send you the mins if you request them
And did any papers get served at Birmingham high Court attempting to freeze Harlequins Assets?
@E so you believe some of the posts are HP employees? Well I believe that some are O’Halloran/Newman trolls. And what abuse? You need to grow some E, try Lying Harlequin Scum for one. Now thats what you call abuse.
@Fatchett does not represent me
can you confirm for the record you do not work for Harliquin in any capacity?
I can and I dont.
Thanks for that
PS answered in 3 mins! good eh.
@Fatchett does not represent me. I have yours I know who you are! 🙂
Erica, you do not have a clue. Anyway what would John say? x
What would John say to what? I know who you are…..
FDNRP, I understand the point of your comment, fair play. For the record, I don’t think US$500, let alone US$50m, can be written off when a company has so many liabilities and needs to preserve as much cash as possible. If US$25m of investor money has been pumped into Harlequin, and was used to pay off BB losses, then that money is gone, but cannot be written off, it must be accounted for – am sure the money was taken to build more properties rather than pay off loans. The Harlequin team would be even better sales people than I thought if they managed to tell people that covering losses at BB was a good investment plan for their pension! I don’t however think BB can have lost that much though – Mark Sawkins struck me as someone who only had a vague attachment to reality based on some comical yet outrageous personal claims – and if they were losing that much per month at the beginning, am certain they would be losing less now.
http://www.caribbean360.com/index.php/news/st_vincent_news/671418.html#axzz2MgA5t1CU
What strikes me about this article is this
“Harlequin said it specialises in luxury five star resorts in some of the best locations in the Caribbean.”
They have only built 300 units in the Caribbean how does that make them a “specialist”??
That’s a bit like saying I’ve managed to change a wheel on my car that now makes me a specialist to go and do other peoples…..
Harlequin Barbados has just closed its doors to business…
A fair explanation from Eustace it seems and sums it up in a nutshell. People pay for a place, it does not get built, or even started, years later, so they want their money back. That is hardly a shocking approach or position to take.
Baje – What does that mean?
OH DEAR OH DEAR OH DEAR. I quote MOS 24th Feb “Arnhim Eustace, a former prime minister of St Vincent, who has called in the SFO”
I quote from Caribbean 360.com “Opposition leader Arnhim Eustace has denied asking Britain’s SFO to investigate Harlequin Property” BOOM
So which is it? Does anybody out there know?
@100 I agree.
Its not an unreasonable request to ask for your money back and expect it in line with your contract or am I missing the point?
@Fatchett does not represent me.
Does it matter they are looking into HP and Mr Ames said he would be happy to speak to them….. Like he will have a choice!!
When they are good and ready, the SFO will speak to him.
@Baje could you give a little more information please?
@Fatchett Your quote is completely made up, the article does not say anything close to that, unless you are quoting from the comments section?
@Harlequinnw, I think if investor contracts were honoured smoothly, refunds given when due and in line with those contracts (or preferably the units built), then there would not be so much press, dissatisfaction, unhappy investors and Panorama sniffing around. So, I don’t think you are missing the point but I think othes may be. In some situations when a developer has breached the purchase contract, you don’t mind so much if you see things are moving, your place is going to be a few months late so you just live with it and you can work with the developer. In this instance, they have not even begun to build much of it, so the completion date is still an unknown – could be 2 years, could be 20 years, could be never. So, working with the developer is less appealing.
@Anonymous 5.17 MOS 24th Feb. bottom of 3rd colomn, “Arnhim Eustace, a former prime minister (not even used capitals) of St Vincent, who has called in the SFO said,” Now if you would like a little bet with me regarding the accuracy of the quotation?
@harlequininvestor etc. Yes it does matter! The whole article was lazy cut and paste reporting and they can not even confirm the accuracy of the quote! What other inaccurate made up s**t is in there? Talk about a blinkered thought process. And you are complaining about HP getting the truth correct!
We must be reading a different article as this one does not state that at all
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2283474/3-000-Britons-fall-victim-250million-fantasy-villa-fiasco-Holiday-home-scheme-promoted-Pat-Cash-investigated-fraud-police.html
@Anonymous. Thats the Mail on Line. Written by the same journalists, but different wording. Cannot even be consistant with 2 articles written on the same day! Who contacted these muppets? Question to Russell Myers “please explain”
33 minutes since my post. Where are the anti HP posters? Come on, been struck dumb?
I love that you let Fatchett wind you all up something terrible!! When will you stop biting???
Waiting for the next post from Baje? These anti HP posters are going to cause huge damage if they can and everyone is going to suffer as a consequence. Not good.
@LB, they don’t care about anybody else, just themselves, a small minority.
It certainly seems that way. The “meeting” scheduled for Sunday will be horrendous – definitely NOT going to that!!
What I don’t understand is why people waste their time bitching on here about Harlequin. They have an office in Basildon why not go and see Dave Ames – why don’t you pick up the phone and call Dave Ames speak to him?
Too easy and they can’t bitch then!!lol,
Contacts of mine in the News world told me that the Panarama team questioned HP over the phone regarding ownership of land and deeds, to which they was invited to see an look at them for themselves as all is in order .and they responded with that wont be necessary – Oh so NO news story there then , what does that tell you ,, This is all crap and to be honest I am sick of all you agitators who want to bring HP down … Then yes we all lose !!! And for those idiots on here that have refused money back in stages … FOOLS… Also HP are in line for a extra funding from investment backers and this will push all developments forward… Keep bashing them yo agitators and if they pull out we are all doomed .. Are you all so blinkered with hate you just cant see whats going on..
Finally before I leave this joke of a forum….. ALL SIPP Providers are regulated and the do stringent DD before accepting any schemes .. Dont you think they would have checked to see if HP owned the land before they got on board………………..So Many dumb people on here !! and No I wont waste my time going Saturday.. throw your money away to the Ambulance chasers…..And of course with two pending legal cases Ames will not atttend or comment as half the agitators are linked with these cases .. Serious investors will dismiss all this garbage being written .. and to repeat if HP offer you money – take it say thank you and get out .End of
Well written I H. These people are determined to prove that they are right, when, in fact they are wrong!! Too humbling to accept that, so march on causing maximum trouble, Glad Panorama did the calling tho – shows how gossip can cause things to potentially get out of hand, but they won’t cover a story if there’s no story to cover!! Excellent!!
E – I think you are wasting your time on Sunday – you will all just sit around getting nowhere – there;s nothing to discuss really apart from your own gripes which amount to nothing. You have wasted your money. Oh – but the legal reps will love it cos they’ll be coining it in from you and your fellow moaners!!
Yeah yeah, invest £112k get offered £45k back, ignore the T&C of contract…..
No talking to some people – mind set in such a negative manner. Shame..
I have had enough”ALL SIPP Providers are regulated and the do stringent DD before accepting any schemes .. Dont you think they would have checked to see if HP owned the land before they got on board………………..So Many dumb people on here !!
This is not true I invested with Tailormade in Brazil and it was unsippable and they did not own the land
@Harlequininvestor etc. You said you were offered £112 back over 12 months. Which is correct? Now you say it was £45k. At least be consistant.
Do you not know that the recent checks have been done and SIPP investments have just now (within the last couple of days) been approved for Harlequin? After the alert given by FSA – all is in order!! So what is the problem??
The only dumb people here are the ones that think it will work. WAKE UP and smell the coffee this will never work!!!!
BTW the meeting is on Saturday….you really don’t pay attention when it comes down to it and you was making a big deal out of 50k LOL!
@Fatchett does not represent me
( but he does himself :)… that could be your new name!!!
Hi All,let me get shot down by the HP pro lobby.
This is Paul Walton and I am working with Erica. I can only comment about Gareth Fatchett from my own dealing and experiences with him, I have no other interest other than telling it,how it is.
I have several friends who are solicitors, but even on ‘mates rates’ it would take ages and a small fortune to get a solicitor up to speed with the HP saga, correct?
Anyway, about a month ago I contacted Gareth. Since then I have received literally hundreds of e-mails or calls all times of the day and night including weekends, he always come back to me…. Something very rare indeed for solicitors in my experience? Agreed?
I was aware of this Daniel Dalligan issue earlier, but its not my place post it, I am Glad Gareth has… It says a lot and what levels some people will stoop to.
With my meeting with Dave Ames HP really did not want Gareth to be involved, for me that also speaks volumes. And before anyone says it I have not had any discounts or deals etc.
I agree there is no conceivable way for this investment model to ever add up and such basic analysis of the numbers shows that. Of course, LB and co are welcome to remain in and hope for the best. Quite why anyone thought someone with a poor business track record and no relevant experience whatsoever could offer better returns in off the beaten track locations than highly experienced developers in mainstream locations is perplexing. What was it about Ames that people believed? He has never done this before, and is riddled with legal problems and bad press. Again, perplexing that anyone really does believe this could ever work out. Proof is always in the pudding and he has massively failed so far. I agree also perhaps that taking something now is better than nothing later. What do investors gain by complaining and making noise – could it be they are genuinely upset and want a way out, rather than are associated with anti-Harlequin people like O’Halloran?
fair comments 100……
The meeting is on Saturday so get your fact right.!!!
If Mr Ames was not worried why do you think he tried to do a deal with around seven investors today???
The truth is the truth and at the end of the day you cant make a silk purse out of a sows ear, the locations are all wrong and they will fail.
Think about this he has had however much money to build these resort and hasnt this is not about a recession. How come the recession affects any of this the truth is I gave Harlequin money to build me a property in D.R and for all intent and purpose they could possibly have used it to buy planes,hotels and houses, loans to themselves.
Answer me one question. How can it be My Husband cannot obtain his pension until age 65 and yet Mr. Ames can go into this pension and borrow from it to spend on what he wants!!! we gave it to Harlequin on agreement that they built a property with it last year which they have not done, So I will carry on and Mr.Cameron will be discussing this in parliment before I am finished.
Have you seen the new post re the court order? I rest my case, very naughty and silly……but it speaks volumes of the level some people will sink to…. did he act or was told to post this? naughty naughty Dan
@harlequininvestor etc I asked a question at 7.04 re how much you were offered. £112k or £ 45k ?
@E “around 7 investors” nice vague number. So was it 7 , more than 7 , less than 7?
@E – sorry I was so dis-interested in the day of the meeting I said Sunday, instead of Saturday. I hope when it all fails – which you and your few followers seem hell-bent on making happen – when you have put your distorted arguments to press and anyone else who will listen – when you have totally discredited Harlequin to a point of no return – then you can say “we have done it”!! Well, thanks from me and all the other investors who would like to leave things alone and let H get on with their work and BUILD developments – instead of having to constantly battle bad press and bad-minded people. Cheers.
So how the freezing order go today? Are the BB employees going to be paid this month?
LB – would you really blame E and other posters/investors for Harlequin failing? Rather than Ames who has had many years to at least make a start on all projects, having taken hundreds of millions, and has failed to do so? If things are in good order, he will produce accounts, prove the bad press is wrong and carry on. He will pay out a few disgruntled investors, but if he has 100m sitting in the bank still, he can make reasonable start to the 5 unstarted developments, and would need probably another 900m to finish. It will all blow over. If things are not in order, then it will all go wrong and these unhappy investors are justified in their approach.
The accounts have been micro-inspected – that’s why the SIPP investments have been given the go-ahead again. I’m sure he will carry on – then the disgruntled investors will whine because they are not getting the long term returns that we will all be enjoying!! Voila!! They will never be happy!!
Hi Mr Ivory I really am confused by your comments.I know for a fact that Villas have been competed and no deeds have been produced for the owner so they can not close.I also have a apartment at BB and my completeition date is already a 18 months behind and now are saying completetion date june 2014 . I have been down there last month and nothing is going on at all.I wish this was not the case I love St Vincent and I love what can be done if the airport also can be finished.I hope Mr Aimes and Harliquin can figure out someway to finish this project but right now it seems maybe I might be wishing too hard
perhaps a monthly bar chart for each site.a normal construction type ,.published each month would put everyone at ease,then we can all see if construction is behind or in front of projected completion dates,even some minutes from the monthly site meeting or part of could be published ,may help all to understand any delays. all fairly easy and non contentious
Erm.
All resorts are years behind schedule.
No funding obtained to complete any resorts.
No investors have received legal title, and none are getting a return on their investment.
No accounts published in the Caribbean, and heavily qualified previous accounts in the UK.
What accountancy firm will publish the next set of UK accounts? Certainly not Wilkins Kennedy!
FAIL.
LB I’d be curious to know how the accounts have been micro inspected and approved when they either have’t been filed for 7 years for one of the companies or filed late and highly qualified for one of the others. Also curious how rigorous DD sidesteps the issue of routinely broken deadlines, a staggering lack of progress, no published figures for BB income and expenditure and ongoing lack of backend finance (in spite of constant promises that an announcement is forthcoming). This has been going on for years.
SIPP compliancy issues are far more complicated than you have suggested and the amount of attention that the FSA is paying to this product is for a good reason.
I honestly can’t understand how anyone could claim to be happy with their “investment” — it’s surely either wilful delusion or disingenuousness. The attempt to lay the blame for any fall out at the feet of investors is disgusting — and the rhetoric of the clinically deluded. There’s only one person who took the money and didn’t build what he said he would when he said he would and it’s no one elses fault — and regardless of any of the sideshows, as with any big company, the buck stops at the top.
I see that no papers were served on Harlequin today at Birmingham Crown Court – seems like that was a load of hot air too!
I see that the Barbados office shut down today, the press are on it already.
the staff at Halequin were asked to say goodbye to their offices, no more employment, only the Almagatmated Security Services (ASS) is on the compound.
the Barbados Nation Newspaper reporter Ricky Jordan was on the site today, but they give him some bogus story.
Harlequin is no more… next stop St. Vincent
E – Tailormade are FA’s not Sipp providers … who was the sipp management company that dealt with Brazil ???
Total wealth managment based in sale Manchester but which I find strange Tailormade took the fee from the SIPP and gave it to TWM if they sold this product why not take the fee yourself why ask Tailormade to do it?
Tailormade Debbie Stokes actually asked if I had enough money for the deposit and that If I didnt she would lend it to me,
E- sounds strange agreed .. The TWM website looks very flimsy not great for confidence ,,but they should have done its DD if they are kosha – They will be answerable to the FSA ..if there was any case of miss selling a product
Anonymous 9.11pm, agree with your post entirely – LB, it is not true to say the accounts have been microinspected for the reasons outlined in that post. IH, this product has been grossly missold on a large scale according to many investors who have posted here and elsewhere. David Ames is on record as telling what are open and blatant falsehoods, such as a marina being almost finished that was at the time, and several years later, not started. There are numerous examples of what must be either known false statements by him, or that show that he is completely and utterly out of control of all aspects of his business. Either way, it spells serious danger, andit is not fair to criticise investors who do have their eyes open to this and who want to get out no matter what. If others wish to back a person with the track record of lies, misrepresentation, zero experience and silence on key issues, then in turn, I am sure everyone would wish you luck with that also, as we must wish those luck who finally can see what to so many is blindingly obvious. If only people knew the sites he had chosen, knew the building industry here, knew the real status of his projects, knew the hotel industry, knew the challenges he faces in his locations, you would never have invested and would absolutely be running for the hills, perhaps with a large write-off of what was invested.
@fatchettDNRM.
My, my, we are impatient, I had a long and eventful meeting with Erica and family last night, hence my tardy response. Both figures are correct…I was offered 45K first, then others, then on the Friday before the MOS article 112k, but to be paid over 12 months I refused all of the offers.
In Mr Ames follow up letter he said, ‘I was unable to pay the closing costs’ now that’s very odd as they were never mentioned! Maybe Mr Ames or the other three people in the meeting would like to comment on that?
The last paragraph, he said, ‘take action in the Caribbean in line with your contract’ so I took that as bugger off and see you in court in the Caribbean…..
And people wonder why we are running these meetings?
http://www.sfo.gov.uk/our-work/our-cases/case-progress/harlequin-property.aspx it’s there and in open they are investigating now.
@LB it would be a very brave IFA who sold HP now?
Don’t forget Mr Ames said he would be happy to speak to them 🙂
@Ivor they are real I have been to their offices
No doubt Harlesuccess will see this as yet more evidence that the scurrilous and evil opponents of the great genius have managed to hack their way into the SFO website to further propagate their own devious agenda of lies and misinformation.
Yes, yes its all lies, he has built the resort and we are all wrong HP are in rude health financially 🙂
@Yorkiepoo I did meet Mr Ames and his ‘team’ very unproductive.
Now the SFO have made public their investigation, we may need a bigger room for our meeting!. If you miss this even there will be others you can attend. We will keep you updated.
And I’m waiting for 36 to tell us that it’s good that the SFO and Essex Police are doing thorough due diligence just so they can fully endorse the projects as SIPP compliant. Good to see the authorities giving the thumbs up to this investment.
Yes even 36 and Harlisuccess will find it difficult to put a ‘spin’ on this…mind you Mr Ames did say he was happy to talk to them, so we need not worry.
As an investor I have addressed the concerns raised by other investors with Harlequin to satisfy myself as to the condition of my investment, this morning I further completed the SFO form so that as an investor I too can have a say with the SFO.
For me this is just business, my wife and I have invested in Harlequin and have no ulterior motive other than a wish to see a return on our investment. We have been to investor days at Harlequins offices and met other like minded investors, we have been to Buccament Bay and Blu and experienced the bricks and mortor of what Harlequin are delivering and for us our investment is tracking as we envisioned.
There are a lot of commentators that to me appear to be illogical in their comments stating a desire to see Harlequin brought down, even if they lose their investment! There is a lot of ire in many posts but for me it is just business and not personal!
For the other genuine investors on these posts look to the safeguarding of your investment and assist the SFO in a full open and honest investigation as Harlequin and Mr Ames are and should you not be in for the long term than address the return of your deposit.
Harlequin is just an investment vehicle to us and we are not prepared to work with what appear to be agitators posing among you genuine investors. Paul and Erica I understand you both along with some others have not had the same experience I have and that you are entitled to take whatever action you individually and collectively wish to take but I believe that you have people jumping on your bandwagon who are attempting to hijack your efforts for their personal reasons.
All investors have a right to freedom of expression just as I express the hope that Harlequin do well and are successful. I have tried to comprehend why these posts have been so heated and talked to my agent at Harlequin who shed light on why O’Halloran, Newman, Macdonald and others who are being persued by Harlequin in the courts for THEIR wrongdoing should be so determined to engineer the demise of Harlequin. The best form of defense is attack and that is what it appears they are doing, trying to close down Harlequin so they will not be held to account in court and have to answer for their actions.
Paul and Erica you both might be prepared to to write off your investments but we are not prepared to do so! We will come to your meeting and talk openly with your group as I know other genuine investors are also prepared to do. I am happy to listen to you, learn from you and likewise share my experience, not only with Harlequin but all my investments in general as some commentators appear to be novices in the investment world.
I have spoken to all the investors in Harlequin I have met and come to know, some having become friends, and we have decided to engage with you and your group to present our side of the Harlequin experience to add balance as there appears to be a one sided point of view being stirred up by devious aggitators who are not genuine investors.
I have invested with Harlequin and if I need to invest more to safeguard my original investment I will. I see a lot of name calling and do not believe it is productive, I will now act reasonably and within law to ensure the longevity and safety of my investment against attack from those I now believe are trying to hijack your group and use it as a smokescreen to cover their wrong doing.
Paul and Erica I look forward to meeting you both on the weekend.
Again mention of the O Haolloran issue — as if that’s the only grounds under which anyone could have a bad word to say. Either you’re peddling the party line, or you’ve swallowed it: The SFO investigation would seem to suggest that it goes a little deeper than that, no?
It’s beyond comprehension that an experienced investor could be happy here — there’s so little to be happy about. Where’s the finance? Remove all other issues (eg where’s the resorts, or even the planning permission) and concentrate on that. The model is predicated on third party finance and there isn’t any. How could you possibly be happy about that. After this amount of time — and with the whole Caldora thing thrown in — it’s pretty clear that that is not progressing well.
Mr.Ohalloran is counter suing ask your self why???
@90 nobody is trying to hijack our meeting, to cover their wrong doings?? we will have some very very interesting points to cover.
It would me nice if Mr Ames would offer the common courtesy of letting us know if he is willing to meet his investors? I have sent him and his team several request and had nothing back…. That’s quite rude is it not?
@Anonymous March 6, 2013 at 8:57 am
if you can come to the meeting with or without Mr Ames it will be very enlightening.
90 aka Sean Ghent, Keep us in the loop I think your boss will be to busy to reply to our invitation, are you attending with Mr.Ames? I also look forward to meeting you
@ E we are investors with not only Harlequin contracts but will also bring our Guardian SIPP and RBS statements to prove we are genuine investors and when we set up our investment. We have a genuine vested interest and I am happy to meet you and Paul and anybody else on Saturday before the meetings to qualify ourselves as such. Unless anybody thinks Guardian and Royal Bank of Scotland are in cohorts with Harlequin!
@147 An SFO investigation actually proves nothing other than a response to a lodged complaint. Once they have finished a prelimanary investigation they will decide if there are grounds for a full investigation. This is just the initial standard response which determines whether to proceed. Anybody can make any allegation, it thereafter needs to be determined if it can be substantiated.
Its my understanding that the SFO have classed this as a category A investigation? I would say by definition its quite serious?
Anybody can make an allegation yes, but how many do the SFO take up?
They wouldn’t of said that they are investigating if they wasn’t serious about it, This has been going on for months that no one knew about
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hello @90 – seems like bfp have caught you out!!!. be clear the SFO and essex police would have been working behind the scenes for months and months gathering information / data/ statements, looking at financials etc etc etc. they would not have gone public unless there were some very serious concerns. you only have to look at how many cases they have gone “public”on in the last year to see that.
hello erica/paul- please see BFP thread today regarding persons pretending to be someone they are not. good luck with your meeting on saturday.
@90… From what I can see you are not a very good businessman because any one with a bit of common sense can read through the lines and see clearly that Dave Ames’ business model is a Ponzi scheme and if we, the investors, does not take action we shall loose everything if we have not already lost everything!!!
My good advice to any investor is to take action now and waste no more time…
@72 thats what we have been asking people to do, Gareth Fatchett will be at the meeting and shall be available for advice…..
Everyone who has genuinely invested in Harlequin should come to the meeting in Manchester. You should at least try to save something…
Does anyone know what will happen to BB?
It seems likely to me this will come to a head soon – however there has been no court case (that was rumored to be on Tuesday), and I have not heard whether BB employees are receiving their wages?
Anonymous March 6, 2013 at 10:48 am
I dont know about the wages, maybe someone could comment as there does seem to be conflicting stories
@Harlequininvestorgroupnw
Paul as I stated before I can catagorically confirm that all the BB resort staff have been paid their wages for the past month as the months before!
You may check directly with the resort by asking to speak to our local HR manager on resort who has the best interests of the staff at heart. She is a lovely local lady with a fine reputation on the island.
@90 Thanks for that its good news
I’ve heard elsewhere that it is untrue that staff have been paid, I have it from a source in St Vincent they have not been paid since December.
Harleconned – Did you try and contyact the Resort as 90 suggested or you think its a waste of time?
I did contact the resort and found out for myself. I wouldn’t lie about it so to save you the phone call don’t waste your time.
Harleconned – so they confirmed they had not been paid their salary?
Yes since December
Harleconned – So you called and they just confirmed that they hadn’t been paid? What else was said? What were they told? What are they doing about it? Why are they still coming to work? If its true the guests will soon find out thats for sure!
@Yorkiepoo
I am on the resort still until 10:20 local time or 14:20 UK time, my local number is 1784 5332511 and if you wsh to call me I can ask a member of any department you like to confirm it to you or call the resort number and ask to be put through to me or our local HR manager and she can talk to you.
Hi Sean is this you?
I am a fairly easy going guy, I like to travel and spend time with family and friends. I don’t drink so rarely go to pubs or clubs unless to meet family or friends. Enjoy people who are open, honest, caring and who enjoy the simple things in life.
Favourite Quotes.
“Evil succeeds when good men stand by and do nothing” Edward W Burke “He who causes you to lose your temper controls you and has already won” Yongi Cho Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame. — Ben Franklin. It is he who is in the wrong who first gets angry. — William Penn. “Anger is a choice, as well as a habit. It is a learned reaction to frustration, in which you behave in ways that you would rather not.” Wayne W. Dyer Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you’ll ever regret” – Laurence J Peter “Anybody can become angry, that is easy; but to be angry with the right person, and to the right degree, and at the right time, and for the right purpose, and in the right way, that is not within everybody’s power, that is not easy.” -Aristotle The single clenched fist lifted and ready,Or the open hand held out and waiting.Choose:For we meet by one or the other. Carl Sandburg “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Martin Luther King “When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself.: Wayne Dyer “May peace be more than a season, may it be a way of life.” Author unknown
Sean I love this quote can I pinch it for the power point presentation.
“Evil succeeds when good men stand by and do nothing” Edward W Burke
I should also have asked how many seats do you want? and which session do you want to book in for?
90 – If you say that all is well then thats ok, we can chat on Saturday, has Dave given you my details? I’m more interested in understanding why HDStudio is closing to be honest – whats the story there – if you dont want to post here Dave Ames can give you my number
@ E hi we would like two seats and happy to attend both sessons, thanks
I find it amazing how Harlequin employees/associates, are being so vociferous in questioning investors who simply want their money back from Harlequin according to a contract, signed I presume by both parties. A Harlequin statement in the Echo yesterday says that less than 1% want their money back, so what is the big deal? If everything is in order, this is a drop in the ocean. Give them their money back according to the contract and move on and stop sending in associates to such forums to question the right to claim what they are legally entitled to. OPinions from all sides are welcome, but accusations that these investors are ruining it for others are very ill considered. I have seen very little, if any, unreasonable gripes by investors on this forum, but some fairly outlandish comments by associates who say they are investors (accept that 90 is an investor, but also a conflicted employee) Investors paid their money (in some cases life savings and pension funds) over according to an agreement to own property, and that property has not even started being built. If that were my life savings, or an amount that was serious to me, I would have pushed the panic button a long time ago, I think investors have been incredibly patient and supportive to date. 90, if you are in the region, you should go and see the Marquis Estate site, check out Merricks, look at progress at H hotel, go and see how many guests are at Blu and the rate they are paying. Head up to the DR and see how those sites are going – but you should let those who feel aggrieved and had their contracts breached just exit quietly and perhaps if they had been allowed to do so quietly, the PR storm now would not have taken place. In my opinion as a 40 plus year veteran of Caribbean businesses, Ames has spent the money and has absolutely no chance of building even another 5% of the existing 5% built.
Sean You can have the seats for the second session no problem but I am honestly struggling for the first and to be fair I cant let you have them for both as there are not enough seats and everyone wants answers and some may have to wait for the second session already so for you to attend both is a bit unfair sorry I will make sure I am more organised for the next meeting and book somewhere with bigger facilities. Hope this is okay with you
Problem is now … who in there right mind will book a holiday in BB knowing at any time it could be shut down ……………. income lost
http://www.andrew-drummond.com/2013/03/message-for-harlequin-victims.html
I H – Thats the problem with publishing these sort of matters to the world, however, if the Harlequin Investment it is flawed then it will merely bring the conclusion to us swifter, if its not flawed then we are damaging ourselves
Hitched A wedding website will I spoke to them last week as Harlequin had advertised with them and they have said as long as they pay the advertising bill they will not get involved, and will still encourage people to book as it is ABTA boonded, so this sort of problem that you probably dont need before your big day is still being promoted today. I am totally disgusted this type of holiday is promoted as a honeymoon destination in a lot of wedding magazines also.
I am just so glad that Britains got Talent listened to me
Would you rather more people invested in this…………………Yorkiepoo
Not if the Investment is flawed, but if it was ever going to succeed you have made sure it never could!
This would never of happened if Mr Ames stuck by the contracts he signed, he has only homself to blame. What should be do be bullied and say nothing? or OK keep my money for another couple of years?
I know that Harlequin have and will give full refunds to investors who need to exit – saying that I’m sure he doesn’t make it too easy because people read this, then panic, request a refund and the business is damaged
I can only comment on how I was treated and can prove it,
Mr Ames, himself said ‘very few’ have been paid up front????
Again, he only has himself to blame a contract is a contract.
Would I be here if he had stuck to it?
yorkiepoo. legal action was already being taken in 2008 by investors whose contract had been breached ( they had to resort to legal action) that development has still to receive planning permission.however, now the sfo are involved the good news is that nda’s/gagging orders are irrelevant as solicitors who maybe agreed a settlement and clients who agreed to sign an nda can break those i believe in the case of “criminal investigation” ???
Harlequininvestorgroupnw – So how often have you spoken to Dave Ames to sort this out? Do you call him on his mobile? Do you have a series of meetings? what goes on?
I had a agreement for my hubands SIPP to be reinstated from last year and I am still waiting! and I didnt need to exit I wanted to……….
Yorkiepoo, if you sit down and do the sums, this model never had a moment’s chance, it is utterly flawed. Harlequin made it sound simple when developing here is anything but. Throw in sites like Marquis, where US$20-US$50m in infrastructure alone is required, and it makes the maths even worse. Each resort will have pre-opening expenses and losses of US$5 to US$10m before they break even. Investors were paying 30% of a very low purchase price (expect US$200 per square foot build of the units themselves as a low estimate for quality in the Caribbean, but then have to add on a lot to that to cover common areas etc) making it impossible to cover costs of build and operation, before even thinking about all the other costs, both necessary and unncessessary, that Ames was incurring – 10% guarantees, loan repayments, enormous commissions and so on. Throw in golf courses, marinas and the whole thing becomes farcical in its fantasy as actually being a profitable business. Ames is not a businessman, he is a salesman, and quite possibly a con man. He sold well, the rest is staring you in the face. Do not believe that this ever had a chance, and that waiting will change the fundamental flaws.
When was this Erica?
Last July 2012
@Yorkiepoo.
Letters, emails, and a meeting with the man himself and his legal team also the company who set up the SIPP
I’m not doubting any of what you are saying but my experience of David Ames is alot different to yours?
Another thought -of the 300 units that have been build have any had title passed to the investor yet?
@ Yorkiepoo, maybe that was when things were good I met him last month??
Doubt it was good times – it was today, once this morning and again this afternoon?
@Yorkiepoo
So you work or are connected to HP
I’m neither connected or employed by HP. I have known Dave Ames for alot of years and had business dealings with him in Dubai.
Thanks for that Yorkiepoo……
I know it’s no consolation but from my experience Dave Ames is no crook – and believe me in the business dealings I had with him he could have done something had he wanted to.
I have always found him very honest and trustworthy and if he is a fraudster the most hard working one!!
I have read this blog with interest because of knowing Mr Ames and if the investment has gone sour I would guess it it for other reasons than it being engineered.
One thing I would suggest is that you try and work with Dave rather than hit him head on. Have a mass meeting but involve him and see how we can all help each other out.
I know from speaking to him he does want this to work I can promise you that.
E – Drummond is a known con man and does deals with ambulance chasers .. dont be miss led by any of his blogs http://andrew-drummond-watch.blogspot.co.uk/
@Yorkiepoo.
Thanks for that Yorkiepoo, I note your comments.
I did try and work with Mr Ames and gave him every opportunity to honour our contract terms, but simply put, I will not accept staged payments.
The final straw was the follow up letter saying if I don’t like it, take action in SVG because that’s who my contract is with…….. and I could not afford the completion costs ( that were never even mentioned)
All I ever wanted is a full refund, and no staged payments,
is that really too much to ask? As I said before he has only got himself to blame.
Also, why don’t we know if he is comming or not….. Thats not helping his case is it?
Am I being unreasonable?
@yorkiepoo
I am glad someone here has faith!! I know for a fact that people working at the agents who we bought through have also got big money invested in Harlequin. These are people who do lots of DD and would not put their business’s reputation on the line by promoting/selling dodgy investments nor would they buy into it themselves!! I think the SFO investigation is good – I don’t believe they will find what a lot of you think they will. However, it will still have a short -term damaging effect for Harlequin as people will instantly assume that if there is an investigation, then something must be wrong. Lets hope it’s a swift conclusion for everyone.
No I don’t think that you are being unreasonable, but you quite understandably are more interested in your own cash rather than the good of the whole scheme.
Like I said I spoke with Dave twice today and one text and I can assure you and is wear this, Dave is wanting this to be a success for everyone and is working hard to try get things back on track.
Dave has told me that he will not attend the meetings because he doesn’t think they will be productive. I have offered to attend and relay things to him because he is genuinely interested in a solution.
Like I say, Dave has always fulfilled every promise to me and I am convinced working together for a solution is best for all parties rather than the Fatchett route.
Just my opinion, take it or leave it, I will help if I can, I can speak to Dave anytime and suggest whatever you like?
Suggest that he should come to the meeting. Afterall he has OUR money and WE want answers. Is he too important to meet his employers???
@Yorkiepoo.
Yes after I decided I wanted out, my concern was to get a refund in line with my contract – that’s all. Mr Ames would not do that so this is the result…..and all could have been avoided.
Well at least we know he is not coming and can plan accordingly.
I do think its going to look like he is snubbing his investors and its going to have a lot of media presence.
However, just a thought…. We have a evergrowing list of questions investors are Emailing us, how about we send them in and get answers?
That seems fair? Otherwise lots of questions and no answers.
@harleconned
That’s a classic Cliff! Lol
Since when have you ever been Dave Ames employer, in fact you have already admitted today that “he was your employer”!
That seems fair I don’t mind calling Dave Ames and forwarding a list of questions – sounds reasonable to me.
I can assure you he wants this resolved and sees that everyone will get through this. You seem to have encountered a different Dave to me because he has always done good by me year in year out?
It is a pity Mr Ames cannot reply to my invitation and has asked you to attend on his behalf, Can you tell me when the latest video referred to last week will be released please and will you post it on here as Harlequin and Tailormade do not want to send me updates or allow me to attend the seminars ironic really that a lot of them want to attend ours.
I use the word seminars but it has never really been a seminar or a meeting as both of those include both parties allowed to participate and ask questions so I dont know what you would call them.Ours is a meeting where everybody can ask questions of each other and recieve a reply it is a great shame Mr Ames does not think that this is a good idea as a awful lot of people are wanting to participate in this and our other planned meetings maybe Mr Ames business model would of worked better if we had all been allowed to participate and discuss our investments but alas it looks like it is to late for that now does it not
Solution: Transparency, Accountability, Answerability, and Financial Reciprocity.
If I were Ames, I would not come – there is too much hostility from everyone!! I have looked at getting out, but the exit strategy would not work for me initially as the stage payments would leave me short to discharge the personal loans we have taken out to cover the deposit for our first investment – the second is via SIPPS. Any investment in off-plan, overseas developments come with some element of risk, and that is why the returns potentially sound good. Everyone should have realised this when they put their money in? Now you are all crying about it because it’s taking too long and you want your money back – went in blinkered, I think.
we are only 1% of investors 🙂 so please refund us our money
Why should 1% get preferential treatment???
To be honest with you LB This is no longer to do with a investment I made this is about they way I have been treated Mr Ames knows exactly what I am talking about and so do Panorama all will soon be revealed
@ LB Because if rumours are correct then we are the only ones that are unhappy??
@E – so you have a personal “principals” issue with Harlequin, and all this is created?? Everyone else is dragged down with you? Glad you are not my mate!! Dangerous!!
Not preferential, its in the contract refund in 60 days if the unit is not completed a year after the date specified.
When and if, you get your ‘guaranteed 10%’ rental return as per contract, then you are told sorry mate its 4% would you be happy?
You can not change a contract when you feel like it, or inline with apparent company cash-flow problems.
.
Most people do feel sorry for my Husband !!
It is frankly amazing that so many people believe 2 + 2 does not equal 4 because Ames or an Ifa said so. It is not possible for due dilligence to suggest this scheme works, and there is a very good reason it has not worked and never will, because it makes no financial sense. If somehow investors keep buying and Ames keeps it going a while longer, it simply is impossible for these devleopments to be built as sold under this model. I would urge anyone to come and speak to independent QSs and lawyers and hotel operators on the islands they invested and you will learn that Harlequin is seen as a joke and a big con due to its total lack of viability – and of course lack of anything getting built. The cost of a flight could save you a lot of wasted time and money. Ames is an absolute clown of the first ilk I am afraid to say, it is an impression widely held by all business leaders who have met him in the Caribbean, he is way out of his depth and has no idea what he is doing when it comes to managing construction or hotels. But if he has been taking commissions off the top, perhaps it does not really matter to him.
@100
So you freely call investors fools for investing!
What is you involvement then and the reason for your diatribe!
Reblogged this on Sean Ghent's Blog.
Having a structured Q & A document sent to Ames is a good idea .. if he fails to answer then maybe some of us have reasons to take things further.. NOW is a prime time for him to settle this once and for all.. So lets presume all is ok with SFS and the IFA and he wins court case with the builder.. Then we are all back to square one .. answer the Qs and make decisions based on that.. I would not recommend ANYONE sign up to any Legal Eagles at the moment….. I am actually more concerned if the HD Studio in Barbados really did get shut down ,, can anyone confirm this ?
Yes HDStudio is closed that’s true
Why would that be then Yorkie ? they are not effected by the SFS or IFA checks .. surely its BAU for those guys ?
And yesterday at 230 pm there were no workers on the Harlecon H site building “apace” and “redefining luxury in the Caribbean”.
Mr Ghent, I would not say fools, I would say naive investors who were missold and did not do their own DD. Perhaps they were led to believe certain things by their agents and IFAs that were not achievable in reality – many have commented on how they were sold the product, so I am getting my understanding from what investors have said. Either way, there is plenty of evidence in the islands to suggest this was always a scheme that would not work and is being borne out in reality.
I am one of several Caribbean investors (not Harlequin investors) that have posted here and elsewhere that is concerned about what effect Harlequin and Ames could have on our image. I have a lot invested in the region, and have spoken to many people at the highest level of government and business that believe Ames is running a ponzi scheme and he is doing nothing to prove otherwise. If he would only offer reasoned explanation as to why he is so drastically behind, and stop lying and making forecasts and predictions that are false and misleading, everyone could go about their business and wish them well. It is not in my interest or anyone else’s who has money invested in the region to see Harlequin collapse, but it is also at the same time not in our interest for our authorities to turn a blind eye to what is clearly a scheme with serious question marks hanging over it. I am sorry if this does not tally with what you believe about your investment, but I have been involved in successful Caribbean resort developments and operations for decades from the DR to South America, as well as other parts of the world, and Ames needs to deliver proof of funds or something or this is going belly up. It would give me no joy to see you or anyone lose their investment, and if Ames does have the fundamentals in place, then none of us has anything to worry about – so please ask him to show the region. And before you say people who are not investors in this should not get involved, this does involve many people way beyond the investors alone – Ames has a whole host of people watching him besides investors.
@Ivor this is the agenda
We would like to invite you to Our Harlequin Investor update on the 9th March 2013
Lunchtime Session Afternoon Session
Registration 12:00 Registration 15:00
Meeting Commences 12:15 Meeting Commences 15:15
Meeting Finishes 14:15 Meeting Finishes 17:15
Chairperson
Erica Broughton
Please switch off all mobile phones. This meeting is for Mr Ames & Harlequin Properties to give an overview of investments around
15 minutes*
Followed by Q&A session of 35 minutes* Total of Mr Ames 50 minutes*
Vivien Walden conducting
James Golden will conduct proceedings and take minutes etc.
Brief overview Paul Walton 10 minutes*
General discussion
Solicitors & Barristers
Regulatory Legal Solicitors
Pannone LLP
No5 Chambers
50 minutes* Private meetings held at the back of the room. Summary of events discussed The room hire is £150 the entrance fee is £5.00 per person any money left over will go into an investor bank account to cover expenses i.e. stationary, travel etc.
John Broughton and Mathew Cavanagh company Treasurers.
Please ensure you have paid before entrance.
Company Secretary Stephanie Broughton
Please give all of your details to Stephanie.
The Meeting will take place at the Marriott Hale Barns Hotel Manchester Airport
Hale Road, WA15 8XW Harlequininvestorgroupnw@gmail.com
*Please note that all times are approximate.
There will be a set of questions collated and sent to Mr Ames by 9AM Friday for his perusal.
Thank you
IH at 8.25pm, I think that is a good suggestion. If Ames knows lots of upset investors are going to meet, and all is in order, then he should have no problem answering questions before that meeting. If he answers well and provides proof of positive answers, then we can all go on our merry way. I would think build schedules, QS reports and EIA studies, and proof of funding for those schedules would go a long way to appeasing people.
I am no expert but HP is nothing like a Ponzi scheme .. similarities maybe.. I dont think the Ponzi scammers had Assets and and HQ with staff an up and running travel agency etc etc .. I know the Ponzi scams where in different products but you see my point….
http://www.ifaonline.co.uk/ifaonline/news/2252690/sfo-requests-details-of-advisers-who-recommended-harlequin
Good to see the IFAs are going to be looked into as I believe they are as guilty as anyone for misrepresenting products and claiming that they had done DD and were risk free etc.
IH, perhaps not a ponzi scheme in the traditional sense I agree, but with very similar theories behind it. Madoff and Stanford indeed had buildings, offices and staff to create the right front and image – Stanford had his bank up and running and looking great, with some legitimate activity going on too, but it was all backed by CODs that were paid out with new investor money. Mr Ames, in the absense of profits from the resorts or financing, has to have been paying mortgage interest payments, and guaranteed payments (if they have been paid) using investor money – new money paying out to earlier investors. So it is very similar if he has no other source of revenue.
@E- just a suggestion but maybe you could ask some of the major FS companies/IFAS/networks along who sold this. ask them to bring their own DD which made them think this was such a “good investment” .(not just the figures supplied by H) ask them if they were aware of allegations/court cases etc as far back as 2007/2008. ask them if they requested a detailed breakdown analysis of costs to build/cash flow structure/funding in place to actually build/finance in place to cover the remaining 70% mortgage (advertised as gteed but in the contract just an endevour) ask them if when they carried out pension reviews on their clients as regulated advisers and presumably gave clients IDD’s THEY MADE IT TOTALLY CLEAR that this investment was unregulated and thus not under the umbrella of FSCS . actually just ask them if they carried out a factfind at all???did a reason for recommendation or just skipped all of this and just got their clients to sign on the dotted line and take around 30% of their pension pot invested.i asked all of this as an adviser and ……… i contacted the fsa in 2008 and again last year (i am not syaing that this is fraudulent or a ponzi as others would allege). what i am saying is that this was clearly high risk and as such should have only ever been sold/marketed to clients prepared to take that risk and i do not believe this to be the case. i believe this was sold and marketed on mass to anyone with a big enough SERPS pot/pension pot to invest . when the FSA get the figures from the SIPP companies and the SFO get the info from clients re who their advisers were we may then get a better picture.
ivor Hadenuff I have just been alerted to this you posted earlier, Andrew Drummond is a fantastic Journalist who unfortunatley has made some enemies, If you want to believe everything you see in writing go and look at a Harlequin sales leaflet.
March 6, 2013 at 5:35 pm
E – Drummond is a known con man and does deals with ambulance chasers .. dont be miss led by any of his blogs http://andrew-drummond-watch.blogspot.co.uk/
@Erica, please stop referring to the 3 solicitors as separate companies. They are known jointly as Risk Warning. They will not give independent advice and are in cahoots together. Please make this point clear.
