“The company is or is likely to become unable to pay its debts.”
Director Carol Ames of Harlequin Management Services (South East) Limited, Basildon at High Court, London on Monday April 22, 2013
URGENT BREAKING: David Ames said nothing during investor meeting although he knew!
“The Harlequin Investor Group met with David Ames yesterday afternoon. It is very disappointing that nothing was mentioned to the investor representatives. The Harlequin Investor Group will now move to issue guidance to investors on how best to secure their investments in the Caribbean. “
Gareth Fatchett, Director – Solicitor & Notary Public – Regulatory Legal Solicitors special to Barbados Free Press
Notice of Appointment of Administrators (PDF of Harlequin’s court papers)
Harlequin leaves Barbados with nothing but a huge mess
House of Cards about to go?
Yesterday David Ames met with some investors and their lawyers from Regulatory Legal.
Did Ames inform the group that he had already moved to have his sales company apply for administration? NO he did not!
What does this do to ongoing negotiations with various shareholder groups?
What does this mean for those who have not filed complaints that invoke insurance coverage?
So many questions, but if you listen carefully you might hear the answer as the cards on the bottom start to bend and slide…
Harlequin Property applies to go into administration
(Echo-News.co.uk)
SOUTH Essex multi-million pound Caribbean investment firm Harlequin Property has applied for its sales arm to go into administration.
The business run by the Ames family from Wickford which is promoted by big name sports celebrities lodged an intention to appoint administrators for Harlequin Management Services (South East) Limited, of Honywood Road, Basildon, at the High Court in London yesterday.
A statement signed by director Carole Ames, of Brock Hill, Wickford, said: “The company is or is likely to become unable to pay its debts.”
It has prompted fears over the future of at least 6,000 investor’s deposits, many paid through personal pensions, and around 40 jobs at the Basildon head office.
The company, which is promoted by former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash, golf legend Gary Player and footballer Andy Townsend and trades as Harlequin Property, has taken more than £300million in deposits from at least 6,000 investors for off plan luxury holiday accommodation across the Caribbean since 2006.
However, it has so far built just around 300 of the thousands of properties and is being investigated by Essex Police, the Serious Fraud Office and Financial Services Authority…
… (Read the rest of the article at the Echo-News.co.uk)
Barbados Free Press 
Looks like The Guardian, The BBC and MOS got it right then – congratulations to Jon Austin for keeping on top of this and doing an excellent investigative and reporting job.
and of course respect to BFP for keeping it on their board despite all of the attempts at disruption by HP trolls.
Thanks BBaywatch,
We’ve seen this coming for two years and we’re not that smart. Our glorious leaders should admit how much they received from Harlequin / Ames for “election expenses” and “consulting fees”.
What a mess we are left with. Look at Merricks and the “H”. Those bones will rot in the sun for the next decade while the courts listen to arguments of ownership. Thank you to Prime Ministers Owen Arthur, David Thompson and Freundel Stuart!
Would Harlisuccess like to comment on the genius businessman now. I presume that appointing administrators is a stroke of genius and only green eyed trouble makers with their own evil agenda could possibly see this as bad news.
Looks like “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead” is set for another week at the top of the UK download charts.
Of course it is only the sales arm of the business which is going into administration, which leaves other parts of the business and associated companies still active. Now it’s going to get really dirty as assets are hidden/juggled/offloaded and untangling this will be long time coming.
Many questions for the governments of Barbados and SVG to answer too, let’s hope they learn a lesson fro this and stop pandering to these carpet bagging neo colonialists.
1)For the sake of accuracy, its 2500 investors, not 6000
2)As rightly pointed out this is the sales arm of HP. Before everyone starts to throw themselves of buildings in despair, check who your contact is with. Mine is not with HMSEE.
I’m all right Jack until the very end then – 36/Fatchance at the top of the pyramid and still looking to rake it off while last one in gets burnt.
But 6,000 units sold according to Harlequin…….FDNRM going down with the ship all guns blazing and nit picking to the end – there’s no “external development funding” coming, never was and never will be – wake up and smell the coffee. Who are you, Dave Ames?
@BBaywatch, stop being a stupid arse hole. Instead of rejoicing with your jounalistic mates, look past the headline and what it means. HP are trying to keep the enterprise afloat and being sued by 40 investors is not going to do that. They cannot sue something in admin can they? Try and be objective not give us the “I told you so” line.
Does this mean the Irish court case also collapses?
I was trying to post “my way” by Frank Sinatra but it is currently awaiting moderation 😦
SFO has given all the necessary time to Dave Ames to hide all the assets and develop the Ponzi scheme!!! He has St Vincent Nationality and he can go there and hide with the protection of Uncle Ralph… “Bonne chance” investors !!!
Dave Ames is piloted by a bunch of solicitors paid with investors money…But he should know that he cannot escape the justice from above!!!
HMSSE was just the sales arm. the whole operational costs, staff salaries, dividends, office expenses, marketing, commission to agents etc etc was all paid for using investors money. we know that. the real question now is how much money is there left in the overseas companies with which investors contracts are actually with. Is BB making a profit as with no accounts hard to know. is there any chance of building any more of the units??? if no monies left will be reliant on capital injection/funding from another party??. how likely is this. lets not forget c 5700 units have yet to be built requiring hundreds of millions of funding
Perhaps a small very isolated island can be acquired in which top level crooks can be shipped and on which they will live alone and amongst themselves. Their expenses will be paid by them and not unfortunate tax payers. Now perhaps they can use their twisted brains to write books on how they did it and make recommendations to law enforcement agencies how to spot the development of criminal schemes early in the game!
They’re already getting in there with the “it was all because of the negative publicity” line. This startling lack of self-awareness should scare anyone if nothing else does. Apparently the underlying business in the other companies is strong — although noone would know whether or not that’s the case as they haven’t filed accounts for them for 7 years (So strong that they haven’t got round to doing that)…
So what about the meeting tomorrow ?
Just aired last night –
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/dispatches/episode-guide/series-127/episode-1
will the Ames be added to the list?
In typical Ames tradition “it was all because of the negative publicity” means it was everyone elses fault but ours. I imagine the bad publicity hasn’t helped matter, but they have to look as to why they were getting it in the first place.
Seriously, how do they sleep at night?
This application of administration for one of their companies is like a small hole in a ship that starts to leak. Either you stop the leaking or abandon the ship.
The situation with Harlequin is difficult and needs prompt attention. It makes me wonder what all those lawyers/advisors/investor group representatives are doing and thinking.There is no time to wait with lengthy legal disputes.
The setup with ownership of all those companies including local companies in St Vincent, St Lucia, Barbados, Dominican Republic and Brazil and probably in many other places is amazing. How could this happen with other people’s money .
I have said it before and say it again, there is only one decent asset left for you who have invested in Harlequin and it is Buccament Bay which actually is a working resort even though it most likely is losing money as operated now. The rest of the so called assets are burdens for any small time investor and can only be realized as a sale to wealthy investors with an appetite for multimillion dollar investments. And the question mark remains does Harlequin have title to all their lands? And is all the land free and clear of encumbrances?
My advice is to focus on the assets, they are not located in UK and there is no way you as the investors can get anything back if you do not cooperate with Dave Ames directly but most of all with the Government of St Vincent.
Buccament Bay is probably the only way out for all of you who invested to get a return back of your investment, would it be in an ownership of a unit, vacation club or simple a future free vacation.
Investor group , wake up, You could turn this around to a good thing but act quickly and do something before that option is gone as well. It is possible to make this a success but only with what you see built as of today. No more investments except completion of unfurnished units.
When and if Buccament is closed that’s it, no way to start that resort again without serious investments, believe me I have seen many resorts die out in this part of the world and a few years later they are occupied by squatters.
Mr Lars
what ever FUNDs is there will be sucked up by the courts and the lawyers , Investors may see nothing back.
Presumably one of the first actions of the administrators will be to call in the c. £5m owed for the purchase of overseas properties in the names of Ames family members? Failing that I assume they will just default to becoming a company asset because HMSSE was supposed to have a charge over the properties.
Unless this has already been paid back since the last set of accounts was submitted.
Lets not panic. Lets wait and see what eventually transpires.Lets hear what is to be said at the investor meetings today and tomorrow.Now is not the time for sarcastic comment.Success may well yet follow.
Could we please have the Hastings wreck/ruin torn down, levelled -and made into a car park for Boardwalk users?
Please?
If it’s left to stand there and look bad as it rusts its way into history, it’ll just become yet another Boardwalk eyesore, along with the sorry Caribbee Hotel (pull THAT down too!) and the horrible old house immediately West of Tapas.
ALL that crap want levelling! ..the whole damned lot!
The Government (Barbados) must disclose in full, what this company owes in NIS, Land Taxes, unpaid VAT, income taxes etc., and how these taxpayer monies will be recovered. Who (which company) owns title deed of Merrick’s and the former Allamanda Hotel?
YET AGAIN, the Government has watched this debacle unfold over a period of almost SEVEN years and chose not to do anything.
I wonder if ‘Bluebell Wood’, Dave and Carol’s lovely £1.5 million mansion on leafy Brock Hill in Runwell, Essex SS11 7PB will be counted as an asset by the Harlequin administrators? Sadly I doubt it.
Runwell is a rather wry oxymoron don’t you think?
I am also interested to know why the property has so many CCTV cameras around the perimeter fences? What are they scared of?
Adrian
Surely all of that info must be a matter of public record, available under FOI
Certainly the land titles and land taxes should be easily obtained at the land registry office
The following email addresses are on the BIG website athttp://www.gov.bb/bigportal/big/index.php?method=detail&cat=agc&rnum=896&np=3
scummins@landregistry.gov.bb; tmaynard@landregistry.gov.bb
I am sure they will be please to help you, LOL
I agree with Anon..tear down those eyesores and blights on the landscape!Add the old house east of Tapas too.
Anon & Yat —-don’t overlook the really awful paint job on Marine House,
Hastings Rd. Harlequin blue & white do not a DesignStudio make. Yeeetch!
Seriously one plea from me. If ever buildings on the water side of the
road are town down, please, please make ALL parking on the opposite
side. From road to water -nothing but beach.