E – Please !!!!!! I am disappointed with you .. Drummond is a Conman who makes money from other peoples horror stories.. yes he reports it to drum up trade for his matey legal pals… You defend him because he made a few enemies .. So he not much different than Ames then is he ?…. You cant defend one and not the other…. All your momentum seems to be aimed at solicitors – ambulance chasers and everything negative about HP… I dont disagree with a lot of your points however I think you need to see the wood through the trees or people will also lose confidence in what you and the group are trying to achieve
They are three different fims who work together at times I hope no one feels mislead by this also I will not allow anyone feel pressured in any way to sign with any companies on the day. They are just there to advise everyone of there options. I have set up this meeting as I was contacted by a person who was suicidal over there investment and to be honest that is why I decided to waive my rights to anonymity
Ivor – I can confirm that HD Studio is closed for 1 month. I did not go into a lot of detail but the cutting off of the SIPP money while the FSA approved Harlequin is causing a cash flow issue – the same reason why interest payments are not being made. This is the reality of what happens when people get as much bad publicity wrongly assuming it is of benefit?
@Yorkiepoo…
If the cutting off of new investors money means that the current operation can’t finance itself… then that screams ponzi.
This sounds rather odd Yorkiepoo, where is the 250-300 Million that Harlequin have taken in?? Surely there should be plenty of that left??
Seems pretty clear to me there’s plenty of works to build without spending more on a design studio. When you talk about cash flow you need to remember you are only funding part of the works (30%) land deals, build costs of infrastructure, building facilities, design etc needs funding.
Anyway I wouldn’t worry too much as now you have cut the life supply off its only a matter of time until you have your way and Harlequin are no more.
Yorkie so the good people of this group are really helping matters with all us investors ,,,, its been said time and time again .. WAIT for the results of SFS and FSA and the court case and then take stock .. this was a high risk investment and we are ALL frustrated with the timescales .. BUT anyone who was offered their money back albeit over a 12 month period – TAKE IT and leave the serious investors out of this witch hunt …Ames has a hell of a lot to answer for and one of his biggest failing is he does not relay enough details back to us or the media ? YES I am concerned and worried and annoyed .. BUT nobody has lost any money yet.
@yorkiepoo. exactly. if they cannot operate without further SIpp investment then the coffers must be well and truly low (not much hope of building the remaining 95% of units already sold but not yet built or indeed not yet got planning permission in most cases). cannot blame on bad publicity. they have openly took money, made promises. are you saying that this is either a pyramid scheme of a ponzi scheme?
Ivor like I said earlier I speak to Dave Ames regularly, I spoke this morning and just after lunch. When he heard about the SFO investigation this morning he was ready to throw the towel in, he has been working hard behind the scenes to get a solution, felt he was getting somewhere only to be kicked in the nuts. To be honest I wouldn’t blame him if he walked out saying its not all worth the effort. Then what use would these little gatherings be like on Saturday?
@Erica, I’m sorry but what you said is not true. And I quote “for 2013 no5 chambers have put together a legal team with Regulatory Legal and national law firm Pannone LLP to develop an investor protector proposition. The joint company is called Risk Warning. ” you talk to one you talk to them all. And while I’m sure your intentions were meant to be for the right reasons, I wonder how many of the 3500 investors and BB employees might feel suicidal if you get all the assets frozen?
I don’t know about nationally, but my experience of Harliquin was that the investment was sold almost on personal recommendation. The meetings were organised using multi level marketing principles where people already involved were encouraged to invite, and recommend the product to there close friends. That often involved both personal friends and communities (for example church communities). Then a Harlequin sales individuals would also attend the meetings to ‘close the deals’. My point is that a lot of people got involved because of this selling technique without doing a lot of DD. They were unsophisticated investors who trusted there friends and were out of there depth. The fact Harlequin sold this with promises of zero risk and guaranteed returns (this was stated in the meetings and on many web sites) is basically a cruel manipulation of innocent people. The fact that the IFA’s involved didn’t advice folks that this was actually an unsuitable and unregulated investment is just plain incompetence. There was a lot of greed involved, and I hope those responsible, and those who helped protect this scam (Carter Ruck included) end up being exposed and paying in some way for there actions.
HP have big funding houses investing waiting in the wing ,, This bad press could kill their input ,, if it does – thanks guys. Let me tell you .. The deffence of that Irish builder are banged up to lose that case, the collapse of HP is their only saving grace ,, This is all a pre meditated attempt to discredit the brand and cause collapse.. When HP win that case they will get all costs returned and hopefuly any remains of the builders stolen assets – So then HP are back up and running – problem is will the finance investors still be ?
One of my main reasons for setting up the group was to help people find out what there options are, I am not a legal person and would not want to give people the wrong advice so that is the reason we asked these particular solicitors to come along as they know the product.
Also at first when I booked the Marriott it was a Mothers day present to myself thinking if I can just help one person……
Throw the towel in? He is looking for a solution to what? If he has been professional, he would have the funds set aside to fulfil the commitments he has made and this entire storm surrounding him would blow away. He has his millions already in commissions and fees, as evidenced by UK filed accounts. His investors have nothing to show for their payments to him, to even suggest throwing the towel in is not what anyone wants to hear. If he is on the up and up, he will be fine soon. If he is not, then he will not be able to throw the towel in, he will be facing some far more serious problems.
E – seriously it would be best all round to cancel Saturdays meeting and advise all concerned to fill the questionaire as requested by the SFS … Its the best most professional way to go
@Ivor .. another Caldora ? its been said too many times. Why believe it now ?
No Erica, they know each other, very well.
IH. you may have been aware that this was a high risk investment and thus have been prepared to lose all your investment/take the risk BUT i assure you that this was not marketed as such. if you were one of the lucky ones whom from the outset was told outright “this is def high risk, if it all turns out ok you may reap the benefits but it is unregulated, funds not not in escrow and can pretty much be spent on anything, no planning permission other than BB, no EIA studies, no proof of funding to build, no recourse to fscs bla bla bla. you may be a seasoned investor and were prepared to take the risks and if so you made that informed decision. but you will see fom many posters on here that they were simply not told all of this information ( that was available to ifa’s etc who sold this). not losy any money yet? you lost a third of your pension pot immediately!!! in commission
Ivor – you seem to know a bit more than your letting on!! But I will confirm your right regarding securing bank funding – I fear that this may now be in jeopardy as a result of stirring up complains to the FSA SFO – people on hear don’t realise they are committing financial suicide here??
@Yorkiepoo, when this is being driven by an investor who was offered his £112k back, but it was over 12 months rather than 60 days then don’t expect a rational thought process. I guess one mans piqué is another mans ruination. Or in this case 3500 people’s ruination.
@Yorkiepoo and Ivor
This talk of imminent funding sounds like an attempt to confuse and derail the investors meeting. Ivor and Yorkiepoo scheming to make it sound like they know something big is going on! Do you have any real evidence or facts to back up what you are saying? If so you should come clean now… to prove this isn’t just typical ‘made up good news’ as used so many times before to try and keep investors quiet.
100 – you clearly don’t understand the investment that you bought!!! If you pay 30% deposit who do you think is funding the development of the resort? Your 30% doesn’t even cover your unit build costs hence why the resort also requires funding? How far did you think your 30% was going to go? Use your loaf your deposits have limited impact on the scheme hence why funding was always required? I think you just like blowing hot air!
I am not going to defend my self on here this is not the time or the place you will see some of the reasons for my actions on the Panorama program and the rest you will see in good time when all this is in the courts. The truth is out there the trick is finding it and then proving it. I am a fifty year old woman with a couple of kids who did not like the way her Husband was treated if you really want to blame me and me alone go ahead. But it was not me who stole your dreams and possibly your money.
Just think about the poster who said they have had to close HP Barbados
I only booked the Marriott last week. Where has all our money gone? I know one thing I have not had it and spent it have I
I am charging everyone £5.00 any money left over will be put into a account and will pay towards paper,inks ect and the next meeting room will be £5.00 each again and so on when this has all been finished and there is no need for the group to meet I suggest we pick a charity and give them the left over money which if it was my choice would be Barbados Free Press but that will be put to a vote I hope this helps put your mind at ease
Anonymous – I cannot go into detail but I can assure you it’s true. I have no investment and have no reason to give you hope? I have told you, I think your fooked as you have damaged your brand too much!
E – your wasting your time I fear, your misguided crusade for bad publicity has fatally wounded HP bringing it down like a pack of cards. Saturday is a pointless event I’m afraid!
It’s really stretching credulity to imagine that a reputable source of funding would invest in a set of projects that have not filed any audited accounts for 7 years. Please don’t insult our intelligence by implying that a funder is about to sign up to this.
Harlequin have been hawking these projects around the world for years and have repeatedly announced that interested parties are about to sign up to fund the projects.
@Erica, I’m sorry but don’t try for the sympathy vote. This is a very dirty business. The end result is all about money and sentiment does not come into it. And my guess, Panorama will not be the huge exposé people think it will be. Plenty of time for the editorial content to be changed yet.
@ Yorkiepoo
The lack of detail… or for that matter facts and truth is the reason we have lost faith. Its been going on for too long and the only facts that are verifiable are very negative… a few of which are…
Almost nothing has been built and everything is years late, and getting later.
UK accounts are never delivered on time, and this years accounts (due Dec 2012) have been mysteriously pushed back to September (legal, but very suspicious).
Last accounts (not wilkins kennedy but new accountant) were still incomplete.
No BB accounts or reliable figures (last occupancy was about 18%!)
I could go on… but too tired of all this.
So as most people have said. Stop the smoke screens… and the hints and just give us all the facts and BACK THEM UP.
This is a rather interesting article I have found online
http://citywire.co.uk/new-model-adviser/sfo-and-police-examine-harlequin-complaints/a663701?ref=new-model-adviser-todays-news-list
Yorkiepoo, earlier you were just DA’s mate and business associate now you are the font of all insider Harlequin knowledge, please explain?
Yorkiepoo aka 36 I think you are now sounding desperate calm down its only a meeting have you never wanted answers because I know I have there is no bad publicity with this its simple I want some answers and I want to get answers for other people what is so wrong in that show me where I have personally damaged the brand?
I have tried so many times to get answers to concerns I had with this product and will produce evidence of this when the time is right think about it why does Mr Ames not want to come his own bodyguard is going to be here
Anonymous – I know Dave he isn’t a close friend. I obviously ask about this issue and discuss it with him but beyond that what do you need to know? I can have an opinion you know!
E – I’m not 36, what you mean? I only came on here to observe because I know Dave Ames – I have no interest getting embroiled
If there is funding ready to go, one must assume there are letters of intent from a financing instituion, or an outline offer. Could that not be presented at any investor meeting to perhaps calm investors down, and it may win some back over? I think also the point has been missed by Yorkiepoo. Some investors were lied to by IFAs. The SFO are investigating them as well as Harlequin – if IFAs misled investors, then investors have the right to go after them. Much of this investigation is about people who have lost money via IFAs misrepresenting a product. To try to lay the blame of any collapse at the feet of these innocent investors smells of the beginnings of excuses and blame passing if this does collapse. The fault can only be laid at the feet of David Ames – he has no planning permission, has not started resorts, has no finance, has built 300 units out of 6,500 over 8 years, and yet has taken all the money based on a risk free investment. How can anyone say this is a risk free situation? The only people that could possibly blame investors for this are those associated with Harlequin and are quite frankly as repugnant as the IFAs who chose to take commissions by lying to the faces of innocent people who worked hard for their savings and seeing those savings disappear with the flick of a pen. Yorkiepoo, it is obvious that financing was required for the extra 70% as you state above – why was this not in place many years ago, and before people invested in this risk free investment? That is the normal way of doing business.
Anonymous – it’s not for me to provide facts I don’t work for Harlequin – go to Harlequins offices and ask the questions
@Ivor Hadenuff … how many times has the offers on finance been said? please get real… who would invest at 70% LTV
I asked for the document on finance options from Mr Ames and Co in the meeting…. never seen it…… how can anyone complete in April ??
Just speculation.. but wonder if Yorkiepoo and Ivor share an IP address ?
Yorkiepoo just between you and me ask Mr Ames what he wanted from me and while your speaking to him please remind him he should not be going around saying he has paid me off when we all know that not to be the case
Sorry everyone this will all become clear soon enough and I think you will then all see things differently
This has become so sad for so many people I am going to have a word in the morning and see if the others dont mind staying late on Saturday and running a extra meeting we are really stuggling for space
I am Ok staying late…..cheers Paul
We need to have a word with the press and the Solicitors
Nostradamus no we are different people! Anyway I was trying to help – forget it I’m out – get on with it yourselves
That’s a shame as you were a link to Mr Ames…..who should we send the questions to?
You blame me for all this wow…https://www.google.co.uk/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=1G1LENN_EN-GBUK514&=&q=harlequin+property&oq=harlequin+property&gs_l=igoogle.3..0l10.2024.7999.0.9116.18.11.0.7.7.0.99.976.11.11.0…0.0…1ac.1.FZb1i_rj5wA
@36
One person damaged the brand…… Mr Ames.
Its just beyond silly to blame me for refusing a staged payment ….little old me bring down a £300million company in a couple of weeks….. now that is very very silly.
HMSSE “the main agents” did advertise 100% finance and have only recently changed this to say subject to status (all availabe on snaphots of their website). the contract says “we will endeavour” and we will not be held responsible for misrepresentaion by agents. HMSSE being the primary agent and owned by AMES family??. so HMSSE make all the promises of finance but the overseas companies with whom your contract is do not promise this. STINKS. AND has happened before. i think when the FSA/SFO findings are in you may find that a large proportion of sales were via the same SIPP providers and a very large amount of sales by the same FS companies/ or companies signed up to a wholesale network.( albeit sold via a different arms of an associated ltd company within that fs business). please do not tarnish all ifa’s and sipp providers as most steered well clear of this. look at http://www.ifaonline.co.uk and you will see just how may advisers are saying how they refused to sell this and that this is not the only “investment” that needs close scrutiny. thinking other overseas, forestry, carbon credits, etc etc.
Well said!
It does seem fairly extraordinary that finance would miraculously appear at the eleventh hour — actual finance that is, not “big, exciting announcement to come…” Strange little suggestions of something like this have cropped up in the past and lo and behold never come to anything — wonder why.
If this business isn’t robust enough to withstand 1% of its investors asking for their money back where it is their contractual entitlement, it doesn’t say a lot for the underlying structure. Trying to blame investors for this is very cynical indeed — and grossly unfair.
The talk of Ames wanting to “throw the towel” in is odd — are his investors supposed to feel forever grateful to him and to never dissent when they feel that they haven’t got what they thought they were paying for?
Should also have said, worth pointing out too that only a day or two ago there were socalled insiders alleging that it was totally untrue that the SFO were investigating…
Harlequin investment group- I was prepared to talk to Dave Ames and get him to answer questions I’m sure I could have got a response – but it would appear if you come on here and say – yes ok things aren’t all well but DA is no crook and we meed collective cooperation to get the best out of this then people turn on you and accuse you of all londs of ilterior motives it’s not my fight! As Sean Ghent to speak to Dave Ames or email him or call his mobile!
I do not know Yorki or work for HP – I am just trying to stay positive in this forum… I have been told by someone senior in Account auditing that the HP books have been micro checked to every penny and all is ok .. So that is why Ames is welcoming the SFS with open arms !!!! However I agree that does not explain many many questions that still exist. Of course he needs investment help Yorkie is right .. and they are out there ,,For how long after all this crap – who knows. The DD from Sipp providers would never allow anyone to invest with land HP did not own .. if they did everyone will be covered with insurance …
@yorkiiepoo…you sound as ignorant and uneducated as DA….go back under your rock.
Yatiniteasy – you prove my point about personal insults! DA can’t have been that stupid he got you to part with your cash – you would have given an ignorant uneducated man your cash?
Ivor you are nuts…”checked to every penny”..Harlequin have not filed financials inSt Vincent for 7 YEARS….and that is their only partially finished resort where Investors money from ALL of Harlequin`s projects has gone. Its also a nice Caribbean Island that has granted DA Citizenship…(wonder why?)
@IH 6 March 11.46pm
Silly me, now we know that someone told someone else that someone has micro- audited the all the accounts and everything is fine.
The world’s biggest investment banks will all be forming an orderly queue just in case they miss out on this opportunity.
A bunker mentality is developing. Has anyone seen Downfall? This clip might give some idea:
@Anon73 – very good post,
I am anticipating the blame culture of the apparent 1% of investors bringing down a big successful £300million debt free company and losing people their jobs…. Those comments will come for sure.
Mr Ames.
Get the finance, honour your contracts, build your resorts on time without all the BS….and keep your investors updated.
If there is only 1% that is unhappy why not just give us our money back it would of been a lot simpler for him and us if he just returned the money instead we’re now rebelling for what is rightfully ours….. Maybe he hasn’t got all these millions to build these resorts…..maybe he’s spent it all.
Finance offer…lack of.
@145 good points, I would like to add the following about finance, at the moment it would be fair to say getting a normal steady Eddie mortgage is more difficult that it was, say 6 years ago, so why would a financier back HP with just a couple of issues regarding:
Accounts,or lack of
Delays
Valuations
Disgruntled investors albeit ONLY 1%
High LTV, assuming the valuations stack up?
Ability of the Chairman, or lack of experience in this area
The rate needs to be about 8% for it to work for investors
Occupancy rates in BB? What are they? Is it actually loosing money?
Would you risk 70% LTV
Paul I’ve emailed you…
The issue is 1% is creating a tidal wave of panic and damaging press
@Yorkipoo.
As a concerned investor seeking a refund I do find it a worrying, if indeed Mr Ames said he was ‘going to throw in the towel’, is he aware you made that comment on his behalf, seeing you are such a close friend.
On the other hand, the recent strange behaviour of some HP employees makes now wonder if you actually do have his ear or you are so close business partner and friend??
Maybe you would like to say who you are like the security manager at BB?
How have I panicked anybody?? All I want is a meeting with Mr Ames where I ask questions and he answers them and that is what a lot of of other people want too, If that causes Mr Ames to panick that is unfortunate….. The least he could do is answer a few questions instead of burying his head in the sand along with his completion dates.
Yorkiepoo ask Mr Ames what he wanted off me and if your a decent person I don’t think for one minute that you would condone that sort of behaviour from your “friend” It’s tick tock time I’m afraid 18 more days until Panorama it will be 17 tomorrow…….
I really cannot understand why there are negative posts about our meeting. I am sure most of you would love a opportunity to ask one or two questions and what is wrong with that?? This attitude that by asking for a meeting is going to bring Harlequin to it’s knees is ridiculous in it’s extreme.
I have not organised a lynch mob to go down to Harlequin with several coach loads of disgruntled investors yet……
Look, this scheme is a Ponzi scheme and will never be financed by any financial institution, this is a fact and we cannot continue to believe that it is different…The meeting is absolutely necessary.
Even if DA wins the case in the Irish court it will not bring him nothing and it will not change the above facts.
To finance the old investors DA needs new investors and that in itself is the definition of a Ponzi scheme..
I could not agree more, are you coming on Sat 72?
@HIGnw AKA Gust Grust, You were offered a settlement, you threw your toys out of the pram. you connected Fatchett, Fatchett decided to try for a freezing order on HP assets. Now do you see the connection!
Also Fatchett has decided to try and protect his reputation through the courts. If he suceeds with his damages claim that will not be Dan Dalligan’s money, it will not be DA money, it will be YOUR money he gets. The legals are on the gravy train already. Thank you Grust Grust for obstanance.
You are wrong on so many levels I can not even bother correcting you….
silly sad deluded person
@Erica, its too late to start playing the innocent now. You set this up with your husband with Paul Walton (Grust Grust) If its only answers you wanted then go and see DA. He’s talking to anybody these days, Afterall he “offered money back to about 7 investors the other day” according to you. Or are you in too deep now? See my post above about DD and HP court case. Have you any idea how much Fatchett is trying to take out of the “investors” pot?
See you there… And do not worry about all these negative posts they are made by DA friends, DA ex employees, DA employees and investors that do not have a clue. The only persone to blame in all of this is DA himself…
FDNRM, My Husband has had no part in this apart from giving me full control (I already had that but dont tell him) he has health issues and will not be bought into this!
As for all this with Dan Daligher he is responsible as a individual for all he has said and done and that is another issue I have. why should investors pay for his inane rantings! I think if that issue costs investors then he should lose his job, There should of been a board of investors to oversee all of this it is a absolute disgrace.
@Erica, Because fatchett is naming “Harlequin Mangement Services” as co-respondent. So any damages paid, if any, will come out of YOUR and MY money. I think you should have a word with Fatchett to just accept an appology. Or is it all about the money?
To suggest that this whole sorry mess is being brought about by a few disgruntled investors who have the impertinence to ask questions about their investment beggars belief.
Why shouldn’t investors meet and ask reasonable questions? Is there any wonder that they are slightly skeptical of people posting things like, “an accountants looked at all the accounts and says they’re fine”? Things have been “about to happen” for years and years and then nothing comes of it. This is the pattern that I have observed.
1. Newsletter or press release on some great thing that is about to take place that will really boost the investment.
2. Marketing materials and website go into overdrive promoting this great new thing.
3. Silence
4. Deadline passes and people ask, “what happened to that great thing that was spoken about?” They go to look at the website but the newsletter has disappeared and the page promoting the great thing has vanished.
5. Nobody speaks of it again. It never happened.
Examples:
The Pearl galleon is about to arrive and happy couples can get married on it.
We’re about to sign up a funder (Caldora)
Trader Vic’s is about to open
Waterfront apartments will be built by July 2010.
Oasis Hotels and Resorts are the best operators to grow the business and they will be running Buccament Bay
Planning permission is about to be granted at xyz and we will start building next month.
So, fair enough, business plans have to change sometimes. Businesses that have good investor relations go out of their way to keep people informed even when it looks like something has fallen through.
Why do Harlequin newsletters never give a transparent explanation of why these great things have not happened?
In the light of this do you not think it is reasonable for investors to ask questions and expect more than marketing blurb in reply? Is it not reasonable for investors to expect more than “someone has said an accountant has said everything is fine” and perhaps see the things published at Companies House where they should be? Is it reasonable to expect that an investor might be given a construction programme so they can check how things are going for themselves? I could go on but what’s the point.
If there are good answers to all these questions then why don’t HP get them published ASAP? If they send a representative to Manchester on Saturday with loads of documentary evidence for everything being fine then this can blow over and everyone can get on with their lives. If they can’t do this or are unwilling to do this then they only have themselves to blame in respect of whatever unfolds in the days ahead.
E & Yatiniteasy – can I ask you a question … if before you set up this meeting your goal was to get the SFS involved and the IFA … You would have been more than happy .. NOW that they are you must be over the moon so there is no point in having a meeting with the vultures.. NOTHGING TO GAIN for any attending investor – As for the accounts I dont know the whys and wherefores re the 7 years I am not an accountant, but mark my word Ames accounts have been checked and approved to micro level and that is why he is not worried by SFS…and remember WHEN he wins Irish case he will get all his/OUR fees paid back to him as well as any of the builders frozen assets ( heresay ) 9M. Then HP have some cash flow to work with …. Carry on like this and bring HP down and you lose that opportunity … you are all so stupid.. Do it the right way and stop this witch hunt as I am getting sick of it .. Let the SFS and IFA do their job… .
“Approved to micro level” Have you read the published accounts (as in, the ones that were avtually submitted in the UK)?
Harlequininvestorsgroup – I have already told you who I am previously, I am not employed by HP and have no financial interests in the schemes. I have known Dave Ames for 10 years like I have told you, and we speak regularly and this issue crops up. Theres nothing interesting I can tell you about myself.
E – I did ask Dave what he wanted from you and he said he had no idea what you were talking about so you will have to be more specific for me. BTW i have no idea why your so excited for the Panorama programme, that will be the killer blow in this whole matter. Ames wont suffer thats for sure when his ltd company fails through bad publicity but you will be financially effected.
The talk on here about the accounts being audited is correct I am told this was all part of the 2 court cases it had to be done for those and was undertaken by Grant Thornton.
B Baywatch/ Yatinkiteasy
If it upsets you so much to see a Vincentian come in and refurbish the former Allamanda Hotel, Why did YOU not take on the project or indeed one of the many other hotels standing empty? If you can’t afford to fund a project, don’t complain when somebody else steps in to do it. Prior to Ames the Vincentian, backed by his loyal investors came along,the Allamanda was contributing absolutely nothing to the Barbados economy. Pity there are not another 30-40 like Ames the Vincentian who are willing to refurbish the other 30-40 hotels. But the again , why should they when they receive so much abuse and there is so much drug related crime on the island, which the authorities turn a blind eye to? Please don’t give me a lecture on crime levels in the UK. UnHlike the UK, tourism is by far the mainstay of the Barbados economy and much of the crime is committed against tourists. If it’s not safe to walk the streets at 11.30 in the morning, don’t be surprised if the tourists, who have travelled thousands of miles for an opportunity to get some relaxation, go elsewhere. Cause and effect?
Ames’ dogs are barking…This will not change anything the meeting will happen.
72 – You didn’t thnk that 30% deposits alone was sufficient to construct the resort and all its facilities – the scheme always needed other funding. People keep on talking about these deposits as if its enough to complete the whole scheme – How did you think it worked? Because schemes need funding from more than just the unit purchasers does not make it a Ponzi Scheme.
‘Ames the Vincentian’ ?? you owe me a new keyboard as I was drinking my coffee when I read that. Have you ever considered a career on the stage?
72 – I know for sure Ames isn’t loosing any sleep over the meeting taking place!
B Baywatch/ Yatinkiteasy
If it upsets you so much to see a Vincentian come in and refurbish the former Allamanda Hotel, why did YOU not take on the project or one of the many other hotels that are standing empty? If you can’t afford to fund a project of this cost, don’t complain when somebody else steps in to do it. Prior to Ames the Vincentian, backed by his loyal investors, came along, the Allamanda was contributing absolutely nothing to the Barbados economy. Pity there are not another 30-40 like Ames the Vincentian who are willing to refurbish these other hotels. But then again, why should they when they receive so much abuse and there is so much drug related crime on the island,which the authorities turn a blind eye to? Please! Don’t give me a lecture on crime levels in the UK. Unlike the UK, tourism is the mainstay of the Barbados economy and much of the crime is committed against tourists. If it’s not safe to walk the streets at 11.30 in the morning, after travelling thousands of miles for some rest and relaxation, don’t be surprised if the tourists go elsewhere. Cause and effect?
BBaywatch – Anonymous does not owe you anything because Ames is a St Vincent Citizen and has been for quite a while!!
@Yorkiepoo – maybe you two should team up as a double act?
What makes it a Ponzi scheme is that new investors are financing old investors. No financial institution will ever touch that scheme.
All what Ames has to do is to show a bank account with 1B£ on it to finish the construction of what he has sold.
Them everything is fine if Ames do not loose any sleep. So all his supporters should stop writing nonsense!
BB – afraid its a fact that he has dual citizenship or was you confused because hes not black!!!
72 – New investors are not subsidising old on the schemes the schemes including your unit are funded by external means. Who do you think funds your unit construction until you pay for it?
Most Ponzi schemes have no assets and the culprit does a runner with the money .. Think you will find DA is still at home.. with lots of assets.. Maybe he will do a runner before his assets are frozen, but lets not get to far ahead of ourselves…YORKIEPOO – I dont doubt the fact we are both wrong but I have a different name of account auditor, but they may have been contracted .. I dont know
72 – you have answered your own question! Where would Ames have £1 billion without an institution providing funding – you sound like you didn’t understand the business plan from the go!
@Yorkiepoo, so who is the third party funder on each of the resorts?
And, if I had a villa at BB which is built and I can fund the completion with cash, could I get title on it now? And, if so, why should I then have to suffer having a third party funder taking a charge over my property even though I have paid for it in full? The structure doesn’t seem right that people who own their property outright could still have it repossessed if someone else defaults.
All the money goes to the Caribbean, so it is the accounts there that matter regarding investor money. Anon @10.53, should antiguans be grateful for Stanford then? He did some good things for the island, but also was using other people’s money. When they wanted it back, it was not there. With Ames, 1per cent of the people want their unit built or money back, neither of which Ames is able to do, so same as Stanford. Clear as day his model is a scam. Tidal wave of bad pr? Damn right, where is what he said he would do? You are totally inexperienced if you think anyone would finance his business. If this is not so, prove it? You think a lender would not already have done its dd? Does not need people posting on forums to find out what it needs to know, lenders are more responsible than ifa’s when I comes to dd, ridiculous to think they had not considered already what people are pointing out now – these are the reasons why no one has financed this joke yet. E and Co, am afraid you are arguing with harlequin stooges, deluded or blind investors or Ames cohorts. They are not seeing what is in front of them.
Happy to know he has lots of assets, so I might have a chance to recover what I have invested…
Who is the institution and where is the contract ? Shoe me the money!
Who is the institution and where is the contract? Show me the MONEY!
Correct anon @11.22.
IH, I am afraid you keep posting inaccuracies. The most famous ponzi schemers did not “do a runner” with the money, and had no assets. Bernie Madoff was in his multi million dollar Manhatten apartment, had holiday homes and yachts when he was taken down. He was in NY, and not running and clearly had assets. Stanford has plenty of assets – mega yachts, homes, cash. When the SEC and police heat was turned up, he hid, but then turned himself in as there was nowhere really to hide. AS for the schemes themselves, they had money that was recovered, but it was nowhere near enough to pay the investors back. This all appears to have similarities to Ames’s current predicament, but he is able to disprove that qjuite easily by just showing people the money.
I may be wrong also, but I recall Ames waxing lyrican in his inimitable rambling way, about the resorts not needing financing, being unencumbered etc. Of course he needs financing, but as has been stated elsewhere, it is inconceivable any institution would lend against his business. He should have had it all set up, as he should have had escrow accounts set up, and planning permission and all the normal things people do when they develop. It is hard to understand why anyone who is not an employee could think this model is in anything but mortal danger, and was from the start, but as also has been said, Ames is being given the opportunity to prove the doubters wrong – and don’t say investors are changing things, as this road has been open for 8 years and Ames must have had things in place before the storm of the last month was whipped up.
Beggars Belief – As I have said before I am not financially involved so I am only repeating conversations I have had. I am told that you can transfer title a solicitor in Manchester is undertaking the legals for purchasers. When title is passed no 3rd party can take charge of the property.
Anonymous – The market was a completely different animal in 2006 .. what was promised by lenders then has changed since 2009.. Are you not aware of the global financial state we are all in .. nothing to do with Ames .. Of course it is not easy to get finance houses to part with their money but it now needs re modeling to suit todays economic climate. Ames is guilty of letting this go by without informing us all totaly agree and he MUST change the way he communicates, Just a thought ,,,How much do you think BB is worth ? More than enough ? and do you think it would be snapped up by one of the the big Hotel chains – remember this resort has had glowing awards ……………………. THINK
Anon73 – The assets you talk of was his personal ones taken from investors money … BB and the hotels are with HP
72 – You must realise that dealing with the Banks would be confidential and not made public.
If your right in what you say, and I hope your not, all this publicity and investigation is going to bear no fruit your cash will be gone – but I do not think it is the case.
I would not be worried if Dave Ames owed me cash, as he has in the past, and has honoured his obligations.
@anonymous 11.22, how do you know investors who wanted their money back have not been offered it. I did on 2 Rivers and got mine. Paul Walton (Grust Grust) was offered his back and refused it. Don’t make assumptions which are not correct!
72 – I must add that these damaging forums, newspaper articles, Panorama have seriously damaged the funding deal – carry on like this and it will be all over for you.
Mind you E has the biggest mouth on here and can unravel the whole thing single handedly!
I sit back and watch with interest!
FDRM – I have a suspicion that Paul Walton could have transferred title of his property but was unable to find the funds to complete (5% purchase tax to Government). Now its everyone elses fault?
Thanks for that My friends have started calling me Erin Brockovich!!!
At the end of the day if I stop one person more from investing in this my job is done.
Mr Ames knows my telephone number so why not tell him to ring if he wants to discuss this….
E – Simply because he doesn’t because he feels your a crank I guess only interested in bad publicity not solutions. You have Mr Ames number too I assume?
If the financing is already in place then there should not be a problem in saying who is the institution. I used to manage a bank and there was no secret in saying that we were financing such and such project or projects…
Again show me the MONEY!
And it’s not with 9 M from O’ Halloran that the project will be completed.
Ames needs £ 1B to complete where is it?
So what has happened on the freezing order? 3500 investors are waiting, employees at BB are waiting. Any news yet?
72 – I just told you that discussions were advanced but this action was putting the deal in jeapordy – I cant say it clearer
IH 11.40 – where do you think Ames got his money from to live his luxury lifestyle? Whether yuo define his lifestyle as luxury or not is not relevant really as dividends were paid by HMSSE, and were not from any operating profits, but from commissions, namely from investor deposits – so he has ammassed his assets directly from your funds, same as Madoff and Stanford. BB is an HP asset, but he has sold all 300 homes built, and another 1000 or so unbuilt. Therefore, he owns only common areas, and not even all the unbuilt land in practice as he has commitments on there to fulflll/ What are common areas worth in a resort that does not make money? Not a lot, and a management contract is not worth a lot in that situation and with poor airlift. It would be worth more when the airport is built, granted. Either way, whatever assets he has left after transferring titles are a million miles away from being enough to fund the buildout of the rest. The land on other devleopments could be put up as security, but also not worth enough to borry enough to build out. That is before having to fulfill all other requirements that have not changed since 2006, such as providing clear auditted accounts, clear business plan, planning permissions and so on. He has not done a single thing that a normal developer would have done during this entire debacle.
FDRM – The freezing order didnt happen cause Fatchett was trying to freeze the whole operation but because thesums are relatively small in comparison to the assetts he realised he would fail but E doesn’t tell you this!
@Yorkiepoo
“BB – afraid its a fact that he has dual citizenship or was you confused because hes not black!!!”
Oh dear you must be related to 36/FatChance – more adventures with the English language. Of course I know that Ames has dual citizenship – no one who has taken an interest would not. And I know of the controversy on St Vincent surrounding the granting of his citizenship.
In the context of that original post it was comedy gold though!
Is this true Erica? Please elaborate. Dont be shy now. Tell us the truth. That would be the truth that you keep wanting to know.
BB – Glad your getting a laff out of this situation – hope it makes it worthwhile
So all the 300 M allegedly collected are gone? Just to build 300 units?
We are not completely stupid. To build 300 units will cost approximately £80M + an additional 10M allegedly stolen by O’ Halloran= 90 M
300M -90 = 210 M where is it?
72 – who says £300m has gone?
I see a lot of people making a stand especially E who i back 100%. I for one asked for a refund 2 years ago and got threatened by Carter Ruck that i would be counter sued if i proceed. I’m gutted that i may lose my money but a bit relieved that the con-man Ames and the rest of the scumbags at harlequin will be banged up for a long time and have to look over there shoulder for the rest of there lives. they have ruined peoples lives, especially the elderly that have cashed in there pensions. when are the meetings coming south of UK??
@72 let’s just make up some numbers eh. £300m or £250m? Cost aprox £80m? + O’Hallaran, £10m or £13m. Why bother posting if you have figure in the air figures?
Fat chett is what true?
@ Yorkiepoo Aka Carol Ames are you attending Saturday’s meeting? WHEN Harlequin does fail it’s nothing but yours and Dave’s greed that has done it, Sitting comfy in your £5m house?? Not for long I hope. Tick Tock…..
Anthony75 – As far as I am aware Harlequin are open and trading today – who has told you your money is going to be lost?
C&E – I am not Carol, or Dave or Dan. Why if anyone has a different opinion to yours does it always decend into this? Charles&Eddie AKA Mrs E Henpecked husband?
@Yorkiepoo Aka Carol I think you will find I am female so not Erica’s husband. I just don’t like the way your spouting utter bile about Erica when she has done nothing wrong to you? You don’t even know the woman!
@Erica what did Ames ask you for? Do tell!
@Erica, the freezing action has been dropped, turned down. What is the position.
Also I cannot find an answer to my question regarding the court appearance on Monday against Dan Dalligan/Harlequin by Fatchett. Is he going to accept any apology or is he just after the money. That’s your money, my money and every else’s money?
@Yorkieshit i mean Poo, you know your about to get rumbled,still deluded as ever. momentum is building and as soon as the 1000’s of people have filled out the SFO forms its all over for you scumbags.
Charles&Eddie – Mrs E’s Henpecked other half – Your right she hasn’t done anything to me – Infact I would love to come to this meeting now but unfortunately I am not an investor!
Yorkiepoo, I did contact Harlequin several times and asked for a meeting with Mr Ames and got no response, I have contacted Tailormade and they do not want to speak to me in fact they accused me of recording seminars and posting them on you tube. I contacted Total Wealth Managment and they tell me to talk to Harlequin/Tailormade. I contacted Guardian SIPP they do not want to talk to me, I also contacted Openwork who oversee Tailormade and they said go to Harlequin can you see a patern emerging? And then Panorama contacted me…………..I have sent several email to Mr Ames and Harlequin and Mr.Terry but all go unanswered so you tell me where I have damaged Harlequins reputation? Is it so totally unreasonable to want answers to questions when I have never recieved updates?
Yorkiepoo you have said repeatedly that if this fails all the investors will lose their money, now you suggest all the money is safe, although you haven’t actually seen the accounts and its just an opinion. Why is it so difficult for HP to actually back up what they are saying? Also may I ask as you have known and trusted DA for 10 years, why didn’t you invest?
@Yorkioo, the female sisterhood are joining forces. We will all be doomed.
@ Carles&Eddie, as you dislike utter bile, can you have a word with Terry and Annon-reasons unknown for the discussing comments aimed at me. Thanks for your help with this it is much appreciated.
Anthony – I cant get rumbled I have no financial stake in the projects and am not employed by HP – I am only observing because I have an interest in how this will turn out because of my past business dealings with DA
Yorkiepoo You can come to a meeting if you want I have nothing to fear and nothing to hide, Honesty is the best policy you cannot get caught out in a truth can you.
My Husband should be at work? do you know differently?
Where are you both?
I think you should come to the meeting and tell my Husband you think he is henpecked, I am so lucky to have him he has made me the woman I am.
I can see some fear arising, the realization that the Harlequin bubble is about to burst .the people that work for the conman Ames sound worried, they could leave the country and run from the Law but they realize their property has also not been built yet. : )
The six degrees of separation theory I need you all to pass this on for me come on guys we really are all on the same side so.I need you all to tell everyone coming to the meeting to bring with them there contract and there risk profile questionaire,
Anonymous – what I said is that if this bunch on here keep up the bad publicity it will fatally wound Harlequin. I havent studied the accounts thats true I havent got the inclination but I have had site of the accountants summary that confirms all cash is traceable and correct.
I didn’t invest because I invested in Dubai on Palm Jumeirah shortly prior to this venture or I would – DA never tried selling to me and I never suggested buying – I may buy one at Buccament Bay though if I could still get the off plan price and it was ready to transferr
E – I believe you are having communication problems with Harlequin, I dont know why, it seems relationships have broken down, but thats not my experience, if I was to call Mr Ames right now he would return my call – infact I havent spoken to him today but he has text twice.
Can I come to the meeting on Saturday? Im only 50 miles away as my name suggests and I have offered on your behalf to personnaly hand your questions to Dave Ames
E – OK sounds like a plan, like I said before in all seriousness I do understand that you all do want answers and I would be happy to speak with DA and try and get a response
I think it will be worth going to the meetingjust for the Ghent v Jones heavyweight match up!
Dave Ames will be able to see the fireworks from his £5m home in Brock Hill!
Anthony 75 – If Dave wanted to do a runner he would have been long gone!
You seem resigned to this being a failure!
Why would people complaining fatally wound Harlequin? If things are as robust and cash traceable, then he should be able to carry on without any new investment. If he cannot, then it is a pyramid scheme. Yes, we know he needs financing, but banks look at numbers and business plans, not forums. I believe that the model was fatally wounded the moment it was conceived. When finance was not forthcoming, or planning, he should have contained his business until it was, rather than take people’s money in the hope he would get finance one day, and planning. It is not the way business is done. I also know he made sales on land before he even owned it, which is not legal. He should have kept BB as a small resort and not started selling anything else until he had proven himself with one. He has failed spectacularly to date, but anyone with any credible business knows it was set up to crash, like all such schemes. I am sure investors are delighted with Ames’s recently found wealth.
@Erica. You are constantly avoiding my questions, again asked at 1.15
Answers please!!!
@100 do the maths, there is no money or hardly any, thats why me and so many people haven’t had the interest payments to cover our dept. @yorkieshit Ames is mentally sick, he must be or how does he think he can get away with it. a crook usually carrys on the crime until caught.
*i mean debt
Fatchett does not represent me.
March 7, 2013 at 1:19 pm
@Yorkioo, the female sisterhood are joining forces. We will all be doomed.
@ Carles&Eddie, as you dislike utter bile, can you have a word with Terry and Annon-reasons unknown for the discussing comments aimed at me. Thanks for your help with this it is much appreciated.
There is nothing wrong with the sisterhood joining forces. I just don’t think you lot ganging up on one is very fair. It seems that Erica has tried to play fair from her postings on here it looks like she has tried to speak to DA get a meeting (please correct me if I’m wrong) she’s had no response so set up a meeting where DA can attend and answer the questions that need answering and hopefully get her money returned?? It’s through DA’s pig headedness not responding to her that she has had to do this??
100 – This is like groundhog day – Spurious newspaper articles and tv programmes damage the brand you are investing in – yes you need answers, the meeting is a good idea but not airing your laundry in public.
I have told you before 30% deposits that dont even cover the cost of what you are buying is insufficient to build a resort – the whole model relied on further external funding – this does not make it a scam, its the model that was explained to you when you purchased.
What wealth does Dave Ames have out of interest?
E – out of interest, when you emaile DA what address did you use his or a general one?
Yorkiepoo I think you have just dropped a clanger!
You must be very close to Mr Aims because in his reply to me after the meeting he did say I could not complete because quote
‘I was not able to pay the closing costs’ this is a lie they were never discussed and I can prove it.
So either you are one of the four in the meeting, Mr Ames, Mrs Ames, Mr Regan or Kim Fry?
Either that or Mr Ames and or someone is discussing confidential things with a stranger not linked with HP
Who are you?
BFP have we found another HP …. Don’t know what to call them?
Anthony75 – I hope this isn’t your age because from your rants your heading for a thrombosis – what use will your pension be then!!
BFP can you have a look who Yorkipoo is this information should have been confidentail…. Yorkipoo must be connected to HP…. how would he/she/ it know?
Harlequininvestorgroup – I have explained 3 times who I am, I do not work for HP and am not one of the people listed – so now you believe I am not making things up because I know too much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG what do you want me to do???
You lot asked me to find out some answers from my contacts and now I’m wrong for doing it.
I have offered to attend Saturday to assist you – not assist me, not assist anyone but I thought I may have been a useful link!!
I almost walked away from assisting yesterday but changed my mind – what do you want? me to butt out or help?
Yorkiepoo, don’t you think he should have had all this in place 8 years ago? I have overseen businesses much larger than Ames’s and we put things like planning permissions, escrow accounts and yes, lending commitments from financial institutions BEFORE we start taking people’s money. It is incredibly disingenuous of you to suggest people 8 years later are now to blame for SFO, tv shows and whatever to be mucking this up. It is just too late, he was given a chance to show people he was on the up and up and he has not done it. It is my view Ames is a criminal, but that is my view based on vast business experience and having seen first hand what people like Stanford did, and am open to being convinced otherwise – investigations will show whether he is or not.
BFP – You have my email address if you want to drop me a line I can clarify in confidence who I am
100 – I am not getting involved anymore I have tried to help but now it would appear you are turning against me and I have nothing to do with the project I was trying to find out answers for you all
It seems HD Studio is not shut ,,, This forum is full of crap
Ivor – One last word from me, I cant help replying tho! HD Studio is closed for 1 month
@Yorkipoo
Come along please, now we know who you are not! You seem to be the best link we have with HP… What should I call you at the meeting?.
dont come here then
Yorkiepoo, my comments are entirely reasonable based on normal business practises and I am afraid there can be no explanation for him not following normal business practises. Both sides of an argument are always welcome in my view, but if they are not substantiated then of course counter arguments will pick them apart. Also, I think it was you that said HD studios are shut, so perhaps you can advise IH if that is the case or not.
haha@yorkieshit. fortunately that is the year i was born so Ive got plenty of years on your old ass. unfortunately the elderly people who you and your ‘clan’ have conned will suffer most and i hope you rot in Jail for it.
Hey Guys will you all come out on Saturday and wear badges in both your real names and of course your pseudonym.:)
And dont bring my Husband into this he has ill health and I will not tolerate anybody upseting him, That is what got us here in the first instance along with a whole other heap of stuff!
Yorkipoo you can come how many seats? and what time? Mr Ames will be sent all the questions that I have collated by 9am tomorrow and if he can come and answer them that would be great. If he does come I would like a few minutes on my own with him.
I know he knows exactly what I am talking about.
Mr Ames will perhaps feel it would be best for Harlequin and investors to have this sort of meeting so that people get answers to questions.
If he is scared of anybody giving him hassle I can assure Mr Ames that that will not be tolerated he will be treated properly, His Security personel Mr. Ghent has already booked in and I have been told Mr Jones his previous security personel is also attending so I feel that as Mr Ames is familiar with the location he should feel at ease
hahaha @ivor & yorkie. you need to get your story right because the net is closing in.
Harlequininvestorsgroupnw – I havent been invited to the meeting, I seem to be the only one here who can get hold of Harlequin so I dont understand why your suddenly turning on me – how can I contact you not on a public forum?
@Erica, still waiting! Are you washing your hair now?
Yorkiepoo you can email them on harlequininvestorgroupnw@gmail.com
@yorkiepoo email me on harlequininvestorgroupnw@gmail.com and I will give you my phone number
Anthony75 – 3 years on me tough guy!
There’s a saying on Barbados that could be used to illustrate the Harlequin shambles:
‘De higher up de tree de monkey climb the more ye see his tail.’
Sorry the dont come was directed at Ivor – that is my mistake.
Please come to the meeting, I am happy to talk to you or email me…. HP have my details and they can give them to you …. call me anytime you wish
@yorkieshit. lets see how tough you are in Jail.
@Yorkiepoo. Just get used to the pack mentality. Anyone who askes awkward questions is a HP employee/troll, but try to get the HIG to answer any questions, well that’s impossible. now Erica expects everyone to wear name badges with their forum names. Beginning to sound like a dogging convention now!
COMMON ERICA, ANSWER THE QUESTIONS!
Anthony75 – Get it in your head Im not involved in the schemes just someone who knows the Ames’
@Fatchett does not represent me….
Why are you so condescending and such a wimp? Hiding behind a silly name, I recon you would be the type to attend a meeting and say nothing until you got home and hide behind your keyboard.
Harlequininvestorgroup – I have emailed you direct
yeh yeh @yorkieshit
Grust Grust, very immature! (Talk about a silly name) now go along now, if you cannot/ will not answer my questions butt out.
FDRM – What gets me is that one minuite I know nothing – then when i throw a snippet of information only 5 people could be privy to then I know too much!!
What do these people want – they look for answers I get them and then thats wrong too!!
I cannot see a question at 1.15?
Anthony75 – Your putting me of helping you lot out now – just when you realise I may know something!
fatchett
I would not expect you to understand
@Fatchett does not represent me.
March 7, 2013 at 2:19 pm
@Erica, still waiting! Are you washing your hair now?
Are you spying on me??
What is the question
Yorkiepoo – Ok so HP tell me that as far as they are aware ? HD Studio is not shut ……. If that is the case .. Do I believe them or nameless agitators on here … i WILL be meeting HP for a one on one very soon date tbc .. If you are interested I will keep you updated if not .. then join the witch hunt on Saturday and get brain washed into parting with your money by the legal vultures – Mugs.. I will say again and again you have all got your wish .. HP are being investigated now …. NOW ffs let it be and lets see what they can find …………… Are you all morons
Yorkiepooshit…you said this….Yorkiepoo
March 6, 2013 at 11:57 pm
Yatiniteasy – you prove my point about personal insults! DA can’t have been that stupid he got you to part with your cash – you would have given an ignorant uneducated man your cash?
Thank you…I never invested with the uneducated ignorant man, nor did I ever say that I did. You just proved my point!
Ivor – HD Studio isn’t shut as in closed for ever, its that all their staff are on unpaid leave for a month. I cant waste my money on legals because I have financial involvement in all this
@Hardlysuccess.. I would gladly welcome a TRUE Vincentian to invest in the hotel and Tourism product in Barbados. I`m just not so keen on an uneducated ignorant englishman, twice bankrupt, who obtained Vincentian citizenship under strange circumstances (St Vincent and the Grenadines does not offer economic citizenship, like St Kitts and Dominica)
The Alamada hotel was a charming, small , operational hotel with high occupancy rates…now it is an abandoned eyesore…..”redefining luxury in the Caribbean”
Yorkiepoo – Shut – Closed call it what you want I will endevour to find out more…. I thought you was not an investor ? So how come you now say “I have financial involvement in all this “
I meant to say no financial involvement!!! – what I told you I was told by Dave Ames earlier this week
Ivor – I wouldn’t mind being an investor either!
@Yorkiepoo why not buy Erica’s property off her, Where has she invested again?
It is vultures like invest5star that have caused so many people so many problems. This from Invest5star website: “We understand the risks associated with property investment and, more importantly, how to minimise them. With years of investment experience, we’ve designed our own strict due diligence procedures” What utter rubbish – they have done no on site due dilligence, simply followed what Harlequin said and responsed to the 100k per month appeal by Harlequin for sales agents (referred to on another thread on BFP) It is hoped that these people are investigated as thoroughly as Harlequin. I would never allow an agent to make false promises on my behalf.
@Erica 1.15@Erica, the freezing action has been dropped, turned down. What is the position.
Also I cannot find an answer to my question regarding the court appearance on Monday against Dan Dalligan/Harlequin by Fatchett. Is he going to accept any apology or is he just after the money. That’s your money, my money and every one elses money.
Now can you answer?
C&E – maybe thats not a bad idea – do HP do resales or not?
@HIGnw/Paul Walton/Grust Grust, understand what? Your right I’m not a mind reader, certainly the mind of someone who now has 3 different headings. Jesus, your name badge at the meeting is going to resemble Idi Amin’s medal ribbons!
FDNRM @ How would I know I am a woman who has organised a meeting for Saturday why not telephone Harlequin and ask after all you should be kept informed as a investor, then come back and tell us
awww He deserves a medal to !!!! awww its great you acknowledge it to!!
So much aggro,but I did predict such.HP your biz. is building stop wasting man/women hours on pointless bickering and get cracking, give investors an honest update ,most people accept that things go wrong .just put your hands up , say sorry and keep building,It seems to me you need a good contract manager ,get a phase finished ,get paid do next one.simple,dont forget time is money ,delays have hidden costs, I know a man who can do it
Its your solicitor cartel at the meeting. I would direct it at HIGnw/Paul Walton/Grust Grust but who can ever get a straight answer from him.
OK I’ll try
@HIGnw. Pease refer to my question to Erica @3.25. Could you please answer the 2 questions?
FatChump 36
Give the woman a break will ya! She doesn’t know the answer.
fdnrm How/ why should I know, Solicitors will not tell you anything unless you are there client at this time I am still on my own trying to get the SIPP back. But there is a awful lot more to my case and probably never will. I just wish I had not talked John into investing:(
So who was Fatchett representing when he was quoted in the Mail on Sunday as going to submit court papers in Birmingham on Tuesday?
I invested in merricks in 08, does anyone on here have a place in buccament bay? is work still going ahead? whats the progress?
@Yorki, very good point. Mind you MOS have already been shown to have got their editorial wrong. Perhaps Fatchett is just a loose cannon. He reads BFP so common Mr Fatchett, update us please.
@ Eddie Pisshard2 ( easy this silly name calling isn’t it) if someone doesn’t know then just say ” I don’t know” Easy that isn’t it.
three simple questions for HP 1 are funds in place to build the next planned phase ,or to complete any of the projects started, 2 are you happy with your current contractor/site management,it appears from posts they dont even know how many people are on site at any given date, 3 why are you not allocating all available money and labour into the most advanced project That .takes us back to question 1 .any chance of an answer without insults and aggro,
FDRM – I think Fatchett may have been using it as an advertisement to get as many investors signed up with him as possible.
I dont know
@Erica, do you know who would know!
@anthony75.they all seem to busy fighting to answer ANY questions ,everyone has lost sight of the objective ,to build resorts and get an investment return.
I would have answered if Anthony75 hadn’t been such an arsehole earlier – So he better phone HP himself
http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2013/03/07/43379/harlequin+reassures+the+trade+over+investor+concerns.html
@yorkiiepoo do you even know what “poo” means?
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Poo or Pooh may refer to:
Feces (excreta)
Yatiniteasy – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yorkipoo
You retard!
One last word .is there any building type person out in the carrib who can tell a fellow building contract manager the true state of progress and workmanship on any halequin site.be as tech as you can to try and filter out some of the replies I expect ,
Why are you all arguing among yourselves? You lot need to seriously grow up you’re supposed to be adults!!
@Yorkiepoo why not ask Mr fatchett?
if you want to speak ask DA for my number of email on walton.notlaw@gmail.co.uk
@ Fatchett does not represent me, why not call him as you are so keen to know his clients affairs?
@C&E, could not agree more, I’m just trying to get some straight answers from the HIGnw but no such luck. I’s funny how the anti HP group resort to petty name calling, I e “f***ing twat. No one can explain the MOS in accuracy, no one can tell me how the freezing of assets went, no one can tell me if Fatchett will be satisfied with an appology or is just interested in taking investors money.
Why would anyone tell you as fatchett does not represent you!
Joking aside call him and ask? but he may not wish to speak to you….
Also, have you asked the MOS?
FDNRM Perhaps they don’t know the answers? Maybe Mr Fatchett are keeping things to himself?
Or maybe between him and his clients?
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/local_news/10275037.Investors_try_to_freeze_Caribbean_resort_firm_s_assets/
E – All this hate and witch hunt seems seems to stem from a huge guilt trip by YOU ? quote – I just wish I had not talked John into investing:( ——–
Deal with it and move on…. I am struggling like hell here to understand your motives…. I think as long as you get paid back in full you dont give a toss to the damage you may be bringing to a few thousand other investors who have not joined you with this daft kangeroo court;; If YOU hava SIPP you are totally covered ..if You are like me with cash investment its not so clear cut .. So please do me and many other investors a favour and stop trying to bury HP … Can you not see we need HP to be up and running .. You are all stooges for the Irish builders defense as thgis is just what he had planned you fool.
Just interested – Exactly SEVEN selfish investors that have caused more harm than good …You watch when they get paid off and everyone drowns in the mess that have caused …they will be laughing at the rest of us , Sleep well E
@Ivor you really do not have a clue do you! Why is Erica only bothered about herself, she has put out a nationwide invitation to investors to come to the meeting to get answers…..Yeah that’s really caring about herself!!
Get real and start blaming the people who took your money not the people who are trying to do something about it!!!
Charles&Eddie – E got offered payback ok in this environment it not great 45K and rest spread over 12 months but SHE turned it down OK .. Next she could have got legal advice and done this on her own like the scottish woman did and won .. that takes guts and money .. So NO she gets everyone agitated and scared causing loads of issues.. OH nationwide invitations and the link is talking of SEVEN people – YOU get real and dont be a friggin sheep
@Ivor I was sleeping well last night until someone rang at 3am and then didnt want to talk!How has my setting up a meeting affected your investment? Do you never want to ask Harlequin questions? what is so wrong with wanting answers?I have not been paid off. Harlequin wont take my calls! Tailormade wont take my calls! Openwork wont take my calls! Guardian wont take my calls! Total wealth Managment wont take my calls!
Do you get it now? Did people think I would just let them take my husbands money? wrong I will not sit back any longer they have got to answer questions. My first question is Mr Ames why are you not answering the invitation? what do you fear? where is the money? where is the build? do you own the plot of land you are suposed to build my husbands unit on?
@HPIGnw, no need to ask the MOS. They are discredited, cut and paste journalism, cannot even be consistant between MOS and Mailonline. Joke. Fatchett really has got you on a hook hasn’t he. Prepared to pull down the
interests of 3500 investors and close BB for 7 people.
@Erica, stop insulting our intelligence with this, I am only a housewife/I only booked the room. You devised a web site not so long ago to discredit HP. You are in this up to your arm pits.
If Fatchett is so good at securing back payments then why does he need to apply for a freezing order?
@Ivor you think Erica is 1 of the 7??? If she was why would she be having this meeting???
I think you’re getting mixed up between Paul and Erica they have invested two different amounts that I’ve read. She hasn’t got everyone agitated she’s let people contact her she hasn’t contacted them so really they must have worries of their own??
Everyone has their own opinion on what is going on…..Not everyone has to have the same one as yours.
@erica, you really are getting desperate now ” phone call at 3pm” ever heard of overseas call centres? You are getting paranoid now! Try 141 or BT if you are really that worried. Perhaps it was Dan Dalligan worried about Monday and wanted to chat!
@Erica, If I was you I would stop replying to these nonses they don’t want to listen. They are trying to stop you getting on with your stuff for the meeting! Ignore them they aren’t worth it!!
I did set up the Harlequin property problems.co.uk website I have always said that I was also threatened by Carter Ruck I guess you did not read the website as if you had you would have found answers you are looking for? I have promissed the Panorama team that I will not talk about the program contents so can you please wait? I was promised a refund last July and have never recieved it.I have never spoke to Dan D. I am really busy now sorting out things for Saturday so will not be here for the rest of the evening so I just hope those who want to come to the meeting come and are not worried because of this pack mentality that has nothing to do with me, why not reread all my posts?
@homefront, this is what I have seen with my own eyes and heard from contractors:
H hotel – contractors have told me ambitious and lovely plans, but very complicated and costly. I have seen it about 10 times in the last two months, and have seen from 0 to 6 people on it at any one time. I have seen it from the sea and from land and it is not progressing. Contractors have told me there has been no meaningful progress for months and people that have supplied materials to the site were late in getting paid and foresee major problems with the build.
Merricks – I have seen this in the last couple of months and there is no activity on the Merricks Resort. Harlequin do not have full planning permission.
Marquis Estate – flew over this only a few days ago, and have visited last year. Nothing has happened here other than a few trees knocked down maybe 18 months ago, nothing since. It is a site with no road access to the beach, which itself is very small and black. It has no infrastructure on the site and would be an incredibly tough site to develop, not to mention sell holidays on that coast line. Harlequin do not have full planning permission.
DR – legal connections and contractors on island tell me no work has taken place on any of the three locations.
blu St Lucia – has had licks of paint here and there and new furniture, contractor always late getting paid I am told, as are hotel staff. Hotel very quiet.
Buccament Bay – lovely hotel, nice atmosphere in lush surrounding mountains, but when I went there there was no building work going on, but may have changed. Should be easy to verify.
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/local_news/10275037.Investors_try_to_freeze_Caribbean_
Now you know 36… happy now?
OMG!! I have spent an hour and a half catching up on this thread and have decided there are about 2 or 3 of you who are on this planet!!
@E – have you never heard of how the stock market gets badly affected with MASSIVE financial losses purely through peoples “fears” that things may be going wrong – even if they are not???!!! Your innocent little meeting WILL CAUSE MASSIVE DAMAGE even if all is well at Harlequin!! The SFO getting involved is also REALLY DAMAGING – even if they don’t find anything!! It’s the perception of a company that is paramount and you and your little cronie followers having your little meetings and suppositions of the whole situation is absolutely rubbish for all other investors!! I hope that when/if this all goes down (thanks to you) you will get nothing and be at the back of the queue!! Thats all you and you fellow agitators deserve. You make me sick with your comments of your husband “who is not well” So bloody what?? Nor is mine!! You have no idea what you are doing. Best outcome – Harlequin get through all this crap and DONT give you your money back!!HA!!
E – I have no idea why HP and others wont talk to you .. Maybe it is because of your approach and historical actions. I spoke with HP last year before I even new all about this .. They contacted me and asked if I wanted my money back due to the delays .. I refused and I am now talking with them again about a separate matter …. That is a different story than what you are telling
Fear and Greed drive markets
Give me my money back and others that want it in line with thier contract, then you will not need to get so excited…… Mr Ames can only blame himself.
@ LB Aren’t you hard picking on a woman?? NOT! Why isn’t it thanks to DA? He has your money not E!!!
You make me sick with your utter rubbish and bile.
What will be funny is if Harlequin do go under and she is at the front of the queue and your at the back! HA! You horrible thing.
LB – I couldnt put it better myself thank you …. They have no clue how finance works … and best rid to bad investors… I will not support these fools who put my investment in danger …advice to the magnificent 7 … join together keep the rest of us out of this.. do it the right way and get your money back and go .. expect a gagging order that is par for the course and leave my investment with half a chance or myself and others may well end up suing you for bringing HP down…. Food for thought
LB you are a deluded arshole, nobody has mentioned the fact that harlequin are selling or sold another 2 hotels in barbados besides merricks, so anyone with common sense knows that don’t add up. why would you try and sell 2 hotels before the first one has even been started and make competition for merricks?? because they have no intention of starting merricks as they know its too costly and the money has run out.
Thats all I wanted………;)
My money back… no more no less….Mr Ames wont / can not do it.
its his fault
After last year and the Carter Ruck threats I no longer own anything so go ahead sue me
This is all completely false. No one has been damaging Harlequin & Dave Ames more than Dave Ames himself:
-Not having a proper financial plan from the start
-Setting up a Ponzi scheme that cannot work and will never work
-Employing contractors that had no experience in such large projects
-Misleading investors
-Promising all sort of dreams
-Refusing to refund money to investors according to their contracts
E you are right and you are doing the right thing
The meeting in Manchester is more than necessary….
@100 thanks.tells it all
@Ivor &LB, E asked for the money back they agreed but didn’t do it. Wake up these are the sort of people you’re dealing with!!!!! You can blame E all you want but for one it won’t get you the money back! The only person to blame is Dave Ames, he has your money he hasn’t built the resorts like he promised!!! If he stuck to his promises there would be non of this!!!!
@72 well put the meeting will be very revealing and intresting
@LB if you think the SFO enquiry has only just been set up because of the recent actions of a few investors pushing for their contractual rights then you clearly don’t understand how long it takes to get an investigation to this stage. This will have been the subject of an investigation for some time and so it is simply inaccurate to lay the blame for any future difficulties at the door of anyone who has posted on this or any other site over the last few months.
ERICA
You are one brave lady! Good for you for standing up to these bullies.
Yes! hats off to Erica i support you all the way. ignore harlequin supporters comments they are clearly on the payroll or a very deluded investor.
My understanding of why the boutique hotels was bought was to have an asset that can generate revenue and drip feed money in other areas..And again to buy and sell one and make profit adds benefit .. But I agree that is not what I signed up for
LB, I have a very good idea how finance works having financed well over $1bn in resorts, and have investments as the principle in numerous commercial properties in various countries, including resorts. It is not fair to get upset with E or anyone whose contracts have been breached and they are seeking their money back but not getting it in line with their agreements. If the SFO and FSA are making noise, they will have been looking at this for at least a year. This forum and those misled investors cannot be blamed for lack of financing, nor the lack of appeal of a lender. Let them fight to get their money back, if Harlequin is as robust as you say and all is in order, then very soon this will be over. You cannot sue a fellow investor who is holding a breached agreement, that is just absurd, but you can try to sue authorities who have damaged your business with false allegations and the bad PR that arises from those. The problems and blame lie entirely at the feet of Dave Ames, and those people who sold to you having lied to you abhout what DD they had done. I am certain you will not believe this and not see reason and that 8 years is more than enough time to have put financing in place (as I have said before, should have been in place before he began), so I can only see two sides not agreeing, and Harlequin collapsing anyway as indeed it always wsa going to. The question will be and has been for some time, who can get some money out of whatever assets can be liquidated.
IH, the two boutique hotels consist of one that was heavily overpaid for (I had looked at buying this at one point, but was really nothing that could be done with it to make it work unless it was given away, and I found out Harlequin overpaid by about US$2m) and currently is always quiet and losing money. The other is already a year late in opening and not likely to open any time soon. Ames has demonstrated he has no idea what he is doing, at what point will all investors realise this?
People, please listen to 100…
who speaks volumes of good sense.
Anthony75 – grow up you clown, I have no place at the meeting as I hold no investment, as for fronting you that’s not the reason for me not attending, I’m happy to meet you anytime – stop acting like a big soft girl!!
@Anthony75 I suggest you go and sit in a dark room and think about your language. It’s not funny and if you have to swear its a sign you have lost the argument.
@C&E. stop playing the Erica’s a woman card. It doesn’t matter what sex you are on here, everyone is equal and gets equal praise/critism.
@Paul Walton, yes thank for the update. Pity it had to be like pulling teeth though.
FDNR – just spoke to Dave Ames on way home – really positive but finding this all a distraction from what he should be doing!
@Yorkie I bet he is. In court this week about freezing assets, defending HP from Fatchett on Monday, back in court withO’Halloran poss next week. I suggest you don’t respond to Anthony 75 until he grows up and stops his discussing language. Just my thoughts.
@Yorkiepoo so, no Mr Ames and your not coming, just so we know on the day? Did you contact E via email? not had chanceto speak to her for a bit.
One thing that I can not work out, why will HP not give money back in line with your contract?
If you take a faulty product back to the shop you don’t expect a staged payment refund? Or referred to the manufacturer in another jurisdiction.
HIG – Yes I emailed E so you can contact me directly now. I’m not sure it’s my place to attend the meeting as I have no financial stake in all this. I did offer to speak to DA about gettingbyourvquestions answered – I can’t see him attending but I haven’t asked again
@100 You gave me a very concise report on progress at HP.do you believe if all remaining funds were put to the best site something could be saved?your in the know in that area .is it past help .can you help? .can I help?
Yorkipoo…thanks for the correction…now I know that you are a bitch.LOL
It seems to me after a long period of looking at all aspects this project has been sold to the wrong people by the wrong people,I have total disgust for invest5star and others who have put this foreward as a total safe investment .its not,Its a total punt for people to bung in a couple of grand and hope for the best ,its poss, it always was ponzi .if it was not the pressure from people who heid this SAFE investment was no help to HP.if one project at a time was worked on maybe just maybe.But if it was allways ponzi the truth will out as pissed of former employees turn Queens evidence. only reasoned replies please
Nice denial from DA about legal problems in UK…H Barbados project has stopped and workers sent home..Just some more nice news for Harlequin to show how well they are doing …
http://www.nationnews.com/index.php/articles/view/hotel-denies-claim-of-lawsuit/
@100 sure that the sale of Amaryllis is a done deal? They claimed a purchase 6 months ago, but nothing more has been heard of it.
Yatiniteasy – Like I said in an earlier post DA confirms accounts have been forensically checked and approved with all investors money accounted for .. So no doubt no case to have assets frozen from the legal vultures ,, However we now all own a plot of wasteland with no investors to build – Again we need to make sure this group does not do any more damage to the brand and hopefully we can all end up with no losses. The authorities are on the case so just wait and see.. dont jump on board with any solicitors just yet
Dave Ames also said that resorts would be built and open by now….He lied…..It’s up to you if you want to believe him but please just look at the facts before you make your mind up. It’s been proven that no land was bought until 2009 I don’t know when you invested but I’ve seen online posts from people who had bought in 2007 they technically bought nothing…..The choice is yours in what you want to believe
Who has proven that no land was bought by HP u to 2009 – I have never heard that before?
@ homefront -‘do you believe if all remaining funds were put to the best site something could be saved?’
Very unlikely I would say, the only three sites with any remote chance of a viable future are Blu in St Lucia, H in Barbados and Buccament Bay SVG. Blu can be discounted as being far too small, H as being too incomplete and not big enough (although possibly geographically the most suitable) which leaves Buccament Bay. This is 20-30% complete depending on whose estimate you read, but even here many otherwise complimentary reviewers have mentioned that it will likely be spoilt when fully completed and that the facilities and beach will not be able to cope with the projected numbers of guests. Even if there was sufficient money left to complete (which seems unlikely) it would then have to carry the weight of all of the investments – which is even harder to imagine.
With all of the investors in other resorts understandably clamouring for repayment I can only see that scenario as being a lawyer fest with very small chance of any return or even continued operation.
I did speculate in an earlier post that one possible eventuality might be that SVG seized the property and nationalised it, removed the toxic Harlequin brand and replaced the management with either a competent team from local hoteliers or invited management from a company within the Caribbean who have a proven track record – I mentioned Sandals in that connection. Investors would have to agree to relinquish any freehold claims in return for a share in the operation and possibility of a dividend at some future point.
Speculation as I said and very unlikely to happen either and unfortunately I think that investors will have to accept the reality that at best they will only get a few pence in the pound back. However if Dr Gonsalves returns from Venezuela recharged with revolutionary zeal and wants to distance himself from tainted acquaintances who knows? Clearly as SVG was very closely allied to Venezuela there will changes following the death of Hugo Chavez – Kenton Chance writing on his I Witness News blog looks at the implications and is well worth reading.
@E
Just like to say WELL DONE at staying straight and strong through this battle. “The truth shall set you free”
@yatiniteasy – well of course they claimed that the purchase of Petit Nevis was a done deal, all completed back in 2008 – even called it the Harlequin Island Resort – and at some point I think that they even claimed to have bought Sam Lord’s. There was a time when a new deal was announced almost every month no trace of them now though.
Yes, very well done E. I’m in total admiration at your ability to be able to converse with the ignoramuses spouting their pathetic nonsense here whilst continuously maintaining your composure.
The professional public representation of Harlequin on here is truly embarrassing – their top PR guru apparently also being employed as head of security? The Harlequin legal reps must be over the moon with his public campaign!
Anyway, E, I think you will help to stop at least one more person investing, and you are also selflessly helping those that have invested and have realised that they have made a huge mistake.
Thanks to you (and the SFO at long last) Harlequin will be rapidly grinding to a halt in terms of future investment.
And 36 – I know you’ve been desperate to hear from me again, since you keep referring to my comments to you (at least I think that’s what you’re referring to – not absolutely clear due to your hideous grammar and spelling).
Don’t worry, 36 – your investment is as safe as you deserve it to be. All resorts are sold out and planning permissions and investment are imminent as promised by Harlequin (since around 2008). So you will have your resort.
So, run along now and let the unhappy few communicate with each other on the one forum Harlequin don’t seem to be able to touch. Your constant, tiresome, unintelligent input merely pushes the thread up the google search results. I think that is contrary to your motive, isn’t it?
@Annon ru, how you can comment on my grammar and spelling, pathetic, when you use the expression f****ing twat is beyond me. There. Is an old argument that when you resort to swearing you have lost th e argument. You have proved that to be correct.
Referring to the link by Yatineasy Nationnews, then no freezing order application has been received by the courts. Was this a Fatchett bluff which has been swallowed by the press?
Just completed my SFO survey.
I hope all other investors (and previous investors) will do so too.
No Fatsy. I actually know I haven’t lost this argument. I do hope you’ve completed your survey? Would be good to know that the SFO are also hearing from happy investors (and previous investors) just so that they have the balanced picture.
Please do promise me you won’t try to educate yourself by reading Shakespeare or Chaucer. You may find the language quite offensive. Bless.
FDNRM and others. i did my own DD into this in 2008. there were court cases then for breach of contract, there was not planning permission except for BB , not escrow bla bla bla as numerious others have mentioned. i could not be provided with EIA studies, cash flow forecast/ cost to built the resorts ( which i can see would be difficult if you don’t have a clue what the eia studies show). 4.5 yrs later and still no progress. this cannot be blamed on E, paul etc. basically all investors were sold a very high risk investment (were they told this ???)that had no previous track record, limited accounts, no proof of funding to be able to actually build, disparancies between agent spiel and actual contracts. i contacted the fsa 2008 and again last year. if you look at citywire/ ifaonline/ moneymarketing you will see various commentators who say they have been warning/highlighting this to the fsa for many years. ( will add that i could not and would not say this is a ponzi scheme- i don’t have all the facts. BUT this was most certainly high risk.
FDNRM – papers were submitted today in the courts in Birmingham in an attempt to freeze assets as I understand it. The attempt failed and has been adjourned, I know little more than that.
Here you go Twatsy, sorry, Fatsy
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/10275037.UPDATED__Investors_try_to_freeze_Caribbean_resort_firm_s_assets/
Now don’t get over excited again. The case has been adjourned until next Thursday, so let’s all be patient and wait and see what happens.
How many court cases, by the way?
Anybody else think that it speaks volumes that a character called Yorkiepoo pops up on an internet forum claiming to have the ear of the MD because he texts him/her from time to time — and expects to be taken seriously as the conduit to the top? The worst thing is, I’m happy to believe that he/she is telling the truth. Can you imagine any other credible company of this scale conducting their affairs like this? Unbelievable.
I know Anonymous @ 12:29am!
I was avidly following the thread yesterday as I was gobsmacked at the public argument between the Harlequin head of security / head of internet PR and the former employee / not-investor. Jaw dropping behaviour at this stage in Harlequin’s demise. But absolutely typical of Harlequin. Rotten to their dirty-tricks core!
Put all that together with BFP’s exposure of multiple identities from the pro Harlequin people (person) and it’s, well, as I said, embarrassing!
To think that Essex Police and the SFO will be observing this site now (since it’s one of the few left with the balls to stand up to Carter Ruck / Harlequin threats); it is truly amazing how they are behaving – and continuing to lie and misrepresent.
Any comments I make here are my opinions Harlequin Property do not influence my statements and are not aware of my postings – do you think I go and ask prior to writing? No – these comments are mine and HP have no input into them, how strange you thought differently!!
Not that strange as you were offering to get direct answers to direct questions from the man himself…
Yorkie – You also said that you knew about a proposed, massively imminent investment and said that what people here were saying was jeopardising that investment. So did Harlequin / Ames tell you that, or was that just something you made up?
Signs of problems:
Bad press reports
Investigations from several authorities
Construction sites empty of workers
People like suppliers, contractors not being paid
Agressive legal action against anyone who speaks negative about their operations
Misrepresentations on Blogs, using various names
Lack of real financial information on the health of the company (“take our word for it, every penny is accounted for” does not cut it )
Having to travel with a security bodyguard.
No start ups of construction on projects sold years ago
Blaming Government for not approving plans, providing “concessions” etc
Lying about the status of projects (many on You tube)
Lying about financing for investors
Buying Hotels with investors money from other projects.
Non payment of Investors interest on loans, as per contract (bank`s fault)
It is just amazing how long this has gone on.
Im sorry for the 3000 or so Investors who were sold a dream Caribbean Investment. Their dream is turning out to be a real nightmare.
Yes I did offer to get the investors questions to Dave Ames, yes I am aware of finance discussions but I am not relating messages on behalf of DA or HP – just letting you know what I am aware of,
These comments are mine and I am aware of things I am keeping my own council on and do not feel is appropriate to discuss what I have heard,
Yorkie…in other words..you are like the Spaniard in Faulty Towers..”I know nothing”
@yorkiepoo, there is no financing and you know it. Not even Dave’s mates over in Pattaya would let their ill gotten Caldora fund be squandered on this mess. The only people putting money into Harlequin are ill informed personal investors, and with all this media exposure there can’t be many of those left. The gravy train is about to be derailed and I can’t help but think you’re sitting very near the front. Your attempts to sound like a distant ‘friend’ are not at all convincing, you just sound like another Harlequin troll spreading disinformation.
@yorkieshit, we don’t want or need your help, we wouldn’t believe a word that comes out of your bum buddy Ames fat little gob so stop trying to make out your a good person. he has been spewing bullshit for years so why would he start telling the truth. your on the payroll and you know it. the noose is tightening and you are going down with the rest if the harlequin con artists.
This is like watching a car crash in extreme slow motion. How does this situation come to a conclusion? Would anyone like to comment on the possible scenarios?
1. The Happily Ever After Scenario
A credible funder rides in on a white steed, provides completion funding for BB investors who take legal title, construction goes apace at all the other resorts that are completed in reasonable timescale. The unhappy 1% of investors are given full refunds as per contracts.
2. The final bow scenario
Directors and senior staff realise that liabilities exceed assets and third party funding is not forthcoming so they decide to bow out and call in administrators to sort things out. If SFO/FSA/Essex Police reveal evidence of trading while insolvent they may be more lenient and judges may reduce custodial sentences on the basis of voluntarily calling in administrators.
3. The dawn raid
Harlequin try to keep things going on whatever remains of liquid assets. SFO/FSA/Essex police amass enough evidence to close things down and mount a prosecution. Judges likely to be more severe in sentencing.
4. The midnight flit
Things get so desperate that the directors take up residence in a country with no extradition treaty with the UK and leave others to sort things out.
Mr Blue – ok but I have been corresponding with the investor Group running the meeting and they are full aware of who I am and they will confirm I am neither a HP employee or investor
@Yorkiepoo, would you like to use your close connections to ask which outcome is most anticipated.
If it’s scenario 1 could you ask when documentary evidence to support that outcome might be put in the public domain?
Beggars Belief – I can only tell you what conversations I have and all have been positive, with HP confident that they will complete the projects. They would admit it has been a much tougher road than they ever anticipated,
I think that they feel there is a lot of untruths on here like land not being owned but built on, staff at BB not being paid. I have been told that funding discussions are advanced and I also know the sum being discussed,
Now I have no idea if this will all come good or not but if it doesn’t I know for sure it wasn’t all planned to be a failure.
I actually welcome the investor group meetings, the reviews by the authorities, what is damaging your investments is MOS articles and Panorama if it gets broadcast
I HAVE A STALKER. Yes Anon Reasons unknown thats you. Stop your very silly name calling and comments. If you had bothered to follow the threads on here rather that try and antaganise me, which will not work, then you would known I was interviewed by the SFO over 2 months ago. As for reading books, Winnie the Poo is about your standard, that is playground standard.
@FDNRM & Yorkipoe
It will be scenario 4 and my best advice to both of you is to stop helping Harlequin with your comments because Ames will not have enough rooms in his villa at BB.
There is absolutely no financing in place because simply no financial institution is going to invest a cent in that scheme.
The only other posible scenario is that Dave Ames transform his Ponzi scheme into a washing machine (laundering money machine) in which case an honest investor like me would not want to be associated and just would like to get his money back please. If you can convey that message to Ames for once you will be useful.
Dear All,
I wont be posting much today, as the meeting preparation for tomorrow is our priority.
Unlike maybe 99% of people posting here, Mr Fatchett and Pannone LLP do actually represent me, and as such I am in possession of perhaps more FACTS than most.
I will not reply to some posters attempts at provocation, I shall simply cut and paste this message.
I would urge you to come along to one of our meetings, you will be told only facts that will be backed up with evidence from investors who may have been in discussion or negotiations with Harlequin.
Gareth and his team, from Regulatory Legal will will be available to explain from a legal view point what has been going on, and what your options will be.
This is not a sales promotion for Gareth Fatchett, you will be given information and options, what you choose to do with this is your choice, but at least you do have some.
Kind regards,
Paul Walton
Hi All I am an investor with Harlequin I have stopped reading the absolute rubbish here, you all need to take a step back and look at the world and what is happening, We all invested in an alternate higher risk investment, yes there are delays but if you bother to listen and understand why it is very clear that this is the best way to proceed. I personally am not worried and think this is clearly a few investors who have lost their nerve, do not understand the current financial climate and want to spoil what can be a very good investment for the rest of us. I would encourage no-one to go to the meeting on Saturday, I can promise you the press will be there and they will exagerate the numbers. I have phoned the SFO and FSA and Harlequin is NOT being investigated by either they have a few (and I re-iterate a FEW) complaints that they are looking into. I think these FEW people need to stop this, if this is a scam or fraud having meetings with a few hysterical people will not help the situation – TIME WILL TELL AND NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO BE DOING THIS – I ENCOURAGE ANYONE READING THIS WEBSITE TO STOP AND WAIT. From a ‘normal’ everyday working person who has invested in Harlequin.
All,investors should go to the meeting. It is very important to be informed do not listen to all the posters that want to drag you into Dave Ames Ponzi scheme.
@ Anonymous 9.31am
Time has told already. This has run and run for years on the back of promises that are continually broken. Until someone can present some evidence that a robust solution is just around the corner, further pleas for a bit more time just sound hopelessly misplaced.
To say that the SFO are having a casual glance at this on the basis of a few angry investors knocking on the door is absolutely ludicrous. The SFO respond to thousands of leads every year and how many make it to the point of them setting up a dedicated webpage to update people and seek investor views using a survey? Why would the SFO be working in conjunction with Essex Police if this was a preliminary investigation?
To answer my own question I went to the SFO website.
The SFO say that they only take on about 20-30 cases each year and will only elevate an investigation to the status of a “case” once it has been established that the impact of this to investors and the UK economy warrants such action.
The stages of making this assessment are, in the words of the SFO:
“Our approach is tailored to each case and its specific details. Each case of fraud or corruption varies and requires different specialist experts and, sometimes, different investigation techniques and prosecution tools.
However, there are several key stages that each case goes through. Click on the links below to find out more about the stages in the lifecycle of a case.
1.Intelligence
2.Assessment
3.Case team
4.Investigate and prosecute
5.Trial
6.Wrap up”
This has now clearly reached the stage of being a “case” because it appears amongst the select few on the website as such so it would be safe to assume that this is now in stage 4. This does not necessarily mean that it will proceed all the way to prosecution.
If anyone is still in any doubt that this is anything other than a serious investigation by the SFO, here are their own words about what the Director of the SFO uses as criteria before even assigning a case team to the investigation:
“The SFO investigates and, where appropriate, prosecute cases of serious or complex fraud (including cases of domestic or overseas bribery and corruption) which, in the opinion of the Director of the SFO, call for the multi-disciplinary approach and legislative powers available to the SFO. In deciding what cases to adopt, the Director will consider all the circumstances of the case including:
•the scale of loss (actual or potential);
•the impact of the case on the UK economy;
•the effect of the case on the UK’s reputation as a safe place to do business;
•the factual or legal complexity and the wider public interest.”
E – did you ever try the selling option of your units ,, all talk of money back – Just wondered what that route may have turned out with HP as a solution
@ 250,
I don’t where you got your information from but I suggest you go to the Serious Fraud Office website to read the statement dated 5 March 2013.
“The Serious Fraud Office (SFO), together with Essex Police, is looking into complaints in relation to the Harlequin group…”
http://www.sfo.gov.uk/our-work/our-cases/case-progress/harlequin-property.aspx
You might also want to look on the FSA’s website re Harlequin.
Click to access alert-harlequin.pdf
I work in the industry and I would encourage anyone who is reading these ludicrous entries to stop – and I re-iterate I am a everyday normal investor. You obviously do not understand how the financial industry works! and need to go away and sort your own financial problems out and stop scaring people when it is not necessary.
The SFO have yet to talk to Harlequin. The first they knew about it was off the SFO website. It was explained to me that the investigation is preliminary at present but when all the information is collated then a decision will be made as to whether a full investigation will take place. This has been triggered by the investors contacting the police who have a duty to follow up. If the fraud potentially involves thousands then a web page is normal as its the best way of reaching the masses. I can assure you nobody is panicking at HP since they have the Grant Thornton forensic audit – that’s one of the reasons Fatchett was unsuccessful yesterday in freezing assets.
I invested in Harlequin twelve months ago via a SIPP. At that point, there were negative comments on Harlequin as well as the very positive ones that were given out by Harlequin. Subsequently, I have read with interest a lot of what is posted on here and elsewhere and although admittedly, I am more concerned now than I have been previously, there seems to be a few balanced people trying to look after their own investment but also some people who have no money invested in Harlequin but it serves a purpose for them to whip up a media storm.
Ultimately, if it is done in a balanced way, the additional scrutiny is a good thing, but it appears a lot of the criticism is not balanced. I am not saying the Harlequin press releases are balanced either, as they tend to avoid detail and at this stage, with the amount of money invested, it would seem logical that building work should have progressed more rapidly and there should not be any payment problems. I have not heard an explanation as to why the payment issues are happening.
The other thing that puzzles me, is why Liverpool Football Club, Andy Townsend, Pat Cash, Gary Player and all the other ‘celebrities’ involved, have not distanced themselves from the Harlequin brand if all the horror stories are true. I know they will be getting a payment from Harlequin, but surely their brand image is worth more than the sum they are receiving.
I will continue to watch developments with interest and hope the additional scrutiny leads to a positive conclusion.
@ 250,
I don’t where you got your information from but I suggest you go to the Serious Fraud Office website to read the statement dated 5 March 2013.
“The Serious Fraud Office (SFO), together with Essex Police, is looking into complaints in relation to the Harlequin group…”
You might also want to look on the FSA’s website regarding their concerns about Harlequin and its Financial Advisors’ business practises.
Interested Investor – Gary Player has stopped promoting the Marquis Estate on his website. Harlequin are only allowed to use his name for so long, not sure how long this is exactly?
Talking about the celebs – are you aware that more than a couple have invested in Harlequin? I know who and how much but this is confidential. That should say a lot about their trust in HP! Like I say there’s a lot more than meets the eye!
And also don’t forget I was so accurate on a certain fact that Paul Walton only thought he and the inner sanctum of HP knew he thought I was Dave Ames! Look for yourself mid afternoon at his post!
@ Anonymous March 8, 2013 at 10:13 am
If you are ‘a everyday normal investor’ then surely this high-risk, unregulated product is not for you.
250 – the FSA alert is exactly the same as the guidance to IFA on harlequins legal page and was written with harlequins input.
SFO is exactly as I stated.
@Yorkie, thanks for that update above. Have you noticed how anyone who does not follow the pack mentality is personaly attacked? You have Anthony 75 and I have Anon-reasons unknown. Wonder who is putting them up to it? I feel quite proud I have my own stalker!
FDNRM – yes but my stalker wants to meet me in the playground after school to hit me with his handbag.
Just tell Ames to pay me back my Money… I do not want to be next to Ames’ celebrities he can have them all for himself.