@FDNRM 11:54, I don’t think anyone planned to Sue HP, they just wanted the monthly payments they were owed (and probably needed to survive) to be brought up to date. You’re lucky as you’re still receiving your payments, but try to imagine what your life would be like if they stopped with no sign of re-starting….though you seem to know that you will be ok….which I still can’t figure out, but hey-ho.
What worries me most is that HP didn’t have the money to pay just 40 of the thousands they owe. I can’t imagine it was a huge amount of money and knew Ames would spin it so the investors would be to blame for the business going tits. But think about it, if they can’t pay 40 in the short term, what chance have we all got in the long term?
The big question on my mind is why haven’t they been completing and handing over for all these years? That should have been the focus, not starting up resort after resort just to get deposits. On handover HP would get the lion share of the payment which would carry a healthy profit I’m sure – which should have been the incentive all along. Now, if properties haven’t been built because they wouldn’t be occupied by paying guests, then the whole model was wrong from the start and was never going to work.
Oooops……..I meant “torn down”
The real issue is that this has really destroyed the goodwill between RL and HP that the investor group was supposed to nurture.
The stat demands were also served on the carribean companies so by doing this Ames has solved nothing – just made it worse.
The company does have assets but no cash – the Hartland Group who were the people who did the first deal will pursue the SVG companies now and there will be wave after wave of stat demands – no finance will be forthcoming to pay and the end will come.
I take no joy in this as I have lost out – by the way I was at the meeting today!
To All
Dave Ames or the Ames family will not hide out in SVG as this would be the most high risk place to hide given that Harlequin is closely connected to the local politics there. When everything was going good (money flowing) the political connections are a real benefit but when things get stickly and legal for politicians then those generating the heat better stay as far from SVG as possible. SVG has too many islands and too much ocean for the Ames to feel they can seek refuge in SVG.
While it is only Harlequin Management Services (South East) Limited that has gone into administration it is important to recognise that this was the sales arm of the group, the arm that constantly was bringing in money to keep the pyramid from toppling over. This is the major artery in the Harlequin Group and therefore spell certain dissaster for the investors and the projects.
@ACGCJ
Can you give us a rundown of the key points presented at the meeting today please?
Was time left for questions from the floor? What questions were raised and were they answered properly?
Thanks
Sorry @AGCGJ not @ACGCJ
A contact in St Vincent says BB is trying to sell heavy construction machinery, for which they have no further need.
This will rumble on for a long time….I am sure Ames may well end up in jail, but not for a good while Money left for investors….I would say not as all those IRA ans sales peeps had had their fill and gone when it started to get hotI feel for all the peeps who have been taken in and it is amazing how easy it is to run a scheme like this for so long before time runs out
good luck.
Conspiracy of Silence
You have no right to information Barbados
where are all the audited statements of government affairs that everyone else must produce?
Dave Ames is a British Entrepreneur who has had a range of successful businesses in the UK over the last 30 years.
A visionary and creator, Dave Ames has designed business models and systems which are unique in their market place. It is this that defines Harlequin Group’s competitive advantage in the market place and provides the impetus for an entrepreneur who is constantly seizing new opportunities, identifying new markets and revolutionising market places.
He has a unique skill in recognising opportunities and managing economic mechanisms to turn resources and situations into practical account.The Harlequin brand has seen considerable growth over the last three years, supported by the sales mechanism of Harlequin Property and 3,000 independent property brokers throughout the UK, Europe and worldwide.
His dynamic, forward-thinking approach and drive have led him to create ground-breaking concepts that have evoked a revolution of the investment property and destination resort markets.
DERRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!
If it’s any consolation, whatever money the Ames’ (and senior members of staff at HP) have managed to ferret away over the years, they will all eventually be brought to account and their assets retained by the crown as proceeds of crime. The arrogant, scheming, deceitful, lying fraudsters will be brought to justice; but I’m afraid this process may be an agonising slow one.
My heart truly aches for those people who are going to lose homes and/or enter into financial oblivion due to the actions of that psychopathic, greedy, low-life bastard and his accomplices. I hope he suffers as much as all those he shafted.
Too late to say I told you so, but I commented when RL switched tact and called for calm from investors and dialogue towards resolution with Harlequin. RL sat there with HP and Ames yesterday and were convinced and swept away by all the BS that all those investors were swept away by.
Even RL were conned by the conman and his crew.
Then it should follow….that was a complete load of bulls**it as you now all know.
The soon to be 3rd time bankrupt fat little toad is still lying and passing the blame.
He will shortly be spending a very long time in some grotty jail along with his other scum bag con artist family.
In prison, con men who rob people of their pensions are on par with nonce cases.
So good luck fatty and I hope not to see you soon.
All,
My SVG demand expires on Thursday. I am going to pursue a winding up petition as I do not believe Ames.
When people try and be sensible he tries to con them. RL – go back on the attack. That is your only real option.
Lighthouse – pursue it but you won’t get paid, he said today he cannot afford any refund payments.
Pursuing a stat demand will bust the whole thing and you will become a creditor like any other.
Finance was the only hope I. Getting anything back out after listening to the broker if nothing is forthcoming in the next 4 weeks then you may as well bust it
BB there was nothing factual said today.
He did a quick chat through Panorama, Irish Case, MOS, Newman all interesting I suppose but not the real issue.
Then Jim got up to confirm the forensic accountancy had been done on the carribean accounts and confirmed he was satisfied that the accounts were substantially correct.
Then the finance broker got up and said he was talking to various parties but nothing confirmed in respect of finance but he had only been appointed a week ago
Then there was questions from the floor that was just bullshit, waffle, not answering the question.
I’m not hopeful after listening to it.
Put it this way if you went to the meeting concerned you wouldn’t be any more comfy of your situation when you left!
MR LARS DO YOU BELIEVE THE GOVERMENT OF ST VINCENT WOULD INTERVEIN IF THE INVESTOR OF BB WOULD ALLOW THEM TO PROPOSE SOME KIND OF RESULTION
JD – the government is struggling to pay for the airport never mind getting involved in BB?
@Richard/AGCGJ, now your backtracking, you must feel like a right fool for backing Ames?
Hi John Delhirro. I recall you saying in the past that you know of capital investors who may be interested in taking over BB. This would obviously be a difficult deal to strike currently whilst it is owned by David Ames, but if HP SVG were to go into administration, this could be a conversation you could have with the administrators. They could well be interested as it would take the burden out of their hands and would take care of a large percentage of investors in one hit. It would also make commercial sense for the new owners to honour the individual investors contracts as we all still owe 70% of our contract value, which I’m sure adds up to a huge amount and would deliver a healthy profit. What do you think?
@ sid. going to be a nightmare scenario as funds have been commingled and thus all the investors who have paid their 30% have an interest as BB ( the 300 or so units) are the only ones complete. going to be a very very hard state of affairs to resolve.
maybe someone going to the meeting tomorrow could ask 1 simple question.how much money is there left in the overseas accounts to build the remaining resorts???
John Delhiro, The situation is extremely difficult as of now. Not only for the investors who bought into this scheme but also for many local persons who are employed or depend on the Buccament Bays resorts existence.
It would be devastating if St Vincent lost such an investment, to a situation where the resort closed down. I am afraid that the overhead as of now will be hard to cover without the support of new income from sales and negative support from investors.
I do not suggest that the Government should intervene in the legal disputes between investors and Dave Ames and his companies, But I do know that any sensible Government supports local tourism as it is a very important part of our economy in the small Caribbean islands.
I am a firm believer that this can be resolved so the resort can stay open but not as the investment is structured now. It is far to complicated and you need to think outside the box. Just because you bought a unit in Barbados or St Lucia does not mean that the original deal cannot be changed to a part ownership in Buccament Bay, no titles have changed hands so it is just a negotiation between investors how the new investment structure will be designed. Maybee it will be better for all of you who invested to own a small part of a resort as a vacation club instead of beeing a freehold owner of a unit. Once the investors can find a way to rescue the resort and keep it open, I am 100% sure that the Government will support such a venture with all available concessions in order to secure the future of tourism.
There is no doubt that Dave Ames has failed to deliver, maybe he dreamt to big? If he have any decency left after all his promises, he should cooperate with the investors and see whether Buccament bay can be saved as on ongoing resort and turn the ownership over to the investors in one way or another. There must be room for negotiations between investors and Dave Ames how to split up and sell the assets without legal disputes, it is the only healthy way out of the misery.
In such a scenario there would be lots of winners and few losers, but if this drama continues with legal disputes, administrators and lawyers, nothing will be left except the memory of a dreamer who wanted to create the best resort company in the Caribbean.
Mr Lars
Hello Mr Lars, I like your thinking, but is your suggestion realistic considering there are 6,000 investors to cater for, all having invested different amounts at different times over the past 8 years?
Sid
Nothing is more realistic than to try to save what you still have, I dont think anyone would give up on a chance to see a return of what seems like lost right now.
I do not have enough knowledge of the actual number of investors, some sya 2500 who invested in a total of 6000 units.
I have no idea how much each investor have invested but my guess is that theier is a wide range from verys small amounts to huge amounts.
The return might not be what was promised but things does not always end up is it should, look at it as a new opportunity instead of a lost opportunity.
Mr Lars
I was at the meeting yesterday and Mr Ames came out with a reply to a question about the planning permission for the Merricks ( the lack of FULL PLANNING permission) Ames replied that FULL PLANNING permission had been granted the previous Friday & that emails had been sent out to Harlequin investors.
As an investor i have not recieved this email and no one who i spoke to at the meeting had.
Does any of your followers know or can find out if The Merricks has got full planning permission as i think his comments were another LIE.
Can i also comment that the number of people who was willing to go along with his comments reminded me of past events in history where right upto their deaths they still thought it could not happen to them.
That is more Bulls**t, I had a letter in 2011 saying that they had planning permission on merricks when they hadn’t. they tell you what you want to hear but know most people are wise to it.
I have said it before, Ames is a compulsive liar and a very sick individual who needs locking in Rampton mental institute. prison is to good for him.
I was at the Warrington meeting.
Ames was embarrassing, forgetting his words, what was said and going the usual bull about it not being his fault. It lacked content, direction – the whole works.