EVERY HONEST INVESTOR SHOULD GO TO THE MEETING IN MANCHESTER
So is Gary Player golf course going to happen?. GP has removed it from his website but HP still seem to advertising it.
72 – tell Ames yourself he works from a business park I Basildon not somewhere faceless.
If Dave owed me money, as he has, he would pay me so why not you?
EVERY HONEST INVESTOR SHOULD GO TO THE MEETING IN MANCHESTER
@Yorkie My stalker wants to meet me in the playground and give me an English lesson. Wonder if it will be in the same playground.
I dont know about Gary Player I have never asked – why out of interest don’t you call HP sales team and post the answer on here???
Normal investor – I am intelligent enough to make a decision as to what I invest in – I have spoken to the FSA and they confirmed they are not investigating Harlequin they are simple trying to make the public aware of what products ie SIPPs are regualted, I have also spoken to the SFO and they ARE NOT investigating Harlequin there words not mine!! Like I said you need to go away and sort your own finances.
BBelief – No its still at the intelligence gathering stage and has yet to be assessed. I know HP were goint to approach SFO and ask if they could assist or send them information but not sure where that ended up?
@ anonymous. You are pathetic…
EVERY HONEST INVESTOR SHOULD GO TO THE MEETING IN MANCHESTER
Perhaps, Yorkiepoo, because it’s the same sales team who said that the SFO wen’t investigating and that Merricks would be open years ago. Not exactly the most reliable people you could say.
Anonymous at 11.11am have you not read the SFO website? Do you not think it’s strange that the FSA haven’t flagged any other similar products like this recently? Unbelievable.
Lizzard – I think your getting ahead of yourself. Looking into something is not the same as bringing a prosecution.
Anonymous – So you would rather ask here than HP? I didn’t say you would get a yes or no answer but would have been interesting to see what was said? You want me to pick up phone? Too shy?
@yorkie, re the SFO, you are quite right. They are conducting an investigation into whether it is worth carrying out a full blown investigation and prosecution. Even then it might be aimed at the IFAs rather than HP.
Paul Walton Erica and the other stooges of O’Halloran, Newman And Fatchett ( the ambulance chaser).
Have you any idea what your stupid actions will mean for the 99% of investors who do not support your lunatic policies?
If you should ever succeed in bringing Harlequin down, no one will get a penny from their investment. Many people will lose their homes.No one will benefit from investing their SIPP for a comfortable retirement. Yes, you and not Ames will be resposible. I hope you can sleep at night.Why can’t you see you are being used by O’halloran, newman and the ambulance chasers? Fatchett will do nothing for you, apart from relieving you of a lot of money. MARK MY WORDS!
The SFO will not extend their enquiries beyond the preliminary investigation. why should they?
You are doing damage to all those lovely people in St Vincent, who looked after those of you who have been to Buccament Bay. You will make the new airport obsolete. This is exactly what O’Halloran, Newman, Eustace and others seek to achieve. O’Halloran and newman are doing their damndest to bring Harlequin down before they,O’Halloran and newman, are found guilty and put into prison.
@Yorkiepoo I’m not quite sure why I’d need you to pick up the phone. To be honest, I find your role in all this a bit odd. You know DA, but you’re not a friend. You’re not an investor, but you want to be involved. You’ll relay messages, but you don’t speak for him.
It just all seems a bit weird — and the notion that your contribution should somehow be considered an appropriate way for an investors’ group to correspond with a company with whom they have thousands of pounds invested is just peculiar.
Whatever anyone says it is clear by looking at the SFO website that the investigation into Harlequin Property has been escalated to the status of a ‘case’.
The SFO only escalate 20-30 such investigations to cases every year.
In order to be escalated to a case the Director of the SFO needs to be satisfied that the situation represents a demonstrable risk to investors or the UK economy.
@ anonymous 301. The SFO is carrying a full blown investigation . We honest investors have nothing to do with O’ Halloran we just want our money back simple.
EVERY HONEST INVESTOR SHOULD GO TO THE MEETING IN MANCHESTER
Dear All,
I wont be posting much today, as the meeting preparation for tomorrow is our priority.
Unlike maybe 99% of people posting here, Mr Fatchett and Pannone LLP do actually represent me, and as such I am in possession of perhaps more FACTS than most.
I will not reply to some posters attempts at provocation, I shall simply cut and paste this message.
I would urge you to come along to one of our meetings, you will be told only facts that will be backed up with evidence from investors who may have been in discussion or negotiations with Harlequin.
Gareth and his team, from Regulatory Legal will will be available to explain from a legal view point what has been going on, and what your options will be.
This is not a sales promotion for Gareth Fatchett, you will be given information and options, what you choose to do with this is your choice, but at least you do have some.
Kind regards,
Paul Walton
Anonymous – Why the confusion? I know DA, I wouldn’t invite him to dinner but I have known him a long time. Whats wrong with being interested in seeing how this works out? Its comedy gold some of it, how you have a pack mentality, how you worry each other. When all you are doing is hurting yourselves. I do not speak on behalf of DA but when we chat we do talk about this issue and if someone asks a question I have discussed I sometimes answer. There is other stuff I cant post.
But be clear I am not relaying messages to and from DA for your benefit.
The other reason I’m on here is one or 2 of you might want to sell me your units at a discount price?
Well said , Anonymous 301. Fortunately, these fools will never succeed In 4-5 weeks time, when O’Halloran is sent down and the Panorama programme proves to be a damp squib,we can all look forward to Dave Ames raising his finance and moving forward.Lets hope the likes of Paul Walton and others involved in this stupid call to arrange the meeting tomorrow are rewarded with having less money in their pockets after wasting their time trusting in the ambulance chasers.
Well I suppose because based on the information given, it’s got basically nothing to do with you.
If you want a unit at a knockdown price, I suspect you’ll find it pretty easy to find one.
@ beggars belief, i like your earlier post and its definitely no 3 the dawn raid, as they are so deluded they think they can carry on conning us good honest citizens.
@yorkishit, ill bring my handbag if you bring your bum buddy Ames!!
Anthony75 – Bring it because I may very well be there!
you know you wont.
Its almost certain I will!
I’ve got no time for you so don’t bother
I’m not going for your benefit but while I’m there I’m sure we can resolve our differences?
Thats fine, face to face man to conman.
Anthony75 – If you mean I’m a conman I can assure you I’m not, and I certainly have caused you no issue
@yatiniteasy – I was also told the Amarylis deal did not go through, but I could not say 100%.
@anon 10.42 – there is no way a Gary Player, or any other golf course, is going up on Marquis Estate any time in the near future, or possibly ever, as much as it would be most welcome to have. The site is not suitable or viable for the development plans. There is no planning permission either for Marquis.
@homefront – it is very hard to know whether a business is recoverable without knowing the liabilities. I would think the first thing that would need to be done is remove the person who got you into this, namely Dave Ames. When it comes to getting investors to part with their money without doing DD, Ames is superb. When it comes to business, he is a dunce (that is not name calling, it is a definition that suits his business ability and has been evidenced by what has transpired to date) But some free tips…You need to see what is viable. BB is nice and operating, but I suspect losing money. Without the airport, 300 units is too much for now. Perhaps close a lot down, and staff up for 100 keys, with more available to go if bookings pick up, or keep 50 pure investor keys, and they pay a fee when they come so they get some benefit from the investment and also don’t burden the resort. Stop the whole celeb weeks and broadway nonsense, that is money that does not need to be spent – St Vincent is a lovely island and there is no other resort for people to stay other than Young Island really. Set up twin stays with hotels in Bequia or Palm Island or wherever. People do not go on holiday to the Caribbean for football coaching or singing lessons – football is just as fun to play amongs the guests, the pitch is already there. then just market it for what it is, which is good enough. Set up a rental scheme where all profits are paid out to investors, with a reasonable fee for the management company. Blu is viable if debt free, just needs to be marketed better – again, a proper management company will be able to market this hotel better and for what it is. Crazy to say it is a 4 star or 5 star – just a friendly, comfortable affordable alternative in a very convenient location. Should be able to make some money as it has no bank finance on it presumably.
H Hotel, the plans as I understand it make for a lovely hotel but the build is tough. But, as it is underway, would focus on that and get it finished. Good location, should do well. But then scrap Marquis – that is not a site that can be built and it is hotel that will not make money for a decade – wrong part of the island with too much competition. If they must do soemthing in SLU, then sell that land for whatever you can get, and try to get involved perhaps in the old Raffles/Nicklaus site which is more suitbalet for what he wants to do and a golf course would go there nicely. Merricks – scrap that for the time being, focus on what can generate revenue, namely the three other hotels. DR, too many resorts there, just do 1. I say scrap, but as they have not started yet, would just keep it that way. But, as I said above, who knows what the liabilities are – you have 6,200 creditors, which makes, until the units are handed over, the liability essentially the deposits people paid as Harlequin have to pay back the money if units not build (I presume) Until units are built, they remain a very heavy liability. I am sure the contracts would not allow such drastic changes, and would have to scrap also the 10% guaranteed returns as that will cripple any operation, but something is better than the nothing where investors are currently heading. homefront, just some thoughts of the top of my head and sorry for long post, as there is no PM facility here would not have bored others with this.
Finally, just like to repeat that it is absurd to think Paul Walton, E and whoever else is responsible for bringing Harlequin down. They have not started to build 95% of what they sold years ago – THAT is what is bringing them down very clearly and if you are not able to see that, then I fear you will always struggle with investments. If I am building 100 condos, and have sold say 80 (80%) and 1 person (1%) wants out according to his/her contract, I refund and my business is not affected. If I delay refunding, and the press kick up a fuss and so on, my business is fine as the business can withstand no sales for a while – in fact, I already have all my costs covered anyway and the last 20% is profit for me.
Ames has sold out all his resorts according to him, so really his business should be fine and able to withstand this – the numbers should be rock solid due to such a strong sales program and a lender will laugh at the nonsense being written here and be looking forward to faster payments after a successful law suit against the FSA, MOS and others. The lender will not be put off if the numbers are right – maybe he will delay until court cases are concluded, but as previously stated, there should already be commitment letters on file. If there is a storm going on, it is the fault of Ames and his repeated lying that has left some investors with no option, they cannot wait any longer as enough time has gone by and life, put simply, is too short. But, there is no lender on the planet that would lend against a business that includes 5 unstarted resorts, liabilities as large as they are and loss making hotels and of course no planning permission on those unstarted resorts. If however, he has 100m of the deposits safely banked, and a solid building plan with all relevant permits, accounts all in order in SVG and UK, and 70% due from all those investors, then he has a chance.
Thanks 100, pity you were not running the show!
all the best,
Paul
@Yorkie, don’t bite, it’s the usual wind up merchants. These forums are full of them. When the O’Halloran trial starts again they will go quiet again.
With any luck, HP will go into receivership and 100 CAN run the show.
If HP goes into receivership there won’t be a show. Or have you not looked that far ahead?
@Fdnrm , you are still deluded and scared as the net is closing in.
Anthony75 – whats your unit number at Merricks?
wouldn’t you love to know so you can go and tell your bum buddy Ames to get Carter fuck on my case.
No I was going to look at it on plan and offer you a bag of pick and mix and 2 rusty washers for it
hahaha your so funny! I’m sure all the good honest people who have put there life savings and elderly who have put there pensions appreciate you being such a nice honest person. also tell your bum boy partner Ames that at least he will have you to write to him from jail.
also see you at the meeting and don’t forget the pick & mix because thats all the place is worth.
Anthony75 – Just offering what you appear to be saying its worth thats all – carry on with this bad publicity and I will have over offered!
the truth hurts.
Thanks Paul, and I wish you and E and others who are having their contracts breached the best of luck. A quiet resolution always is better, but obviously was not possible, and it is clear you are dealing with an unscrupulous person in David Ames. Whilst I am looking for resorts, I think the locations owned by HP are very challenging and not many would get involved. H hotel is a prime spot, BB could be when airport built and operating, DR would stay clear of, Merricks too risky and I would not develop Marquis if given the land for free. FDNRM, if a receiver is appointed, either privately or via a court order, he has to still secure and manage the asset as best as he can, and realise whatever value he can for the creditors, which would be the investors primarily. A receiver is sometimes a better option than an insolvent and incompetent developer going nowhere. It is a game changer of course and a last resort as you are basically accepting that a few cents in the dollar is the best outcome.
The pro Harlequin brigade are really ratcheting up their on. line campaign…they must have that cold feeling down their spines that the gig will soon be up…denials, promises,insults…all tools of the trade for spin doctors paid by Harlequin.
Does not change FACTS…H Barbados closed, no construction.
Merricks…nothing going on.
Marquis St Lucia…nothing going on
Dominican Republic…no start to construction at all.
Investors have a right to know why this situation prevails.
This was a scam from the start…just as Harlequin in Thailand was.And who was the person behind that grand scam?
See video for the answer.
http://www.andrew-drummond.com/2013/02/the-great-holiday-homes-scam-exposed.html
@100
I have been reading your posts from the beginning and consider yours the most competent and logical analysis of the entire Harlequin situation. If I
won lotto and had $US 2-3 Hundred Million to invest I definately would
want you on my team. However for the 1st time I have to differ with you.
As the plans exist i don’t blieve the H-Hotel will ever be viable for several
reasons:
1 – The location stinks. Unfortunate to say but it is located in the middle
of urban blight. There is nothing attractive to the area.
2 – I have been privy to the finish schedule for the public areas and the
individual rooms/suites. They are absolutely world class but at a cost
that would make it impossible to rent the rooms for anything less than
The Sandy Lane. In fact I supplied material to Sandy Lane and believe me
H-Hotel costs more per room.
This is very sad – but it is reality from my perspective
@confusedone, what lotto are you playing that pays out $us 2-3 hundred million. Can I get on it in the uk?
A quick update no news from Mr Ames if he is coming to meet investors……..
@fdnrm
Power-Ball-PowerPlay
@confusedone, thanks for comments, I think my reference as prime was more in relation to the other locations chosen by HP- it is in a mature tourist destination with solid airlift (Barbados), and on south coast on the water, it kind of reminds me of what Ocean two were doing and apparently, that is going ok. It is not a hotel or location that interested me when doing DD on investing in Barbados, but felt that is has more of a fighting chance, but never went into more detail regarding neighbourhood, so defer to you on that. I had also heard that the finishes were pretty extravagant, and if they are as costly as you say, then again Harlequin, or new developer, would clearly need to change the plan quickly to make it viable. It would again show the level of business planning and research that went on at Harlequin if they thought they could make such an extravagant plan viable – I think even getting half of what Sandy Lane gets in that location is notever going to be achievable. Needs to be cheap(ish) and cheerful there perhaps. Margins on Caribbean hotels are so tight and getting tighter, with high operating costs, especially utilities, that you simply have to get in for the right price of land and build – get that wrong, and you will never make it a profitable business. If you can pick the project up cheap, maybe it could work – but for the level of investment their plans require, I would agree with you that it makes it a real challenge.
I should perhaps qualify a statement above relating to making it a profitable business, I mean viable/worthwhile. A hotel can of course be profitable if you buy it in cash (perhaps using thousands of investors money) and therefore have no financing to pay for, but normally hoteliers raise the money via debt and equity for a variety of reasons. It is only worthwhile if you can see an ROI that makes business sense.
100 – You make sense however – I dont believe anything on here and I advise everyone to do the same ..NOBODY knows what will happen and that includes HP…I have done my DD and some things I have found out that are FACT despite what people say on here.- as follows
HP DO own all the land they are claiming.
Full cashback has been offered to one of the main agitators in this forum by the terms set out in the contract.. over a 12 month period..
HP accounts have been fully audited and approved
Fatchett has orchestrated a lot of this with HP to hinder the Irish builder case.
Panorama do not have anything to go on …only rumours.
There is to much mud slinging and everyone needs to back off and calm down .. and DONT hand over any cash to legal vultures on Saturday.. I dont know what will happen, but lets see what the SFS find … and we can make decisions from there…Lets be honest …. If HP are clear and can start selling and moving on again however long it takes .. we maybe able to sell, if thats what you want .. and who knows make a bit of money.. IF no investment houses are to be seen then yes I will be joining the Q with you guys..This is last chance saloon for HP ….. lets see how resilient they are .. We have all waited for so long .. another month or two wont make much difference
Out of interest Ivor, how do you know these things as “FACT.”
Is someone going to post the key findings from the investors meeting tomorrow?
I understand that some issues may be confidential and so not appropriate for posting to a public site but there are many people who read these posts who would like to know the general points.
@Ivor Hadenuff
Interesting ……
This is Paul Walton, if it’s me you refer to as the one of the main agitators, you need to be put straight.
At the time of posting this around 5.40pm I can categorically state that I have not been made an offer in line with the contract Myself and Mr Ames signed.
When and if I do assuming I don’t have a NDA I will let everyone know.
I take it you have been in direct contact with all the other parties collating your DD :) or was it just me you failed to ask?
I am sure will will do something BB….all the best
IH, I cannot say what Panorama would find worthwhile making a program over, but the following are not rumours and make for an interesting story, and certainly are reasons to be concerned:
1. A UK company sold 6,500 or so holiday homes to Brits, the majority through SIPPs. This started in 2005/2006.
2. To date, they have completed around 300, and not started on any of the other original projects sold.
3. They do not have financing in place to carry out the massive works required.
4. They purchased an old hotel to remodel in Barbados and work has now stopped on that site.
5. When Brits were allowed to take pension funds out early to self invest, the scoundrels came along, and many people lost their pensions on bogus schemes. DAve Ames hatched the biggest scheme to date to get hold of people’s money. For an update as to how that has gone, see point 2 above.
6. Ames bought two planes, has bodyguards, does not answer mails or calls, does not pay investors back according to their contracts, uses Carter Ruck to silence any online activity or angry investor, uses celebs to give credibility to his business plan, does not file accounts in SVG ever.
7.Bottom line is – thousands of BRitish people’s life savings are in jeopardy and looking like being lost, or at best completion of projects delayed by about a decade. FSA took years to do anything, and people were openly misled about the risk levels they were buying, and those selling them were paid huge commissions to do so.
None of this is rumour, and all combined could make for nteresting – and paints a very bleak picture, the kind panorama like to expose.
@paul Walton, Ivor Hadenuff qualified what he said, “terms set out in your contract …..over a 12 month period” I don’t think he is implying your contract was over 12 months.
@ fatchett,
just to confirm, my contract says I should be refunded in 60 days not 12 months.
Regards,
Paul
You do sound like a solicitor are you?
@paul, I know what your contract said, you have confirmed it before. I am not, but if I was I would not be an “ambulance chaser”
Fair comments….FatchettDNRM….I will keep guessing!
@Paul so you are saying 100% that DA never met you and offered you the cashback in the terms stated earlier ???? … You turned that offer down .. How was it presented to you then and by who then ? Stop playing word games … Was you or where you not offered all your money back from DA ?
@Anon I cant argue the fact – Yes bad management and failed contracts which need to be addressed.. does not make HP frauds.. The airport build and delay was out of their control – You cant complete BB while this is so. the infrastructure cant handle it … it goes on and on.. I want results and answers as well ..
I did meet DA in February 21st 2013 in his office that is 100% correct, in that meeting I was NOT offered a 100% refund.
That came the day after, 22nd February via the company that converted my SIPP based in the North West, It was a 100% refund but to be paid over 12 months this was not what my contract stated, and therefor I refused it.
So, whoever told you this is mixed up or got their wires crossed, I have all this in writing.
Regardless of what people are saying about my motives all I ever wanted was to have my money back inline with the contractual obligations.
I hope this clears up the situation?
I think that is fair enough?
@Harlequininvestergrouppnw … I wish I had that offer made to me. This could drag on for ages and you could have 45K in the bank and £5,583 every month .. NOW when I ask for money back because of the crap you have caused I dont get that chance as nobody can now get cash back…. It now may take you years of legal wrangles to get the same result ………. Proves to me you have another agenda with Fatchett and and the other crooks ….
Harlequin investors Group – I understand you have a statement from Dave Ames regarding tomorrow’s meeting – Care to share it?
@IH, can you explain why this situation has been caused by someone holding out for what they are contractually entitled to? If the contract states that they can have a refund under certain circumstances and then they are refused that refund it is quite reasonable that they pursue it.
If this then causes problems further down the line for other investors then the blame must be laid at the door of HP who have failed to comply with the contract that they themselves wrote!
@Ivor Hadenuff ….. You are hard work this is my last reply to you.
I was offered £45k as the first refund figure to be paid over 12-18 months out of an investment of over £112k so £67k in ‘charges’
The full refund did not involve a up front payment of £45k
it was £112k divided by 12 = £9333 a (month if I got it)in view of the recent published banking errors and no accounts, and it breaching my contract terms I declined it.
I did meet DA in February 21st 2013 in his office that is 100% correct, in that meeting I was not offered a 100% refund.
That came the day after, 22nd February via the company that converted my SIPP, It was a 100% refund but to be paid over 12 months this was not what my contract stated and therefor I refused it.
So, whoever told you this is mixed up or got their wires crossed, I have all this in writing.
Regardless of what people are saying about my motives all I ever wanted was to have my money back inline with the contractual obligations.
I hope this clears up the situation?
Yorkipoo, It was my understanding Mr Ames wants Mr Fatchett to read the something tomorrow – so why ask me?
@Beggars because now the escalation of legal eagles and MOS etc everything isnow on hold… YES HP got duped with the Builder and the crooked accountant which means 13M of funds have been lost so paying back investors becomes a bit more of an issue…I little understanding of the situation and a few months down the line – said investor would be well on the way of getting fully reimbursed by now…. Please dont tell me he never accepted due to contract 60 day detail or wanting to help other investors .. Crap. Just wants to stir it up
@ Ivor Hadenuff , I nor gareth Fatchett are crooks saying silly things like that will get you into trouble and can cost money…. I think you are just getting yourself far too worked up.
@IH, if HP got duped it was because they didn’t have the required experience to be operating in this market and failed to put sufficient safeguards around the construction project.
And why should someone accept payment over 12 months when their contract says otherwise? Even well run companies can fail over a period of 12 months so why should anyone risk being paid over that time period. If you had been offered a staged refund over 12 months by Comet last year I’m sure you wouldn’t be happy now.
Ivor you are deluded and need to meet our Mr Fatchett
good night
Paul
Beggars Belief…. well put all the best
Paul
Paul – I would not give that man the pleasure of any up front fees – WHEN and IF it gets to that stage I will be guided by the FSA and SFS as to the way forward .. NOT run to an ambulance chaser who has a record of doing the same thing with another company in similar circumstances …. fear you will not get your money now for a long time… and Paul I am in the same position as you ( actually worse ) I just have a different approach as I can see the bigger picture … I just cant understand why you didnt just use Fatchett and go fight your case .. No doubt Fatchett saw an opportunity to make more money and now see where we have ended up .. Good night Paul .. If as I predict we will all wake up Sunday morning to more bad press I think me, you and hundreds of others are in digging our own grave
Hi, any ideas where Sean Ghent is? Been very quiet since he left Barbados. Also can HQ confirm they own all the land which is plan for building in SVG? I’m sure there are a few Rastas digging there heals in and refusing to sell.
And another thing IH, the public admission by a developer that he was duped by, not one, but two building contractors must surely make him an univestable prospect by any credible source of third party funding.
Beggars – DA was dupped because of the company accountant he trusted turned him over as he was in cahoots with the builder .. Hense the court case .. He is guilty as charged for trusting the accountant.
@whereisGhent there is a small pocket of land that the Rasta you call still own …. It is as far as I am aware very small and will not effect the overall project
fuck me, it’s like mass hysteria on here. Let’s just assume for 1 min that this ‘investment opportunity’ is 100% legit, It’s now completely doomed from all the bad press out there. However, if for 1 further minute we all opened our fucking eyes and saw what is actually unravelling in front of us, we would see that it’s just one big ponzi scheme. the beauty of this is that investors were never going to start getting returns quickly. their money was ‘tied up’ until completion. investors wouldn’t even start getting worried for at least 18 months and questions wouldn’t even start getting asked for ages. A lot can happen in that time (or unfortunately in this case, very little). Ames obviously has a great talent (he probably didn’t even know how good he was at this when he first set out) but it’s not one that he should have explored as it’s going to have ruined many thousands of lives.
HIGnw – I think Fatchett is going to read it so maybe wait your right leave it until then, only ask because you said Dave Ames had not confirmed if he was attending
@ IH. An accountant is not qualified to trigger the payment to the building contractor. Only a well qualified and experienced QS working for the developer on the site can make that decision. This trigger must then be acted upon by the in-house head of finance who authorizes the payment transfer.
Blaming the accountant for this is very strange logic. It would be like me complaining to my bank manager that my doctor had misdiagnosed a case of tonsillitis!
Or are you trying to say that an external accountant had been given that kind of responsibility? If so it is another sign that the developer didn’t have a proper grip on the project.
@HIGnw, can you confirm if Fatchett is representing 6 or 7 investors in negotiations with HP.
@Beggars All I know that said accountant and Builder skimmed off millions in a planned scam or…. The resulting court case will prove who is in the wrong ..But do you see my point it happened – How god only knows .. The only way the builders can win this case it seems is if HP go under ..And at this rate they will ,,, and guess what the builder and accountant run off with all our money ….. WHO wants that
FDNRM – Fatchett was representing 6 investors on Thursday when he attempted and failed to freeze Harlequins Assets – his aim tomorrow will be to drum up business
Actualy thinking about it – Do I want to carry on with a company that can lose 13M through incompetence – But then again Bearings lost a lot more with the rogue trader so it happens to the best… Sick to death with it all tbh – all any of us wanted was an investment not this bloody mess. I really dont know what to do for the best…… Sleep first – Goodnight
@IH, nobody wants anyone to run off with money to which they are not entitled.
There is no dodging this however because it is clear. If, between them, the accountant and building contractor were able to access investor funds to which they were not entitled (presumably because work had not been completed or it was faulty) then the developer must have allowed that to happen. The developer (in this case HP) is entrusted to look after investor funds and it turns out that these fund have ended up misappropriated. It follows that the developer failed to put adequate safeguards in place to protect investor funds from being handed over to the building contractor for work that had not been satisfactorily completed.
Yorkie – Before I sign off – I believe it is against the law to go public about trying to freeze a companies assets – If that is the case and will come out in court …. what does that tell you about said solicitor … comedy gold.
Ivor – I don’t know if going public is illegal but it was reported in the Liverpool Echo plus it has been confined to me from my source.
To be honest I think we need to be resigned to the fact that the damage to Harlequin is now done – tomorrow will only serve to get Fatchett some fees. That’s a fact!
Beggars – Your are right ..should never have happened – The reason it did is because HP are not experienced developers !! Construction companies have penalty clauses, stage payments, blah blah blah ,,, all set up to stop this type of thing from happening.. I am guessing DA knows this now but it may be to late now…. I dont believe for one minute HP are scam merchants – just very niaive and in experienced …No good to us I know. Maybe its best if they are taken over by another hotel chain …..but how that affects us god only knows
@100 thanks again ,I am not an investor .just helping someone close to me,I was away when they were talked to by invest 5 star.I have read all your posts and I can see we are not far apart in how we see it.Fairly plain to see HP totally out of control of situation.just one final question before I sign off.HOW DOES KIM WITHEY SLEEP AT NIGHT
yorkie – If had a solicitor on my case that went public that he was going to freeze 3rd parties assets ( and then fail ) I would be fuming ? 3rd party then has time to move cash and do a runner … Brilliant – Is that how Mr F works
IH, I do wish you good luck, it seems like you are an honest investor, but I doalso think you are giving Ames and Harlequin too much leeway. This has been doomed from the start – a completed resort can take on average 3 years to hit break even. How many years away from break even does that make the unstarted resorts? How were they ever going to honour their comitments to you? Maths were always all wrong, and given that Ames has paid himself handsomely in commissions from your deposits (essentially taking off the top), he has always only had himself in mind. Developers take their profits at the end, when the last units are sold. Yorkie – you are clearly already making excuses for their downfall, ludicrously blaming E and HIG nw etc for the fact resorts are several years late being started, but I am afraid when the receivers and forensic guys come in, acounts in SVG will show just how bad this was and how long ago he knew the game was up. Ames has been taking deposits from people and using it to plug the hole of losses at BB – you never had a chance IH. All indications suggest he has been scamming you and others and lining his pockets from your deposits. Any time the developer makes up front, run – simple rule of investment.
@100 ps can I come and work for you?
Anon .. I do believe the business model may have worked ..but investment is needed .the only thing that would have put it in jepardy is if the occupancy levels fell … either way I guess we will never find out now ..
Yorkiepoo, I’m confused by your comment “I think we need to be resigned to the fact…” If you are neither investor not invested party (ie employee eyc), why you locate yourself behind the first person plural?
As the freezing application was rejected by the court yesterday, will the following taken from a “freezing application template” apply.
“If the court later finds this order has caused loss to the respondent , they should be compensated for that loss. The applicant will comply with order the court may make”
Could this result in a counter claim against Fatchett?
I am referring to ‘we’ as those of us who are blogging and discussing the matter. I do not need to be financially involved to be interested in this outcome – thankfully!
@100 – you speak “property developers” English. Someone, at least who understands IRR’s, ROI’s and ROE’s. The problem is no one at Harlequin does? That is, in effect, what has gone wrong!
@Ivor Hadenuff,
“…… I do believe the business model may have worked ..but investment is needed.”
That’s the most astute thing you’ve said all night. For this busines model to work more investment is definately needed. It needs more ill advised investors to buy in to keep the cash flow going. No new investors means total collapse, Just like Standford, just like Madoff, and does anyone remember William Wize and the Millennium Bank? That was a Ponzi scheme too wasn’t it.
IH – looks like this thread has run it’s course! It has been explained 3 times why the business model required external funding and why 30% deposits were never intended to find the land purchase/ units/ communal areas/ design and project managers. Because of unproven bad press funding is now unlikely to happen . This does not make it ponzi but means you never understood the business model you invested in!
Apology IH that reply was to Me Blue
Can you work out the Invesor Appraisal math?
@yorkiepoo, So DA proudly telling the world that his resort developments were totally unencumbered and that made Harlequin unique in the industry as they weren’t dependent on external financing was just another bare faced lie then?
At least keep your story straight. You Harlequin people are getting desperate now.
Mr Blue – that’s a bit of a slant on what was said by HP if the resorts were in debt at this stage then there would be issues – who u think would fund public areas and restaurants?
Expand on what you mean when you call me a harlequin person please
Let me know when you want to start doing the math? 100- I’m sure you will concur?
I think you will find there is 4 bits of land, 3 big bits and 1 small bit. In between 2 bits of land has been bought and was used or is being used as dumping ground. What about Bernard’s sisters land? Which she hasn’t agreed to sell?
@Yorkiepoo, It wasn’t said by HP It was proudly broadcast by DA himself. You seem awfully well informed, so you know this is a fact. He used this fact as a draw card to encourage further investment. External financing was not required, Harlequin was unique in this aspect, and that made Harlequin a safe investment. He said it, on video. Its in the public domain. Deny as you like.
The whole resort(s) were funded by investor deposits. That means land purchase (where that has taken place), all the legalities (where that was done), the construction (where it has happened), the operation (of the only resort),…. all funded by investor deposits. Interest payments, refunds (or staged repayments), purchase of aircraft, everything Harlequin have done is with investors deposits. There is no other income. Harlequin do not, and I suspect can not, show any form of income other than investor deposits. Blu and H were a feeble attempt to generate some form of income, and they have just become further liabilities. There are no accounts and there never will be for this very reason.
You are too involved to be a casual bystander. I have friends who have business intrests in other countries, but I dont waste my evenings defending their business dealings with total strangers. You are involved to a high level and should be treated with the utmost suspicion. The Carroll Ames guess seems the best so far.
Sorry for cross posting from another thread on this forum but, in the light of the investor meeting, the questions raised by “Henry” last August are still excellent ones to be discussed. I understand it is now too late to present these to HP and expect and answer today but they could be used for further investor meetings.
The following is a list of questions that was originally posted on one of the “anti” sites. I think many people would be interested to get Harlequin’s responses to these – but documentary back-up would be needed rather than the usual verbal assurances and promises that never quite seem to reflect the actualité. It would be great for Harlequin to provide some positive reassurance to their investors – current and potential – and to prove the naysayers wrong.
Would you be willing to raise these with Mr Ronan? If so, I’d love to see the replies.
1. Based on the RLB Red Book, posted on the Harlecon site, the income that each investor will receive is a tiny fraction of what your forecasts show. Can you please explain the huge difference between the income you and your agents say will be received, and that shown in a formal report by a reputable firm of Chartered Surveyors.
2. You’ve publicly stated that you have many (up to 15) offers of commercial funding. Please provide proof of this; I accept that publishing copies of offer letters will be commercially sensitive, so a letter from a reputable English law firm, confirming that they have had sight of the offers, that there are no unusual or onerous conditions and that the offers are current, will suffice. If you can’t/won’t do this, please say why.
3. You’ve sold land in Jamaica and Brazil that you don’t own.
a. What has happened to the money raised from these sales?
b. When will you refund purchasers for properties that now will never be built?
4. The early contracts for the sale of Merricks were entered into by Merricks Resort Ltd, a company registered in St Vincent & the Grenadines. That company never owned Merricks, yet you signed contracts saying that it was selling a freehold interest in the property. Please explain on what possible basis such contracts can be valid.
5. Buccament Bay has now been open for over a year (and over six months since the full launch in April 2011).
a. Have any of the investor contracts for the units that are now open been completed?
b. If not, why not?
c. Are any of the investors now being paid their 10% guaranteed returns?
d. How much is Buccament Bay being subsidised each month? Mark Sawkins claimed $1M – is that about right?
e. How is “50% net room rate” defined?
6. With Oasis now not being the hotel operator, how can investors be sure that there is real, genuine transparency regarding operating income on which they will be reliant?
7. A few months ago, you were selling two Quin or “H” hotels in Barbados. It now seems to be only one, the old Allameda. This has around 50 rooms, yet your agents claim that it will have 70. Where is the extra space coming from?
8. Where has the funding come from to support Harlequin Air?
9. The 2010 accounts for Harlequin Management Services (South East) Ltd were heavily qualified by the auditors, BDO. Why were you unable to provide enough information regarding related party transactions to satisfy the auditors?
10. In those accounts, it is said by your wife and son that around £5m is owed by Harlequin Properties (Caribbean) Ltd to Harlequin Management Services (South East) Ltd. As Harlequin Management Services (South East) Ltd hasn’t got that kind of reserves, and never has had, this funding can only have come from purchaser monies. Can you either confirm that this is the case or, alternatively, identify where it has come from?
11. Will income from each unit be streamed directly to the owner, or is income from units of the same class/type being pooled?
12. There is concern that you don’t have planning consent and a Crown lease for the building works on the beach/foreshore area at Buccament Bay. Please publish these to allay such concerns, or explain why you refuse to do so.
13. At the ground breaking ceremony for Merricks in September 2010, you promised that work would begin in October 2010. To date, nothing has been done there. Why? I know that you have recently stated that work will commence, but what is the reason for a delay of over a year?
14. Your press release rubbishes the various claims on Harlecon, yet has not addressed any of the fundamental accusations.
a. Are the emails reproduced there genuine extracts from emails you/your company have sent/received?
b. Is the RLB Red Book the real thing?
15. Do you have full, unequivocal planning permission for the Marquis Estate? Please provide proof of this if the answer is yes.
16. There is a legal obligation for Harlequin Properties (SVG) Ltd to produce audited accounts each year. None have been filed since those for the period to 30 April 2007.
a. Why?
b. When will your legal obligations be brought up to date?
17. The newsletters on your site seem to lack a degree of honesty. For example, in Issue 1, on page 4 we are told that 60% of accommodation at Buccament Bay is complete. That is not true even now, so how can it possibly have been true then?
And if you can’t even be honest on simple, factual matters such as this, why should anyone ever believe a word you say?
Further examples:
• On page 5 there is confirmation that Two Rivers is 90% sold out and will open in summer 2011. How far has that development has progressed?
•
• Page 6 informs us that Merricks will be open for Christmas 2012. How far along has that development gone since then? A “show village” is hardly an adequate substitute for the resort itself.
•
• Issue 2 (July 2008) tells us of the value that Oasis Resorts and Hotels, Globalia and AirEuropa bring as partners in running the resorts. They bring all their experience and travel industry clout. Where are they now?
•
• Issue 3 (Oct 2008) tells us about the excellent exit strategy to resell your unit. Has anyone sold one at a real profit after taking into account all costs, commissions, etc?
•
• Page 11 tells us that Trader Vic’s restaurant will be open at the Two Rivers Resort in summer 2009. Again, clearly untrue. So why say it?
•
• Issue 4 (May 2009) tells us of the launch of Harlequin Hotels and Resorts. Much less made of Oasis in this issue. Page 4 tells us that the Hideaway at Las Canas will be open at the end of 2010. Anyone stayed there yet?
•
• Issue 7 (October 2010) assures us that the Pearl Galleon is shortly set to arrive at Buccament Bay. Where is it?
•
18. Why has issue 6 of your newsletter disappeared from your website?
19. Where has the funding come from to support Harlequin Hotels & Resorts? I ask as Harlequin’s various websites say only that investor monies may be used to produce such as a hotel manual, and not to subsidise a loss-making company.
20. Have you paid in full for all the land you are selling or have you entered into any type of deferred or instalment payment arrangement, whether by way of a deed of mortgage or in any other way?
21. Do you have full funding in place to construct all resorts as sold to date?
22. Have you got all tax concessions on all resorts reduced to writing and formally agreed with each government?
23. What management, maintenance and other charges will you be levying on purchasers of units?
24. What are the issues surrounding Jamaica:
a. why has the project not gone ahead?
b. why was it never on your website?
25. Did you ever sell any properties on a resort in Grenada?
a. If yes, have full refunds been made to all the purchasers?
b. If not, why not?
27. What do you say about your agents claiming that there will be Gary Player golf courses and such like built on your other resorts?
28. What proportion of a purchaser deposit is retained by Harlequin for payments to agents etc.?
29. What proportion of each £1 taken as a deposit is actually used to buy the land the resort will be on and to pay for building costs?
BeggarsBelief – fair questions but back to today’s meeting – if as I believe I am correct in saying no representation will be present from Harlequin, what is its purpose apart from kicking up a frenzy and being a sales show for Fatchett? The purpose of the meeting was apparently to get answers but will there be anybody present who has the knowledge to answer them?
@ YP, well you seem to be more in the know regarding the inner workings of Harlequin so tell us more. You were clearly given access to knowledge about a statement to be read to investors today so that at least seems to be some slender thread of communication between the organisation and those of us who fund it.
Everyone needs to be clear that if Harlequin don’t engage meaningfully and convincingly with very reasonable investor questions then things will only go from bad to worse.
Previous meetings for investors run by Harlequin have been little more than stage managed sales opportunities with virtually no time afforded to questions from the floor. This approach will no longer satisfy reasonable people who have invested life changing sums of money.
I do understand that some of the more OTT posts on here could be interpreted as a lynch mob mentality and this would do nothing to encourage HP to appear today. This is why I think the next meeting should be chaired by an independent third party with some standing. An MP would seem like a sensible choice.
BeggarsBelief – I have seen the statement but it is not in my gift to share – Fatchett will read it out at the meeting.
Yorkipoo AKA one of the 4 that was in the meeting with me (I still think you Carole Ames)
Your obsessive support of HP goes well beyond, something I would consider ‘business associate’ or some I think you said of Mr Ames ‘would not invite to dinner’
It’s disgusting that Mr Ames or a representative will not attend and meet his investors – maybe the media can ask the questions for us?
Why did he not answer my follow up questions from the meeting?
Furthermore, you never answered my question how someone that does not work for HP been given confidential details of the meeting I had with Mr Ames – maybe now some data protection issues 🙂
Unless you are Carole??
Kind Regards
Paul
@Ivor hadenough.
Please just calm down and look at the facts, why not come to a meeting, don’t speak to anyone especially the ‘ambulance chasers’ as you call them
.
Listen to actual experiences – I will explain my case factually without any excitement and then you make up your mind what you want to do?
The legal team cannot say anything that’s not true, especially as they had a High court injunction against a HP employee this week for doing that.
I understand how you feel, believe me…
Also, I did not pay any upfront fees to any of my legal team.
But I did to Harlequin……
All the best must go now
Paul
HPIG – again I am not Mrs Ames and not part of Harlequin. I knew an investor could not afford to close the deal but did not know who – it was just a lucky guess it was you!
In addition to the relevant and critically important questions listed by Beggars Belief I would add a couple more.
Where is the market research that proves that there was sufficient demand for a product like the Harlequin concept in the region – and specifically at the sites chosen?
How was the demand for resorts of this size judged and was it confirmed as demonstrable? Did the research into the pricing that the product would sell at justify the build costs?
What decisions were made re the logistics chain and the capability of supplying resorts of this size in the chosen locations?
Harlequin made considerable claims re being ecologically friendly etc – where are the studies that support their decision making process?
These questions are as important as the financial ones. If they cannot be answered satisfactorily – especially with regard to research of the demand – then the competence of the management is called into question and the perception of naivety/intentional scam tips towards the latter.
HIGnw – Paul Walton – is it true that if you can assist Fatchett in signing up enough investors today to use him for legal action yours will be free?
Seems if you can’t pay your purchase tax you can’t afford legal action without assistance.
The puzzle here is that you were offered the freehold of your unit, you were offered a mortgage, you were offered a compromise settlement of a full refund over a year and none were accepted – see why I find that odd?
lets see what the ICO says……
The morgage with out any details? intresting……
see my second follow up letter…ooops you must have, you did! 🙂
Dear Mr A Regan,
I refer to my unanswered letter dated 23rd February 2013 – a copy attached for your records.
Since receiving Mr Ames reply to my questions, or should I say, lack of them on SVG headed paper (attached)
I have several more question I need answers for, if you are not the correct person to direct these questions at; would you kindly forward my letters and emails onto them.
1. How can HP change a contract at will? You could not answer this question when I asked you in the meeting – I am very interested in your reply.
2. At no point in the meeting was it stated it was ‘Without Prejudice’ now all of a sudden it is?
3. At no point in the meeting were closing costs discussed, let alone my inability to pay them – this is simply untrue.
4. I have never been given details of the finance available, apart from Mr Ames rather vague description of it ‘were giving out like, developer mortgages, they call it’ and ‘lawyers speak to lawyers’ ‘ we are handing over to you next week’
I feel for a completion, next week or 1st April 2013 I would need a little bit more information than that? Please send me all the details I need to make an informed decision regarding the above points.
Kind regards,
Paul Walton
sent via email and recorded delivary… mind you you know that..
stop digging yourself into a bigger hole…
got a meeting to attend now 🙂
So Ames will not be attending the meeting? Further demonstration of his total contempt for investors.
It also shows the courts that he has no intention of working at meeting with, listening to and talking to investors in an attempt at resolving issues. Not that that matters to the vast majority of investors whose contracts have been breached.
Ames is utterly incompetent and ignorant.
Of course, along with being a bully trying to maintain the power and control he has, he is likely not to want to attend due to absolute fear. It’s all very well coming up with unsubstantiated lies and promises in Z list internet media publications and HP news letters; it’s another thing having to stand up and justify those lies and promises in front of the people whose money he took.