There is no finance, a broker has been appointed, he did not even tell his Essex based staff that were with him at the meeting we put the company into administration!!
He was handed a piece of paper then he ran out of the room and come back in saying he put the ‘sales arm’ into administration, to protect his investors? ask the investors who were expectine to be paid because of the stat demands who they think?
As predicted he done himself more damage…. if you invest now you deserve to lose your cash – no title no escrow – why would you do that?
The way I see it, he has been spinning a web of lies for so long he’s forgotten where the truth ends and the fiction begins. I’m sure if he were to be psycho analyzed he would fit the profile of someone who lives in a deluded state. It’s clear he has lost the plot. Not telling the Essex staff that the company is in administration as it can’t pay it’s debts – which will include their wages! They must be really pi55ed of after the loyalty they have shown him spreading his BS. I’d love to hear from them once they have been made redundant. That’s when we’ll hear the real truth.
The fact he lied so blatantly about monthly payments stopping due to a banking error and then arguing that point to death when questioned says a lot. Are we now expected to believe he has started telling the truth and the lies are in the past? Give me a break.
I would be interested to hear FDNRM’s opinion following the recent news. I don’t believe even he can put a positive spin on things.
@Sid, as stated above HMSSE was just a sales arm. Why do you think I just try and put a positive spin on things? I just try and discuss facts, not hysteria such as BBaywatch who was nearly hysterical with joy, but now probably realises that HP have possibly out flanked Fatchett and Crozier.
so what do you think will happen now with the finance payments, surly there is no chance of them ever being reinstated now ?
I cant see how Dave will ever build any more resorts . There is no money left at all. They clearly have been planning this for a long time , seeing as they have been shifting all there assets over the last 3 months.
@Anon, I don’t know what is going to happen. At the end of the day it might have been easier for DA to put his hands up, walk away and take the consequences. But he did stand up and admit he got it wrong and is, I believe, trying to retrieve the situation. BB is in profit now so perhaps he will expand that and coupled with the new airport uplift, increase occupancy, turnover and profit.
Ames has his money in the bank people – do not think for a second this was not one big scam from the start so he can get rich and cover legal loopholes as much as possible. He overpaid for land as he knew for the most part he was never actually going to build and needed a front. I have been scammed to a much bigger number before and it is accepting you have been scammed that is the hardest part. This is clear cut am afraid – commissions for everyone with building not a priority, selling unregulated schemes to people who were low risk profile, no planning permissions, no experience. Ames all along was making sure he and family got paid. It is a horrible sinking feeling, feeling of embarrassment, regret, shame (not justifiable), anger, remorse, shock, almost grief if life changing for you. But he has done this to you.
I hope your right, although if BB is turning a profit (which I don’t believe it is )
I don’t see how this would be enough to finish the other resorts.
So even if he did expand , its not like he can move the thousands of investors in to BB. At the end of the day BB investors will probably be ok .
But as for everyone else , that’s where the worry lies.
Regards to the airport , they started this 7 years ago and as much as they need it , I still cant see it being finished by the end of the year , if its much later , this will more than likely be to late for Harlequin.
Your positivity shows you must have some inside knowledge , which I would love you to share, as it might reassure me a little.
@FDNRM you believe he’s trying to “retrieve the situation”? He created the situation, what possible reason could have for thinking he now suddenly has the ability to fix it?
@Anon 12.36, I didnt say he could, only that I think he is trying. Don’t twist my words.
Dear Fatchett does not represent me
He didnt outflank me and my team not by a mile …….. mrs crozier
@Steve If Ames has planning permission on Merricks, can he furnish proof of this? A copy of the approval letter from Town and Country Planning would absolve him of the accusation that he lied about it. This is hardly a “confidential” document , but one that should be eagerly shared with worried investors.
Here is what was stated in Sept 2012.(8 months ago)
“The master plan was
submitted to Barbados Town and Country Planning on 14th
May 2012. It has been confirmed that the application is
being processed by the various agencies and governmental
bodies; feedback from the Chief Town Planner is expected in
September 2012.”
They were selling Merricks as far back as 2006…but submitted the Master Plan May 2012…something does not add up.
@FDNRM I didn’t say you thought he could — I was just stunned by your belief that the same person who created the situation, could also fix it (having been unable to do so already for years, and with a fair wind behind him).
It seems like there are still investors out there who actually belive the scheme will work. It must be that none of you lives in the Caribbean and understand how difficult it is to build and operate a resort.
The grand plans set out by Harlequin is deemed to fail from the beginning, if they had stayed focused on one resort alone there would have been a chance to get Buccament bay up and running after a few years. Fatchet dont represent me is apparently totally incompetent when it comes to hospitality industry.
” BB is in profit now ” where do you get this idea from. Despite the fact that BB has been paid by others peoples money and do not have a mortgage thanks to you guys who took the mortgages instead, they cannot and will not make a profit as it is now. This time of the year is the toughest period in the Resort business in the caribbean and if BB survives another 3-4 months it is a miracle and it means that funds are coming from other investors money who have invested in Merricks, St Lucia and Dominican republic.
Focus on yourself, Save what you can and stop discussing whether Hartlequin and Dave Ames can pull of his big dream, he cant and nobody can resolve his mess even with the help of another 300 million pounds.
Mr Lars
The fact remains if you are a cash investor you are pretty stuffed, there will be no finance,SIPP people have some protection if they act quick – but Harlequin is going down and fast.
Nikki, despite you not being a solicitor, the fractional thing was mentioned and he wants cash now from investors now, and nothing is his fault.
Click to access harlequin10.pdf
read again re allegations of where the money has been spent, albeit we are 2 yrs behind in HMSSE sales figures as no accounts. then roughly half of all deposits had been spent on commission, admin, sales and marketing, salaries etc. does not leave much over to finish 6 resorts inc infrastructure, amenities, golf course???, etc etc. it is imperative that investors get full disclosure on how much money is banked in the caribbean companies and available for building and how much the remaining resorts will cost to build. only then will they have a clear picture of the true situation.
@Nikki, so is your interest just in making money out of this or do you have the majority of investors interests in mind?
The winding up petitions will be applied for within the next week.
Let’s see Ames talk his way out of that.
I was wondering about that. HP supposedly put HPMSSE into administration due to the stat demands. But the stat demands were also against HP SVG. so will that be put into administration too?
@FDNRM, if anyone is doing the outflanking, it sounds like Fatchett is one up on Ames.
I suspect that Ames will rue the decision of misleading the investor group people.
They appear to have been counselling giving him time to effect a rescue. He chucks that in their faces by lying to them.
There will be no finance, there will be no completions as no one will have the time to do it.
anon55
The money thats been paid on commission and salaries tec etc is gone and you can bet your life most of the rest will have been pd as dividends by the Ames familly and then there will be other costs…..there wont be much left, maybe a token the rest will be but aside a bit here a bit there.
It will take years to trace it all…the accounts will never be available
I doubt anybody will get much back and maybe Ames will go to jail
Has there been any reporting in the local press on all of this yet?
Is it possible to get copies of Town & Country Planning approval letters – are they supposed to be made public – if not, when?
As a local resident, I really would like to know what is going to happen to the present eyesores at Merricks, St. Philip and at H Barbados, Christ Church.
It is reassuring to know that the SFO are monitoring HP. If I was Ames I would pay serious attention to the words ‘Serious’ and ‘Fraud’. His opinion and bright outlook won’t mean a thing if the SFO do treat it as a crime. I also wonder what his celebrity friends, Pat Cash and co. think of him now.
@Mr Lars “Fatchet dont represent me is apparently totally incompetent when it comes to hospitality industry” Ignorant yes, incompetent? Well who knows. However I do know the difference between “trading profit” and “operating profit” Do you? By the way its “doesn’t” not “dont”
I have not posted for quite some time on here, because a period of calm was called for, I did not want to spoil the chance of someone getting a refund because i was being a pain in the arse for HP.
The Group that the High Court Judge said must be paid last Friday, have not been paid, the UK company the Stat demands against was put into administration on Friday.
Make your own mind why. The Harlequin staff at the meeting in Warrington
had no idea Ames had done this – some were worried if they had a job.
The next step is going for a winding up order against Harlequin SVG, this is ready to be filed.
Kind Regards,
Paul
@Nikki (mrs crozier) On your own web site, CPC Worldwide, you list your “CPC Property garantee” Number 3 in order of importance is “3. Remember the first rule of successful purchase LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION” Still think thats the 3rd most important?
@FDNRM, I don’t want to rub your nose in it, but we talked a couple of week ago about the % of dissatisfied investors, and you rightly said we cannot assume that all of the 6,000 investors are unhappy and we can only accurately measure satisfaction based on the people we are aware of. Based on that, there are now 216 members on the other forum, which when added to the people on here make about 250 in total. Of that, only 1 as far as I can see remains satisfied – you, which equates to less than 0.5% of known investors. Not taking any of the other 5,750 into account granted, but I can’t see them being any happier. The same can be said about the hundreds that have been to the meetings this week. I haven’t seen any positive press from any of them. I have a marketing background and know that a focus group of 20 will give a very accurate account of the opinions of thousands, so do believe that 250 is plenty to give a clear indication of overall satisfaction.
@Paul walton, and the point of that is? The meeting I was in at 3.00 showed that there were many people who were ready to committ further funds, were ready to give DA a chance to pull things round. A suggestion has been made that a 3 month breathing space be allowed. Do you have all 2500 investors at heart or is this now personnal?
I spoken the the finance broker at the meeting.
He was appointed only last Thursday. He is looking to raise £30 million giving Buccement Bay as security.
They have not yet got answers regarding due diligence needed before presenting this to the lenders, who ever they are.
It would be fair to say its not going to be signed, sealed and delivered with out some quite strict terms and conditions.
Not paying investors payments a High Court Judge ordered, putting companies into Administration, and stat demands flying about, surly is not the best thing to inspire confidence in your potential lenders is it?
@Sid, Yes the BBC have focus groups and look at the mess they are in. All I am trying to be is a voice of reason. See my post above. The dogs are trying to savage the wounded animal. Just because people dont post on here, or anywhere, does not mean they are not in some way reasured. There were lots of people at the 3.00 meeting who wanted to complete. Paul Walton is talking about a winding up order on BB. Why? Its starting to show a profit. There is talk of possible fractional ownership. I believe PW is being used as a Fatchett tool so he can get another notch on the RL case file. The number of investors is 2500, so you have the opinions of 10% only.
@FDNRM.
Ames stuck two fingers up at a court order, what do you want the investors to think? he wont even tell his loyal staff he dumped the company.
And you think that is okay,
He met with the the Representatives of the investors group on Monday and did not think to tell them he had no intention of paying?
This group represents well over a 1000 investors, what do you think will be fed back to them now? how can you put a spin that?
He did not even answer the questions they asked, he had a week to to so.
You do live in a different world.
@FDNRM how do you know it’s definitely turning a profit? Because you were told? You surely can’t be blind to the inherent problems with using that as your sole basis for reassurance.
The accountant said it was ‘just’ recently turning a profit
@FDNRM, whilst I appreciate why HP are asking for 3 months grace, my worry is that it could easily be a strategy to keep angry investors and the SFO at bay while he executes an exit strategy – which would benefit him but leave us all well and truly stuffed. If this is a real risk, and I believe it is, I would rather the business was folded now rather than wait until there really is nothing left.
Of course, I could choose to believe Ames and trust that he trying to do the right thing, but am really struggling to believe a man who has talked so much crap for so long ad can never produce any evidence to support his claims.
@FDNRM
I think the phrase was more like, “just about breaking even”. This is so vague as to mean anything you care to read into it. It suggests to me that it is not quite yet breaking even but thereabouts. It doesn’t have to make much of a loss to create chaos in a business that is cash poor.
@Anon 2.44. See post below, believed to be 6%. It won’t keep SFO at bay. Remember they are, I believe, carrying out a preliminary investigation before deciding on whether to go for a full blown one. Unless that has changed.
@ Paul Walton, you don’t think he is just going to sit back and let a court order be carried out do you. That’s a bit nieve if you think so. Also he is not going to tell staff before hand in case it leaks out. By the way Fatchett told me he only represented 20 people and was not going to take any more on. Where does the 1000 come from? Also potential lenders will look at the assets, I.e. BB which is something to lend against.
The notion that investors would provide further funds to this basket case operation is quite frankly risible, patently so. The appointment of insolvency practitioners would ordinarily be an avenue of last resort but is without question the only sensible next step to this sorry saga.
Surely investors would be better off backing a serious, rational business professional to extract the maximum possible value from the rotting carcass of Harlequin’s global operations than the delusional, staggeringly incompetent ego maniac whose mismanagement and hubris has led us to where we are now?
The 1000+ are the ones signed up to reg legal updates, and will have been told what happened.
I got the notification so did several others, then Ames, left the room and said he done it to protect the investors on his return.
I have no idea how he will react why would I
When I took Accounting 101 many years ago every investor/purchaser
at B/B would be put in the liability column not listed as an asset.
So exactly then what would be listed as an asset. Good-will is all
and I come up with and it ain’t too hot at the moment.
“The dogs are trying to savage the wounded animal. ” – puhleeeze!! calm down dear, you are getting hysterical.
Ames capacity for mendacity is proven beyond doubt, there is still no proof that any research into the customer base was ever done or that there is sufficient demand for a 1200 unit resort hotel anywhere within the region, nor has the part of the company that is operating demonstrated that it can fill the part completed BB or Hotel Blu to the capacities required to be viable.
Some seem to think that constructing the units is an end in itself, but without demand from holidaymakers it’s just high density build to no purpose. If these were such desirable destinations for holidaymakers why has Virgin taken all mention of SVG off its opening web pages? Yes, if you search for Virgin BB you can find a web page, but you cannot book from that and nowhere else on the main site is there a link to that page. If Virgin have no confidence in the product, which that appears to show, what reason is there to believe that the brand can attract sufficient paying guests? I say ‘paying guests’ as opposed to those taking freebies etc at BB and posting the ludicrous reviews churned out by the Basildon pork pie factory, like an Iceland lasagne those reviews are suspect – should have the warning ‘may contain BS’!
@BBaywatch, you are very wrong in your metaphorical comparison of Iceland and HP. Iceland were found guilty of peddling horse meat, not horse sh1t.
@BBayawtch, thought you would appreciate a bit of journalistic prose. A bit like “carpet bagging neo colonialists” Now if you had actually been to a presentation you would have heard that either Vergin or BA will be flying direct to SVG when the airport is open. They might even use it as a hub to other islands. With direct flights there will be a demand from holiday makers. Don’t forget that the SVG government, after spending so much on the airport, have to justify its existence. That means flights. Flights = people. People = bedrooms. Correct?
@ FDNRM
Why would investors be happy about finance being arranged with Buccament Bay being used as security?
Correct me if I’m wrong but I think the Ts and Cs on HP’s website say that they reserve the right to source third party funding by placing a charge over units that may take priority over those of the unit owners.
In the event that things take another turn for the worse this means thatand owner could have their unit taken off them and sold even if they have paid for it in full.
That sounds like investors’ interests are really being looked after.
The other problem is having spoken to James Cannon from Eleven Capital. If they do raise the finance it will be secured on BB which we now ALL own part of (can you seriously think everyone will agree to this?) and the creditor would have first claim on Harlequins assetts if it went bust in the future and so we as purchasers would lose out further down the road.
But I want you ALL to sleep easy tonight safe in the knowledge that Mr Ames has his mortgage payments up to date “but we are still all in this together guys” some more than most eh!!
ok – from the last available figures- £300 million in 30% deposits equates to c 1 billion pp sales. BB has 300 units finished c5%, so on average this would equate to BB completions c £50 million. so if the broker is trying to get the 70% funding to complete for these 300 units this would equate to £35million ( not far off as they say they are trying to raise £30 million. ) if they are successful these investors will take ownership and their 10% gteed returns are now payable e.g £5million a year. if BB only just breaking even then this money has to be funded from cash flow. won’t leave much over to continue building. if this is the only way they intend to raise monies to complete resorts over the long term then its going to be a very very very long time before anything of significance is built and any returns payable… estimates to complete the build of the remaining units at BB and other resorts range from £400 million to £1 billion ( who knows) but one thing is for sure £35 million won’t go far…..
So currently BB is cash owned, but he is trying to mortgage it to raise money to finish the resorts? If he does mortgage BB up to the eyeballs and then squanders the money (as history suggests he may), then the lender could potentially take possession of BB and we all really do have nothing. I don’t like he sound of that.
If mortgaging BB is the only way forward, do we have any say in how the funds are spent or do we have to leave that to Ames to decide?
I can’t believe Fdnrm is still defending toad face, soon to be 3rd time bankrupt Ames. He he for real or what? Surely there is no argument now!
Now if you had actually been to a presentation you would have heard that either Vergin (Vergin?? ) or BA will be flying direct to SVG when the airport is open. They might even use it as a hub to other islands. With direct flights there will be a demand from holiday makers. Don’t forget that the SVG government, after spending so much on the airport, have to justify its existence. That means flights. Flights = people. People = bedrooms. Correct?
– of course if Ames or some other HP spokesperson has said that then it must be true. I’ve been waiting for you to trot out “build it and they will come” and that’s pretty close. You really don’t have the slightest idea of how the tourism industry works do you?
@BBaywatch, I’ve been waiting for someone to pull that phrase out the bag!
Exactly! “Flights = people” — um, no, Flights = Flights — whether or not people actually get on them is an entirely different issue. The suggestion that there is an inevitable, and directly proportional, causality that relates the two is startlingly naive.
Does anyone know if they have got the money to finish the airport now?
@Anon, normally I’d agree with you, but David Ames says that once the airport is open everything will be hunky dory, and who are we to argue. He is the expert after all.
@bBaywatch. So what is the reason the airport was built for? Answer that please. If there are flights and places to stay and it’s correctly priced then yes people will come. You having superior knowledge tell me why not. Please educate me why everyone will be looking upwards at the empty sky.
@Erica, have you paid for your property in full? If not then you do not own it. The book value is supposed to be £150m ish. He is looking to borrow 30m ish. That does not seem a huge risk.
Erica – hope this link works
http://i-witness-news.com/2013/03/13/us80-million-for-airport-to-come-from-loans-lands-sale-and-departure-tax/
excerpt – KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, March 13, IWN – The US$80 million that the Government has to raise for the Argyle international airport this year will come from loans, land sales and departure tax monies.
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves told Parliament on Monday that the Government has identified buyers for US$20 million of state lands.
There was a $60m USD shortfall in January which had grown to $80m USD by March when this was posted. “buyers for US$20 million of state lands” – looks like another raid on the Crown land on Bequia then and even the earlier plots have not been fully sold out yet.
@Anon 4.40 if the price is right then yes they will. 25 years ago I went to Gambia when you could not get direct flights. I went because it was good value for money. Now it’s not a cheap holiday. That’s how to start getting tourists into your country/hotels. But what do I know BBaywatch is the expert on this.
@FDNRM,
Taking the red book valuation at face value (which is an assumption) this still includes the assets that are nominally in the ownership of those who purchased properties.
It seems that there are two routes to attract third party funding using BB as security.
1. The whole of BB is offered as security with the interests of the owners being subordinated to the third party financier. This has all the down sides to investors described by me and others above.
2. Only the communal areas, restaurants, facilities etc are offered as security with the going concern aspect of running the resort. This would be deeply unattractive to a third party investor. Run the scenario that the resort operator was unable to run the place at a profit whilst honouring the 50:50 room rate share with the owners of the units. In this case the third party investor has step in rights in order to sell their interest to another resort operator. Who would want to buy it if it is difficult to honour the agreement with the owners? The only way forward would be throw away the agreements with the owners and offer them a much smaller fraction of the profits. For those people who have had sight of the completion documents I would be interested to know if there were any provisions in place to protect owners in the event that the resort operation changed hands.
There are unmitigatable risks in every direction on this one.
@FDNRM do you honestly need someone to explain why the logic that underpins the sentiment “If there are flights and places to stay and it’s correctly priced then yes people will come” is so ludicrously naive?