Beggars belief, those questions actually reveal enough answers without any comment from hp. They demonstrate how bent ames and his company is – for anyone to believe ames has any chance to deliver, they must read those questions and see the blatant lies told within and accept they have been done over by a total conman. He took 5 million quid in one go to buy himself a house! He is a thief and belongs in prison.
I think I might know who Yorkiepoo is really because I heard him say something and then I read it later in one of his comments.
I could be incorrect, but Mr. Richard Ingham is that you?
Ames lives in a £5 million house? Is that what your saying?
No – but who and how is he involved in this?
What did he do with the 5 mill he took? Yorkiepoo, mr blue said it, who spends so much time defending an apparently not very close friend’s obviously failed business on a forum? You are clearly not who you say you are, and/or you are someone who refuses to see the facts and see what they spell. Ames lies non stop, and has failed non stop to deliver anything he says, and has ripped off people non stop. And you defend him? You are part of all of this, or you are blind.
Pointles pointless … Fatchetts goal from the start was to freeze HP assets ,,, yeah thats a good start…… Is this what this meeting is all about ..those that want out get out those that dont stay ………….. This forum is done
Yorkiepoo
Are you Ames Junior? How’s the hot air business going these days? I expect mummy and daddy can’t handle this crisis on their own and seeing as you’re twiddling your thumbs these days waiting for your own court case (Forestry for Life) to come up, I imagine you’ve been drafted in to help.
And if you really are Matt Ames (former Sales Manager) at Harlequin do you think it is ethical to be offering to buy these investors’ units at a discounted price? What a shitty thing to do!
How was your vacation in that nice villa on Mustique? Twenty-two grand a week I hear.
Have a look at this : http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/local_news/10279172.Harlequin_Property_freezing_order_bid_ends_after_investors_paid_out/
Very interesting 20 or more coming at you Dave-Carol ( Yorkipoe)
Who is Richard Ingham? Who thinks they know he is Yorkiepoo? How do they know?
It is obvious that Yorkiepoo is a Harlequin plant but who is Ingham? Is there an Ingham works for David Ames?
So Tcha .. According to the link .. 6 have been paid out – I guess that is YOU then DAVE and E OR should we not believe what we read – theres Irony hey !!!
also qoye paper – Meanwhile, several investors are expected to attend a meeting called by the Harlequin Investor Group in Manchester today calling for answers from Harlequin about delays to its projects.( Several investors hey …not very conclusive is it
So Mr Walton, did you get your money back as per your contract?
Well done to those who got money back. Why so hard?
Just here to inform…. We shall see soon ….Do not panic yet!!!
So 6 investors paid off and another 20 waiting in the queue.
Harlequin say that only 1% of investors are seeking a refund so that should only leave 9 more to pay off!
That should be quite straight forward so they can just get on and build what they promised for the other 99% of happy investors and this can all blow over.
Shame Harlequin didn’t just pay off the investors as they should have done in the first place. Think of the legal fees they would have saved (both sides). How long will it take them to learn that lesson? Still, it’s not their money they’re spending, so maybe the incentive isn’t there.
Meanwhile over on TA the glowing reviews are piling up – I wonder what the incentives offered to write one are?
However snippets of truth still get through – several apparently otherwise happy guests have posted that there was hardly anyone there – trips cancelled etc and now from the latest we have this
“Beware video filming at Buccament I was pulled by a manager whilst filming and told it was prohibited in case I was copying the architecture when I queried this with another manager I was told it was because there might be celebraties present who wished not to be filmed”
Copying the architecture??????? oh dear, there goes another keyboard, (must stop reading about this at coffee time) – nothing to do with showing how few guests there are then? Desperation and paranoia setting in at Basildon and Buccament!
Gareth Fatchett not so bad after all. He is gaining momentum which is good for the investors…but, not so good for Harlequin..
I’m sure that any other investors with similar contractual agreements also seeking refunds will be comforted by the fact that they should be entitled to swift, full reimbursement now too — should they want that, of course (a clear precedent having been apparently publicly established).
I can’t imagine that Harlequin’s hand was forced in any respect by the potential fall out of the freezing order and what it might expose. No siree.
Also can’t imagine why, if it was always their intention to do what they were obliged to do, they would allow it go so far.
Where is Yorkipoo?
I’m sat in the investors meeting at the Marriott in Manchester answering you on my iPhone!
@Paul Walton, did you get your money back as per your contract?
So WHO got paid in this forum ? I dont believe anyone anymore – its a Fatchett witch hunt ….
Yorkiepoo, glad you are at meeting in Manchester. Is everything good up there ?
May I ask you a favor ? Please tell Paul to give TchaTchaTcha a call.. Thank you.
IH, no it’s not a Fatchett witch hunt. Open your eyes, wake up and get your money back quick before the end…
Tcha Tcha … people have been paid in this room and they have kept it quiet …Why not be honest and tell us .. Or maybe Fatchett wants to cream off the rest of us ………………… To many lies in here
@IH he won’t be doing it for free that’s for sure. Yes you are quite right the names of those who have been paid should be published.. After all they were prepared to ruin the other 99% of investors and BB jobs with their attempted freezing order!
IH, no lies here just good work by Fatchett.
Yorkiepo, did you lend the money to friend Dave to pay investors? If so, can you lend some more? So Dave can pay back some more investors. As you are confident that the project is going to get financed this should not be a problem is it?
Is anyone else at the meeting along with Yorkiepoo?
Any progress reports that can be shared in open forum?
Yes agreed Yotkie .. If you so Magnificent 7 have been paid and you are doing this for the benefit of all the rest of us and NOT Fatchett … come out and be honest,,unbelievable talk about double standards
Ivor – what are you talking about?
@IH 5.09pm March 8th – Correct, you should always do your own DD so you can never say you did something because you believed what some stranger said. Never buy off plan without visiting the sites and asking questions to those in the know – certainly don’t believe Ames or anyone at Harlequin because they have a proven track record of lying. A little late I know, and I wish you luck.
@homefront 9.42 – It is my view that there is a certain underclass of people in this world that can fraudulently take the money from people who are looking for a dream and to make their retirement a little more comfortable, and who can ill afford to take risks. These people take people’s savings it took them years of honest work to amass. The other word for such people is criminals. Wihtey and Ames belong to this subclass. Withey masquerades as a respectable middle aged experienced investor looking out for her clients, looks into their eyes, knows she has done no real DD and that the investments are in trouble, yet lets her clients trustingly hand over money they very likely will never see again. Rest assured that the wider world sees people like this for what they really are, and they go about life without integrity, or dignity. Money cannot buy either of those things – victims of this may consider it better to have those and no money, than to have money and not have those. I am sorry for your friends. As for for work, we can start with a beer, if you are in the islands, east coast of US or London, let me know!
I think Beggars Belief’s questions at 6.52am says/asks all that need be said/asked. The arguments I see here I can appreciate, and understand and respect for the most part the defenders and the critics, of which I am one and I just disagree with the pro Harlequin point of view. My criticism stems purely from the very obvious flaws in this plan which were been apparent many years ago, and as we know led to a site called Harlecon to be set up by a Harlequin accountant who, whilst not a good professional move, highlighted the concerns many had already known about. Pro Harlequin faction can argue that the author of the site is in court, discredited etc etc, but as ever the real questions are not answered because there are no legitimate answers. Nothing has transpired at any stage to quell the concerns and doubts, and it remains a mystery for many and a problem for authorities to figure out how this was allowed to go on for so long. When legistation was brought in to allow more freedom for investment of personal pensions, some time between 2004 and 2006, not enough restrictions or guidance or protection was put in to stop many schemes taking from inexperienced and trusting investors, carbon credit schemes etc. The fallout is taking place before our eyes with Harlequin. I think the arguments about whether finance will come and whether this can work are wasted time – a simple business analysis shows it is an exercise in futility. Numbers will invariably show even the most staunch supporters what this was about – maybe not today or tomorrow, but at some point. Any interim financing is just buying more time and hope for some, when it is better in life and business to draw the line and move on. Prove us wrong and deliver financing based on strong sets of accounts and solid business plans, get all projects started this year and I will personally send a case of the Caribbean’s finest rums to Harlequin’s offices along with a box of humble pie. My hunch is that rum is staying in my possession.
In an ideal world the end game should be:
-all Harlequin associates to get residence at her Majesty 5 star luxury resort
-All investors to get their investments back
-Jeremy Newman of Harlecon be Knighted
-O’ Halloran to get residence at her Majesty 5 star luxury resort.
Lets see…
Tcha ….Newman is as guilty as sin … The court case will prove that
Guilty of what?
Trying to protect the investors ? Yes
IH, have you heard from Yorkiepoo? He said he was at the meeting any report ?
I’m here but travelling home
All od the Investors are strongly advised to seek and obtain legal representation NOW. Those who seek legal representation NOW will at least have a chance of recovering some portion of their investment.
Those who wait will have to life with consequences. Do like Bob Marley said ” Get Up, Stand Up…………..Stand Up For Your Rights”
I take it that you were at the meeting today GG. Can you tell us more about how it went? How many investors were there and what kind of issues came up for discussion?
How did you come to the conclusion about taking a legal stand now? Were other options for investors presented?
Also, are you permitted to tell us the substance (assuming there was any) of the statement from HP that was read out?
Did the investors have to sign an NDA?
FDNRM – I hear these have been signed and then ignored by certain individuals
Sorry what I ment to ask was if the investors who have been given a settlement thanks to Fatchetts blackmail have signed NDAs?
FDNRM – I believe so
Tcha – Newman helped the builder you fool – he didnt help us … do your homework….and see how the court case goes .. GG I bet Fatchett told you that one – get in quick ??? Seems all the ones that got paid are very quiet now
Yorkiepoo,
Are you Matt Ames (former Sales Manager) at Harlequin? If not, why are you pretending to be so close to the Ames family and drip feeding these snippets information?
No am not Matt Ames – I’m not pretending to be close to anyone I’m just giving answers when I’m able to
Yorkiepoo could be Dunce-Son-Number-1 – Dan – the Golden Child.
Matt was dismissed after shagging one of the women in the office (so I was told by a disgruntled ex employee). Matt of course went on to rip off other investors in Forestry for Life. He’s currently at the Old Bailey in connection.
Hope they all like porridge.
@Yorkiepoo – Perhaps your Simon Taylor are you?
I think you mean Simon Terry
Why is it so important I reveal my details? Everyone else on here posts anonymous so why aren’t I afforded the same?
Thanks for the idle gossip on Matt I’m sure the investors are really interested about office romance when they are worried about their investments!
If your waiting for porridge to be dished out I cannot see that happening
Well I guess that’s the last we will hear from Paul Walton, AKA Grust Grust, Erica and a few others. Bye bye.
@ Annon – reasons unknown, people have been sued for less than your vile rant. Grow up and join the debate in a grown up way.
Twatsy; I take it you’re an Ames? The spelling was a give away. As well as the distinct lack of education and class. You lowlife scum.
Stop talking out of your arse, crawl back under your rock with the other trolls who talk your language, and look forward to a libel slap from the highly successful solicitor, Mr. Gareth Fatchett.
@Anon-penis ungrown (easy this!) now grow up and join the adult world. No one is impressed with your silly name calling. If you have nothing to add to an adult discussion go away. And a Fatchett threat, don’t make me laugh!
Patience you shall be informed in time.
IH, my best advice to you is to get Fatchett quick before you lose everything.
Yorkiepoo, hope you sleep well in the coming days
I sleep like a baby every night with a clear conscience !
I could be wrong but I think Fatchett see the SIPP trustees as his fee earner not HP
It has been a funny old week.
Libel injunction granted against HP
Proceedings issued against HP
HP hold off freezing order
Clients in proceedings settle
SFO announce
As we turn the week a small number of clients are out of this problem.
What on earth will next week bring ?
Maybe Regulatory Legal are actually a Harlequin (owned or controlled) company? This would be double bluffing in its very best sense.
I don’t see what Regularory Legals next step could be. They have played their trump card of the freezing order which has been rejected by the courts, so they cannot play that again. HP have settled with the 6 main agitators. What possible leverage will other investors have to try and get HP to give any money back? Fatchett might get some liable money which might be all he is after and publicity. It’s very quiet from Paul Walton and Erica.
Does anyone know if the press were present?
It would be another profit centre, another angle to squeeze from investors! If you are Ames, best and only way to keep going is sales, needs to minimize bad pr. So, pay off the loudest upset investors. Done that. Now hope the press and noise dies a little, and sfa and fsa investigations lead to nothing. Passport always at the ready to flee in case. Mos likely to do another article tomorrow, but to be honest, the journalism has not been great given all the evidence readily available to write a better spread. Yorkiepoo, based on comments by others, I think you could be right, the sipp providers are the ones in the firing line by mr fatchett. Slippery slope for all concerned – winners so far are Ames, harlequin staff in uk, ifa’s and agents, Carter ruck, now fatchett and o’halloran. Losers are investors as it was always set up to be. Ames however not likely to be long term winner, likely to always be looking over shoulder or in jail doing a long stretch. We shall see.
@FDNRM
Isn’t it more likely the freezing order was pulled by Regulatory legal once HP agreed to settle the reasonable request of the 6 investors as per the contract that HP wrote?
I would away the freezing order had exactly the effect that was intended and could be used just as effectively any number of times again.
If that isn’t a correct interpretation of events then I’m happy for anyone who knows better to post.
* I would say (not I would away)
@beggars belief. I understand it was rejected by the court according to HP press release. However I don’t know for sure.
The strangest thing today is the misreporting of the Echo article on the payout.
My understanding is that the HP made an offer to the investors in Feb that was refused, Fatchett then all pied to freeze assets, then the following day accepted the offer that had previously been refused! Hardly what the Echo wrote!
I would think if a company is in breach of an agreement, then you can freeze assets, or try, and that company pays according to contract and those investors remove application. Have seen that before. If that is the case, and 1 per cent or so want out, the it may happen another 50 or so times, but as only1 per cent, harlequin should be able to handle that.
Well the normal sequence of events seems to be:
Investor has the audacity to ask for the terms of their contract to be honoured.
Harlequin ignores them
Harlequin says no
Investors have to resort to some kind of legal action such as seeking a freezing order
Harlequin give in at the last minute
Harlequin advocates post a load of old crap about that’s what they had offered all along
Why would someone voluntarily subject themselves to all the agro of a legal solution if the offer for a full and immediate refund (as per contract) was available from the start?
I take it that this means that anyone with a contract which entitles them to a refund because their resort should now be operational will now be given a refund by return of post simply by writing to Harlequin.
That’s great news for the remaining 9 or so disgruntled investors. Or is that 900 or so?
I don’t know this Fatchet, but it seems that he’s done hia job pretty well. I don’t think that the freezing order is a played trump card, it’s a card that remains in the deck. Let’s face it, it seems thaf the Magnificent 6 or 7 have what they wanted — hopefully that means that the reported next 20 should too, if they want.
Yorkie, you seem to have dispensed of this ridiculous suggestion that you are an impartial oberserver, which is something of a relief.
No – still the same as I ever was, just call it as I see it – impartially and not financially involved
But involved nonetheless.
As a number of other people have suggested, I don’t think anyone’s buying your story anymore Yorkie; an impartial, uninvolved party, with minimal relations to the main man, who gives up their Saturday to go to a reasonably last minute investment meeting in Manchester…so far, so ridiculous.
Curious as to why the alleged NDAs are necessary — what needs to be silenced if all is well?
Yorkiepoo, the Echo never misreported nothing, you are just trying to save what cannot be save. This has always been your strategy but it’ s to late now. There is no financing in place and in the next few days Harlequin will need a lot more money to pay out the investors this a fact. You are only fooling yourself…
With out all the facts, we can safely assume that Paul, Erica and the others accepted the refund as per the contract. That was all Paul was asking for. That means a total refund within 60 days. So I can offer my congratulations to all involved for achieving this.
The refund clearly came with the standard muzzleing contract, and who can blame them for signing it. All they wanted was their money back as they were contractually entitled. So their silence says more than than any post could.
Harlequin however continues on it’s dodgy ways, and I can only hope that they survive for another 60 days, as we all know there won’t be any refund (if there is one) until the 60 days has expired and the laywers get involved again. DA will continue in his usual stalling tactics and hope that no one notices. I just hope Erica wasn’t induced into preventing Panorama from using any of her interviews or evidence, however I wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case (or blame her if she accepted that as a condition).
The facts are now out there and being reported more widely in the mainstream media, and I just hope the next 20 sign in here regularly and recount their experiences too.
I cant help but think that Paul and Erica will be back here in 60 days. But I hope I’m wrong.
Mr Blue, I write this without prejudice.
Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou all for taking the time and coming to the meeting today ot was great to put faces to names I had, I hope you found it useful. you all have my details if you need to talk.
There was no deal offered to me today or yesterday I actually have a agreement from last year that they will repay the SIPP it just never happened. I actually have four agreements from Harlequin which span over I think twelve months.
,As I spoke about today my biggest problem with Harlequin is that they are just not transparent enough for me,I have never thought it was good business practice to make it up as you go along in the sense that if say Mr A wants a refund and he is very angry he might get one, where as if
Mrs B wants one and tries to reason with Harlequin and gets nowhere.
It will never sit right with me that like Paul said in the meeting, He had had a meeting with Mr Ames and they basically tried to bargin the price they were prepared to pay back that is not how this should work. If you have a contract then Harlequin should honour that, if it says sixty days then that is what it should be not staged payments every single person should be treated the same and everyone should know where they stand
I find it unbelieveable that the amount Paul was offered because of “fees” was less than half of what he put in! and then staged payments when it was out of contract,I find it hard to believe that these sorts of questions should and was not asked by IFAs at the time of purchase If some people want to ask questions those questions should be answered and should not be met with hostility.
To be totally honest some of the IFAs found the meeting amusing and obviously wanted to disrupt it, so the question there has got to be WHY?? You sold these products, you have a duty of care.
I really think that it should not matter what way you invest the SIPP, IFAs should get the same fee for selling that product so that the commision earned is not in the desion making process in helping you decide where to invest your SIPP,
If people are happy to continue with their investment with Harlequin that is their decision it has nothing to do with anyone else and they should not be laughed at and ridiculed because of that decision, what is right for one person is not always right for another.
One lady said she knew it was a high risk product and that I was ruining her investment, which was something we had never been told. If and I do say If Harlequin do fail I do not think it will be down to one person or one event it will be down to several factors the main one being inexperience of the job entailed in the of building resorts.
Harlequin as I have said before to them should always of had a group of investors to oversee the company that could then report back to investors and answer concerns, I feel it is a great shame this has never happened
Anyway I look forward to the next meeting hopefully in London or Essex
I have also got to say a huge THANKYOU to the Marriott as they are following all the media coverage concerning Harleqiun and was still happy to host the event!
The two ladies who looked after me were absolutley brilliant and have passed on details to me of people who wanted my contact details.
Yorkie With reference to your comment about me making a anouncement concerning Mr Ames on Friday evening it was a great shame Mr Ames could not make the meeting after taliking with me on Friday evening and saying
” He aimed to be there” I am just glad I did not post it on here that he was coming as there would of been so many disapointed investors would”nt there.
Apologies, I forgot to include the stage that Harlequin offer to repay you over 24, 18 or 12 months.
With respect to the idea that HP have the contractual 60 day period to now pay back investors who have stood their ground for a full refund. Surely the 60 days should be dated from the first written request for a refund by the investor. This means that the 60 day period should be deemed as expired and the refund be made immediately.
@E. Glad to see that you’re still with us.
Can you give us a more complete run down of the proceedings yesterday. I understand that some aspects might not be appropriate for an open forum.
Did I understand your previous post to mean that some of the IFA’s who sold Harlequin products turned up as troublemakers? I hope the investors conducted themselves with dignity.
I’m sure lots of people would like the headlines.
Well done for standing firm for nothing more than your contractual rights.
I would imagine the Birmingham 6 received immediate settlement in full on condition of signing NDAs and stopping the adjourned hearing for next Thursday (it is incorrectly stated here that the action was stopped by the court – it wasn’t, it was adjourned. Perhaps the incorrect version of events came from Harlequin).
In my experience, you would not cease court action in the hope that the defendant might pay you your due refund in a few months time.
That sounds more plausible anon-ru.
Would it be reasonable to suppose that Harlequin requested the investors adjourn the court action to give them time to put an eleventh hour package together?
This package, being acceptable to the investors, meant that the court action could be terminated by the investors.
Presumably there is a public record of the court process so that the above can be checked out for accuracy.
@BFP. CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHY MY RESPONSE TO ANON_REASONS UKNOWN HAS BEEN CENSORED. I have been called “Lying Harlequin Scum”, A “f***ing Twat” and Matt Ames, who I am NOT defending has been accused of “shagging an office girl”. But my comment has been removed. Free press? You are only anti HP press.
So Anon-P***S Un****N is unacceptable? Is was obviously taking the rise out of his name. EXPLANATION PLEASE!!!
As I understand it, the court action was adjourned by the court to give RL time to provide more info to substantiate the validity of the application for a freezing order in relation to the non-payment of money owed to those bringing the class action.
I also understand that Harlequin failed to provide information for disclosure until the very last minute. This (characteristic) lack of cooperation and disclosure on Harlequin’s part may well have contributed to the court’s decision to adjourn rather than refuse the application.
Harlequin really do themselves no favours. Arrogant and antagonistic even during disclosure for action brought by a bunch of investors entitled to a refund for breach.
How can Harlequin not see that if they’d simply paid back their money in accordance with the contract T&Cs, then none of this bad publicity would have happened. Think of the legal fees they would have saved for libel and avoidance of paying refunds? They then could have resold the units and covered any losses with the Capital gains acquired on those units over the period.
Thanks anon-ru, that all sounds much more plausible than my speculation. Thanks for clarifying the situation.
@Yorkiepoo, Without Prejudice,
Do you still want Mr. Ames telephone number? So you can commit a criminal activity? Sorry this is not happening it is not the way I behave.
With reference to Mr Ames statment that there was people going to be there who had another agenda.I think most peoples agenda was the same as mine and that was to get some answers from Harlequin. One thing certainly came out of the meetings and that was most people if not all wanted to have more input into the meetings, ie They are allowed to ask a question and then someone from Harlequin answers it how hard would that be?
The media will spin this non attendance of Mr Ames however they want that is not down to me. My agenda is simple I want my Husbands SIPP reinstating to its former glory as was agreed by Mr Terry last June/July 2012? in full without staged payments and without a gagging order which according to Mr Terry once signed I would not be able to voice any concerns we may have to the SFO, SRA or indeed the City of London Police I do not want to have to give Harlequin any personal electronic equipment from my home,.
I am sick of the implications made and the insinuation that I am indeed someones puppet. I have and always will have hopefully my own mind and my own opinions, I find it very unnerving that you know so much about investors contracts and agreements made by investors Whatever happened to Data Protection!
I feel that the agreement made with Carter Ruck was breached when Mr Ames talked about me to another investor and referred to as “That woman” and that I had indeed been paid off, especially as we obviously have not been paid of in full and final setlement, is Mr Ames having problems with his memory?
If in your earlier post when you referred to NDA I would respond to that by saying I have one that does not allow me to talk about one investment and I will not talk about that but be assured that I/we will talk about my Husbands SIPP this is still a free country that allows freedom of speach and Harlequin are not above the laws of this country.
Anyone signing one of the NDA should read it carefully before signing it
The other thing of course you are allowed to be annonomous on here that is everyones prerogative but why would you be? I find that rather sinister what are people afraid of? especially you!
E – you have lost me about Mr Ames contact details? I have the details thank you.
As for the NDA I don’t know who has signed them but I know some people have – I never mentioned that you had an agreement it’s you that has told is that.
I don’t know any specifics just an overview.
I would like to stay anonymous as I have a business of my own thats I prefer not getting dragged into this debate
I would have imagined that if Yorkiepoo attended the meeting yesterday then his/her identity would be known to the organisers?
As I am not employed by HP and have had no involvement in the investment nobody would be aware of who I am – just another face in the crowd
@Yorkiepoo
You, my kind sir/madame, are an -agent provocateur- in the best tradition of
Graham Greene. For God’s Sake please let someone out you.
(By the way…when do you ever sleep?)
I see the MOS have owned up to incorrect reporting in their first article in HP. Thats what you get with cut and paste journalism.
@BFP Was the above acceptable to you or am I upsetting you journalistic “brothers”?
Evidence
@Anonymous, I dont know if that was aimed at my comment above or not. If it was then inside page of the MOS today, not Mail on line, in the “mistakes and corrections” part.
@BFP is the above comment acceptable to you?
What a busy old day 🙂
Couple of bits I will comment on.
@Ivor Hadenough
1 Mr Ames caused this by his own actions, refund me I will be quite.
2. I did not pay any up-front fees to any of the legal team
3. Gareth Fatchett was instructed by some clients to get their money back from HP – correct? It may be fair to assume this is because HP was not playing fair? He has been successful in this so that make him a good guy in my book?
@Yorkiepoo
Need to put you clear on a few things as you apparently did not say hello at the meeting? Maybe you did – it’s unimportant.
1.I will not be getting any reduction on legal fees this is just a pathetic attempt at trying to discredit me
2.You seem to have become obsessed over my inability to pay these mysterious closing costs, I am still am waiting for a reply to my letter to Mr Ames, because they were never mentioned, it’s just untrue.
@FDNRM.
1.I have not had a refund
2.if you want to know what Gareth’s next steps maybe become a client?
Some people got a bit excited, that was to be expected. It would be fair to say, the last meeting in particular people fell in one of the following groups.
1. IFA / or people who have sold the product (defensive)
2. Very worried investors, who want their money back or some answers.
3. Investors who are happy AKA group 1
4. Investors who had no idea that there may be problems with HP
All the best Paul
@HIGnw. “I have not had a refund” then what have you had? I’m confused by that statement.
Become a client of Fatchett, your having a laugh. HP have always played fair with me so why should I.
@BFP: Is the above comment acceptable to you?
I have not had a refund it that clear?
Ok, Did you get your money back as per your contract?
No I did not, but lets see what happens next week. I have a plan B & C
Could you please tell me how many people attended the meeting? was it constructive? and will there be one down south ?
Paul, I find group 4 very strange. Are there really investors out there that believe there is nothing to worry about whey they have invested in a company that has not started 5 of the 6 resorts it has sold thousands of units at several years ago? Do they realise that best case, they may get a return in 5 or so years, a couple of years after the resorts start trading? Worst case they get nothing? Do they not realise that they are dealing with a group that is on record as lying to investors and the media? For example, when Ames said the marina at BB was almost finished, he can only be one of two things – either so incompetent as to not realise it had not even started (in which case, understandable he did not know whether ICE group had done the plumbing properly…), or he was lying. It has to be one or the other – this is the person being so fiercely defended by the impartial Yorkiepoo. I ask the question as I just am amazed at people’s laid back approach to their investment, I did not realise people could be so frivolous with their money in these tough times.
What a waste of time that meetung was! When is everyone going to realise that this meeting was nothing more than a fee raising opprtunity for Fatchett and the other vultures/ ambulance chasers. The attempt to freeze the assets of Harlequin and the Ames family was a crude attempt to frighten investors into parting with money. The formation in January of their Risk Warning operation was targeted specifically at what they saw as a money spinner. The name chosen applies more to them than any advice they would charge for. Paul Walton aka Grust Grust aka Harlicorruption is not an investor in the true sense of the word. He was “planted” by O’Halloran, Newman and Fatchett to cause a frenzy. At no time , I believe, did he have any intention of taking any refund that was offered to him. O’Halloran and Newman hoped that Harlequin would not survive this attack on their credibility. The same can be said of the MOS false reporting.All arranged by O’Halloran, Newman and Fatchett, with some assistance by the politically motivated Eustace.
This is not the beginning of the end for Harlequin. More like the end of the beginning.
O’Halloran and Newman, get set for years in prison. Fatchett and your vulture friends, make sure you get paid by these two before they go down.
Good luck to Dave and Carol Ames. Carry on to fulfil the dream you set out to achieve , not only for yourselves but for the 99% of loayal investors still 100% behind you.
B Baywatch
From one blackie to another. Why do you come across as racist? Why are you always using the term ” Neo Colonialists”. Times have changed, man. Drop it , will you.
Harlisuccess – I for one do not believe that Paul and Erica are plants for Newman & O’Halloran – I believe they are good honest people with a genuine concern. I do not agree with the tactics.
FDNRM – can you write a transcript of the MOS statement of incorrect reporting.
As someone who specialises in pensions’ advice outside of the UK, I find it incredible that IFAs would recommend an off-plan investment into property on the other side of the World. How on earth did the trustees of these schemes undertake the due diligence? Did they undertake due diligence?
SIPP rules make it clear that a SIPP may borrow up to 50% of the net funds’ assets at time of borrowing. Are the SIPPs that arranged to buy the properties , those that needed to gear up by borrowing, going to be able to borrow enough to finish off the property? Bear in mind any personal monies/loans getting mixed in with the SIPP could result in substantial unauthorised payment charges from HMRC.
Are people aware of the SIPP rules on death before retirement? The funds must be distributed within 2 years of death or a 55% HMRC charge will apply to the whole fund. How can the funds be liquidated if the property is not finished? Is there a resale market? If the rental income does not cover the cost of the loans in a SIPP, then the consequences for the SIPP are pretty awful- as it the effect on retirment income. If the rent is poor, and there in no suitable resale market, how are people going to get an income in retirement? ( This issue applies to all off plan properties in SIPPs).
I think the action group needs to get a UK pension specialist on board as soon as possible to review the SIPP advice and to look at the actions of the SIPP trustees.
@Harlisuccess , some new name recommendations for you. 1) Harli’ deluded’. 2) Harli ‘bullshit’. 3) Harli ‘failure’ anyone is much more suited for you.
ILAR – just sit right see what happens next week – whilst the lunch mob was meeting bigger issues were in hand.
Predictive text changed that posting a bit!
Could you explain yorkie. lunch mob?
@Yorkie. “An article on Feb 24th about the Caribbean property scheme Harlequin said Arnhim Eustace, a former prime minister os St Vincent, had called in the Serious Fraud Office to investigate. In face a complaint had been raised on behalf of a group of investors who claimed they had lost money”
@BFP. can you confirm this is acceptable to
dont HP understand the longer they spend delaying paying 1% of investors the more likely it is more people will become uneasy and consider this.If all is well with finance thats .03% of HP,s estimate of total costs ,if all investments are at 30% deposit.or am I missing something
@Harlisuccess
I was not going to comment, but you did make me chuckle 🙂
How about, this for a conspirecy theory….. I had donations into by SIPP account from O’Halloran, Newman and Fatchett way back in 2010 when we started planning the downfall of HP and I was some how brain washed into this meeting?
Or maybe I got sick of all the HP piffle and lies and wanted my money back!!
All the bestPaul O’Halloran, Newman Fatchett Walton
wITHOUT PREDJUDICE.
@ Hardly success, Why do you think O”Halloran will end up in prison are you really that stupid. The court case in Ireland is a civil proceding not a criminal proceding and so nobody can be sent to prison for a civil matter in a civil court case.
Can you also explain how Mr Walton knows Mr O”Halloran or Mr Newman Do you think they gave him £112,000 in a pension several years ago so that if ever there was a problem with Harlequin he could take this course of action. Also did they give my Husband four frozen pensions and tell him to invest all of them in Harlequin just in case. Do you realise how pathetic your conspiracy theory is?
@ Yorkiepoo I will only be pushed so far and I will then have a event just to tell all of Harlequins dirty washing and as you seem to know everything what has happened I suggest that you rein in the Harlequin trolls if you do not want this to be the consequence of there actions.
I will of course also instruct a solicitor to take procedings against Harlequin employees as did Mr Thatchet this week which basically cost all investors a total of £6.500 which went to a church choir which was a good cause I do hope that the money will come out of Mr Dalligers wages!
Anon73, It would appear so from the second meeting yes!
I still await a reply from HP’s Solicitor….I will post the first letter when I work out how to attach a PDF
Dear Mr A Regan,
I refer to my unanswered letter dated 23rd February 2013 – a copy attached for your records.
Since receiving Mr Ames reply to my questions, or should I say, lack of them on SVG headed paper (attached)
I have several more question I need answers for, if you are not the correct person to direct these questions at; would you kindly forward my letters and emails onto them.
1. How can HP change a contract at will? You could not answer this question when I asked you in the meeting – I am very interested in your reply.
2. At no point in the meeting was it stated it was ‘Without Prejudice’ now all of a sudden it is?
3. At no point in the meeting were closing costs discussed, let alone my inability to pay them – this is simply untrue.
4. I have never been given details of the finance available, apart from Mr Ames rather vague description of it ‘were giving out like, developer mortgages, they call it’ and ‘lawyers speak to lawyers’ ‘ we are handing over to you next week’
I feel for a completion, next week or 1st April 2013 I would need a little bit more information than that? Please send me all the details I need to make an informed decision regarding the above points.
Kind regards,
Paul Walton
I didn’t think we would see Harlisuccess here again but in the interests of entertainment value he is most welcome.
He is so keen to comment on all of Harlequin’s successes so I thought it might be of interest to give him a case study. A little while ago on a BFP thread someone reminded us of the Ravenswood Hotel and Resort in Australia. Just in case people thought this had no connection with HP you can read this quote that is still available online:
QUOTE
Harlequin Property has recently brought Ravenswood Hotel and Resort to the Mandurah property market. Situated on the outskirts of Mandurah, 15 minutes from the sea, the resort will be set in 21 acres of land with a selection of apartments and fully-furnished one, two- and three-bedroom cabanas.
The off-plan development is due to commence in early 2007 with completion by 2010.
Dave Ames, Marketing Manager of Harlequin Property said: “Mandurah is a city expanding at a tremendous rate and quality accommodation such as Ravenswood will be highly sought after. Investors here will receive a two year 10 per cent guarantee followed by a five year 50 per cent room rate share deal along with 30 free days use per year.”
Harlequin is now offering Ravenswood Hotel &Resort at pre-launch prices with fully furnished apartments starting from •100,000.
For further information:
Harlequin Property
END QUOTE
Another website proudly declares that this project was “sold out”.
http://www.investorsprovident.com/overseas-property/australia-property/ravenswood-hotel-and-resort-perth.html
This resort should have been complete 2 or 3 years ago and so everyone that bought a unit should be swapping from their 10% returns to their 50% net room share.
Would Harlesuccess care to update us all on how successful this project is?
Would Harlesuccess care to tell us what happened to the investors who bought every last unit to be developed by Harlequin Property?
Would Harlesuccess like to put himself in the shoes of an investor in one of the Caribbean projects and ask himself whether it would be reasonable for them to be a teeny weeny bit concerned that their resort might end up as successful as Ravenswood Hotel and Resort?
E – I find it very strange how you seem to dismiss the legal proceedings of O’Hallorhan and Newman with throw away comments .. The guy took 13Mil of all of us by fraudulent means with Newman also involved … This will all come out in court….. No wonder @Yorkie is questioning your validity in all of this.
E is more interested in the £6k she has got you all to waste for being mean it Thatchett than your $13m!!!
If it was easy to get your investment returned you would be more likely to leave in place,If you see 1% creating such a reaction from HP you can only think the worse.If 99& are happy thats fine ,Im sure HP agents can find some more happy souls to invest,then you have 100% content investors,Result no one would want to withdraw,no bad publicity no grief just some hotels to finish ,once finished all who had doubts me included would wish we had more faith in HP,If HP are property developers they should concentrate efforts on this,leave dealing with 1% of investors to accounts find out why they wanted out deal with it ,and if these guys are plants so what they are out of it,Bottom line is HP need to prove the worth of the company on building sites not courts and forums ,can HP prove at this late hour they can do it prove me wrong
@Homefront
This is what I don’t understand, I only want MY money back as per contract – nothing wrong with that?
So why don’t they just pay me – then it would not need to go to the High Court?
I am not asking for anything I am not entitled too, I however will not be bullied into taking staged payments and have made the quite clear from the beginning.
The only reason they have not paid me is maybe they have a cash flow issue? What else am I to think? And if, and I say if, what will they build the resort with????
Homefront hopefully you will get some comfort when mr Ames issues answers the 43 questions Erica sent to him to answer in 24 hours!! Plenty of time for a concise answer!! Maybe E will share these answers with us when they are issued?
Without prejudice.
@ yorkie, The case against Mr O”Halloran and Mr Newman has yet to be proven and so as of yet I will keep my opinion to myself. Although I will say I dont really know the court system I personally would of been running straight to a police station if I did think someone had stolen any money that was entrusted to me by investors.
As for the case against Mr Daligher is proven and so that has cost us money has it not?
I am still waiting for just a couple from 23rd Febuary…..after my meeting………never mind 43
Regarding the freezing order, Gareth Fatchett was instructed by several clients to get their money back, he did using whatever legal process available to him…… how does that make him the bad guy?
Yorkiepoo without prejudice. I will publish them if that is okay with the rest of your family lol
1. How can HP change a contract at will? You could not answer this question when I asked you in the meeting – I am very interested in your reply.
2. At no point in the meeting was it stated it was ‘Without Prejudice’ now all of a sudden it is?
3. At no point in the meeting were closing costs discussed, let alone my inability to pay them – this is simply untrue.
4. I have never been given details of the finance available, apart from Mr Ames rather vague description of it ‘were giving out like, developer mortgages, they call it’ and ‘lawyers speak to lawyers’ ‘ we are handing over to you next week’
I feel for a completion, next week or 1st April 2013 I would need a little bit more information than that? Please send me all the details I need to make an informed decision regarding the above points.
Kind regards,
Paul Walton
Still waiting……………………………………….
I didn’t think we would see Harlisuccess here again but in the interests of entertainment value he is most welcome.
He is so keen to comment on all of Harlequin’s successes so I thought it might be of interest to give him a case study. A little while ago on a BFP thread someone reminded us of the Ravenswood Hotel and Resort in Australia. Just in case people thought this had no connection with HP you can read this quote that is still available online:
QUOTE
Harlequin Property has recently brought Ravenswood Hotel and Resort to the Mandurah property market. Situated on the outskirts of Mandurah, 15 minutes from the sea, the resort will be set in 21 acres of land with a selection of apartments and fully-furnished one, two- and three-bedroom cabanas.
The off-plan development is due to commence in early 2007 with completion by 2010.
Dave Ames, Marketing Manager of Harlequin Property said: “Mandurah is a city expanding at a tremendous rate and quality accommodation such as Ravenswood will be highly sought after. Investors here will receive a two year 10 per cent guarantee followed by a five year 50 per cent room rate share deal along with 30 free days use per year.”
Harlequin is now offering Ravenswood Hotel &Resort at pre-launch prices with fully furnished apartments starting from •100,000.
For further information:
Harlequin Property
END QUOTE
Another website proudly declares that this project was “sold out”.
http://www.investorsprovident.com/overseas-property/australia-property/ravenswood-hotel-and-resort-perth.html
This resort should have been complete 2 or 3 years ago and so everyone that bought a unit should be swapping from their 10% returns to their 50% net room share.
Would Harlesuccess care to update us all on how successful this project is?
Would Harlesuccess care to tell us what happened to the investors who bought every last unit to be developed by Harlequin Property?
Would Harlesuccess like to put himself in the shoes of an investor in one of the Caribbean projects and ask himself whether it would be reasonable for them to be a teeny weeny bit concerned that their resort might end up as successful as Ravenswood Hotel and Resort?
Paul. I will ring you later to plan the next meeting but in the mean time just remember you cannot fix stupid!!
Yes I know the Dalliger issue will cost money . The point is that you appear to think that it’s investors money well spent. I’m not sure it is for being mean to Mr Thatchett
@E, what are you talking about, £6500 and a church chior?
@BFP. Does the above message breach house rules as you have not answered my posting earlier regarding censorship.
Can’t see my family being too interested in this lot!!
Yorkie – What is the Dalliger case about ?
Are we taking about Dan Dalligan ( I am not sure the spelling of surname )
without predjudice I
dont think it is well spent and to be honest I think it shows a total lack of control over a workforce and investor funds, Mr Daligher should of course no longer working for Harlequin if only for the fact that it takes less than two minutes to check out that information before doing what he did with it.
Of course it just enforces what I have always though of Harlequin
Alledgedly Dan said nasty horrible things about GF so he issued court proceedings against him/ HP
Yes Dan Dalligan
and what part do you want to censor and why when you cannot stop shouting about the Mr O”Halloran stole the money
Don’t worry you will soon have the cupboard bear, no resorts for the investors, no cash for refunds, fat solicitors and I can’t see th Ames family having the same money worries in old age as you will! Good plan Erica!
Fatty, please can you confirm your point earlier that the error in the MoS article was this:
“ an article on Feb 24th about the Caribbean property scheme, Harlequin said Arnhim Eustace, a former prime minister St Vincent, had called in the Serious Fraud Office to investigate. In a complaint had been raised on behalf of a group of investors who claimed they had lost money”
Was that it???!! In the whole article, that was the point of correction you were twisting your knickers over? The correction was that Harlequin had given false information that Eustace had called in the fraud office, when in fact it was a group of investors? Ha ha ha! You are comedy classic (Key Stage Level 2 comedy).
P.S. I know you will get all frustrated and start throwing your toys about, so please forgive me for having corrected your quoted post . That was merely for the benefit of the readers here, and not intended to draw attention to your literary incompetence.
I don’t want any information being censored I want it all public! And I don’t keep talking about O’Halloran because I don’t know the detail – btw the case restarts Tuesday so read the papers lets see if they get something right!
Yorkie – Thanks I heard all about DD and the comments ..Proves what GF is all about tbh as its more court cases and mud slinging .. it never needed to go to court .. its more lets bring HP down ( regardless of effect to investors ) and to be honest DD for what I can gather said that GF was not able tp publish the fact he intended to freeze HP assets – Surely a man of his standing woyld know that ???? Money on with this case will not come from investors
Yorkiepoo, your comments to Erica are vile, and it is perfectly obvious you are an Ames stooge. Only Dave Ames is to blame for this joke of a development business and such obvious failure to date, a failure so blatant a child could see the writing on the wall. Ask Ames when he is going to return the 5m he “borrowed” from the business. Ames is a thief, not because of the 5m but because of the commissions he paid himself before what he had sold even had planning permission. You yorkiepoo are an odious part of this scam.
It will ultimately come from investors cash as they are the only ones who pay for anything, unless insurance will cover any costs
@Erica. You need to keep up regarding censorship. BFP deleted a posting I put on last night and refuse to say why.
@Anon-ru. You absolute f****wit. Read the whole report before you come on here with your stupid comments. HP had given NO information regarding this article. Twat.
@ BFP does the above breach any rules? Perhaps you will answer why my earlier post was deleted.
This is where you are wrong again, I have no financial stake in this investment.
What care the vile comments, I have always been polite!
So far I have been Carol Ames, Dan Ames? David Ames, Matt Ames, Simon Terry and a member of the family!
And wrong on every count!!
@138 funny how you defend comments to Erica as “vile” everyone is fair game on this forum, believe me.
It is vile to suggest a woman is to blame for hurting all investors just because she wants her money back in line with her contract. If you were in any way impartial, which is obv not the case, perhaps you would consider it it ames’s fault that:
The unstarted project were sold from 2006, and sold thousands of holiday homes.