Do you have any sense of the complexity that informs discretionary purchasing decisions such as these? Do you have any grasp of the fundamental elasticity of demand, and the range of factors that inform that — and of the inherently unbelievably competitive nature of the market? Unbelievable.
@Anon, go on educate me then. I’m all ears.
@FDNRM if you think that that’s something that is achievable in a few lines on an internet bulletin board, then that explains an awful lot.
@Anon, go on educate me then. I’m all ears.
– and nothing between them!
@FDNRM if you think that that’s something that is achievable in a few lines on an internet bulletin board, then that explains an awful lot.
Quite so.
In other words you have no answer. The experts in tourism cannot explain why a new airport and new hotel won’t increase numbers into the island. Pathetic. Not like you to be short on words. Ok let me ask you a simple question. Why, in 2002 did SVG build a new cruise terminal. Did it encourage more cruise ships to SVG? Google SVG cruise terminal and see the amount of positive reviews of SVG. Not my words. I would suggest that if you are not prepared to support your argument then your argument does not stand up. And don’t say I don’t understand “fundamental elasticity of demand” etc. you have had your chance to explain and failed. And BBaywatch, don’t try and enter a grown up debate with cheap remarks, as a journalist I actually hoped you would be above that. I guess not.
Ok – I was at the meeting today – so lets try and sum up what happened and where do we go now ? I went there with an open mind, and was prepared to listen on all fronts. So what did I see.
Sad – A 77 year old man who introduced himself as an investor who is struggling to pay a loan he took out as a deposit ..He has no earning capability to service the loan – DA brushed him aside with little concern !!
Crying – A woman crying on DA shoulder .. Was like watching X Factor. who has the most heart wrenching story.
Bullshit – DA quote in “2009 the world was a different place, and financial times have changed” — REALLY – So why sell the same business model to new investors from then on ???
Deluded – DA quote “BB is the best hotel in the world” Fact – Its Not !
Ego – ( post meeting ) New investors are on the fringe to help turn this round but would want part control and share holdings with a new management structure – A husband and wife team cannot run this on their own.. Mr Ego as we understand does not want to release his baby – Even for the good of the investors.
Sales – The sales arm has closed down – Q to HP – how do I now resell my unit – Ans – I dont know !!
Travel – It appears that the HP travel don’t have an ABTA licence – it ran out ? REALLY
Funny – The security man took the mic and explained that he has bought into a 15 year plan .. REALLY – DA soon took the mic off him.
Nothing was learned today – NOTHING – We just have to sit tight and see what Mr Ego does next .. Once the SFS have given green light we will all be back on track …
Final point – IF MERRICKS has now got planning – dont you think the DA media wagon would be shouting about this .. Very quiet !! I want to know if this is actual fact .. if its NOT – The guy is one BIG Liar.
This whole scenario looks ripe for an MG style “rescue” which the UK government welcomed with open arms only for it to turn into an asset stripping bonanza.and those of us with long memories will remember similar antics in UK manufacturing companies in the 1960s and 70s
Hi Fatchett does not represent me , you ask a straight question so here is a straight answer. I will earn money by doing this case and yes i do have the cash investors interest at heart . The sipps ones will be taken care of by claims on insurance but those who used loans ,mortgages and their personal money I dont see so many firms offering them any hope do you?
Also from past experience SFO are not great ,but dont F???K with HMRC
I hasten to add I was on the goodies side with SFO and HMRC
Hey short legs , thanks that was nearly a compliment (careful ) Yes i knew what he would say because it is the only thing that possibly could calm the clients down . Next will be re contract as shareholders so I can get the money I need then quelle surprise , he will default on the payments and you loose because the mortgagee has the charge over the assets . Then you will have no claims in law because you were shareholders and god knows how much cash he took out of the “private contract”
This may seem a little crazy, but have a think……
What about if Ames is removed, and someone that knows what they are doing replaces him? if that was the only way to secure funding would that be okay?
If you are a cash investor you have little protection, If it goes wrong, that is a sad, but true fact.
is this worth thinking about????
Those that still want out but can make a claim for bad advice.
HP going bust does not help anyone….. is this such a crazy idea??
TAKE NOTE
ITS OVER. ALL AMES IS TRYING TO DO NOW IS STAY OUT OF JAIL. THE IMPLOSION HAS ALREADY HAPPENED BUT AMES IS CLEVERLY TRYING TO SCREEN THE SMOKE SO HE CAN SAVE HIS OWN ASS FROM A PAIR OF PRISON OVERALLS.
As Bob Marley sang……You can fool some people sometimes, but you can’t fool all the people all the time so now we see the light, we gonna stand up for our rights!
@Paul Walton “the next stage is a winding up order on HPSVG” now you say that HP going bust does not help anyone. Come on Paul, what is your strategy? If you hadn’t tried these SDs on HMSEE then there would have been no administration. Admin has helped no one.
@BBaywatch/Anon the great experts in tourism are stuck for words! I am here all night. Get typing if you have any sensible reasoning.
You are one very thick, annoying person FDNRM.
How much more useful would this whole site have been without your incessant, useless, irritating, unintelligent, naive, pathetic, Ames-arse-licking (in exchange for money) input?
Jeez, I hope you disappear off the face of the internet soon. Give up, why don’t you, you pathetic waste of a life?
Mr Ames said in the meeting that we ALL now own a bit of BB so how can approx 170 people=units complete on something we ALL own part of, what about us then? am I missing the point?
Yes, Erica, you are. It’s game over.
Why on earth you’re still talking about anything Ames said, I have no idea.
Remember, he is a liar. He’s been lying for years.
@Anon R-U LOL! What do you expect. I have nothing between my ears! Next comment from you, let me guess “F***ing twat” ? now let me, am I getting your money? That would be a no because you are not even an investor. So naff off.
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Oh, back to the effing twat again! What a surprise. How many times have you typed that phrase on BFP? Get over it as I really don’t give a toss. Well, no, in fact I’m over the moon it made such an impression on you.
No, you’re right, I’m not an investor. Lucky me. That’s why I’ve been telling investors for years on many forums to take action immediately and get out. More recently I’ve been telling people to take legal action immediately. But since you’re a f**king twat, I wasn’t speaking to you as you’re too thick to appreciate what I was saying backed up by ALL the evidence on the net to substantiate it.
You’re also being paid by Harlequin for your promotion – but not any longer, eh? HA HA! Best busy yourself thinking of ways to earn an income now to save up that huge amount you gave to Harlequin (you liar) instead of being an absolute pain in the backside here. People like you should have been dealt with by evolution if Darwin had been right. Please tell me you haven’t done any breeding?
Merricks has Full Planning Permission, according to Ames..so, next step…build the rashole villas that were sold 6 years ago.! Slight problem…no Money, no HD Studio, no Construction Company in Barbados that will touch the project.This is just another statement from the man that promised a Pirate Ship , a Marina by the world`s best Builder of Marinas, two Hotels in Barbados in 2013…on and on and on…..anyone (including my friend FDNRM) who still believes ANYTHING he says is delusional.
One thing DA did say that between the court cases the forums has a rise in agitators – Newman / builder and co trying to bring HP down for their own benefit as its the only way to win the case…. DA is a lot of things but he is right ,, Dont trust or believe a lot of the posts in here ,,,The agitators stand out like a sore thumb ,,,, The Forum has become what was a good idea to somewhere that serves no purpose unless you are an ambulance chaser or an agitator. ,, I am out of here … One final word ! if you have a complaint and feel your IFA miss sold or did not conduct the sale properly .. Put a complaint into the FSA .. It will be dealt with the same way as handing over your money to the Legal vultures
@Anon R-U always sign when your not getting any. I don’t need any advise from you. Foul mouthed, smart arse, I told you so. Also I don’t have to prove anything to you. So again, just go.
@ last chance, about agitators, you only have to look at Anon R-U.
Hey Last Chance – aka Dave Ames! I recognise your writing style from a couple of emails from Ames himself! Last Chance saloon! Commas are so irritating, when not used correctly. And a dead give away. As well as that lovely lady you speak of; “Miss Sold”.
Can’t wait to write to you in prison and remind you what I did to you, and how much extra you chose to spend on me 🙂
Happy Days.
FDNRM, of course you don’t need to take advice from me, you thick loser. You’ve lost your money and are still taking pot shots at those criticising Harlequin – you are AN IDIOT. A thick, uneducated IDIOT, and a poor gambler. Backing the wrong horse until you end up in the gutter. I’m laughing down at you.
You don’t have to prove anything at all for me. You lost. Game over. Give up. I won’t.
I have an open question to the posters on BFP who are Bajan
citizens and or ex-pats living in BGI. Are the two major newspapers,
the Nation and the Advocate so tied into and loyal to a particular political
party that they seem to do absolutely no investigative reporting that
might reflect negatively on that party? In this case it seems that the
present and past governments have a lot to answer for re:
Harlequin (Merricks and H-Hotel). How difficult is it for a reporter to
verify with the responsible government office to ascertain whether or
not HD does indeed have full certification to build Merricks. Also
same with ownership of the respective properties. At least it would
be a start. After that it might be of interest to know just what in the
way of building materials has actually been imported.
@Anon R-U talk about lost the plot. What an idiot!!!
Last Chance – I’ve just re-read your post. HA HA, you illiterate fool Dave Ames! Bumbling along, incoherently making no sense. As I always say to my son – re-read what you wrote before you hand it in.
Mind you, he’d be locked in the cupboard under the stairs if he ever turned out illiterate crap like that!
Fatchett Would Never Represent Me, as ever you come back with a masterful, cunning put-down.
Go away, and practice filling in those benefit forms. You’re going to need help from the tax payer now you’ve lost all access to Harlequin investor funds. You low-life.
Troll
Twat
THERE WILL ALWAYS BE AN ENGLAND !
And you have a son? I bet you make him so proud. Your foul mouthed, aggressive, ignorant rantings make you such a role model. No wonder the youth of today have no respect. Have you thought about anger management? You really need help.
FDNRM…you really should keep taking your medication….a lot of decent people have lost money, and you post like a mental patient…the sooner you get sectioned the better
To all the others ….GAME OVE….I wishit wasnt for you all…but it is, we will all be gone before anything is solved…6000 people all trying to get the most back…all with different ideas of what next…it will go on for ever
Investment..now that is a joke raining finance to buy anything is difficult, ut with HP track record, no one will give em a penny…as to secured on BB, if posts are correct they dont even own the land, so what is there to be secured on and if they did if the bank needs to pull out, there isnt going to be anybody around to buy it, so no bank or investor will touch…the world is full of much better offers
@Erica…sorry my dear, but MR ames has been telling you lies and your what ifs just wont happen…wakey wakey, sorry
I hope Ames goes to jail, just anybody who shafts people….but you have to prove it was intentional rather than just “I’m not very good at building resorts”
The dream is over…the race is for Ames to die of old age before the net closes…this is going to be a long running saga
So to recap….GAME OVER the loot has gone
you have been a loverly audience, thank you and good night
You’ve ripped me to the core!
Anyway, how’s the investment? Do you think Harlequin (in administration, run by the twice bankrupt Dave Ames, and under investigation by the SFO, and under alert by the FSA/FCA) are going to pull it off?
Do tell us, FWNRP. That really is all I’m interested in hearing from you.
(Q the “I don’t nead to diskus anything with yoo, as yoo r a fowl mowthed trowl”).
Come on FWNRM – do your job, tell us what’s good about Harlequin. If you don’t answer that, I will correctly presume you agree it is FUBAR’d.
Of course, it always was, but you weren’t receiving your monthly payment (from investors’ money) to say that.
@Fatchett does not represent me.
I don’t actually have an agenda , but I am in touch with many investors, cash, SIPP, loans, all varying amounts. The stat demands in SVG are very real and could be acted upon.
The question is if they were taken to the end conclusion, what would that achieve?
We know the answer to that – we are all stuffed particularly cash investors.
You have no idea whats going on and who I have been speaking to, but taking Harlequin down is not what I am trying to do.
Regards
Paul
@its game over. How many times, it’s 2500 people. Get your facts right first.
@It really is Game Over, luckily, it’s very easy to prove that “the HP dream” was a deliberate scam by Ames, since the internet is littered with his (somewhat incoherent) lies, broadcast over the years.
He’s well and truly up the shitter. But, I agree, it’s probably going to be agonisingly slow watching the wheels of justice creek and crawl until they eventually give him what he deserves.
I agree, he may well die, or at least lose his knee caps, before he’s banged up, but we can all live in hope.
@paul Walton, then why threaten the stat demands on SVG? Is not a threat hanging over HP which makes it harder to sort out a solution? I just pointed out a contradiction in your previous statements.
Hello Paul – please would you mind telling me what you think is going to happen if you don’t “bring Harlequin down”?
In all honesty, if you don’t, someone else will. There are, after all, investors acting alone who have enough money and contacts for lone legal action. Although, admittedly, most of those would have escaped by now one would have thought.
I’m just wondering what you’re clinging on to? What do you think is going to happen? What other chance is there at this stage? Do you think the ‘business’ is in any way viable?
@Fatchett does not represent me.
Because they are real and they tend to focus the mind a little.
If I said I am trying my best for all concerned parties to get a solution would you believe me? or am I just wasting my time with you?
You see you can talk nicely. Not that difficult is it?
@ Paul Walton, yes I would believe you. I just think that getting involved with Fatchett was a wrong move. Just my opinion. At the end of the day you and I are in the same boat, almost. My view happens to be slightly different, but according to some idiots on here no one is allowed to have a different view.
@Fatchett does not represent me.
If you want to send me a PM via the blog fine or you can even have my email address, or should be both carry on being silly?
anon@ 9.58, there could be a glimmer of hope,
What is that different view, FWNRP? You seem obsessed with internet brawls, yet never ever answer my questions to you about the actual investment. You always avoid answering direct questions about the investment, and never come up with legitimate reasons why you think you’re right to stick with Harlequin, and not do your best to get out.
Why is that?
I repeat, for the umpteenth time, tell us what’s good about Harlequin?
@Paul, I dont think we are being silly. Rational conversations byconcerned investors has to happen, not stupidity by non “I told you so” investors on here. We can sort it out tomorrow if you like. Were you at the 3.00 meeting at Warrington, the tall guy with the red jumper?
@Anon R-U firstly if you want to have an intelligent conversation then have the good grace to use a correct ID, not some silly made up one.
Secondly you came on here at 7.11 with your opening statement “You are one very thick, annoying person FDNRM” and you think I am obsessed with internet brawls? I wouldn’t share my thoughts with you if you paid me. Thank you and good night.
@Fatchett does not represent me.,
I was there from 9.15 until about 3.30, I was with a big guy and speaking to Sean Ghent quite a bit.
I had a blue shirt, jeans and very short ( disappearing hair) lets get in touch tomorrow some how and I will tell you whats been going on – fair enough?
I am going now up early….
Anyone know if dave was dumb enough to borrow £5mm from the business as others have stated? If so, administrator will have the power to pursue him to recover the cash.
Let’s see if the national papers ignore this story now…
I am a Barbadian. The local newspapers may seek to investigate the story but there is little local interest since there are no local investors. It would be difficult to get sources in Town and Country ( the body responsible for Barbadian planning permission) to give information on the status of Merrick’s planning permissions since that information is confidential and any leaks could only jeopardise the source’s job.
All investors will loose a significant portion if not all of their investments. I have personal experiences with the management of Harlequin. I know them to be incompetent and charlatans. Knowing this I have no faith that Buccament Bay can survive as a resort. Hence recovery of investors’ money will only come from the sale of the properties owned by Harlequin.
As far as I know they own three marginal properties(two properties in Barbados, one in St. Vincent). Selling these properties will involve lengthy court proceedings in two countries with slow Judicial systems and stagnant property markets. From the proceeds of the sale will be deducted the legal and administrative fees. What little is left must be now split between some 2,500 residual claimants.
Good luck.
Mr Ames announced at the investor meetings that Harlequin had received full planning for Merricks. I admit that I was sceptical about this so I thought I would drop into the Barbados Town & Country Planning Office this afternoon to check. Bill, it is possible for members of the public to check applications. The information you can see is limited, though.
The original Planning Application was numbered 2602/09/2007E and an initial check on this showed only the outline approval which was granted back on 19 May 2010.
When I looked to see if there were any other applications by Harlequin I found 0825-05-2012E which was submitted on 14 May 2012. Full planning approval for this was granted on 27 March 2013, subject to 35 conditions. None are particularly onerous, just the sorts of things you would expect on a large development – reserved matters for future approval of various technical elements of the work etc.
A couple of comments.
If the approval was granted at the end of March, why did Mr Ames say they got it on Friday – or is that just postal delays from Barbados to the UK.
The other thing is that is unclear is how much of the development has approval. 2602/09/2007E was for the complete Merricks development. 0825-05-2012E is for “resort facilities phase 1 including the erection of buildings and public road improvements”. It is not clear what the extent of phase 1 is, and I was unable to see drawings. I hope it was not just for the show units!
So where is the money to build the resort.
@SGD
Was it reported on here that the full planning permission for Merricks came with costly conditions to upgrade the local water supply infrastructure? Does the newly granted PP not make this a condition any more?
If you or someone nearby could go to the planning department and confirm the scope of what has been granted and what the conditions are that would be good.
Is it true that construction machinery is being sold off at buccament bay? Which company owns that machinery?
Does it really matter if he has full planing permission to do exactly what he has stated for the past 7 years?
You couldn’t pay me to deal with that fat lying short assed con man ever again.
I would rather lose my 30% than have to deal with a load of dishonest and deluded people at harlequin.
Ames is the cult leader and he has them all brainwashed.
Does it matter if PP has been obtained at Merricks…there is no money to build the units and nobody will put money in until the unit they are buying is complete and title to the land it sits on confirmed…the brand and site is fatally wounded
Barbados has a lot of unsold property, ok a lot is in the $1m+ range but not the less the bubble of a holiday home has gone
This will take many many years to unravel, gather evidence, set court dates and on and on etc
The game and dream are over
I just done a radio interview with BBC Essex early this morning, involving Dave Ames, Phil Bray from investment sense and Gareth Fatchett , Regulatory Legal.
This was finalised very late last night after speaking direct with Dave Ames, he was not aware of the program.
I did try to give a balance view in the few moments I had, the worst thing at this stage would have been to be overly negative about Harlequin, this could have had a extremely unproductive effect on the finance that I have been assured is so close.
Another few weeks will not make any difference this will allow Harlequin to make the necessary changes to hopefully move things forward for a positive outcome for all parties.
I am sure you will all have your own views on this, but I think it was the most pragmatic option I had.
Kind regards Paul
@FDNRM.
Do you now understand, the logic moving forward.
I hope now this will pave the way for some productive negotiations for all parties, it’s really is up to Mr Ames now, to engage with the investor groups and not ignore them and to make good some promises.
We are prepared to work with him, but it must be a two way process.
all the best
Paul
@Paul Walton, Can you tell me who Phil Bray is and his view on things. Can I also add that I agree 100% with your comments above. Now is the time for a level headed and, as you say, pragmatic aproach. I think it is important to totally ignor the “I told you so” outsiders. At the end of the day this is our money, not theirs, and it will be our solution.
Also Paul, this is a telephone number you can contact me on. 07786118101 If you could send me your contact number, by text, then I will contact you shortly. To any one else don’t bother trying to phone/text me on this number, it is not my main number but a spare phone. Any abuse will be followed up.
This Phillip Bray?
http://www.ftadviser.com/2013/04/17/ifa-industry/your-business/warning-on-using-overseas-property-for-pension-funds-WzWPruWODkPjGztsK7Lt5L/article.html
Now the UK company is gone ,how does any investor get in touch with the company.
No statement has been sent to the investors as to the situation or future plans,
So all normal with HP, tell us nothing, as not every one was able to go to the meetings,we need to know.