They still don’t have planning permission
They have not started obviously
Ames has already taken profit in form of commissions
No accounts filed in svg
Let his builder squander 13m of investor money
Etc etc
These indisputable facts were not caused by Erica or any other investor, these were caused by the uk’s biggest con man, Dave Ames. Your protests that you are not involved are pathetic. You do not have to use vile language to be vile, but vile you are.
Without predjudice. You dont know my plan so it would do you good to remember that. Also I would rather live in squaler than potentially ruin someones entire life I can look at my self in the mirror every single day can you?
Anyway the Ames might not have to worry if they get free B&B and you are totally right we are poles apart. You have never and will never be might sort of people. it was strange when people were shouting in the meeting and saying I was ruining there investment and I asked would you recomend this product now they soon went quiet. Panorama will be very revealing and I reckon you really will lose a lot of support then dont you. 15 days and counting TICK TOCK
My comment on the “successful” Harlequin development was posted tat 2.30pm and then once again by mistake at 3.55pm. My comment has only just been moderated so it may have been missed by Harlesuccess.
I would like to know what Harlesuccess has to say to the investors who bought all the units at this particular Harlequin development.
Harlesuccess and FDNRM might think it was “posted tat” but it was “posted at” lol
Dear Fatchett etc,
Calm down. We’re not always here. What comment is causing you concern? There was a comment with the word “penis” in it that the spam filter grabbed because it grabs sex words and holds them for human intervention.
Just calm down okay? we are hung over ’bout hey that everything is taking a while. shhhhhh! doan make so the noise, okay?
Clive
BB, good example but you don’t have to go as far as oz. The sold out hotels in the Caribbean have not started and do not even have planning permission. It is a joke how willfully naive or blind everyone is being who is denying harlequin have failed miserably at best, or scammed people as is more likely.
@138 I agree that the evidence of the Caribbean projects alone would give all but the most maverick investors wince.
What I think makes it interesting is that most investors in the resorts that are currently shown on the HP website are probably not remotely aware of other projects that Harlequin have promoted, sold out (according to them at least) and then not built.
What happened to all the money that investors in the Australian project put in? Would some of the Harlequinunados like to make any comments?
@BFP no comments are causing me concern, but my post was taken off for using the word penis. But shagging, fucking, and other such words are ok? Please clarify in more detail as I am fed up of the personal insults put on here by anti HP posters. Clean 1 up, clean them all up!
I don’t think it is just our Caribbean friends nursing a hangover!
* @138 I agree that the evidence of the Caribbean projects alone would make all but the most maverick investors wince.
Its quite bizzare that the network Sales Director of Harlequin…. Dan Daligan can say things about a solicitor that are not true – pretty stupid…… and end up with a High Court injuction!! also the security guard Sean Ghent ? claimed to be an emplyee in Buccement Bay saying they all have been paid….. then He was a investor coming to the meeting in Manchester ( he did not) anyone else find this behaviour for HP Employees a bit odd?
Or is it just me….. talk about credibility being shattered???
All the best Paul
Hello Fatchett,
We’ve let the discussion move pretty freely ’bout hey. We approved your penis comment after the computer automaticly stopped it. Wat’s your problem now? You want to order us about, get a court order,
otherwise calm down, okay? Why is that sun so bright today?
I’ll never drink so much again. honest. just talk so soft, okay?
CHA!
Cliverton
Also interested to find out what Anon-RU has to say ;o)
@BFP it was up for moderation last night and this morning it was gone. Are you saying it is now back up?
@beggars belief. You mean my stalker?
You should be so lucky to be stalked by Anon-RU!
So, while we’re chatting FDNRM, how does the Australian project make you feel? Does it increase your confidence in the Harlequin brand?
I think BFP should offer a prize to whoever is the 1000th poster on this thread!
Must be a record?
All your lat post factually incorrect!
Hignw, what credibility? What have harlequin ever done to have credibility? Cgi’s, as we know, mean nothing. Ames is not a business manager, he cannot manage any aspect of the developments, never mind rogue staff. Those who still cannot see ames for the crook he is, the numbers in svg will show, and what has been sold will never be built – but never is still not too long a time to wait for some people.
Please correct them with good evidence and I’ll happily retract and apologise Yorkiepoo
@Beggars belief, I briefly looked at the link. Did it actually mention HP? I stand corrected if it did.
@FDNRM
The link I posted was to show that the resort was sold out. You are correct that it doesn’t mention HP but take a look at the website emigrate2.co.uk and you will see where I took the quote from Mr Ames –
QUOTE
Harlequin Property has recently brought Ravenswood Hotel and Resort to the Mandurah property market. Situated on the outskirts of Mandurah, 15 minutes from the sea, the resort will be set in 21 acres of land with a selection of apartments and fully-furnished one, two- and three-bedroom cabanas.
The off-plan development is due to commence in early 2007 with completion by 2010.
Dave Ames, Marketing Manager of Harlequin Property said: “Mandurah is a city expanding at a tremendous rate and quality accommodation such as Ravenswood will be highly sought after. Investors here will receive a two year 10 per cent guarantee followed by a five year 50 per cent room rate share deal along with 30 free days use per year.”
UNQUOTE
Here is the link
http://www.emigrate2.co.uk/article/homes_and_relocation_detail-123/
All buccament bay staff have been paid that’s a fact – maybe Sean Ghent never showed up because he felt he would be focus of questions – wrongly as he is an investor and employee
@Yokiepoo
Were you saying that my post was factually inaccurate? Do offer a correction and I will respond.
Hardly something that can be fully explained on a blog by somebody who isn’t a HP employee
I’m not following you Yorkiepoo. Can you elaborate?
I can look myself in the mirror I’m sure Dave Ames can too, 15 days until your nonesense is aired irreversibly damaging your investment and taking everyone with you – selfish! You won’t be sleeping well then!
@Yorkiepoo (4.43pm) – What about Simon Taylor?
This company offers all the Harlequin Projects….shows Ravenswood Resort as “sol out”
http://www.investorsprovident.com
sold out…of course.
@ Yorkiepoo. You said that my earlier posts were factually incorrect from which I can only assume that you are claiming a stronger claim on the facts than me. Can you justify that by explaining how the website links I provided are factually incorrect?
Terry?
Why do you want me to pull a few strings and see if I can get you one on resale? I wouldn’t bother now E is tring to get as much bad press as she can, cut the SiPP money off, thrown a spanner in the works with the financiers – glad she doesn’t look after my investments when she’s so reckless with her own and in turn everyone else’s
I was referring to the ownership statement
OK, so it’s clear Yorkiepoo that you have no basis from which to judge the links to be factually incorrect. Your side-stepping of the issue by having a go at E shows that to be the case.
I will ask you once more if you have any basis to your claim that my previous posts were factually incorrect.
Sorry I was writing my previous post at the same time as you.
What do you mean about the ownership statement?
Of course I have paperwork to back it up but how can I provide it in a blog?
I’m prepared to accept that I may be being obtuse here, but what does your paperwork back up? What ownership issue are you talking about?
Never mind it’s a pointless argument – I was thinking you were questioning the ownership of the hotels
Paul .. as you are e relatively new investor ( unless I am mistaken ) why did you buy as if you had done your DD you would have seen this Fraud thing has been going on for years … What made you buy in the first place .. if it was heavy sales and an IFA with out doing a risk assessment then go for them in court
I also note that FDNRM has chosen not to comment on the sold out Harlequin Property Australian resort.
Uncharacteristic of you to hold back your view.
Yorkiepoo, why don’t you stop writing nonsense and things that you can never backup?
This scheme is a full Ponzi about to blow up and you are carrying enormous responsibility in trying to make people think it’s not.
As soon as you get cornered you can’t bring the evidence your ties with Dave Ames are a no brainer!
IH, my best advice to you is to get your money back as fast as possible…
Yorkiepoo, I repeat your blaming of a few unhappy investors now kicking up a fuss many years after Ames should have completed resorts that remain unstarted makes you far from impartial. You are as complicit as the ifas in this scam and all you say must be discredited. Ames is a conman, a crook, the evidence is blatant. Your support if him and blaming of others for his failures is disgusting. Erica’s and others’ investments were never going to work, ames belongs in prison.
@Beggars belief. I don’t comment on something I know nothing about. I’m now watching country file and then having a soak in the bath so no time to review the past now.
I am one of the few on here who has provided facts – that’s why Paul thinks I was sat in a meeting with him!
We have already discussed 3 times on this thread why this is not a ponzi.
Doesn’t really matter now after the bad press and panorama what you call it the likes of E has committed financial suicide
Ame’s daughter is married to a bush farmer in Australia. Wonder where they live? She’s one of the share holders in HMSSE, along with Carole and Dan.
What I don’t understand is that everyone is getting upset over a mere 1% of investors who are due a refund taking legal action to get their money back. If Harlequin had simply honoured the contractual terms and repaid them, then no freezing order would have been necessary.
Also, why knock Gareth Fatchett? Isn’t he doing exactly what he is employed to do for his clients? Obtain the money that Harlequin are refusing to pay investors who are fully entitled to a refund? He’s proving himself to be well worth any retrospective fee that Harlequin will have to pay. Again; don’t blame the investor for that fee – Harlequin chose to handle it that way other than to honour their contractual obligations like any trustworthy, ethical, transparent company would to its shareholders. Well, any reputable company.
I am in no doubt whatsoever that Harlequin’s contractual obligation to refund clients 6 months after the resort was due to complete was a major factor in their choice to invest. What an honourable company Harlequin must have seemed. If they don’t meet their contractual obligations (by an incredibly long shot) they will of course pay your money back. But they don’t. FACT. If you want to get your money back after 6 months, you are forced to enter into expensive legal action and black mailed into signing an NDA so that you never reveal what a bunch of bastards Harlequin are.
WOW – Caryer Ruck will be on with tracing your ID tomorrow!
Which facts? Not to me…they are all lies.
The financial suicide is to invest in Harlequin
OK, I can’t blame your priorites FDNRM but you do know something about this. You have read that Ames claims to have bought the land with the intention of developing a resort in Australia and that this was claimed to be sold out.
Unless I have not searched thoroughly enough I can’t find any evidence of this resort having been built despite Mr Ames saying that it would open in 2010.
Do you have any comments Harlesuccess? Not like you to pass on an opportunity to shout about all those huge success stories.
yorkiepoo, you are an utter liar and many facts have been provided here, such as resorts without planning permission and not starting, despite thousands having bought years ago, and ames has taken his money. That is fact, what else matters? You are as horrible as Ames, that’s why people think you are an Ames. New money is only way to pay earlier investor interest payments, you even implied that yourself, making this a ponzi scheme. You raw convincing noone, the only facts that matter are no resorts being started other than bb, and ames on record as lying repeatedly. Try to explain that.
quote, it will ultimately come from investors cash as they are the only ones who pay for anything.unless insurance will cover any costs.at 4.37pm 10 march ,So no other income other than investors deposits.no third party finance ,no proven profits ,no 100%finished projects ,no audited accounts to show any other income.@spud great post .makes you think ,must have hit home as no smart come backs ,
Carter Ruck won’t be able to silence the SFO neither Panorama..
What I don’t understand is seeing that I do not have an interest in the scheme and am not employed by HP why is it for me to probe? I have an opinion but because its different to yours I’m castigated,
If all this was obviously a Ponzi scheme then the moral of the story is greedy money hungry investors ignored doing DD we cause they ate greedy pigs!
That was only on relation to the dalligan claim you clown
Silence them about what – SFO are seeing if there’s a case and the BBC, I can sum that shower up in two words – Jimmy Saville!
What is you opinion on a man who is on YouTube telling what are clear lies? What is your opinion of a scheme that, 8 years after selling units, and years after selling many thousands, still does not have planning permission and not started 5 of the 6 projects? Yorkiepoo, your opinion?
Yorkie, are you saying that if anyone had done proper DD they wouldn’t have invested?
Obviously, I believe that to be the case, but please confirm as you state the Harlequin investment is by greedy investors who haven’t done DD.
I am going to step back and take time out as I am completely confused now — If I now play devils advocate … I can really see both sides have cases ( Lets not get into detail as its old news ).
But I think it is clear that HP really did not want to pay off the 1% who wanted their money back… They obviously have enough to do this, but in my mind if they do and they will by all accounts – There will be a sudden rush by another potential 20% who want to do the same ( precedent now been set )
What this means for HP is that NOW they cant pay back the rest of the 20% and if they are forced to WILL ultimately kill off the business and maybe a lot of peoples investments..
So that is why HP and allied investors are keeping faith as otherwise everybody loses.. I am trying to be pro active with the idea that things will work out, ( slow and painful ) but it is the way forward for most of us.. IF HP survive this ??? ,, a professional body of investors will be monitoring every move of HP and Ames himself will be forced to do things a hell of a lot different.
I 100% agree that Ames is wrong in many many areas and we have been miss led and lied to .. No getting out of that… But I still believe the only way forward is to keep HP solvent and work on a solution once the court cases have been decided.
NOW if he does get assets frozen ( not sure what happens to BB as working holiday resort with paid guests booked ) and he loses court case to which I believe he wont … to much evidence to prove builder was a thief.. If the later occurs I will be following guidelines of SFS and the FA and suing the iFA’s Sipp providers and HP … The personal digs in here really dont solve anything..and if you are in here just to mix it up .. you will get found out – IP address located and banged to rights … Be careful because thats how they got Harlicon the accountant..
@Anon-ru. HP do give refunds without using a solicitor. I got mine for 2 Rivers. FACT
@Beggars belief. I don’t know anything about Austraia. Why you think I should I don’t know. I might have had a press release some years ago but it went in the bin as it was not for me.
So the investors in the unbuilt Australian resort are just some collatoral damage to you then FDNRM. Just a shame they picked a dud. Better luck next time for them then.
Someone reading this might be able to tell us if they all get refunded their investment
@Beggars Belief. Don’t try and put words into my mouth. I know nothing about so I’m not qualified to comment. If you had been on here for longer you would know I only comment on something of which I have some knowledge. Tell them to contact Fatchett.
@ivor , you sound deluded. I stand to lose a substantial amount of money with the harlequin scum but sometimes doing the right thing and speaking out is more important than the money. I invested with them 4 years ago and can’t Wait for it to be over. The people reading these posts will never invest and my great pleasure will now come from watching Ames and the other fraudsters get banged up for a long time. No one in prison likes a dirty fat little Conman who has robbed the elderly of their pensions.
Buy the way where are the facts that its only 1%? Surely that is rising sharply
Anthony75, the source is Harlequin, so you are probably correct in your suspicion that it’s absolute bollocks.
And Yorkie, so what if 20% want their money back? None of them are suing for or being awarded damages, just a refund of the money they paid (plus their legal fees of course, but that’s because Harlequin chose to do it that way). And don’t even mention the 10% on top of investment as contactually entitled – absolutely no-one has received that!
If 20% are refunded, and 90-100% of units have been sold out, yet only 5% have been built, what’s the problem? Harlequin can refund the 20% investors, then have no liability to build that 20%; then sell on those 20% units at the massively increased value reported by Harlequin and be better off than they were in the first place.
I am STILL not understanding why you are all knicker twisting about a relative minority of investors who want their money back as contractually entitled. The units haven’t been built, so the money cannot have been spent, but the capital gains will be recuperated by Harlequin. Win-win – happy happy; good PR!!!
Unless of course, we are to believe Yorkie in that all investors only invested as they didn’t carry out thorough DD and they are greedy. In that case, get in touch with Regulatory Legal or kiss your arse goodbye (financially speaking).
If you want to understand how my firm is intending to deal with this matter, simply ask. Subject to any confidentiality issues, we will try to oblige.
Gareth Fatchett
Regulatory Legal Solicitors
@regulatorylegal
Have you asked HP for a refund tho?
Anthony75 … what I posted was being devils advocate .. I am by far deluded.. I actually believe the money has been spent on other projects, as I am not aware of an outside investor pumping money in – someone prove me wrong…What I said was WHY I think HP dont/cant pay us back !! and until Ames is locked up I am trying to remain up beat ..I think when Ames says he can account for every penny of investors money and he has accounts to prove it .. Brilliant but I think all it proves is that it is not spent where it should have been…..
Yorkie – could you please answer my question in response to your comment:
“greedy money hungry investors ignored doing DD”
Are you saying that the Harlequin investors seeking refunds didn’t carry out proper DD on Harlequin? Would you have invested if you had carried out proper DD (I’m assuming you’re not greedy).
Also, one more question Yorkie, would you have recommended that your mother had invested her life savings in Harlequin?
Confirm – I have asked HP for a refund before Xmas and was told – due to the economic climate and legal proceedings it may take a while – Not the answer I wanted… I asked about a re sale .. guess what valuations in the current climate dont match the predicted ones .. on the fliers .. So still even if I sold I doubt if I would have made any money after fees….I have been in HP office many times .. and seen all the culprits we talk about in here.. its a vibrant office .. very busy with lots going on and I was always made welcome despite all the crap that is going on..It really is a very strange situation
@Paul and E – Still curious as you havent answered – Why as a relative new investor did you buy .. There have always been fraud thrown at HP going back years and years ,,, where was your DD ..or was it greed .. It has no effect on anything I am just curious
It is not that strange, it just is a well organised scam. It is not a well organised development company, or resort management company – they make sure they look good to UK investors who are not actually going to the Caribbean to check things out themselves. If you had got a local lawyer, and asked the usual questions – do they own the land, do they have permits, is there anything I should know, then you would not have bought. So they have to have a good surface, because once they have your money, they are done with you in essense. If you went to STanford’s bank and cricket ground etc in Antigua, you would think it was also vibrant, professional etc, but it was all a ponzi scheme, as some had alluded to years before. With Ames, if he does not have anything to show for the money you have invested, and has vibrant offices in UK, it smells very similar to Stanford, and other scams. Madoff’s offices were very plush I am told, although I never went. I am afraid you have all be conned, and just have to come to terms with that and get out what you can.
@anon-reasons unknown. You are wrong again. I received 10% FACT.
Anon – I will not defend Ames – But you are wrong on the land ownership – Of course he owns the land .. Panorama will confirm this .. He is guilty of selling units with out full planning yes… A sipp provider would never move peoples money to a scheme with no land deeds confirming ownership .. Please dont post things that you are have no knowledge… If you are right the sipp investors will be laughing as the sipp providers will be sued for millions and they have insurance for that type of thing
I’ll be honest, I’ve been following the story for a very very long time.
At this stage, I wish all those supporting Harlequin and still living the dream the very best of luck and I do hope you keep your investment where it is and see the wonderful returns you’ve been promised.
To all those who think there is something wrong with the investment and are concerned about lack of delivery on construction or contract T&Cs, litigation and lies (the brain surgeons and rocket scientists among us), then please contact a good solicitor if you haven’t already done so. IMMEDIATELY. I highly recommend Gareth Fatchett of Regulatory Legal.
Again, to all others, good luck, hang in there, and I hope you get what you deserve, I really do.
Yeah, yeah Fatty. Whatever.
***Yawn***
You and your amazing deal. We believe you. Twat.
@Anon-ru you obviously have not been following this for a long time otherwise you would a lot more of the truth. If only you had done your homework, if fact you probably have, it’s a school day tomorrow. “Twat” original lol
@FDNRM you received what 10%
IH – I was not saying they did not own the land, I was simply listing some basic questions one would ask a local lawyer as part of DD. My point is that you should always do such DD and Harlequin knew investors were not doing that, hence the glossy exterior they were painting for their poject. Now that you mention it, I do know the previous owners of the land at Marquis well, as well as their lawyers, and can absolutely tell you Harlequin were making sales there before Harlequin completed the purchase of the land (easy to check ladn registry and check date of first sales contracts to confirm), but anyway that was not my point. My point was simply that a buzzing UK office and glossy CGIs are nothing – substance is all that matters, and Harlequin have none of that. In such situations, go after whoever has money, SIPP providers, IFAs, Harlequin, Ames family members etc. Harlequin will never build what they have said they will, there is no way that can possibly happen, and if investors wish to hold out for that happening, then good luck but the smart move is to see the writing on the wall and do what you can to get out. The 6 who got out last week will be very happy and relieved.
I think he means that in addition to a full refund he got the additional 10% compensation that is referred to in many contracts.
Okay! There are a lot of different 10%s that seem to kick around with these deals — I wasn’t aware of that one. Presumably anyone else entitled to that will be glad to hear precedent has been established.
Regulatory Legal – is there possible recourse for those who purchased directly as well as those who invested through SIPP?
@Yorkiepoo – You are a disgrace. I have followed this forum for a while and you have made 2 appalling comments:
1) That Dave Ames is thinking of washing his hands of it all. He doesn’t have that luxury – he took the money in good faith. When investors ask reasonable questions, he should answer them – not pack his bags up and leave
2) To say that the reason the money was lost was the fault of the greedy investors is beyond belief. Is this really what you think? Is this really what HQ believe? Is this how Stanford slept at night?
Totally agree Anon73
And in view of my questions posed to Yorkiepoo to qualify his statement that only “greedy money hungry investors ignored doing DD”, which he failed to answer, we can only presume that even those high up on the Harlequin pyramid believe that thorough DD would have made any investment decision defunct. People should not have invested. From the horse’s (close friend’s mouth).
So, I repeat, those who want to stay in, do so. There is a cat in hell’s chance it may work (if you ignore the basic maths).
Those who want to get out, do so IMMEDIATELY. Don’t worry about ruining Harlequin. You won’t. They’ve sold out 90-100% of all resorts, so 20% refunds won’t matter. Besides, if you are contractually entitled to get out now, then any Harlequin demise is not your responsibility or concern. It’s Harlequin’s fault. FACT.
@Beggars Belief, yes you are quite right. However i dont want anyone quoting that as a precident as the terms were not that simplistic. Not all contracts were the same, but that’s what mine said and that’s what I received.
Glad to see that even Fatchett agrees that BBR land was owned from 2009.
We can tell you that no IFA, agent or SIPP provider has done anything like due diligence needed. Those chickens will come home to roost shortly.
The land position from the registry in SVG gives one answer. We have spent some time obtaining the information. The answer (like everything in life) is more complicated.
There is only one registered deed in SVG for just over 19 acres of land owned by Harlequin Property (SVG) LImited. There are other parcels of land. They have not been registered at HM Land Registry in SVG. We have asked our SVG lawyers Williams & Williams for an opinion on the status of these documents. They will report back to us shortly. We will take up any issues with Harlequin and will post updates on http://www.harlequininvestorgroup.co.uk
Regulatory Legal Solicitors
Why weren’t the terms that simple? Surely if it was that easy for you, it should be the same for anyone?
No because contracts changed. My BB contract was different to my 2 Rivers contract. The difference is I negotiated my compensation etc in a calm and reasoned manor and did not threaten or carry out legal action. I also accepted my 2 rivers money back over a 18month period.
Well, obviously it would need to be in the contract, but if it’s in the contract any external issues not referred to in the contract are surely irrelevant — so precedent’s surely established. Not a question of having to negotiate anything, just execute your contractual rights — legal action and all that is unnecessary surely, if that happens (so not even worth mentioning).
@95 that is the difference. If you want to extract yourself from a contract then it can be done in two ways. As per your contract or what you are happy with. I accepted 18 months. Was that setting a precedent? Paul Walton was offered 12 months but that was unacceptable to him, to me it would have been ok.
How do you explain selling Brazil properties when Harlequin still do not own any land in Brazil???
I also just want to say that I attended yesterday’s meeting at 3pm and the way people spoke to Erica, Paul and the solicitors was appauling. Erica has every right to be there for her husbands pension and it was Erica who had organised the meeting in the first place. What I still fail to understand is those that attended just to cause trouble the ones that were like “I’m happy with my investment” Well what were you doing coming to a meeting for investors that are not happy with their investments??? Nothing but troublemakers, there is only one person to blame for the collapse of Harlequin and that’s Dave Ames….
Nope FDRM the precedent is the fact that the 10% bit was paid — it’s irrelevant if you personally chose not to enforce your contractual rights re payment terms — indeed, it’s irrelevant what anyone else is willing or unwilling to accept if it’s outside of the contractual terms. That’s their business.
Thanks for that C&E, I had not realised that there was a Harlequin lynch mob there. I feel terribly guilty for not having attended. I am not an investor but was in contact with some a few years back due to a project I was working on.
I will try to drum up some intelligent support for the next meeting and will do my best to support Erica and Paul. I cannot believe that they were given a hard time.
Those that are happy to stay invested should just leave the tiny tiny minority that are unhappy to meet and work out how the hell to get their money back from Harlequin; money which they are CONTRACTUALLY entitled to.
You happy 99% majority are totally responsible for drumming up this media storm. Shame on you. You have only yourselves and Harlequin to blame for the diabolical mess you find yourselves in.
When did Harlequin Collapse – not until Erica has fed Panorama with bull anyway.
@Anonymous, I think you are cherry picking which parts you think are setting a precedent. It’s down to individual circumstances. I happen to be in a tiny minority of the 3500 investors, a minority of possibly one, which I do not intend to elaborate on so don’t ask.
@ Anon ru if you are not an investor, what are you doing on here? What’s your interest?
Makes sense Yorkiepoo; I’m sure that it’s totally impossible that Panorama thought there was perhaps something substantive worth having a look at — and that that possibly went a bit further than a couple of unhappy investors.
The logic that apportions blame to anyone wanting nothing more than to execute their contractual entitlements is so absurd it’s barely worth acknowledging. It is a bit sinister though — and brainwashy.
Yorkiepoo – Why are you so bothered about Panorama if it’s all lies?? Is that because you know it’s not lies??
I had a really good conversation with Erica yesterday she seemed like a lovely woman and I hope she does get her husbands pension back, it’s about time someone stood up to Harlequin and tried to get answers. It’s clear to me Mr Ames isn’t man enough to meet with people who he’s took money off yet he was quite happy to meet us when he was taking money off us…..
You still didn’t answer my question anyway…… Why sell properties in Brazil when they didn’t and still don’t own land there????? Now who is full of bull???
I think it’s time people started ignoring yorkiepoo, he is an ames stooge, follows no logic, cannot answer tough questions and is as trustworthy as the ifa’s that told you this was a risk free investment.
On the contrary FDNRM, as is your wont, I think you’re cherry picking bits that suit you and suit your narrative — and I think you’re perhaps a little nervous about so boldly throwing into the public domain the fact that this 10% thing was honoured.
That’s the salient piece of information in this context, you see — and it’s not down to individual circumstances, it’s down to the contract (that’s what the contract’s there for).
They are sensationalist on the BBC without much credibility after news night!
I predict that Panorama will say tha Harlequin Air is just Dave Ames get away car and the suitcase of cash allegation is all to buy a passport to live in a nice carribean island with no extradition – mmmmm now there’s an idea!!
Panorama will hit market confidence whatever the truths are!
I keep saying this to you – I don’t work for HP so why keep asking me questions?
I answer ones I happen to have knowledge of otherwise I don’t.
I won’t know all the answers will I if I have neither worked or invested in HP.
I do no snippets that prove I am we’ll connected – ask Paul & Erica.
And another thing if I did want answers I would be knocking on a front door and asking!
@Anonymous, and there you have, “this 10% thing”. What 10% thing are you talking about. Bit vague isn’t it. My 10% ” thing” might be different to your 10% “thing”
Okay. Again, I’m talking about the “I received 10%. FACT” that you alluded to. Perhaps you could clear this up? Beggars Belief helpfully suggested — as you didn’t clarify — what this might have referred to.
If I was vague, it’s only because you were first. Excellent chance to disambiguate.
Ames and O’Halloran are friends. Their scheme to take money out worked. They have shared the profits.
LMFAO!!!
Yorkieshit & fdnrm have been well and truly found out. they know its the end of the line. @yorkieshit Ames can run but he cant hide.
Found out for what – there’s nothing to find!
Wow Yorkiepie
You were stuck to this thread until 11:13 Sunday night and back on again at 6:50am Monday morning. For someone who claims they don’t have a commercial interest in this, who went to a meeting convened for dissatisfied investors, and is now personally discrediting investors, the BBC, solicitors et al, you sure sound like the mouthpiece for the Basildon Bunker aka Harlequin.
Wow Yorkiepie,
You were posting on this forum until 11:13 Sunday night and were back again at 6:50am Monday morning. For someone who claims to have no commercial interest in Harlequin, then went to a meeting convened for dissatisfied investors, is now trying to personally discredit those investors their solicitor, the BBC, et al and implying that Carter-Fuck will be on here ‘tracing your ID tomorrow!’ you sure sound like the mouthpiece for the Basildon Bunker aka Harlequin Head Office.
I work alot of hours and don’t sleep alot! So when I’m working I keep my eye on the latest goss!!
@Yorkie, I think we can now see more clearly how the personal attacks pan out. You have your stalker Anthony75, I have Anon Reasons Unknown, who admits he is not an investor so therefor just an agitator, and now we have Regulatory Legal on here openly touting for business. While we are on the subject of RL.
@RL, can you let the world know how this went. just so it is clarified.
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Allegations+against+Midland+solicitor.-a083787331
Yorkie-the-clown
The Ponzi scheme is over, busted, done. Some will end up in JAIL for this criminal act.
If it was a Ponzi scheme I agree that someone should go to jail – however it isn’t so I wouldn’t worry too much about peoples freedom
@FDNRM
We have no disciplinary record at RL. You may want to refer to http://www.sra.org.uk and check the firm of any of us individually. Please do it and report back what they say.
You may also want to refer to the court order of His Honour Judge Seymour granted last Monday.
It is funny that people should seek to use personal attacks to try and prevent solicitors acting for clients. It will not work, if anything it brings more people to us.
We have just over 800 people on http://www.harlequininvestorgroup.co.uk now and just under half of that joined in the last 14 days. We do not need to tout for business. It is walking to us. The question is, what do we do with it.
As far as we can see, the personal attacks have helped. DIfference with us is that we will push back when this happens. That is the kind of attitude which investors want. They want a direct approach.
Please feel free to email phil.haslam@regulatorylegal.co.uk for the Investor Questionnaire.
Ginger – dont be dumb … keep it real at least … Ames ans OHallahan are not in this together…… Lets see how Fatchett gets on today with Daligan
@Ivorhadenuff
Libel injunction court case settled on Friday. RL & GWF happy with outcome. Terms of settlement are confidential.
Tomlin Order will be sealed by court today.
@RL, thats funny Erica said it was £6500 given to a church choir.
RLS – So to the onlooker .. another secret another waste of time with no winner .. What was the point of libel case prey tell please … If all you are going to do is settle out of court… Spin doctors .
@Ivor Hadenuff – it is because that is what the parties agreed.
Any sensible person would not want the distraction of a court case which was unnecessary. We took an internal view that a settlement made sense, We can now concentrate on investors.
It was not spin as the order of HHJ Seymour posted on this site shows you.
Anyway, as we said, we were happy with the agreed terms to deal with the libel issue. Case closed.
We are more than happy to go again if necessary.
@FDNRM That’s funny, you still haven’t clarified the 10% issue…
RL .. It seems like all settlements to recent date with HP, are out of court .. Way to go hey… I am writing to them now
The Harlequin scheme is the perfect illustration of a Ponzi.
Django – Why not let the SFO decide what it is rather than an unqualified lay person such as yourself.
IH, go quick and get your money back
@Anonymous, pointless. I will use the “terms of settlement are confidential” crap excuse.
@RL “we can now concentrate on investors” A solicitor who is not interested in chasing money? Erica said it was £ 6500 given to a church choir. Is that correct?
Of course settlements are out of court. You don’t actually believe that Ame’s scam can stand up to a courts scrutiny do you.
Maybe you should substitute the term Investors for victims of fraud. Anyway it doesn’t matter too much, harlequin’s funding from future fraud victims has been cut off. Inevitable collapse in the near future. Then it is down to the lawyers to claw back what they can from Ames, ifa’s and Sipp providers. Good luck to those have figured it out and to the deluded that haven’t figured out you are a victim of fraud yet.
Yorkiepoo, please no insult. I might be lay but not as backward as certain investors. I am repeating myself this is the perfect illustration of a Ponzi scheme…in a law school this can be used as a model…
Django – I never insulted you at all! Just leave it to the experts!
@138 I will once I have worked out how to do it, upload my letters to HP
@Mr Blue I have not had a refund
@ Ivor I invested in 2010, If I don’t get my refund, I have gone after the pension Transfer IFA and SIPP company, via my solicitors.
@Yorkiepoo – you said you were in the meeting not me!
Regards,
Paul
Who told you that I am not an expert?
Django – well are you an expert, please tell!
http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2013/03/11/43401/court+rejects+bid+to+freeze+harlequin+hotels+group+assets.html
Also if Regulatory Legal were unable to freeze assets then if HP do not negotiate a settlement then what will the tactic be?
@Django, EX is a has been, SPURT is a drip under pressure, That was tongue in cheek!
I beleive Gareth made a donation to the church from the Dan Dalligan settlement
What wonderful news and how charitable, at least somebody has benefited from everyones investments!
Yorkiepoo, So has Dave Ames did you forget about the 5M “directors loan”
Did you attend Saturday’s meeting Yorkiepoo??
@FDNRM yes, that is a crap excuse. It’s strange that you were not so reticent about this when you were boldly, unambiguously declaring it as “FACT.” Strange too that when you are so fanatical about inconsistencies in detail elsewhere, you are discretionary where it doesn’t furnish your argument.
Yorkiepoo, this publication does not establish that the Harlequin scheme is not a Ponzi. It is….
C&E – I suggest that you ask Dave Ames that question yourself, I have no knowledge of Directors loans as I am not employed by HP
@Django, I’m not sure this is a Ponzi scheme because investors would have to believe that their interest payments are actually investment returns. I don’t think they have been marketed in this way. It is more like a business decision to pay the investors their mortgage payments during the construction phase.
There are certainly legitimate criticisms that could be levelled at this though. At the very least you could mount a convincing argument that it is a poor business model or possibly that it represents a kind of pyramid selling.
If we take the example that each new investor introduces a deposit of £50k and roughly 60% of this goes against the cost of doing business rather than towards the construction. This would leave £20k to be transferred over to fund the construction. Everyone acknowledges that this isn’t sufficient to complete the construction of a unit and so this is where third party funding is required to keep the projects going until people are ready to complete.
The asset that each new investor introduces to the business in terms of funds invested is less than the liability that comes with them (the requirement to build a unit). So, in balance sheet terms, each new investor represents a net liability to the company rather than an asset. Each new investor therefore raises the borrowing requirement from some source of third party funder.
Now, if the company was able to source that funding then it is technically possible for them to keep the project construction going and ultimately transfer the title and operate the resorts. There is still a question about whether the profit margin operating a resort would allow them to give such high investment returns however. People like “100” on here who know the industry very well have been sceptical to say the least.
If the company struggles to source the third party funding and has no access to other profit streams (for example if the partially open resort at Buccament Bay is not yet turning a profit) then the only revenue streams come from new investors. This is where the cynical person might look at the large number of resorts that are on sale with little sign of progress as a way to get new punters to sign up. This, together with the contract allowing Harlequin to use funds from any project to finance any other Caribbean resort, looks like the new investors are simply being used to fund the commitments that they have taken on several years ago. Risk alarm bells should be sounding to any IFA who sees the contract structure because it places very few safeguards around the money that an investor introduces. It ramps up the risk for the later investors because potentially a whole string of five projects have to work well before the sixth resort has a hope of getting built.
All the above would explain the circumstantial evidence that the resorts are not progressing at the rate that Harlequin themselves have set out.
If the above summary is correct (we can’t be sure because Harlequin have not been diligent with the financial returns that would be expected of a properly functioning business), then each new investor digs the business into a deeper hole. Now if Harlequin directors and senior managers have knowingly taken on greater and greater commitments that are not sustainable it is possible that they have been trading insolvently which is illegal and could lay them open to prosecution.
This is all made very much more complicated by the fact that the UK business is essentially a sales office and the businesses that are actually contracted to deliver resorts are registered overseas. This may tie the hands of the UK authorities to some extent. It could be argued that the the UK business is highly profitable. They run marketing and sales, take their slice of investor funds and show a profit every year. It may be hard to build a case of wrong-doing if you only take account of UK activities. If all the liabiliites are piling up in the overseas companies then it may take some kind of cross border legal action to make the case.
It has been said by people on here speaking on behalf of Harlequin that Grant Thornton have audted the accounts of the overseas operation and that all investor monies are accounted for. Taking this at face value it would appear encouraging but worth noting that the statement falls short of saying whether the money retained by the overseas companies is sufficient to discharge the liabilities.
If the accounts have been audited then they need to be filed in the appropriate Companies House so all this endless speculation can end and the business can proceed if it is in good health or it can be put into administration if it isn’t.
@Yorkiepoo.
Regarding your link “http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2013/03/11/43401/court+rejects+bid+to+”
But you know that neither of the statements made by Harleqin in that article are True. So why post it. Its just the Harlequin spin machine again. How can they deny the SFO are investigating them. And the court did NOT refuse the freezing order. It was adjourned and settled out of court. Your close to them… tell them to stop lying and spinning the truth … and maybe people will start to trust them a little.
Django – I never posted the link to prove or disprove ther ponzi it was just a nice article for everyone to read
@yorkie
How do you reconcile that Harlequin (your buddy Ames) has been selling freehold units at Buccament bay since 2007. Yet it is on public record that they did not purchase the land until 2009.
That is fraud, a criminal offence. Plain and simple, black and white.
@Terry you forgot to mention about them selling freehold units in Brazil and not owning the land……
@Yorkie you forgot to answer my other question did you attend the meeting on Saturday?
@Annon angry, no it was the case against Dan dalligan that was settled out of court. £6500
If you think the article is inaccurate I would suggest you contact the author at Travel Weekly I didnt write it
Terry – As far as I am aware your statement on land ownership is not true, you need to give me more information. What I cant believe is that somebody who has had no involvement is the schemes I get personally attacked!
Yes I was there at the 12pm farce
@Regulatory Legal, you are not ducking this question are you? Can you clarify the outcome please?http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Allegations+against+Midland+solicitor.-a083787331
BB, a pyramid selling is the basis of a Ponzi. Furthermore, there is no financing in place, the only source of financing is the money from new investors and if that stop the whole scheme fall a part.
The hope of having returns from the resorts is only speculation, you cannot base financing on speculation.
And also, although they have not been promoting returns through interest, they have been promoting the sales with lots of dreams and benefits which are not happening and will never happen.
@yorkie
Ring up or mail the land registry in St Vincent and check for yourself.
Fraud
Plain and simple.
@Yorkie Can you tell me the name of the company that has forensically analysed ALL of Harequin Properties???
I always thought it was Grant Thornton but having spoken to Ian Richardson I now know this is not the case, Grant Thornton only analysed a small area which was in connection to the Irish court case.
So have Harlequin had a thorough forensic examination of accounts on all of the Harlequin companies that have ever existed and which are still in existance today??
Easily and to repeat ourselves. None of our solicitors have ever been disciplined. That is independently verifiable. So to http://www.sra.org.uk and check it.
Gareth Fatchett has dealt with many investment issues. Naturally, those promoting those investments do not like scrutiny. The attack here was based on an interest party placing a press story after writing to the Law Society. The end result being nothing happened. One of the problems of having a high profile in a sector is people try this on quite a bit. It is pitiful that people have spent so much time seeking to smear, when investors face such concerns.
Happened with N&P. Keydata, CF Arch Cru, Arck LLP, Alpha Bank, SGG & Harlequin. Will happen again. It is very important that it does to make sure the local charities are well resourced.
Most investors are bright enough to check with our regulator. Quite why they would believe an agent or an IFA who simply want to save themselves, is anyones guess.
We have nothing to hide and would welcome someone checking the SRA site. If anything, it shows people up for what they are.
By the way, 26689 is Gareth Fatchett’s solicitor code.
The construction of what has been sold is not even happening and will not happen either…
@terry – we will be publishing an updated statement on the land holdings in SVG shortly. It is not as clear as originally thought.
What is certain is that only the parcel of land (19 acres) has been properly registered in the name of Harlequin Property SVG Limited in January 2009.
There are other pieces of land which have conveyance documents. We received these on Thursday immediately prior to court. These documents have been referred to Williams & Williams in SVG. Once we have their opinion, we will post it on http://www.harlequininvestorgroup.co.uk.
We think it a fair statement to say that no IFA, SIPP provider or agent has properly examined the land position. If so, we would have seen the advice in the initial sales documents.
Terry – No need to call I know but you clearly dont!
Let’s just step back a little, a couple of points to think about, too much waffle going around at the moment.
A real example…
Invest £112k in 2010 then ask for a refund January 2013 nothing wrong with that, is there? Agreed?
Get offered £45k, then £71k, then full refund over 12 months….
Have letters routinely ignored, the only I got from Mr Ames bascily said if you don’t like it, take action in SVG. It refers to things never even discussed.
The reason why I refused the staged payments is because that is not in my contract and the ‘banking error’ that has resulted in people not being paid their interest payments for several months did nothing to reassure me, add no accounts and apparent cash flow issues…… this resulted in legal action and all could have been avoided if HP had played fair.
E – your correct it wasn’t Grant Thornton, Grant Thornton were an expert witness in the O’Halloran Case.
I am not at liberty to state who undertook the audit some months ago, but it does trace all cash and confirms its gone to the correct places and there is no reason for concern
@Regulatory Legal, thank you for answering the question. However your reponse: “One of the problems of having a high profile in a sector is people try this on quite a bit. It is pitiful that people have spent so much time seeking to smear, when investors face such concerns.” Mr fatchett has encouraged a high profile in the press so expect scrutiny in the press.
@fdnrm
We cannot complain about fair criticism or enquiry. We do take issue with untruths and actions which are malicious.
Ps – Gareth is very flattered to have his own special poster using his family surname.
Best bit of Saturday was watching the Tailormade people.
A few of them have bought as well. What a strange place to find yourself.
Liable to redress others with no one to claim against but yourself.
They have to believe it will all end up ok. If not, they will not be able to handle the claims against them.
What a delightful irony !
Well put 🙂
@ Privado375, what kind of behaviours were the TailorMade people exhibiting?
Did any new information come to light that can be shared in a public forum?
Guys I think you will find that HP are clear on the forensic auditing ( lets take that as red ) I also believe that the land ownership is also kosha, as otherwise Panorama and MOS would have a field day – So lets park them two topics for now as I believe there is no real charges there .. That being said … Money back and broken contracts – Guilty as sin .. Pay up .
@Ivor.
Grant Thorton ( Ireland ) did some of the accounting only relevant for the court case Vs O’ Halloran. This is completely different from doing the whole of HP accounts…… This I am told was not done by Grant Thorton.
HIGnw – Yes we know this, the company account review was done by somebody else
when will they be published?
Yorkie and Paul …. YES they were done by someone else FACT..Names wont be released .. Can you imagine the influx of calls they would get .. but they have been done I am told so like I said … Maybe HP pass that test but lots more to pass
I suggest you phone Dave Ames in the office and ask
Thanks Ivor…
So – no feedback on the meetings on Saturday – just a comment from yorkiepoo that it was a farce? Might be nice if us others who have a vested interest in knowing what is happening could have a run-down on events? I have been told the accounts have been checked by a forensic accountancy company – not G T, and everything is above board and no misuse of funds have been found. It looks to me as though nothing has actually progressed as far as refunds go? E seems awfully quiet since the weekend – wonder why? I don’t think anyone has answers, just assumptions and it makes it very hard to actually get an idea whether things are O.K. or not. Confused.