ANON you really are a sad fool who will end up in jail,,,,,,, Look lots of commas it must be DA ( funny ). To everyone that matters in here please don’t listen to this joker, we all know the mess we are in and this gut is CLEARLY linked with the court case…. Not going to waste my time on the low life anymore… Remember HE stole our money..So is as bad if not worse than DA himself
I don’t know anything about this court case, but I do find it strange how everyone seems to have decided that the whole thing is a complete and inevitable slam dunk in Harlequin’s favour — in relation to both the current case about the builder, and the allegations that have been levelled at the accountant. There is a due process that is supposed to be attached to these things that appears to be elided in any comment on the subject that comes out of Basildon — we have a central and sacred tenet of “innocent until proven guilty” in trial law, no?
I also think that the idea that the defendants would attempt to mount their defence by attempting to bring down the litigants in their entirety is a little far fetched and quite honestly a bit bit silly.
Ames still spouting the same old same old…
http://www.ftadviser.com/2013/04/23/investments/property/harlequin-administration-will-not-threaten-investments-AKJ6uDcp3a3PNraGDa9MRJ/article.html
@ FDNRM.
Phil was saying the IFA’s & Co should have done due diligence, and given the full picture involving risk.
@BBaywatch – yep that’s the one.
Gareth Fatchett said yes there are some problems & he is acting for a number of clients, but working with HP to resolve matters and in many cases its bad advice
Anonymous – wake up and get in the real world ??? Fraudsters and scammers not using social media to effect results in a multi million poiund court case … dont be niaive
So now as I understand it, Investors owe THEM money??
http://app.ftadviser.com/2013/04/24/investments/property/beleaguered-harlequin-owed-m-by-property-buyers-uFNn6wLQfV4Vy4TMLG00HI/article.html
Ironically Last Chance, you can’t even spell naive — which says it all I think.
The point is not that somebody might appear to steer a case — although even then, I think that most reasonable people understand the value of evidence and proof over social media hyperbole — but that here it is alleged they are actually trying to bring the whole, multi million company down (you are no longer a defendant if you have nothing to defend yourself against). That’s a bit silly I think.
Can someone tell me me if there is anyway of getting out of this mess now?
@ Beggars Belief
Yes, it has been reported on BFP that there were costly conditions attached to the upgrade of the Water supply at Merricks. The new permission certainly does not contain the same condition about paying BWA for infrastructure improvements. What it does have at condition 34, is a requirement to submit to and obtain approval from the Chief Town Planner of a “water reticulation plan” showing the mains, avoiding dead ends etc. I made brief notes about it, but the main thing I noted was that it did not seem to be the onerous requirement that was originally imposed.
As I said in my post, I have been to the Town & Country Planning Department to look at the application and approval. The information the officials will allow members of the public to review are the notes of the application (name and details of applicant, in effect the name of the application and it’s status (whether approved or not and if approved what the conditions are). I was not able to see the plans and neither should any other member of the public.
The only way you can find out more about it is if you are Harlequin (why don’t they just tell us?) or if you are a local resident impacted by the development.
@Anon 10.55 Anybody who is being sued for a potential 30M will use every underhanded trick they can, and they are. The idea was to bring it down before it came to court, but that failed.
Too many fools arguing in here with a few that clearly use this room to get investors to react and pull the company down so ANON and ANONYMOUS – nobody is listening to you as you have NOTHING constructive to say,, apart from goading people into reaction.. My advice is to let the court case take its course and see the scumbags go to prison,,And if then DA with his 13 Mil cant pay what he is own – then YES take action. The agitators are runniong scared you can see it in their posts ,, time is running out – WHY would any investor want to bring the company down when it will be receiving compensation from the court case they will win ..The Irish guy STOLE money .. Come on .. We as investors have to stick with it .. The guilty ones will be banged up soon !!
Is it feasible that the costly water infrastructure upgrade has been dropped because the scope of phase 1 is limited and would not require it?
We really need to know the extent of phase 1 to know whether this is something meaningful. If it is not much more than the show homes then it isn’t worth getting excited about.
Can the HIG raise a question about the extent of phase 1 works please?
@Last Chance, you seem to be very knowledgeable and passionate about the Irish case?
FDNR 100% right with your comment above – St George great work finding that out, we just need more detail now – Beggars – Good post, lets get back to sensible discussion with proper investors who do not want to lose their money .. You see how Anon and co will disappear when the court case is over …
I heard that the judge won’t rule one way or the other until Oct as he has so much evidence to consider?
Last Chance, I never said that the case wouldn’t go Harlequin’s way, I just said that it’s impossible for anyone to speak so authoritatively of the outcome before judgement has been passed — that’s why we have a judicial process. Notwithstanding this, I’m confused as to why quite so much stock has been placed in it, and confused as to why so many of you are willing to swallow that without questioning the management (or last thereof) that allowed it to occur in the first place. I think that it is you who is being a little naive if you honestly believe that the swathes of press that this is receiving is all based on a few trouble makers with a specific agenda. Every major financial publication virtually has picked up on this story now, and a quick sweep of the comments that follow below these stories gives a fairly detailed analysis of what people working in the field think of the way that this is unfolding (unless you think that they’re all stooges as part of some mass conspiracy as well).
You’ll forgive me if I keep the bunting in its box, to celebrate the fact that a bit of a resort that was supposed to have opened years ago now formally has planning permission; do you not pause for a second to consider how ludicrous it is, and what a damning indictment of the management that it is, that this should have occurred in such a manner? Completion dates have come and gone for a resort that didn’t have planning permission for the entire contract term.
You might like to consider occam’s razor in the light of the above.
SID – I am not passionate I just don’t want to lose my money – DA is a crap businessman and a poor man manager, but what he has done no doubt using our money is to get private investigators and drill down and locate the owner of all the bad press etc etc and link certain parties together. ( He even stated that he cant say how this was done incase he has to use it again ) The bottom line is these guys don’t have much of a counter case.. Lots for the courts to go through but it is stacked against them .. The only hope that any of us have is if he wins this case and scoops some money back. ANON posted a link saying OH we owe them money now ?? That is how the business model was supposed to work .. he gets the completion money and moves on with development ..Fool .. of course he wants the 70% and so should every other investor..He can then perhaps start working in Merricks ….REPEAT – Stay put and let this court case take its toll .
@Last Chance
If the builder STOLE the money then he would be currently on trial in a criminal prosecution.
Would it not be more accurate to say he was given investors’ money that he should never have had and this was due to poor management of the funds?
The SFA as it was have given HP the green tick as DA puts it .. The SFS apparently are not busting a gut to react and again apparently DA has opened the doors for them .. SO if HP get a green tick from the SFS as well.. what more can be said or done .. Panarama and all the gutter press have got it wrong ….Who knows what will happen from there – Personally I wish DA and his ego would partner with a proper developer who new what he was doing and let go of his little baby – AS he embarrassingly said yesterday “He is now a hotelier ” Exactly David you ARE and NOT a Developer – Leave that to the big boys and please respect you partners ( investors ) as you called us .. Admit you cant do this alone and need help and cant run this with your wife and son…
Beggars – He took the money and never spent it on the build as stated ..and it went missing .. No different than the Wall St guy … Took money under false pretense – either way its stealing
LC. no-one other than the judge is in a position to know what the outcome is likely to be. what is certain is that more then 30 million is required to complete the resorts. if they win damages and get the finance in place for completions that are ready then they may have 60 million, plus whatever is banked in the overseas companies but this is still a drop in the ocean if you look at the overall funding required to complete all the resorts… if they had paid the agents 3-4% of the fund value of the sipp transfer in line with most other industry commissions rather than the 6-10% of the purchase price then this alone would have have left well over £100 million pounds more for building!!!
Anonymous – Agree with all of that ..Mistakes – mistakes – However it is retrievable if DA plays the game ..We cant turn the clock back .. moaning about what went on will not help – All I am saying is AFTER this court case ? if DA has not got a positive way forward, and that includes selling up or partnering new investors as share holders … Then YES string him up and let him face the consequences – HE hold the key to what happens next – screw up DA and the investors WILL jump on you this time.
Last Chance in fairness to you, you seem more reasonable than most, but given the catalogue of events that have led this far, why — apart from blind faith — would you trust him now?
Also, does it not bother you that answers always seem to be big announcements that he can’t tell you about (like the alleged links his PIs apparently identified)? Notice too how he’s happy to fling around tacit allegations but jumps on anyone who does this in reverse.
sorry anon at 12.14 was me. one more thing. i think RL released a statement that the land in BB was still held in DA personal name and had not been transferred to harlequin svg ltd as of then. presumably LEGALS involved and acting for clients have instigated some sort of legal freeze so that this land cannot be sold interim???
Dave Ames is not a hotelier and it would be dangerous to let him play pretend hotels for any longer than is absolutely necessary – he has structured BB in such a way as it will lose huge sums of money over the coming months. You need a professional hotelier to come in and cut where cuts can be made, and pursue marketing channels that pay dividends rather than keeping on with getting C list celebs to say how much they enjoyed their stay, for example. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. You really need this man out of any sphere of influence and control, you should have your own purchaser appointed board that management reports to.