LB – wise words
You would not expect anything else from Yorkipoo would you?
Investors were presented with the facts Relulatory Legal have found out, about the land, accounts and the recent application for a Freezing Order.
They were also told what chalanges I faced when I asked for a refund and the figures offred.
If any investors wanted to get their money back what options were open to them.The IFA’s in the room were not happy.
That was pretty much it…. At least now people have some facts, what they do with them is their choice.
So to recap:
MOS: nothing new just cut and paste news already out there, and they got that wrong.
Freezing order: Not happened nor will it
Dan Dalligan libel: £6500 given to a choir.
Refunds: According to this nothing new achieved for the 1%
So what did the weekend achieve apart from a lot of hot air? Perhaps HIGnw will put some meat on the bones on the above post. What have RL actually achieved?
A forensic audit takes a long time, and if it has to go back 7 years, then it really is a very big and expensive job. If it has been done on SVG accounts, then great, but I would be very surprised if it has been, given accounts have not been filed on island. Comingling of funds, cashflowing losses, paying mortgage payments, buying planes, paying celebs, paying an all-inclusive supplement to a commercial entity (another ledger required here), paying guaranteed returns, refunding investors based on different contracts or based on a different formula, etc etc makes for a highly complex set of books. Has any BB owner received monthly statements showing how their return is being calculated and paid? That statement should have good information, such as gross revenues, ADR, occupancy etc. I think to say that someone told you the accounts are all in order and accept that all is therefore well, given the precarious nature of this business and the holes in the model, is perhaps not the wisest. Either way, there are clearly two schools of thought here – one thinks that Harlequin is a scam and going under, and the other thinks it is a great investment. The latter can hang on, the former can try to get out. If the latter is right, they can easily ride the wave of 100 or so people getting out, and if they are wrong then it was a risk they felt suitable for their investment approach. The latter should be encouraging Harlequin to just stick to the contract and pay out the doubters to keep the fuss to a minimum.
Sorry to hear HIG and E still don’t have refunds. However I do have to focus on 36/FDNRM’s claims to receiving his 10%. For a company that can not show any income other than investor deposits, for 36 to have taken a refund and been paid 10% (if I understand the statement correctly) then that is the peice of paper that would prove this is a Ponzi scheme. The SFO would be very interested in seeing it.
Mr Blue, The SFO have all my details, I have nothing to hide. Also if you read the previous posts I am probably in a minority of 1 regarding HP investors. I cannot go into details, otherwise my identity could be revealed. Dont forget I had 2 properties, 1 I received a refund on and ! I still have. Unlike some other posters on here who are just agitators I do have an investment interest.
@Mr Blue Thanks for that, 36 is not worth replying to he lives in his own little world with Yorkipoo….
I’m not quite sure why FDNRM keeps peddling the myth that the freezing order failed.
It is clear that the hearing was adjourned and the investors who brought the action received a full settlement prior to the adjourned date.
Happy investors. Looks like it worked a treat and ready to achieve the same effect anytime soon.
Thats it, resort to insults again, wouldn’t you be better going and seeing the individuals in HP to resove rather than be so childish?
Maybe your approach that makes dealings awkward for you!
BeggarsBelief – No the legal proceedings failed and the freezing order was rejected, Mr Fatchett then went back to HP and said he would accept the previous offer. Now this has failed and will always fail, how can this be used as a precedent?
Maybe Regulatory Legal can confirm or deny?
@Grust Grust,A sign that things are not going well. Back with the silly insults.
@Beggars Belief. Has the freezing order happened? No. Will it happen? Whant a little bet on that?
Also where you get the idea that Grust Grust has a full settlement? Even he admits he hasnt.
Yorkiepoo, you have said previously you would buy a resale – anthony75, why don’t you sell yours to Yorkiepoo?
Also, Yorkiepoo, what is it that appeals to you about a company that has not started 5 of its 6 projects over the last 8 years, that goes off at tangents with planes and other smaller hotels, does not file accounts on time, does not honour contracts, is on record as lying, still no sign of the projects starting never mind being finished, misses dates endlessly, is embroiled in legal disputes which at best show Ames was useless at project management etc etc. What makes you want to invest in that? Just curious.
@Mr Blue, I am not a legal person, but from a “freezing order” template I found, I posted an extract which said that the subject of a freezing order attempt can sue the person who tries to obtain the order. I’m with Yorkie on this. AND WE ARE NOT THE SAME PERSON!
@ YORKIE Why do you have a problem being called names when you have called me several , So along with and including Panorama being full of lies and nonsense!
We will all see wont we anyway for everybody out there who wants to know I am not interested in Harlequin and closing them down I am going after Tailormade who sold us the product I thought I best tell you all so you can blame me for there demise as well.It was blatantly obvious who was out to cause trouble and that started not long into the second session without a good reason so I do know that you were a plant and had nothing better to do with your day unless of course you were being paid. I find it very dificult to believe otherwise as you had not even heard me speak before you started had you?
The reason I am going after them is I could not believe some of the IFAs Laughing in the back of the meeting
Some refusing to pay
Some insisting on staying for both meetings
Is that there paranoia
I counted over eight of them in the room all from Tailormade
I guess they did not think they could be personally liable for recomending this product.
It is blatantly obvious to me this was a product that made them money in commissions and that that was all they were interested in, I will continue lobbying MPs So that IFAs will only get a set fee when recomending a product for pensions and then it will be what is best for the client and not what earns them the best commissions.
I may still buy a resale if somebody is unable to complete their deal, I am not interested in Anthony’s unit at Merricks, I would want a completed unit at Buccament Bay.
@FDNRM, I know your history (of what you’ve posted on here anyway), the real significance lies in you receiving a profit. Without a proven source of income, this can only have come from investor deposits and that is Illegal (for HP to pay it, not for you to receive it).
Is it true that Tailormade seem to have cleansed there web site of all Harlequin references..
E – I do not recall ever insulting you?
As for being a plant, you clearly didn’t know who I was as I sat there quietly and made a note of what was being said!
Dont worry we have screen shot the entire websites of all involved with this
@Yorkiepoo, Why go to all that effort if you have no interest in Harlequin? Seems a bit odd to me….
Mr Blue – A penalty clause/ compensation clause is not classed as profit!
C& E – I do have an interest in Harlequin – just not a financial one!
If its the IFA,s that Erica is going after there may be previous history to consider. Remember endowment selling, big commissions to IFAs but promised returns not forthcoming. Remember pension selling, big commissions to IFAs but promised returns not forthcoming. IFAs got away with it then.
@yorkie, quite right re Mr Blue’s comment. I have been paid less from HP than I have paid to them.
@fdnrm, every time someone aims questions at you or your bum buddy yorkieshit we are labeled stalkers. get real! This is a forum no?? @yorkieshit you would be the last person on earth i would ever do business with. who in their right mind would buy now? only you!
@charles and eddie, yorkis tie is an emotional with the ames, he is their bitch hahahah.
@Anthony75 – I guessed as much you wouldn’t catch me wasting my time on a Saturday for any of my “mates” that couldn’t be bothered to show their face either…..I didn’t think Mr Ghent would turn up he’s all mouth and no trousers.
@Anthony75 I see schools finished for the day. Now run along and do your homework. A spelling test would be good.
your a sad person!
Anthony – Yawn Yawn
TailorMade seem to have removed any refeance to Harlequin from their website, they must be revamping their web pages… with something exciting.
Seem to have lost thier Face Book page too????????
@FDNRM, that was what I was trying to clarify. You mentioned receiving 10% and with out further clarification I thought this was the 10% that HP promised you in the contract, which is profit.
This does raise another interesting point though. How would @Yorkiepoo know what was written in your, or indeed anyone’s contract? Yorkie seems to know an awful lot for a casual observer who “wouldn’t invite him [Ames] to dinner”
Or even the letter Mr Ames sent to me about the closing costs??? The ones never discussed 🙂
Most odd…..
Paul Walton
I think better just ignore Yorkiepoo, AKA Harlequin puppet
Am not familiar with the specifics of anyone’s contract but I know it’s generic form I have seen it and its not complicated – and I have changed my mind and invited Mr Ames to dinner!
@ yorkie.Yorkiepoo
March 7, 2013 at 11:45 am
72 – I must add that these damaging forums, newspaper articles, Panorama have seriously damaged the funding deal – carry on like this and it will be all over for you.
Mind you E has the biggest mouth on here and can unravel the whole thing single handedly!
I sit back and watch with interest!
Yorkiepoo
March 7, 2013 at 10:47 am
Harlequininvestorsgroup – I have already told you who I am previously, I am not employed by HP and have no financial interests in the schemes. I have known Dave Ames for 10 years like I have told you, and we speak regularly and this issue crops up. Theres nothing interesting I can tell you about myself.
E – I did ask Dave what he wanted from you and he said he had no idea what you were talking about so you will have to be more specific for me. BTW i have no idea why your so excited for the Panorama programme, that will be the killer blow in this whole matter. Ames wont suffer thats for sure when his ltd company fails through bad publicity but you will be financially effected.
The talk on here about the accounts being audited is correct I am told this was all part of the 2 court cases it had to be done for those and was undertaken by Grant Thornton.
If all this was obviously a Ponzi scheme then the moral of the story is greedy money hungry investors ignored doing DD we cause they ate greedy pigs!
I can look myself in the mirror I’m sure Dave Ames can too, 15 days until your nonesense is aired irreversibly damaging your investment and taking everyone with you – selfish! You won’t be sleeping well then!
Don’t worry you will soon have the cupboard bear, no resorts for the investors, no cash for refunds, fat solicitors and I can’t see th Ames family having the same money worries in old age as you will! Good plan Erica
!E is more interested in the £6k she has got you all to waste for being mean it Thatchett than your $13m!!!
No I was going to look at it on plan and offer you a bag of pick and mix and 2 rusty washers for it
Yorkiepoo
March 8, 2013 at 10:15 am
The SFO have yet to talk to Harlequin. The first they knew about it was off the SFO website. It was explained to me that the investigation is preliminary at present but when all the information is collated then a decision will be made as to whether a full investigation will take place. This has been triggered by the investors contacting the police who have a duty to follow up. If the fraud potentially involves thousands then a web page is normal as its the best way of reaching the masses. I can assure you nobody is panicking at HP since they have the Grant Thornton forensic audit – that’s one of the reasons Fatchett was unsuccessful yesterday in freezing assets.
Charles&Eddie – Mrs E’s Henpecked other half – Your right she hasn’t done anything to me – Infact I would love to come to this meeting now but unfortunately I am not an investor
!E – Simply because he doesn’t because he feels your a crank I guess only interested in bad publicity not solutions. You have Mr Ames number too I assume?
Sign things aren’t going so well with the HIGnw, resorted to the usual personal insults again.
E – all fair comments and none personally insulting?
Why is anyone acknowledging Yorkiepoo here? It is clear he is an Ames plant, as he follows no logic and does not answer the tricky questions. He is going to repeat the same nonsense ad nauseum in the face of concrete evidence that suggests Harlequin have been flailing and failing for years, and has nothing to do with recent investor issues being highlighted. Please, ignore him, he is spam.
For God’s Sake can someone contact Julian Assange at the Ecuadorean
Embassy and have him OUT Yorkiepoo. Wikileaks would have a field day!
Ignore me if you wish – I can’t ask all your questions because I am not part of the investment or HP! Why can’t you grasp that – these are my opinions!
Ignore him/ she/ it and he/she/ it will get bored
yorkieshit your like a disease that wont go away, why don’t you just crawl back into your little hole where you belong.
HIGnw – you need to make your mind up – one min you say I’m Dave Ames next I know nothing and should be ignored!
Anthony75 – how charming you are, are you sure you made an investment at Merricks?
Just commenting on how nice you have been to E.
Any update yet by the way on interest on loan payments yet?
Anthony75 – the pit bull is well capable of defending herself!
http://www.ifaonline.co.uk/ifaonline/news/2253739/harlequin-property-makes-substantial-out-of-court-settlement
Useful summary of the last few weeks.
Please bear in mind that the FSA and SFO aren’t involved in the conspiracy.
Their involvement is due to the fact that the investment is high risk, poor return – in fact, no return to any investors as yet (let alone resorts will not be complete in time for anyone’s retirement) and that IFAs failed to carry out the DD they are obliged to do before recommending a SIPP. No IFA would EVER have recommended Harlequin if they had carried out the DD they were meant to have done.
I’m as much looking forward to the IFAs feeling the strong arm of the law as I am Harlequin.
Should be some very intresting press articals soon……..
hPIGnw – need feeding the press more rubbish?
@Anon ru, can you clarify why you are agitating on here. Your not an investor so what are you after? O’Halloran/Newman supporter?
@Paul Walton aka Grust Grust. About as interesting as the results of the Manchester meeting. The only thing that came out of that was £6500 going to a choir!
sure I said I was ignoring you two…….:)
Any other posters on here who are not investors?
I find it quite strange that someone who is supposedly close to Mr Ames keeps talking such utter rubbish Yorkie why have you on two separate occasions totally mislead ALL investors by saying Grant Thornton forensically examined the accounts when YOU know this is not the truth.
If you are telling the truth and you were at the meeting you would know that GRANT THORNTON DID NOT AUDIT ALL THE ACCOUNTS FOR HMSSE.
did they! Ian Richardson explained that didnt he !!
@Yorkiepoo you’re worse than cancer. How dare you call E a “pittbull” You don’t even know her. Why not just bugger off back to where you came from.
@FDNRM
There are many reasons why non investors may choose to post on here.
There are lots of ways that Harlequin put their marketing material into the public domain. I think even the most ardent Jarlequin supporter would say that this gives a hugely glowing view of the achievements and the future prospects of the company. I think even you would admit that there are some serious issues that any potential investors should be able to take into account before choosing this as an appropriate vehicle for their funds.
As there are relatively few places where these issues can be aired it would seem that BFP provide a useful forum for this kind of debate.
Some people may have concerns for others who may be inexperienced investors who can ill afford to lose their future savings and who are targeted by IFAs who are telling them that this is a low risk product. Mr Ames is on video extolling the virtues of his business model and declaring that it offers “essentially no risk to the investor”. I know it may seem incredible to you that some people consider the interests of others with no expectation of any personal gain but, believe me, such people exist.
If this whole thing collapses I, for one, will feel I have done something of great value if hours of my time has saved just one person from a penniless retirement. That would be reward enough.
@Anon ru, you are constantly encouraging investors to contact Fatchett, actively pimping for him. Why is this? What is in it for you? You are not an investor yet you want to bring HP down. Why?
“If this whole thing collapses I, for one, will feel I have done something of great value if hours of my time has saved just one person from a penniless retirement. That would be reward enough.”
Hear Hear
@Beggars Belief. I can understand anyone giving a balanced argument either for or against the HP Anon RU has been particular vitriolic using “f***ing twat” “twaty” as just 2 examples directed at me. He has constantly pointed investors to Fatchett and now we find he is not even an investor. The Cape Crusader maybe? No I suspect a O’Halloran/Newman troll who is just trying to belittle anyone who stands up to anti HP trolls.
I am not an investor
@Beggars Belief jolly good post 🙂
E – I did not intentionally mislead anybody when I said Grant Thornton had undertaken the audit – I have already stated I was wrong and it wasn’t them – the main point is tho that the accounts have now been independently verified.
C&E – cancer – what a shocking thing to say! I’m offended – not!
@Yorkiepoo you’re just another Dave Ames puppet, when are you really going to get a mind of your own instead of listening to the bullshit he’s been feeding you!
C&E – he doesn’t feed me bullshit because I have no investment!
What about the bullshit about Grant Thornton auditing all of the accounts?? Got caught out on that one didn’t you HA!
So you admit he feeds all of us it!!!!
anyway I have had enough and now I am going to post all your details on here
Just received from Harlequin. Have they run out of money ?
Without new money, interest payments on old are hard to make.
As follows :-
RE: FINANCE PAYMENTS
Dear XXXX,
To update you, we have an internal team working hard on all affected accounts and we anticipate being in a position to provide a full update on the situation, and how it will be rectified, by the end of March or early April. At that time, we will be in touch to provide full details.
We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience but please be assured we are doing everything we can to put things back to normal.
Regards,
Harlequin
I told you Grant Thornton did the forensic audit for the court case – another company did the internal audit I made a mistake
E – I didn’t mean it that way I meant there was no benefit bullshitting me if he was to bullshit at all!
History has been expunged at Tailormade. No Harlequin anymore. Surely, the FSA visit, the bad publicity would not put you off when you get such high commissions.
When the main agents deserts you, it’s game over.
http://www.tm-ai.com/
The letter regarding the non payment of interest charges is completely unconvincing. How hard can it be to reinstate standing orders?
If the team who are working diligently was simply put to work manually doing bank transfers to the affected investors then it would solve the problem quickly.
The bank should be able to get the transfers sorted without any difficulty. Presumably all the necessary information is within the bank system. Even if their system had crashed they will have disaster recovery plans to put it back in order within days.
I wonder what Harlrquin’s disaster recovery plan looks like. Dave Ames running around with a saucepan on his head shouting “don’t panic Mr Mainwaring”?
Why don’t you take it on face value and accept its an accounting error? They must be paying staff at their offices and Buccament Bay or I’m sure they would pack and go?
you guys are giving yorkiepoo too much info,its amazing what you can pick up on,Anway as I keep saying they should be building not causing aggro with the people who invested in them.
@yorkie You have never called me any names what about “PITBULL”
You just proved me right on one thing I am so far different from you all at Harlequin I hope you are DANDY, Anyway just working out how to find your ip address lol
To all the Tailormade IFAs who were amused at coments made on Saturday you might of been better spending your time at the Job centre or walking through town mugging old ladies,
In light of recent comments and events, perhaps it should read:
To update you (as we do on a daily basis), we have an internal team (nobody external will work for us) working hard (albeit voluntarily) on all affected (every account) accounts and we anticipate (pray) being in a position to provide a full update on the situation, and how it will be rectified, by the end of March or early April (2015). At that time, we will be in touch (maybe) to provide full details (possibly).
We sincerely apologise (or so we say) for any inconvenience but please be assured we are doing everything we can to put things back to normal (although we don’t hold out much hope).
OK, nice blog.
But just to calm down a little, why not ask a seasoned hotelier what he thinks of the hotel operations at BB? It does not take a rocket scientist to see that the cost is by far higher than the revenue. A simple calculator will do the trick. Even the most hardened harlequin supporter must realize that this lack of transparency, the great PR machinery and the glossy brochures cannot be financially sustained!
And what about this Irish builder? Did harlequin not control the contractors or supervise the job they did? The court case in Ireland is irrelevant to the simple fact that this is a house of cards about to collapse.
E – you can have my address – you have my email so just mail me and ask!!
How mean to want people to loose their jobs!
@FDNRM still no clarification on the 10% — where you are so determined to drill everyone else on the detail elsewhere. How interesting.
@E, take Yorkies name calling as a compliment. You’re clearly rattling Harlequin’s cages and the trolls in them are getting scared.
Keep up the pressure.
@Yorkiepoo why is it mean?? People are going to lose their houses because of them people from Tailormade how mean is that? Some people aren’t going to have a pension when they retire because of them people at Tailormade……Now if they lose their jobs is it mean??? People will lose their lifesavings because of them people from Tailormade…. How would you feel if you had invested and it’s possible that you might lose your house, your pension or lifesavings because someone badly advised you?? Surely you would want them to lose their jobs??? Me personally I hope that no one will employ them after this!
@Yorkiepoo. The reason I struggle to take this communication at face value is because I can’t imagine, in this day and age, what process could possibly engage a team of people to reinstate automatic bank transfers.
Let’s imagine there are 3500 investors. Most of these will be SIPP investors and some will have more that one unit (lucky souls). So there are probably around 1000 unique, non SIPP investors. Some of these will have paid their 30% outright and so there may be 800 receiving interest payments? Rough guess work I know but it will suffice.
If it takes one person 10 minutes to reinstate an electronic payment then they could do 6 in an hour and around 50 in a day. That makes 250 in a week so a team of four people could rectify this in one week easily.
That assumes that all the electronic records are lost by both harlequin and the bank. This is almost impossible to imagine. If the bank can recover the information (which it certainly will be able to) then it would be a matter of hours to get everthing back to normal.
Isn’t a more likely explanation that the tank is almost empty? Wouldn’t this also explain why HD studio are having a “month of unpaid leave”?
Oh no I’m rattled because she has traced me back to Tailormade!
BB – fair point I can see your logic and you could be right but the staff would not be working if they hadn’t been paid the end of last month
C&E – I know what you mean bit not everybody at Tailormade is an advisor plus name me one person who has lost their money at this point in time?
Extraordinary that a random banking error would occur, that takes so long to fix and only affects these payments at this specific time. It’s a world of strange coincidences that we live in.
@YP
I never said anything about the staff being unpaid. In a collapsing empire the last people to stop receiving payment are the foot soldiers.
I imagine that the core staff and the rent on the industrial unit will be paid until the bitter end. It’s bunker mentality just like I said a few days ago.
I challenge you, HDNRM or Harlesuccess to come up with a plausible story for why the interest payments stopped (well over a month ago for many) and why it should take a further month to rectify.
Stuffing cheques in the post wouldn’t take that long!!
It just doesn’t add up and if you can’t see it you are either a troll/sock puppet or you are a trouble maker with your own peculiar agenda.
If you don’t mind me asking, how many payments have you had missed?
Tailormade and any other financial adviser will be finished when the SIPP based investment complaints come. Most advisers will simply move on somewhere new. If they are not planning to move, they must be mad.
If Yorkiepoo is Tailormade then so be it. He /she will know the score by now.
Lighthouse – if this is all a big rotten scam I am sure the engineers of it will have an exit strategy and will not lose out?
FDNRM – in answer to your question why myself and others who are not investors are bothered about what Harlequin have done, please read what BB posted @ 8pm. It’s like he was reading my mind.
Then have a read of C&E’s 9.38pm post which choked me. That is why I am so angry about what IFAs and Harlequin have been allowed to do. That is what is actually going to happen to hundreds, maybe thousands of people. It makes me very very sad.
Maybe, having read those two posts you will begin to understand the reason I’m hoping Harlequin go pop; so that even if the existing investors who have been defrauded of their life savings, pensions or all equity in their UK homes, at least no more will be sucked into that nightmare situation.
Hope all the investors will get back the funds they have invested in this scheme.
But, it does not look good. The last resort could be to sue the Financial advisers. It will take long…
Another poster who has the investigation, and downfall all worked out in their mind without facts – lets wait for the SFO to investigate
I do not think TM and other like it are the engineers. They are the retailers. The irony is that it will be the retailers who will receive most complaints as they gave the advice.
I suspect there is no exit plan. We are not dealing with super clever people. If it wasn’t Harlequin it would be double glazing, second hand cars or eco products.
All round this is a mess.
Or the Police to raid Harlequin offices who knows?
I have to say HP were VERY clever in agent selection and found people IDEAL for the scheme .I congratulate them.could not have done better ,they are tailor made for the end game,well done
Anon,
The question is not if Harlequin will go pop but rather when?! Everybody hates to see the gravy train crash but this was always inevitable. Check the facts over the past 5 years, promises, promises….
@Anonymous 9.35 I’m off to bed at 11 and will be up at 8.30 so don’t waste your time asking the same inane question in between. It might help you sleep.
If you feel that way get to the front of the line and get your cash
@FDNRM only an inane question when it affects you — though it was fine for you to bang on about a 10+ year old (non) story re the solicitors — which was, incidentally, robustly answered.
I think we probably have the measure of you.
@Anonymous, it was a legitimate question which was answered. I think you are my new stalker. Now go to bed and try not to think about me.
This is a “when” situation rather than an “if”.
I have not decided what to do yet. I do not believe everything is well anymore than I believe everything is about to go south tomorrow.
What is certain is that the agents don’t fancy this anymore. They will be off to find the next product. They will only be interested if they are owed commission. If not, they’ll move on.
Some of the silly so and so’s bought the stuff ! Ironic.
Wow, a lot has been written in last few days. Much of it circular, with really only one fact being all that is relevant, and that relates to is the current status of the developments that have been sold. The status is – unbuilt or unstarted, no finance in place, no building permissions, BB is losing money, people are not getting their contracts honoured, and all this after 8 strong years of sales. That ladies and gents, is the bottom and only line that matters. Investors just need to decide if now is the time to cut and run, or whether they can put their trust in David Ames to turn this around, a man who is virtually invisible on the internet until Harlequin, and what can be researched on him since then is not confidence boosting. When you make high risk investments, like in a bar, restaurant or a massively ambitious effort like Harlequin’s, you generally are investing in people – no matter how good or bad a business plan, you look to see who is the person that is driving it, and can you believe in them and take a punt on them. After all, you are providing the funding, so can you trust them to make your money work well for you. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. This though was presented as low risk, which of course we all know it was not. The person behind this had no relevant experience and was clearly a man of questionable intelligence, not a man to put your faith in.
Yorkiepoo, who I tend to agree is probably just spam and not worth listening to, raised an interesting point about whether people have lost money yet. Noone lost any money in Stanford’s or Madoff’s scams until people started asking for their money back. When it came time to pay more than a few people out, the scam was revealed because the money just was not there. Sound familiar? It should have been easy for Madoff and Stanford to hand back money that was supposedly being held on deposit, but it was not there, they were ponzi schemes. Harlequin have built a measly 5% of the sales made, so should very easily be able to handle giving back between 0.1% and 1% of investor deposits. The cupboards could not surely be bare already, with cash required to fund Blu and Bucc Bay, build H Hotel, and 6,200 homes to raise finance on, mortgage interest to pay etc? That would be trading in an entirely insolvent way. There can be no argument against the fact that Harlequin do not have this situation under control, efforts to do so are wasted, and the latest about mortgage funds is laughable, and well explained BB. Suggestions that a few investors recently have undermined an 8 year sales and build program are too ridiculous to merit any further comment. There are many innocent victims on this forum, and I feel sorry for them and angry at Ames for them. My interest as have said previously is more about the reputation of the region, but from what I understand, the wider negative PR will be more about Dave Ames and a big UK scam than a Caribbean fallout., even though government officials here have long since been aware of the accusations that this whole Harlequin buiness has been a scam from day one, and they should have done something. Lots of Brits should not be in the position they find themselves in and are the victims of a big crime as far as I can see. By the way, I am sure many have heard this, but ignorance is no defense – Ames can say he did not mean to trade insolvently, or to misrepresent, but that is evidently what has happened. Maybe this will drag on for a few more weeks or months, and I recall someone saying another investor was trying to bring this down – this was always going to come to a head. Ames has known this for some time, what will be interesting will be whether he tries to defend it or try to flee. Good luck all, I would be as happy as anyone else if I am wrong, but I have long been in business and this is as clear cut a scam as I have ever seen.
@FDNRM nah, definitely not stalking you — just wanting an answer to my own “legitimate question,” like you wanted an answer to yours.
Probably best not to assume that everyone wanting an answer to an unanswered question is stalking you — it’s a weird assumption. Probably best not to try and deflect and sidestep things when they con’t suit you too — could look like a bit of a transparent evasive manoeuvre.
Whatever
@Anonymous
To be fair to FDNRM (much though it pains me) I think the 10% issue was answered. It wasn’t too clear though.
The 10% in question is not the guaranteed return during the first 2 years of resort operation.
Some contracts that people signed had a clause that said, in the event that the resort opening was delayed beyond 6 months from the agreed date, Harlequin would pay back the sum investment plus 10% compensation.
I believe that HDNRM was given a full refund plus the 10% on top.
That was my understanding too BB, but when asked to confirm this they suddenly became reticent — which is weird, as it could have been good news for other investors. It’s a strange double standard which confuses me.
Most of the people posting here are worried, the minority, that feebly attempt to support HP are getting more and more desparate as time goes on.
36 AKA FDNRM even seems to have become a little more reasonable and quite, he has been overtaken by Mr Ames Number one fan Yorkiepoo……….
Well done YP you are now the number one fan!! You may even get an invite to dinner now .
i have not invested in this. i did used to work for an fs company who sold this big time and pulled my clients out as after carrying out my OWN dd decided that this was actually very high risk.(for all the reasons mentioned countlessly on here and that were available then if you cared to check) i aired my concerns to the director and sales manager but to no avail. i contacted the fsa twice ( in 2008 and again 2012 as more information came to light). this has happened before as RL says arch cru, alpha bank etc etc and it is likely to happen again. some agents/ifa’s/fs companies still advertising sipp transfers to cape verde,brazil, panama, carbon credits, forestry etc etc etc. if you are concerned re your investment i would recommend that you seek advice from a solicitor and i would also recommend that you look into how you can stop your adviser/sipp/fs/ifa company/ies (you may need to link the dots via all the companies they have set up for different arms of the business) from dissolving the business as they may look to do this rather than face possible recourse. i am not saying this will go wrong or the fsa/sfo will find anything untowards but no harm in looking at the future possible scenario if things do not go to plan. there must be a way of lodging an objection at companies house to stop a company from closing . perhaps RL or GF could shed some light on this aspect???
100 – plenty of opinion from you too but you like to run your mouth without any facts too! In fact if you look at this thread from start to finish its all opinion and no substance – why can’t we wait for the out one of the investigation
HIGnw – keep up please I have already told you I am meeting Dave Ames for dinner! Who’s paying?
Yorkiepoo, what more facts are required than the places not being started and don’t have planning permission? That substance enough for you? You are as crooked and as dumb as ames.
Another telling post from Yorkie “….plus name me one person who has lost their money at this point in time?”
Haven’t we heard that every day from the harlequin trolls. I almost fell asleep when I read it. I don’t have the time to go back through all the posts, but a ‘control+F’ on that statement might link yorkie and the other Harlequin trolls, and possibly identify their latest moniker (yorkiepoo)
@Yorkie One of your friends explained exactly what you were up to to me at the end of the meeting did you not see us talking?
They knew you were going to far but you would not listen would you?
You really should apply for a job at HQ they are your type of people!
Why dont you explain everything you have been up to to everyone?
Go on @E, tell us more. You don’t expect anything transparent and honest coming from Yorkiepoo do you.
All their contributions are driven by self interest with no concern for anyone else.
Lets all just ignore the vermin of yorkieshit and fdnrm as they are spewing the same bullshit as harlequin has for the last 8 years. i have said it a few times here that the net is well and truly closing in and we can all take comfort knowing that these con-men/women will be going down for a long time.
The truth was I was there recording E so it can be proven she has broken her NDA – that’s what we will say
BFP Marcus to Anthony75 and all others: please be more gentle in your language. We’ve let our standards slip in the last week on this thread and we encourage our visitors to police themselves.
Thankyou
Marcus
no problem BFB, just getting a bit frustrated.
*BFP
@Yorkie You are so wrong on so many levels. NDA’s are on one investment we had two, Mr Ames has already breeched the terms of that agreement. It is illegal to use recording equipment and record people without their knowledge.
It just shows you who your friends are doesn’t it!
@Anthony75 I agree that under normal circumstances Yorkipoo is not the kind of person you would wish to talk with but in this forum there may be a few people who are still ready to be taken in by them.
I think any information that helps us all form an accurate picture of the character of Yorkiepoo then it needs to be shared.
If it is true that Yorkiepoo was an agent selling these “products” (in inverted comments because not much has been produced) to inexperienced investors and telling them that they are a low risk way of making money then this renders them below contempt.
It was a question I didn’t say anybody had recorded anyone
No need to record anything anyway I would say you may have said too much in this forum in black & white
Good post anonymous55.
Having taken legal advice and action on this point, as long as you complaint is lodged with the IFA/ insurance company, if they go bust the insurance still is valid – so get the claim in NOW! If you feel you have been ill advised, I would not attempt this yourself unless you have the skill and time
Ignore Yorkiepoo, he/she/it claims to have been to the meeting recording, big deal, he/she/it does not have the courage to ‘come out’. … 😉
Lets just think about the comment about recording the meeting and the NDA …. That’s low on many levels. However, imagine the press getting hold of that!
Mr Ames best mate picking on Erica about a NDA that HP still todate have not honoured…………. And quite possibly not even enforcable.
There is only one truth ,progress on site ,unit sales complete,These are the only facts at this time,discuss
@Lighthouse
Re: Finance payment.
The only banking error that stops direct debits or standing orders to be paid is no cash, or an instruction to cancel them? Any others?
To reset them up its just a matter of inputting information takes …..all of 2 mins per transaction.
sorry my mistake its the banks fault / accounting error.
http://www.realtytoday.com/articles/3839/20130307/british-businessman-david-ames-accused-taking-452-million-investors-failed.htm
nothing new, but now over the pond….
@Yorkiepoo, You recorded the meeting??? I didn’t agree to be recorded so therefore you’re unable to use the recording. I’m sure other investors will feel the same. What do you think Paul? Are you happy with being recorded by a stranger? It’s a bit weird isn’t it……
@Erica you have a stalker….Yorkiepoo!!
If and it is a big if…… Yorkiepoo was at the meeting, and its who I think it is they are weird! but who knows or really cares …… ignore he/she/it and they will get bored
Talking of recording things, would a recording of a broadcast webinar be acceptable evidence?
I took part in a Kim Withey webinar several years ago.
The webinar had all the breezy insouciance of a Richard and Judy show (except it lacked their towering intellect). It was effectively repackaged HP brochure material and worked examples of the gazillions of pounds we would all make out of the opportunity.
When answering questions Kim started by giving me all the über confident responses about low risk, government backing la-le-la-le-la but when she realized that I was a more sophisticated investor she started to introduce more guarded responses and concluded I was risk averse and so it might not suit me. I think I am risk aware not risk averse! So the investment isn’t suitable for anyone that expects reasonable answers to reasonable due diligence questions. But, if you’re a nice, innocent investor prepared to swallow the marketing material without question then “come on in the water’s lovely”.
You like twisting my words I said Erica would be accusing me of doing that!
Tailormade have just confirmed on the telephone they to have ‘Stopped selling HP for the moment and to check their website as they hope to start shortly’
Would anyone from TailorMade like to comment?
@ Yorkie
Yorkiepoo
March 12, 2013 at 7:08 am
The truth was I was there recording E so it can be proven she has broken her NDA – that’s what we will say
———————————————————————————————
Care to explain which words I twisted listen tell it to the judge as I am beyond not interested!!
You and Tailormade/Harlequin are nothing but bullies everyone knows it
I have of coures took screen shots to protect the inocent!!
Do I put in a complaint at this stage with the FSA ,,, is that what legal are advising
@Yorkiepoo If Erica has spoken to the SFO and given them evidence then you should be more worried about badgering a witness than Erica breaking a NDA.
Don’t forget to take your phone to the toilet after reading this……
Ivor,
Speak to a solicitor and get them to do a letter of intent you do not have to anything further but it will protect you if and I do say if the firm who sold you the product goes bang.
@BFP, well done re your comment on the bad language. Anon-ru and Anthony 75 have been very personal and vitriotic. At least Anthony 75 had the grace to recognise this.
@Ivor.
Hello Ivor, Its Paul.
If your investment was via a SIPP transfer, you may to act and register your dissatisfaction with them, I did it via a solicitor because I am not sure of the exact terminology to use.
However the important thing is to get your letter in now, even if you do nothing straight away its in the system.
I really would take some professional advice on this and act soon.
Too busy to play today am working hard – anybody interested in a second hand car, one lady owner!!!
I would not buy it I think the wheels are about to fall off…………..lol
Thanks Paul… I have registered with SFO as well so I guess thats all we can do .. and wait
@Ivor No problem
I am told the insurance worked on a first come first served basis, so you don’t want to be at the end of the queue when they have reached their level of cover.
Why not E? You have a history of buying write-offs!
Thats true Paul .. But if you register complaint with fsa direct you are on their system .. If the legal are only name taking at this stage you may not not be that high up the list .. think I will do both
@E, Don’t rise to yorkiepoo they are full of S**t
They are running scared now because they know that the net is closing in on them. Keep on them girl!! You’re doing us investors proud! If you need any help just let me know.
Sorry York I thought you were trying to sell a gravy train……….lol
With you all the way E ; )
is this thread still open for comments?
Yes but everybody is that bored of the pibull with a big bark to carry on posting – she mistakenly thinks that she can ignore her NDA because she has signed all her assets to her husband – but now realises it doesn’t matter because 50% of her husbands assets can be pursued!
But only a company that had completely given up on having any public sympathy would choose to pursue it.
@Yorkiepoo I think you might of ignored my post earlier so I will repeat it for you again……..
If Erica has spoken to the SFO and given them evidence she is now one of their witnesses. If you carry on with your bad mouthing insults to her it will be classed as badgering a witness which means you’ll be in bigger trouble than her…
I have neither badgered or insulted Erica – so your hot air too! It’s easily solved if she stops reading this forum!
When is it that you cannot get legal aid for civil cases? Defending yourself will become very expensive even if your correct?
I would call the below bagdering and insulting. Would you be insulted if I said you had a small dick? Same thing.
Yes but everybody is that bored of the pibull with a big bark to carry on posting.
You’re just trying to goade her now and your not worth it. By the sounds of it she has sound juicy information on Harlequin so if you carry on being like you are she might well put all their dirty washing on here….You have been warned.
@C&E. any more insults and ill have ya! Thanks for that info.
Erica knows nothing or she would have blabbed – she can’t hold her own water! Anyway I sure have nothing to worry about!
@Yorkiepoo – Erica seemed a very decent sort. She has gone to a great deal of trouble to give investors a voice.
She is not a client of ours. However, if you feel you can bully her legally then please try. Our firm, Pannone LLP and No5 would happily represent her and her husband for free to defend her right to debate the current position.
It is academic, as in all previous projects we have been involved in have bullies. They always lose in the end. Here will be no different.
I have seen the chain and I am guessing you are an adviser who has sold this. Your not an investor. Why not post as yourself and support your own standpoint ?
Gareth Fatchett
Regulatory Legal Solicitors
C&E probably has no investment – just a bored housewife on here with nothing to do but read blogs
Boom!
Yorkie Poo and GFDNRM are both plants, either advisers or work directly for Harlequin. Why fly in the face of logic and spend weekends doing so otherwise? Gareth you are right, the eventual outcome is obvious, always has been. Well done E and co for trying to fight back.
@RL stop pimping for business how about the fact I’ve been bullied by some of the name calling. Or perhaps you would represent matt Ames who was accused of “shagging an office girl” I suggest you keep out of this debate unless asked.
Of course she’s a decent kind she generates you fees and in return you offer to. Work for free – nice little sales job , and no I don’t sell the product, no I don’t work for HP and no I have no investment!
Yorkiepoo – a handbag dog – from The Grauniad –
tiny pampered canines are often confused by the existence of other dogs, and some have trouble walking, let alone running. “Some of the shorter-nose breeds are particularly prone to breathing problems, so you have to build up their fitness gradually and be careful on hot days. As with training all dogs, you find things to motivate them, like bits of cheese or toys.”
or motivated by selling a scam?
@FDNRM – We have over 800 investors on wwww.harlequininvestorgroup.co.uk. We have millions of pounds worth of claims against IFA “pension transfer” specialists and SIPPs already.
You and Yorkiepoo are our best recruiters. Please continue.
I don’t have a sales job – Erica seems to have found one working for a Wakey Lad
Yap Yap – However, the dogs, which are primarily bred for their looks, are vulnerable to unnecessary disease, disability, pain or behavioural problems.
Awwww what’s up Yorkiepoo don’t like it when the bigger boys come out to play?? Booohooo!!
Office girl is a small issue for him.
I hope he’s not too pretty.
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/local_news/10087656.Fraud_charges_for_green_firms__boss/
To get things in perspective Erica gets a little insult and its horrendous – Dave Ames has 3 death threats delivered to his house and that’s acceptable?
FDNRM, you are being rude again, noaghty naughty
Yap Yap Yap – time to get down to Pampered Pooches and then let Mr Ames tickle your tummy!
Which bigger boy would that be?
Mr Gareth Fatchett Will represent me WOW!!!!
Erica has not took £300million………
@ Lighthouse – and as one of the conditions of his bail was that he was only allowed to keep his passport for travel related to business, was he really staying on Mustique in February? – and did he stop off at BB? – and was that why guests were prevented from videoing the resort?
how many workers on HP development sites to day ,how many expected rest off this week, give or take say ten
what was that noise at 9.00pm? – oh yes Yap, Yap Yap, Yap Yap Yap.
All hearsay – like everything about HP on here!
Just for Yorkiepoop
We have had a team working on the technical rules around SIPP.
We have already sent letters of claim to SIPP providers inviting them to explain why they did such little due diligence on Harlequin investments.
From our review of the pension transfer advice we have seen :-
– most SIPPs invested 80%+ of the available fund. Some as high as 100%.
– all rely on the value of the property to increase to allow the 70% loan at the back end.
– we see no evidence of any 70% loan to complete.
– movement of final salary schemes losing very valuable benefits.
– pension liberation
– no consideration of what would happen if the member dies. Remember after 2 years HMRC require the estate to transfer the assets out. If not, a 55% tax charge.
– not one single piece of advice actually tells you that the Harlequin investment is high risk. Most say nothing.
– it is clear that some advisers have allowed their authorisation to be used to put through any transfer. They will rue that decision.
– it is clear that some of the biggest IFA firms have been involved. Where was the compliance oversight ?
– All SIPP contracted with a Caribbean company and paid the money to the UK company. We are waiting an explanation of this with interest.
We know from the FSA rules most advisers will have £1.5m – £2m of Professional Indemnity Insurance. This will be inadequate. Therefore, the early claims will have the most chance of receiving redress from the professional indemnity insurer.
All in all, a complete pigs ear. Regulatory Legal Solicitors and Pannone LLP are making precautionary claims for investors with pension based investments.
The writing is on the wall for IFA’s / SIPP providers. They know, we know and we suspect pension investors know. Time to protect yourself.
We can turn round pension letters of claim in under 24 hours. Better to act with caution is our strong advice.
Regulatory Legal Solicitors
Wasted on me I’m not a SIPP provider! Not too many people going to be successful in recovering cash at that level of PI – looks like most providers will go bust and start up again in a new name next week!
Yap Yap
@yorkiepoo
Your a bit of a mystery. You say your not an investor, adviser or HP person.
What else remains ?
Are there anymore meetings ?
“I am his Highness dog at Kew; pray tell me, sir, whose dog are you? ”
Pope – Alexander that is, not His Holiness
I’m an interested observer
We are organising a meeting in the south to take place in the next week of two 🙂
@yorkiepoo – your not. You spend all day posting. You have a bit of technical knowledge. An adviser. Probably from the NW mob (in liquidation) – or am I jumping the gun ?
@Yorkiepoo you’re going to great lengths to discredit E considering you’re an “interested observer”
E – please do it in Basildon ! Why not do it after the Panorama ? You could sell tickets for it.
On a serious note, where in the south ?
No I’m not – who is the NW bunch in liquidation?
Yes, I wouldn’t bother engaging with Yorkiepoo — his (and I assume it is a him, given the mysogynist feel of some of his posts) cover story is very transparently ridiculous, and so he’s generally not worth engaging with full stop.
@yorkiepoo (in liquidation)
Your finished.
I own a company and its doing very well
@yorkiepoo(in liquidation)
That’s simply untrue. If you were doing well, you would not be posting all the time.
Your too close to this. This used to be an easy income for you. Not anymore. Mercedes will have to go.
What next, cocoa beans, gold, carbon credits ?
#gamesup
@Lighthouse, I think Yorkie was driving a Bentley on Saturday it will definitley have to go…..
Don’t worry about me I’m just fine – I have a non investment related business
All the IFA’s selling these products had a non investment related business!
I would tell you what my business is but Erica would then be able to work out who I am and Gareth Fatchett woul know too!
Good for you I’m glad your benefitting, I’m glad to have no financial stake!
I see Gareth Fatchett is always mouthing off about pursuing PI insurances but the direct investors that takes some effort to get their cash he isn’t interested in! Just the easy fees?
Does anyone have news from Ireland today?
I know no detail bit told the case is going well
Surely that depends on who you want to win.
From the HP point of view
Interested observer yet are in touch with Harlequin during a court case? etc etc. The fewer people that reply to this adviser/scam artist, the better. I won’t engage after this, very clearly part of the whole sordid thing, would call black white if he could make money from doing so. Facts show clearly what Harlerquin, and yorki, are about, why not let people try to just recover the money they have mistakenly invested and go and find other people to con.
Back from the pub so noe refreshed.
@RL, so you have 800 people registered through Grust Grusts page. Let me remind you, that is less that 25% of the HP investors. So dont assume you have a mandate to go after HP.
@Erica. Though you might have come up with a more original name than that!
* “now” refreshed
If I was speaking to people in the know at HP today, would it not have been remiss of me to ask?
I am convinced that Yorkiepoo`s goal is to make this thread so boring that everyone stops reading it or adding comments.
I think anon55 makes a good point on another thread. At this point in time, the posts that matter to investors are those giving legal advice and options. Whether this is going south or not is not in question anymore, it clearly is – yorkiepoo and GFDRM simply are advisors/harlequin trolls to be ignored. Investors need take action, can check the IFA online sites for updates, and seek legal advice and compare notes with others somehow, whether on this forum or via the website Mr Fatchett has set up. You have to save whatever you can at this point, as Harlequin was always going to blow up, and now it is finally happening. Whilst there are assets there is something that can be retrieved, and that includes assets of directors and officers of Harlequin if they have been willfully negligent/trading insolvently/committing fraud.
I think you will find this thread boring because it is! No facts just gossip, insults if you disagree with the majority and a greedy posh boy touting for fees!
Fair point if your a SIPP investor with an insurance policy to pursue but what Fatchett never answers is the options for the non- SIPP investors – he can’t help those by the looks of it because no offences have been committed or its too difficult for him could be the other reason!
I BELIEVE IN KARMA.HARLEQUIN THIS IS YOU. LOL LOL LOL
Click to access Property-Investor-News-February-2011.pdf
I have a feeling this is what is going to happen very soon……
@BFP
Bravo BFP. Today I am writing to the Pulitzer Prize committee to inquire
if they have ever awarded anyone in the foreign (non-USA) press. I will
gladly send them the $50. entry/recommendation fee. The BFP seems
to be doing a much better job than the UK press.
@All Posters
Check out today”s….. i-witness-news.com
I know I have psted this before but it can get lost in all Yorkipoo’s s**t
Please all read and take note:
All,
We have had a team working on the technical rules around SIPP.
We have already sent letters of claim to SIPP providers inviting them to explain why they did such little due diligence on Harlequin investments.
From our review of the pension transfer advice we have seen :-
– most SIPPs invested 80%+ of the available fund. Some as high as 100%.
– all rely on the value of the property to increase to allow the 70% loan at the back end.
– we see no evidence of any 70% loan to complete.
– movement of final salary schemes losing very valuable benefits.
– pension liberation
– no consideration of what would happen if the member dies. Remember after 2 years HMRC require the estate to transfer the assets out. If not, a 55% tax charge.
– not one single piece of advice actually tells you that the Harlequin investment is high risk. Most say nothing.
– it is clear that some advisers have allowed their authorisation to be used to put through any transfer. They will rue that decision.
– it is clear that some of the biggest IFA firms have been involved. Where was the compliance oversight ?
– All SIPP contracted with a Caribbean company and paid the money to the UK company. We are waiting an explanation of this with interest.
We know from the FSA rules most advisers will have £1.5m – £2m of Professional Indemnity Insurance. This will be inadequate. Therefore, the early claims will have the most chance of receiving redress from the professional indemnity insurer.
All in all, a complete pigs ear. Regulatory Legal Solicitors and Pannone LLP are making precautionary claims for investors with pension based investments.
The writing is on the wall for IFA’s / SIPP providers. They know, we know and we suspect pension investors know. Time to protect yourself.
We can turn round pension letters of claim in under 24 hours. Better to act with caution is our strong advice.
Regulatory Legal Solicitors
Yes fine but I keepl asking you what recourse do non SIPP investors have? Why can nobody clarify or are you not interested in those people?
@Yorkipoop.
Yorkipoop, very strange how you keep defending HP, I can only imagine you have lots of time now a well know North West promoter of HP has removed all traces of them from their website.
How did you know the contents of a letter Mr Ames sent to me claiming I could not pay the closing costs?
I must point out that this is a most strage comment as Mr Ames had no idea of them or the finance options – I still await answers to my letter dated 22nd Feb and 23rd.
Maybe with you being so chummy and all of that you could ask?
Kind regards Paul Walton
How much is that doggie in the window? (arf! arf!)
The one with the waggley tail…
Good made me chuckle!
dont thing IFA’s will be wagging their tail…
Nothing to do with any SIPP provider.
I didn’t know it was you who didn’t have the funds to complete – I fished and you bit!
Can you please answer my question on non SIPP investors?
5% closing fees!!!
Yorkipoo knowa something I don’t.
Yorkiepoo
March 7, 2013 at 11:50 am
FDRM – I have a suspicion that Paul Walton could have transferred title of his property but was unable to find the funds to complete (5% purchase tax to Government). Now its everyone elses fault?
so when all these people get thier deeds they need to pay 5% in April?
thats quite a lot no wonder I could not afford it 🙂
All the best Paul
The 5% charge is a government tax not a HP charge isn’t it?
What about my non SIPP investment question?
No idea Mr Ames never mentioned it. Anyway he tells me I can not afford it
🙂
You need to be a client and I am not a solicitor.
Ok if you don’t know why didn’t you say?
If you need to borrow the £22k I could arrange you a loan?
Yorkiepoop
No loan required, dont have the finance document I asked for to back up
Mr Ames claim of completing in April – did you ask him about that?
I am bored with your piffle now.
good bye,
Paul
Ps maybe loan HP the money as you think they are so good?
Before doing any business with Yorkiepie&Co, I suggest you read the comment that BFP has posted at the top of this thread regarding Yorkiepie:
“This “Yorkiepoo” has to be more than one person because they are here for so many hours. This is way beyond trolling – this must be an organized group trying to stop investors from talking here at BFP.”
Yes good point, it could be all the IFA’s that can not sell HP products now? shame….
But are you still prepared to complete if the finance was in place at an affordable interest rate and the 10% return verified?
I actually defend the right for all to post here. After all it is B Free Press.
So I don’t think the posts of FDNRM and Yorkiepoo should be removed. I’m coming round to the theory that they are actually anti-harlequin plants anyway. Their posts are so snide and unpleasant with a touch of gloating over people who are at their wits end with worry over the security of their life savings. They are only painting themselves and the products they support in a very bad light.
Keep on posting Yorkiepoo and FDNRM you are both making a very good job giving investors an insight into the psyche of people who support this investment.
@Eddie Lizzard2 You wouldn’t want that doggie in the window would you?? It’s got mange!
BBFP/ Can you please post the ip address of yorki poo as later on I will be posting all the private messages from them,I am sure Mr Ames will be pleased…. NOT
Deffinately just one of me I just work hard!
I thought I was mr Ames you said ! It’s you with the NDA not me!
Gareth said they are his best Recruitment agents
Plus my IP address is altered as I have software to do it installed!
If you want to know who I am Erica you don’t need to search – I have an appointment at Faifield Hospital on Friday I could meet you at Paul Waltons house as he lives not far away looking at the map?
Who has said I want to meet you???
Why would I want to?
If we did meet you could bring the answers to the questions we have put to your mate Mr Ames as surley a week is long enough??
Erica – I thought you were keen because your searching around for an IP address I was going to save you the trouble and I would come to you
http://www.ftadviser.com/2013/03/13/pensions/sipps/harlequin-sales-halted-following-fsa-alert-YOl2aoX0qYxJ94jrrXu9JL/article-0.html
Yorkie you claimed to be Tailormade the other day so tell me what do you think of the above article. At the end of the day ALL IFAs should be advising clients and helping them through this mess not trying to stir the pot and say I am talking rubish you all know what you have done and now is the time to stand up and be counted.
The damage limitation exercise should not be you stoping selling this product it should be advising each and every one of your clients in doing a Letter of intent but I already know you will not do this as that claim would be against you wouldnt it.
Now is the time to stand up and be counted. How you could come to the meeting and laugh at other peoples expense just disgusted myself and all of the other people in our group, Please do not come to any other meetings we are organising as you will not be welcome.
I am not and have never been employed by Tailormade!
Amusingly we now have
@yorkiepoo (in liquidation)
@tailormade (in liquidation)
The net tightens.
@Regulatory legal, have your clients received immediate refunds as i thought Harlequin were skint, hence no interest payments received.
@Anthony75
You’ll appreciate that we cannot comment as we have agreed to keep the terms of the settlements confidential.
i understand completely.
Has anyone had any dealings with Unique Investment Consultants, they are still advertising HP on their website?
Interesting comment (in the comments section) of yesterday’s ifaonline article re SIPPs suitability.
Wonder how the pro lobby are going to spin the news about Tailor Made? Given previous form, I imagine they’ll be looking to discredit them somehow – or suggest that that Irish builder or the accountant are in cahoots with them somehow. As such a big former ally, it’s going to be tricky.
as i said before you need to check on the “various arms” of the ifa/fsa business that sold you this. quite a few of them are placing gazette notices and unless an objection is made they are ahead of the game and dissolving/liquidating the companies. i can see 3 big players on webcheck that have already done this..
You all may want to look at this:
http://www.ftadviser.com/2013/03/13/pensions/sipps/harlequin-sales-halted-following-fsa-alert-YOl2aoX0qYxJ94jrrXu9JL/article.html
Kind regards
Paul Walton
the bottom line is we are have all been F****ed over, Harlequin are skint thats why interest payment have stopped. I would bet that the people who have been granted refunds have not been given it yet and harlequin are playing delaying games.
AND NOW READ THIS>>>>AGAIN
Regulatory Legal Solicitors & Pannone LLP are engaged by clients who have transferred their pensions to SIPPs for the sole purpose of investing in the various Harlequin Property investments.
The pension transfer advice in this matter was not given by Harlequin Property. It has been given by independent financial advisers.
We have reviewed cases and without any shadow of a doubt this is about as bad as it gets.
We have seen :-
1. Occupational pension schemes (with final salary elements) transferred
2. Whole funds placed in Harlequin (with little left for diversification)
3. Little regard to 55% HMRC tax charge if a SIPP asset is not distributed within 2 years on a members death.
4. No mention of the 50% borrowing limit on SIPP. The Harlequin Property model requires a 70% mortgage to be in place.
The advice takes no account of basic financial planning issues. It simply drives pension money from a mainstream environment to an esoteric high risk environment.
The FSA need to take a long hard look at this. Surely, the use of S166 FSMA 2000 requiring a review of these transfers per firm is necessary ? Maybe even S404 FSMA 2000 as this is industry wide.
We are shocked that in 2013 we are seeing transfers which are as bad as those in the first pension review in the early 90’s.
The blame for this lies squarely with the IFA’s who thought this was a good idea. When will they learn ?
And what recourse do the individuals have who have invested cash rather than SIPP?
Paul – I am curious as to how much were the fees from Fatchett to the guys that got their money back ? They didnt do this for nothing ? By the way the 50% borrowing limit on a sipp ic correct, but Fatchets quote of 15k being half of a 30K sipp it not quite right as the properties are worth in many cases over 200K ,.. so the 50% requirement then stacks up… Saying that I still want out
@Ivor, the honest answer is I do not know, I will ask the question for you.
Gareth will not tell anyone what the deal was as it is private to the people concerned we are all now at the stage where anything is better than nothing go and see any solicitor and do your letter of intent at least then everyone has a chance claiming of the insurance of the IFAs if the IFA company goes bust, Just be fair to everyone and anyone you know who has purchased a Harlequin.
@RL, why are conditions of the rebates confidential. Paul Walton has said on here that his has not been settled, if not, why not. And the question is relevant, you were prepared to try and freeze the assets of the other 99% of investors to achieve this.
@ Paul Walton, what has happened to No5 Chambers from the legal cartel?
Surely it’s virtually impossible to attach a value to the property until that value has been independently verified and a market has become established – anything’s only worth what someone’s prepared to pay for it.
FDNRM any thoughts on the Tailor Made story?
Paul was not part of that deal.Pauls contract does not say he has to take staged payments or that they are going to take over half of his pension in fees so my question to you is why should he?
@FDNRMNothing to do with you, you are not represented
No 5 still involved
Is Gareth Fatchett the best lawyer for this promblem?I would love to talk to Gareth,does anyone have a email or phone number for him
Why haven’t there been the same pressure in Barbados for CLICO, & it’s subsidiary for it’s policyholders?
Speak to Gareths colleague Phil Haslam on 0845 450 5528. Personally I will recomend these guys as they know exactly what to do and will save you hours explaining to a different solicitor.
@Yorkipoop,
I understand you have a hospital appointment at Fairfield private hospital in Crank on Friday & want to meet her.
You are correct in saying its near to my home, I don’t know if Erica wants to meet up but I do… what time at the Bottle and Glass?
When I arranged a meeting with Mr Ames, it was surpossed to be 1to 1 but when I turned up it was 4-1 – will you be alone?
http://www.chefandbrewer.com/pub/bottle-and-glass-inn-rainford-st-helens
regards Paul Walton
@Just want to know/ You have to join together it is a numbers thing talk to anyone and everyone and bring people together we have been on this over two years telling Tailormade this was not a good investment the only reason they have stopped now selling Harlequin is because they have found out they can/will be held responsible when/if Harlequin fails
Paul I will be there along with my daughter
More press information
http://citywire.co.uk/new-model-adviser/harlequin-investors-hit-out-at-tailormade-group/a665214?ref=new-model-adviser-todays-news-list
Last night’s posts on this thread were of very poor quality and almost a coninuation of the farcical Fatchett sales drive held in Manchester at the weekend. In particular, The yap-yap of B Baywatch led me to the conclusion that he had overdone his liking for the bottle.
Fatchett and his sales assistants Paul Walton and “Erica” will alone be reponsible for encouraging IFA’s to go into liquidation, thereby denying refunds to the few seeking one. Of course, the ambulance chaser is personally very experienced in this process, having gone through it himself many times. Never mind the spam infiltrating this website, the profiteering ambulance chaser floods the site touting for business!
BFP It appears that the Banner Headline for this thread is now obsolete!
Tailormade should not get away with this. Even as they exit, they tell lies about Harlequin, saying that they have two top resorts charging premium rates and that is a key to a return bla bla. You can stay at Blu for less than US$100 per night, not exactly premium, and BB is a long way off the high end of the Caribbean prices. They are thieves too.
I doubt if he/she/it will turn up
Paul – Erica has mt personal email – email me on there and I will arrange something
Yatinkiteasy
Well, we are getting desperate now! raiding the archives for the long gone story of Nicki Scott’s experience. It had little effect then and will have even less now.
Of course you do realise Harlisuccess, that even if we were to take your logic on board (which of course nobody does, because it’s risible) chasing an ambulance only works when the ambulance encounters an accident. The ambulance doesn’t cause the accident, it tries to make the best of it afterwards.
I’m loathe to engage with such nonsensical rubbish, but I will just say once; a business that can be put in trouble because 1% (reportedly) of its investors wanting to do nothing more than execute their contractual rights has questions all of its own to ask. How anyone can attempt to peddle this line anymore, given the virtually daily volume of new stories hitting the financial press is beyond me. If Tailor Made thought it was just a few trouble makers, why have they jumped ship?
@Harlisuccess
Always somebody else’s fault…..
🙂
Strange that a load of spam has suddenly appeared on the site, that keeps comments on these threads lower down on the “Latest Comments” sidebar…
Lets just have a look at some recent information.
• Little of,or no accounts
• Land ownweship issues
• No finance available
• SIPP problems
• On of the main sellers TailorMade, ‘have genuine concerns’ and have dropped HP
• SFO investigating
• SFA looking at SIPP conpanies
• BBC and local and national press
• Court action over refunds
• Only built +or – 5%
• FSA alerts over HP
• Investors not being paid the intrest payments
Would you now invest?
@Anonymous 2.30 no idea about Tailormade. My investment was not through a SIP or IFA so I will not comment on something I don’t know about.
What Harlisucess says is very true. The ambulance chaser went for the wrong target in HP. He should have gone for the SIPP/IFAs. Even the SFO realises that is where the problem could exist. So trying to freeze the HP assets was a poorly worked out strategy.
@paul Walton. Stop recycling the same posting on every thread over and over ageing. Yes we get the point. No need to keep repeating it. Perhaps you are getting paid a “posting commission”?
@your mate Fatchett.
Not if it gets his clients money back its not…. called doing his job, and well.
You forget there is nothing wrong with asking for a refund, not giving it is wrong.Period.
All the best Paul
@ your mate fatchett.
No i don’t get paid does Mr Ames pay you 🙂
@paul Walton, and if you are going to post links to other web sites I suggest you read the comments section after it. They do rather destroy your argument.
@Yorkipoop I have sent you an email about our meeting Friday, what time?
@FDNRM it’s not exactly a ringing endorsement of the company though is it, if one of their biggest sales agents throws in the towel so publicly at this precise moment?
In terms of the SIPPS and IFAs blame issue, does it not occur to you that there would be no case for them to answer if the company that they had encouraged investment in had actually done what they said they would? I’m not exonerating them, but it’s a curious logic to try and lay the blame exclusively at their feet. Feels a bit defensive of you to be so determined to distribute blame anywhere else.
I haven’t seen any comments on other website that destroy Paul’s argument – I have seen some defending the Harlequin line as on here, but it’s usually easily rebutted.
@Anonymous, try Simon Webster1. As he says, it was a punt.
Yorkipoo yorkipoo where are you??? what about our meeting Friday?
All the best
Paul
@FDNRM So what?
What an interesting post on Citywire
Peter D
Mar 13, 2013 at 16:59
.
@matryx
I’m an IFA who attended a Harlequin seminar with a client In Southampton attended by 50 – 60 potential investors. My client had invested in a Harlequin property (without telling me, I should add!), & retrospectively wanted my views on it.
The presentation was very slick, led by 2 ex-bank managers who said they’d purchased 6 properties and were already showing a profit… on their yet-to-be-built-properties!!
They made great play of how conservative they were as investors and explained about their exhaustive due diligence. It was very plausible and easy to see how ordinary people were suckered in, but was all smoke and mirrors
Needless to say, I advised my client to get out, but to date he has not received a refund.
@Simon Webster1
You really think that Buccament Bay will be an asset available for investors conned onto purchasing apartments all over the Caribbean? I think not. I bet you £1 to a penny that it’s already ring-fenced away from the developments.
Of course the investors paid for it… but that’s not what they bought into… and also paid for the planes for Harlequin Air, again not what investors bought into.
Let’s be absolutely clear… There is no potential for the future properties being built. My client has paid a 30% deposit on a place in St Lucia, yet apparently all there is at present is a mud track to the site. No bank will lend on a development on a plot of land, where 30% of the funds have been misappropriated elsewhere.
The IFAs who were prepared to set up the SIPPs were greedy and self-serving. They lapped up the commission without taking responsibility. The FSA have made it clear that IFAs should have undertake full due diligence, including how the funds were used!!
IFAs were paid 7% of the full purchase price (not deposit).. I wonder how many told their clients they were taking almost 25% of the values of their SIPP as commission? They deserve the book throwing at them, and it’s going to happen, make no mistake.
You’re right @FDNRM, those comments are worth reading.
@C & E those quotes are not from the Citywire link above. Please put up your Citywire link. Matrix “investors must start responsibility for their actions” clearly posted on the link above.
So did RL go back to the court today re freezing of assets? Any news?
He does not represent you.
Paul – I am doing some work I will speak to you later about Friday – don’t worry it’s still happening!
@Worried Investor….. you have lost me unless you are Yorkipoo????
Second Investor meeting Cental London and Basildon to follow soon!!!
Simon13
Six out of 3.000 investors want out of harlequin
This figure above makes me a happy investor.
Makes me wonder why you invested in the fist place. Or did you ?
Yes it’s me I had text in wrong box!
PMSL Yorkiepoo you got out there pal didn’t you, Worried investor really?? I thought you wasn’t an investor or had a valid interest in Harlequin??
I have asked BFP to check into it, (its someones elses fault!)
More News on TM
http://www.ifaonline.co.uk/ifaonline/news/2254532/harlequin-distributor-pulls-plug-on-new-investment
I told you I started writing in the user name box instead of the comment box – my mistake
NEW DATES FOR INVESTOR MEETINGS!!!!!!!!
Harlequin Investors Meeting: Number 2
We are now taking enquiries for our second Investors meeting on 25th March 2013.
Central London around 12pm
Basildon Essex around 5-6pm
The exact location and times will be confirmed once we know the numbers.
Please email the locations you prefer and how many wish to attend.
harlequininvestorgroupnw@gmail.com
We will be inviting Mr Ames and or a representative of Harlequin to attend for a question and answers session as well as TailorMade Group.
Regulatory Legal & Pennone LLP will be present and possibly Number 5 Chambers.
There will be a presentation regarding the recent finding regarding title to land, accounting,SIPP transfer advice,direct investment and what options you have to recover your investment, if that’s what you want to do.
After the presentation you will be invited to watch the Panorama program.
Please email harlequininvestorgroupnw@gmail.com
So we can start to make arrangement.
Kind regards,
Harlequin Investor Group.
Yorkipoo AKA worried investor what time at the Bottle and Glass Friday?
Aww you poor thing I felt exactly the same way as you at first not wanting anyone to know how foolish I had been investing in Harlequin but dont worry love we understand you have come out now so to speak and your now among friends we will help you
@Yorkiebullshit aka Worried Investor
pahahahahah look at you now trying to back track. You can’t kid a kidder my friend, just admit you F**ked up lmao!!!
I told you it was me who had written in the user name box?
I’m no worried investor cause I have nothing to invest!
I wouldn’t be embarrassed if I had invested and neither should you – it may have been an excellent investment if you hadn’t ruined it for yourself?
hahahahahhahaahahahahah
lets be clear. there will be “investors” out there who were fully aware of the the risks involved and were not risk adverse and decided to take a “punt”so to speak. however, my gut instinct tells me that when the FSA have carried out a full review of all “clients” that were advised/recommended this investment route then they may find that they were woefully misled, they may find that no factfinds and attitude to risk were completed, no pension comparables , no r4r etc etc. if they carry out an audit of all the ifas/fs companies who sold this then i for one would be very interested to see what percentage of all “advised” or “non-advised” as the case may be pension transfers were recommended “harlequin” as opposed to a “standard transfer” to a different regulated pension provider.
@Yorkiepoo
How can you class this as an excellent investment? did you see the numbers I posted on March 9th – 11.08 am (on another thread). “Harlequin Barbados H Hotel latest photos…..”
Insolvent from the start!
There is only one person to blame in this…..Dave Ames…….
@yorkiepoo(in liquidation) and @tailormade(in liquidation)
The plates are still spinning, however for how long ?
Rumour has it commissions are owed to advisers. Is this correct ?
I don’t know about commission I haven’t heard that before – where u get that from?
@Yorkiepoo
Comments welcome on the numbers?
Haven’t seen the numbers?
@Yorkipoo
ok. when you have your comments would be welcome.
@yorkiepoo(in liquidation)
My agent told me that money is owing. He does not work for TM, but is an agent of theirs.
Doesn’t surprise me at all. My agent blamed everyone and said that he has relied on the training he’d been to.
He told me most of the top people at TM also have investments.
What he also shared with me is that TM have been here before with their clients. Something to do with Cyprus. Same sounding script. High commissions, silly promised etc.
My agent is now my new concerned friend. Doesn’t want me to claim against him !
Yorkie Without predjuice.
You and I both know how this is all going to work out so lets stop kidding ourselves,
It is Mr Ames who has not built resorts
its Mr Ames who has not given people refunds to contract dates,
it is Mr Ames who gave himself a 5m loan,
Its Mr Ames who bought aeroplanes
it is Mr Ames who bought hotels
So lets stop all this nonsense and trying to blame others for his short comings, You could be a great guy and help everyone on here but instead your doing this. The truth is this is one persons fault and that is not mine.
Oh. My. God. What happened to BFP?
I understand that this is an open, democratic forum (and I love it) but it has been totally trashed by small talk and Yorkie.
I cannot even be bothered to try to catch up anymore.
All I will say is that those who state that they wish to stay invested in Harlequin are either beyond help and base their decision on information from Harlequin and their trolls ( so love them, and wish them well, but let them go) or they are just plants and trolls and should be ignored.
Please. This is getting ridiculous. Just focus on absolute evidence, publication and fact. Not poxy hearsay and outright lies from people talking obvious tripe.
It wouldn’t surprise me if your right – if interest payments aren’t being paid then it could well be the same?
@yorkiepoo. I’m quite interested to know if you will meet Paul Walton on Friday. Or are you too scared? yorkiepoo aka worried invester.
It is a shame that Yorkie, aka FDNRM, keep trolling when investors desperately need to get out, unless they are astonishingly deluded. Absolute evidence has been repeated over and over – projects not starting many years later, no planning, no financing, Ames helping himself to loans and commissions etc etc. End of story, you have to get out now if you don’t want to lose everything.Yorkie is just a troll, blaming Erica and co for ruining it shows him to be just that as there is no logic to it, just the sounds of a desperate man, who admittedly is friends with his partner in crime (literally) Dave Ames.
@Lighthouse, Nothing suprises me with Tailormade I told them two years ago but they would not listen as the commissions were brilliant, the meeting on saturday they sat there and laughed at people who might lose there homes they disgust me, so they stop selling this now but what about what they have already sold? the only reason they have stoped selling is self presevation, Can someone from the Warrington area who is willing to go public would email me we would apreciate it
Harlequininvestorgroupnw@gmail.com
If I could help I would – nobody more than me wants it to be a success, you know I can get access to the right people through previous dealings – but what can I do to assist?
The whole problem is there are no tangible facts to discuss that the issue????
@yorkiepoo
My agent is leaky and keeps telling me all sorts of things. Apparently, TM were “told” by the FSA to stop selling Harlequin.
They downplay their role, but they are the main agent by far. It’ll hurt them as that’s their main business.
He tells me that some of the TM staff have been sent home. I am peeved beyond belief at the situation. However, I cannot believe how gullable agents have been.
We should run a book on when we HP will fall over !
@ lighthouse- you are correct. within the fs industry itself there was a pyramid type scheme. one FS business does fantastically well but realises they only have an infinite client bank so they then become a “master agent”. they then have a wholesale arm recruiting other ifa’s /fs companies up and down the country to sell this and take a cut on the commission and so on. indeed it has happened before e.g cyprus, land banking, portugal, spain and may happen again e.g cape verde, brazil, panama, forestry, carbon credits etc etc. why do you think so many of the ifa/fs websites have the same generic alternative investment opportunities ( or they did until the recent cull)
Scared of what? Paul’s buying the lunch! We are corresponding on email separately!
You can assist by buggering off.
Yorkie withot predjudice Agree with me just in case this is the end tell everyone to do a letter of intent get you friend to give you the name of every investor give them a chance to put in a claim through the insurance but stop kidding them please
Yah yah – anybody had an update on the o halloran case today?
Can someone tell me about the TM Cyprus property scandal – when people lost lots of money with TM?
I like that agents are worried,let me tell you a littile story .I have been helping out a friend with this mess at bb so I said lets see what I can start to do.I contact coast to coast realtor and speak to the owner himself and I tell him I am interested in BB and would like to know if it is a good investment and this guy Antoni the owner tells me oh yes john you are going to get great returns on your money and the company is doing well and it is a great investment.I say wow really i love what you are telling me .I forgot to mention this all took place 3months ago so clearly Antoni is a crook and should be very worried because this conversation is going to do wonders for my friend letting everyone know coast to coast is not to be trusted .Antoni be worried and he just closed one of his offices in Quito because he sold this project to many people there for the last 4years and telling everyone he has 3apartments himself when of course he has none and never did.Antoni also has offices in Miami and Panma so people be carefull of this company.
Eric’s you are correct – everybody should do a letter to their SIPP trustee incase the Harlequin investment fails, it’s simple and you have nothing to loose, do it early as alot of financial advisers have limited PI do act quick, I don’t know your position if your a direct investor – do you Erica?
@yorkiepoo – some very interesting visitors in the court. You are close to Uncle Dave, so you will know what I mean.
Do you think the agents will get sued when this goes over ?
IFA’s and SIPP’s are up a gum tree.
My agent is warming up to turn against TM. 2 weeks ago he was telling me it was all nonsense and we should ignore the lawyers. Now, he’s decided he should “work with them”.
I don’t know anything about any visitors to the court – as far as I know uncle Dave as you call him isn’t at the court case.
I think if HP fail the advisors will liquidate and you will be pursuing a limited amount of insurance. Saying that HP do have assets too
Lighthouse have you got your claim in against TM? if not act quick thier PI wont be that much…
cheers
Paul
Thanks for that Yorkie I am not sure for direct investors lets hope Gareth can come on and advise,
@Lighthouse did you took action via Gareth Fatchet
Another thing too if HP do win the Irish case what’s the betting O’Halloran has no funds to repay?
The IFA’s regardless of PI can be help accountable, just depents if they have anything worth going after
Plus Mr Ames owes 5m
And if Mr O’ Halloran wins…… will HP have funds to pay him 🙂
Yes that’s right but these people have no assets, a few desks, few computers in a rented office – be nothing to have
http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/business/Finance/article1193210.ece
may be the cyprus story- not sure??? google and i’m sure you’ll find may more
@1307 – that’s what I am thinking about. Spoke to his offices. They are going to have a look at my papers.
@yorkiepoo (in liquidation) – your not that close then. If you were a HP person you would know.
I thought IFA firms have loads of insurance?
My agent says he had no insurance.
@ Yorkipoo
Thier homes
Can’t see that getting repaid if the business goes down
Lighthouse I’m sick of telling you I’m not part of HP so you will have to enlighten us on the o halloran case
The home isn’t worth that
@Lighthouse
Min amount is about 2million, sound a lot buts its only 20 claims at 100k? is that correct? dont know what TM’s cover is.
@ Yorkipoo not sure on that….. I will check…
Typical PI is one to two million
@yorkiepoo(in liquidation) – Your close to TM. Are you prepared to help investors ?
@Harlequininvestorgroupnw Basildon investor meeting will be interesting..I cant understand why Fatchett settled out of court today re freezing HP Assets as he got his clients their money .. OK So why not still freeze their assets … what about all the new clients you have wanting the same … Confused
I don’t know anybody at TM my contacts are at HP
The court did not uphold the freezing request that’s why
Well the SFO are calling it a scam http://cpcworldwide.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/harlequin-property.html
That’s a blog that hasn’t been written by the SFO!!!
@E how are the SFO calling it a scam? It’s just the same recycled information.
@Yorkie, yes RL are very quiet about the non freezing order. I think the penny has dropped that they are going after the wrong people if they want to do some ambulance chasing.
I think they are taking the route of least resistance with the FA – that’s who I want to know about non SIPP investors as that will be difficult I guess
Just been in contact with Gareth Fatchett- please note.
RL will be issuing new proceedings shortly for people who have contracts where :-
1. They contracted with Buccament Bay Resort Limited
2. They contracted with Harlequin Property SVG Limited before January 2009
3. They are beyond contractual completion.
All designed for direct investors.
All the best
Paul
New proceedings against who exactly?
Against BB ltd and HP (SVG) ltd I take it that one or both must have assets
Paul, for those who invested in Marquis, I am aware that properties were sold there also before land was exchanged. Gareth can connect with a local lawyer in St Lucia to do a land registry search and see the exact dates, and perhaps help out the 1500 or so investors there. Of course, there is no planning permission there either, so not sure if the contracts allow for that. The lack of planing permission is very easy to show. Blu was also sold before it was purchased.
BB and HP (SVG) have liabilities not assets. Everything has been sold, and some rumours suggest over sold. So there are claims on all of their assets already. Only HP know how many units they’ve sold as there are no accounts to be seen. I wonder why?
@138….from RL site – all the best Paul
We will be adding a section for Barbados, St Lucia and Dominican Republic very shortly.
Our project team is engaged with lawyers in the various jurisdictions.
NEW DATES FOR INVESTOR MEETINGS!!!!!!!!!!!
Harlequin Investor Meeting Number 2
We are now taking enquiries for our second Investors meeting on 25th March 2013.
Central London around 12pm
Basildon Essex around 5-6pm
The exact location and times will be confirmed once we know the numbers.
Please email the locations you prefer and how many wish to attend.
harlequininvestorgroupnw@gmail.com
PS. my typing error I should have said Pannone LLP not Pennone in the first post.
Regards,
Paul
@ Yorkiepoo, 36 et al
You constantly say that you are only interested in seeing this company succeed, and that if worried investors would just have patience then everything will work out fine as there are no inherent weaknesses in the plan.
To be that confident you obviously must have extensive knowledge of the original business plan, and the market research which accompanied it, and also know how the contingency plans were drawn up and implemented when the 2008 crash impacted on the original concept. Harlequin were not the only ones by any means caught out when the crash came so unexpectedly, but to be confident of their success in the current climate you must know how they met that challenge.
I’m sure that if you could provide some kind of evidence of that process from personal experience, or link to any kind of web page where such evidence might exist then you would go along way towards convincing investors that their fears were unfounded. Of course if Harlequin themselves were a little more transparent on this topic then that would be even better.
I’m sure that your replies will be read with considerable interest by all here.
A certain amount of criticism from HP was directed at the Harlequin Investor Group, for not giving Mr Ames enough time to answer our questions for his investors.
We have adressed that. Today, we will be sending the questions again, I think 11 days is more than adequate to formulate a reply court case or not.
We have even decided to take the meeting to the South to make it eaiser for a Mr Ames to attend.
Kind Regards,
Paul
Yes your totally correct and I agree that information should be made available to investors – it certainly isn’t my role to give it? That is something for Harlequin?
@ Yorkiepoo
I will assume that your comment at 9.15 was in reply to my earlier post. Unfortunately I cannot tell if your reply is ambiguous or merely bad grammar.
You say “it certainly isn’t my role to give it?” and “That is something for Harlequin?”, but the use of the question mark after a statement implies that the statement is being questioned.
When you say “your totally correct” I assume that you mean “you are” so if I am totally correct in my comments, then perhaps you could address them, as you obviously agree with me that you do have knowledge of Harlequin’s business plans.
Very interesting debate. I have no connection whatsoever to this investment or any of the parties involved with it. I have however worked in the UK pensions industry for many years and am fully conversant with the borrowing limits applicable to self-invested pension schemes. A registered pension scheme is authorised to borrow an aggregate amount up to 50% of the net value of the fund immediately before the borrowing has taken place. If someone has paid a 30% deposit on a property then any subsequent borrowing would be restricted to 50% of the deposit paid plus 50% of the value of any other assets in the SIPP. The value of the property that you have contracted to buy, whether it has increased or not, is completely irrelevant to the statutory restrictions on UK pension fund borrowing. It seems to me that the funding model for many of the SIPP purchases, i.e. the SIPP pays the 30% deposit and relies on borrowing for the rest, has been predicated on a complete misunderstanding or misrepresentation of the regulations surrounding self-invested pensions. Even if the properties were built members could not borrow the necessary funds to complete.
Anonymous @10.52
Very well put, could you please give a simple example
investment 30k
Purchase price 100k
value ‘now’ 205k….. and rising!
need 70k plus 5% closing costs
how much would the ‘investor’ need to pay themselves assuming 70% was finance actually was available….
Thank you very much Paul
@BBaywatch, as you are so keen for everyone to be gramatically correct, please note 36 is my old ID, Keep up. You quote me inncorrectly. Nowhere have I remotely stated that “if worried investors would just have patience then everything will work out fine as there is no inherent weakness in the plan” Don’t even try and put words in my mouth!
All,
Following the court hearing last Thursday, we are now in a position where we understand the full extent of the land holdings and build costs for the various Harlequin projects.
The court hearing last week resulted in a settlement for our clients. The terms of which are confidential.
A few things are very clear :-
1. No agent went to the trouble of obtaining confirmation as to the land position.
2. No agent went to the trouble of obtaining Caribbean company information.
3. Some of the SIPP providers in the main relied on an external due diligence process in 2010 & 2011. We have confirmation
We have both the land acquisition schedule and an affidavit from the new Harlequin accountant setting out the build costs etc. We are currently running the maths to work out.
HMSSE turnover 2006 – 2011
-less land acquisition costs
-less commissions
-less building costs
-less overheads
This should give us an indication of the actual position of the group. There is no evidence of external investors (into the equity of the business) and no evidence of any development finance.
Once again we find it remarkable that agents / IFA’s/ SIPP’s have not seen this. These are accounting basics.
ACTIONS FOR DIRECT INVESTORS
We are not going to post our advice on open forum. If you are a direct investor and fall into one of these categories then please email us on harlequin@regulatorylegal.co.uk
Category 1
Buccament Bay Resort Limited investors
Category 2
Harlequin Property SVG Limited investors (to January 2009)
Category 3
Finance Agreement investors who have not received payments due to the “banking errors”.
Category 4
Others Resort Development Companies where completion has passed.
ACTIONS FOR SIPP INVESTORS / PENSION TRANSFERS
Very simply, it would be foolhardy to wait as Professional Indemnity Insurance stops immediately upon an insolvency procedure.
There are two claims to send. One to the IFA and one to the SIPP provider. We have a process for this which is straightforward.
1. We review the pension transfer advice
2. We review the SIPP contract
3. We then send the letters of claim to seek to trigger the PII.
CONCLUSION
We do not need to solicit work as investors are sensible enough to take precautionary steps. After all, if everything works out well, then nothing is lost.
We get resistance from both agents / IFA firms who continue to seek to justify their advice. A little difficult when it is obvious that the due diligence undertaken was the brochures, sale presentations and trips to SVG. Not really that objective !
The resistance will crumble shortly, particularly now the master agent has suspended selling.
Regulatory Legal Solicitors
36 – leopards don’t change their spots. Your correction has nothing to do with grammar. If it was a quote I would have used quotation marks. The impression that you have conveyed in your posts is certainly in line with what I said.
However that aside, do you have anything to say about the master plan – or lack of it – behind the Harlequin business model? You are obviously closely associated with Harlequin, so must have some insight into why the plan was changed and how the SIPP investors were attracted to it.
Your comments on those points will be of interest.
@BBaywatch, I dont recognise 36 anymore. Have the good grace to use my correct ID if you want an answer.
@ Paul- 10.00am
If the SIPP is the owner, you cannot fund the rest personally.
The other option is some form of split ownership, between you and the SIPP. However, if your SIPP has paid all of the 30%, then there could be an unauthorised payment issue (HMRC rules).
If this was a form of split ownership, then you should have paid 21% and the SIPP only 9% as a deposit. There is an argument here that the SIPP lent the member 21,000 GBP as an interest free loan, by funding the deposit.
If this is the case, check with the lawyers, then this will trigger a huge problem with HMRC.
@RL. “We do not need to solicit work as investors are sensible enough to take precautionary steps. After all, if everything works out well, then nothing is lost”
“We are not going to post our advice on open forum. If you are a direct investor and fall into one of these categories then please email us on *****”
If that isnt pimping for business then I dont know what is. So RL reading your press release would suggest you going after HP with a freezing order was the incorrect action. Yes?
I think it would be fair to say, most people I have spoken to, have used the SIPP for the 30% deposit and wait in vain for the finance from Mr Ames or his many financial contacts around the Globe.
@ yourmate fatchett.
Ask his clients, if it worked I would say they would be very happy 🙂
and a job well done!
@Paul Walton, Ask the employees at BB who would have been thrown out of work. The freezing order was not thought out, ill conceived and recless. Ask the 75% of investors who are not his clients.
Perhaps RL will answer for themselves rather you as their mouth piece.
@Your mate Fatchett
Ask Mr Ames to pay up and build, maybe have accounts
There are only 1% that are unhappy? now 25%…….
Anyway I am bored with you now.
Harlequin Investor Meeting Number 2
We are now taking enquiries for our second Investors meeting on 25th March 2013.
Central London around 12pm
Basildon Essex around 5-6pm
The exact location and times will be confirmed once we know the numbers.
Please email the locations you prefer and how many wish to attend.
harlequininvestorgroupnw@gmail.com
“@BBaywatch, I dont recognise 36 anymore. Have the good grace to use my correct ID if you want an answer.”
Is that because you don’t want people to remember that you flounced out of here a couple of times as 36? Your current avatar name is merely for propaganda.
But enough of this badinage, there are serious matters here.
There appears to be no evidence of a properly researched business plan which would justify the construction of Buccament Bay or other locations and none that would suggest that the change to a resort hotel financed as a UCIS was based on demand for such an operation. The business evolved (for want of a better word) to target SIPPS owners simply because they would be an easy market to sell to. Without compelling research that demonstrated the demand for the Harlequin Hotels product it would be easy to come to the conclusion that this was a pyramid operation cynically designed to target the inexperienced and vulnerable investor.
BBaywatch, i tis not conceivable that anyone is happy with a development company that has flagrantly ignored its responsibilities to actually build what is sold. No starts made on almost all the projects or financing in place etc. GFDNM is not worth engaging with as he is a plant/troll. Obviously no research was done on what to build where, the sites are ridiculous when seeking to operate profitable resort operations. Any half wit in the industry could have explained why. Sales material and comparables produced by Harlequin all contained massive and clear inaccuracies – this was a scam to get people to buy, with no clue as to how or whether they could build, as has been evidenced by the buildings not having started. If you had a runaway train of liabilities piling up, any non-criminally minded person would ahve stopped selling as they would know new buyers are risking their pensions. Not Ames, kept selling as commissions were always paid despite there being no product. All that matters now really is advice from lawyers and other investors and the action they subsequently take.
Notice from Barbados Free Press
Hi folks
This story is getting pretty full of comments and it is becoming difficult for our readers to scroll down through 1,500 comments to get to the most recent.
So we’re going to close this thread and direct you to the latest Harlequin article to continue the conversation…
https://barbadosfreepress.wordpress.com/2013/03/14/harlequin-properties-stunner-no-agent-confirmed-harlequins-land-holdings-or-company-information-sipp-pension-investors-advised-to-act-immediately/