Financing using BB as security? Surely that would mean your holiday units – you do not want to rank behind a bank or financial institution as you may never get title, I have seen this many times and in fact legally he cannot do this as he has contractually pledged the property to the individual purchaser via a purchase agreement which, I presume, the purchaser has not defaulted on. You should get a charge over your specific unit purchased before he is allowed to run wild and pledge your unit to a financial institution (if indeed that is the security he is seeking, cannot think what else it would be, and am prepared to be wrong on that)
As for progressing all the rest of the developments, this seems far fetched. If he can bring in the 70% closing payments, that will be a good result and a nice amount of money (allegedly 30m sterling). He needs to have real operating cashflow for BB so it has a good chance of going until the international airport is taking flights from the UK and US and Canada (this will not fill BB but it will give it a better chance – but again, no point having a full hotel if it is run so badly that it still loses money, and there of course needs to be real clarity to its operation, such as the AI supplement charging to the rooms division etc) so some of that should be kept aside. The balance will do nothing too meaningful for building out any new development, unless it is downsized and done carefully. 25m can get phase one Merricks underway and could be planned so that the balance of cash comes in when required – he may get local financing if he can build a chunk with his own funds (yours) and show the bank that the balance of 70% of purchase price will come on completion, and same instituion may even set up end financing for the purchasers – again, this has been done before. If he wins the court case, money will not be forthcoming for many months, and as has been pointed out, it would also show him to be unable to control a development and again he should not be allowed to be in charge of funds/development. There are ways to find leverage/legal channels to get him to move aside, you need to be creative but you must realise that with him in charge the situation it very unlikely to be resolved. You can then responsibly see how you can get anything out of this mess. I think you need to be of the mindset that you have probably lost everything and that anything you get now is a bonus. A well run, profitable Bucc Bay, with a small profit making Blu hotel, and one other development, probably Merricks, with 100 rooms or so, all owned outright by all those who invested (very hard to do to change 6000 agreements, but this is blue sky thinking) is perhaps the very very best outcome for you to be in in 3 to 4 years or so. Set some goals, time frames but again you can only realistically expect positive direction when the bad/incompetent apples are removed from the barrel and you have your own board running the show. Harlequin tried and failed, need to step aside. As a footnote that is perhaps not relevant to any of the above, I have always maintained Ames set this up as a scam from the outset – I think the fact he is sitting there now with millions banked and you have next to nothing is evidence of that. Some would disagree, but if he had the same money now as he had when going in, you can could argue he has not profitted from this disaster, but he clearly has and I for one would be making sure he pays. I wish you all luck, it is deeply upsetting when you find yourself in this mess and I would just say to a friend in this position to try, if possible, to take lessons from what you have gone through and apply them in a positive way in your future actitivities, and in meantime exhaust all options to get the money out or extract some value.
@Anonymous 11.56 The SFO were approached by Newman (O’Halloran’s side kick), as were, I believe, the MOS and Panorama. They have been trying everything they can to break HP before it went to court. Newman was O’Hallorans only witness and his evidence was, I believe, discredited. I fully expect others to come on here who, when challenged, and not investors, but part of the “I told you so” crowd and just agitators.
@100 “so it has a good chance of going until the international airport is taking flights from the UK and US and Canada (this will not fill BB but give it a better chance” Expect the “marketing and tourist experts” to rip that apart.
fdnrm. are you privy to the court transcripts. can you publish these??
Well said FDNR – And 100 .. agree the man is a bafoon … The sooner he admits he is not a hotelier playing with our money the better… He is also NO developer … Get some balls DA and stop playing caribbean monopoly with our money .. Admit defeat and get some professionals in.
@FDNRM I can’t believe that from 100’s excellently measured and well reasoned analysis, the only thing you would take is that the airport given BB “a better chance.” That is not the same as your directly causal flights = people analysis.
I also can’t believe that you think the SFO, MoS et al have instigated the behaviour on the back of one party with an agenda. Do you honestly not believe that they all did their own research and found cause for concern?
To the best of my knowledge you are stating allegations as fact, which is not only libellous, but deeply unhelpful and misleading. I know nothing of this Newman guy apart from the fact that he’s a qualified accountant: if he has indeed been prepared to go on record to the SFO given his professional status, I would suggest that he might have been fairly confident of his ground — as he would surely have been very sensitive to the dangers of being “found out.”
@Last Chance
“He took the money and never spent it on the build”.
If this is true then it shows exactly that the site was not being properly managed. He should never had access the investor funds for work he had not yet completed satisfactorily. The contractor does the work, a QS checks it, the developer pays the contractor.
Some have alleged on here that the WK accountant fraudulently released payment to the builder (I personally doubt this). But the accountant should never have been granted that authority to act. HP should have their own QS signing this stuff off. At the very least they should have contracted with a third party QS with sufficient PI insurance to cover the quantum of money that they had authority to sign off.
It smacks of a cavalier attitude and complete disregard to protect other people’s money
@FDNRM, there is absolutely, categorically no way on gods earth that the SFO would start a formal investigation against HP and list it on their website as one of their top 25 cases on the back of a single complaint. You know that isn’t true.
@Sid, I didnt say it was on the back of a single complaint, I said that Newman made a complaint, in 2010, 2011 2012 I believe.
@Anon. You know nothing about Newman? Suggest you sit in a dark room for a couple of hours and do some research then. You will learn a lot. He has been found out. Regarding the airport comment, you need to lighten up a bit, or are the Anonymous from last night who told be “I know nothing about tourism” but did not comment on the impact the cruise terminal had made to the island?
@Anon 1.18, no I do not have the transcripts.
so how do we/you know what is happening in the court case?. i cannot find anything in any newspapers/articles, no formal comments from either solicitors/barristers.. nothing on the actual court list register/ no transcripts .all seems to be hearsay without any factual evidence to back it up. only once judgement has been made will we know the exact position.
I attended the 12.30 meeting in Basildon yesterday with an investor friend, along with hundreds of others. After an update from Dave Ames,he introduced his newly appointed finance broker. The broker was confident funding would soon be made available from three or more sources within the next few months.This, together with the completions now in progress at Buccament Bay would ensure money would be available for further development of the resorts.
Some units at Buccament Bay have been offered to investors who are in a position to complete. These units are made available by original investors who have taken a refund of their deposits, the units returning to Harlequin “stock”.Some further units have also been released by investors unable to complete and who have negotiated agreeable terms for moving elsewhere.
In general, it appears that emphasis is now being placed on finishing what is already built or part built, thus enabling more completions to take place, bringing in yet more funds.This is good news, especially for those investors in Buccament Bay and H Hotel.Further establishing the existing resorts will make approval of any future applications for funding much more likely to be approved.
Some mention was made of selling fractionised units to new SIPP investors.
When asked about the resumption of finance payments and the agreed monthly repayments of deposits, Dave Ames said these would resume “within three months”
The sales personnel employed by Harlequin Proerty Ltd ( now having applied to go into administration) were very much in evidence at this meeting, so it looks like no further job losses are taking place.
Now, I totally agree with the comments of Paul Walton ( April 25th, 8.56 am) and Fatchet Does Not Represent Me ( April 25th, 9.01 am ).I strongly endorse their view to ignore the comments of outsiders such as would be journalist B Baywatch, half baked Anon Reasons Unknown and Unicyclist Yatinkiteasy. Reports are that the latter has had one wheel stolen from his pushbike! As full planning permission has now been granted for Merricks and with H Hotel due to recommence building works soon, he will need reliable transport to carry his abacus around the sites.
Question. How many who handed over money to Fatchet have got what they paid for?
question. i believe the funding mentioned was 30 million (any money from court cases not guaranteed as no judgments yet). how far will 30 million go.
may get a bit more of BB built / H / Merricks (if it indeed does have full planning?) but wheres the other few hundred million coming from to build the rest???
The real irony is that if Ames and Harlequin had started with The Merricks (even better with the DR development) they just might have established a business with a future. At the time the demand for AI resorts was there and even with the subsequent downturn they might have been able to ride it out till better times. The location of The Merricks is far from ideal but there might have been a market at the right price – however, as we know that didn’t happen.
To begin in St Vincent where they would have to create an entirely new market for the product – which was completely opposite of what was established and growing (and still growing) was madness. They managed to compound that by falling out with anyone and everyone who had any actual expertise in building and running resort hotels and the result is the mess that we have today. As soon as the plans were made public there was considerable comment and opposition from those who know SVG and the tourism market there, and as those plans became even more grandiose it was obvious that something was very wrong. Clearly this was a company that did not know what it was doing.
In the opening statements of the case against O’Halloran, HP’s counsel made the colourful remark that O’Halloran “had lost the run of himself”, implying that he had let events run away with him. In fact it was Ames who was completely out of touch with events, always reacting rather than dictating and the company staggered from crisis to crisis.
Hopefully the pressure put on HP by investors, whistle blowers and others will at the very least bring about a more equitable relationship going forward where investors will have the chance to be fully aware of how their money is being used and to have a say in altering the plans to a more realistic model. That does mean though that investors will now have to fully inform themselves, putting their trust in the hands of others would be madness. Fully informed they will then be able to make appropriate decisions.
Frankly the chance of any successful outcome is slim to non existent so, as ever, buyer beware!
@ Harlisuccess
Harlequin does not have “full planning permission” for Merricks. It has approval for a Phase 1 application subject to conditions.
Can you tell us how many units the application covers and to what extent the central facilities, pools etc., will be built in Phase 1?
@Harlisuccess
Am I right to say that the monthly finance payments to purchasers came from HMSSE Ltd?
If so how can DA make the judgement that payments will resume in three months? When the administrators take charge of the company why do you suppose they will want to listen to him?
Even if the administrators had not been called in how on earth could Mr Ames stand up and give such reassurance to purchasers? On what credible basis could he be so certain that they would be in a position to resume payments in three months?
Would this be the same three months that he said it would take to apply the finishing touches to the Buccament Bay Marina that was well underway in January 2010. Would you care to update us of the status of the Marina Harlisuccess?
I found it impossible to believe that anyone who participates in this investment think that the mess will be resolved by Ames who has failed over and over again to deliver on his promises..
Use common sense and local knowledge.
It has been indicated tha the book value in St Vincent is 150 million US$? Stirling Pound? I would guess it is More likely in EC$.
Anyone with common sense and knowledge about construction in St Vincent would tell you that if more than 50 million US$ have been spent on what is there today it is by neglience and incompetence.
50 million US$ is 135 million EC$. The same amount would build roughly 350 decent local homes all of them bigger than the units at Buccament Bay.
Some of the smaller units at Bucament Bay do not cost more than 75 000 US$ to build so who valuated the resort to 150 million would it be US$ or Pounds
So here we are, Harlequin sells for 300 million, spends it like wild fire on all kind of stupid investments instead of finishing up BB. Why dont you ask yourself WHERE IS THE MONEY insetad of engaging yourself in new financing, The Money is not at BB for sure. Use local engineers and valuators to give you a true picture of the cost spent instead of speculating from a distance.
Any investor who believes that the resort can be refinanced in a sensible structure as it is now within the next two three months must have lost your mind.
Financing is a risky business, BB is a risky business, there might be financial instituitons out there looking for a steal,who might offer ridicoulous conditions just to take possesion of what might be left, I doubt that anyone will touch it after a proper due diligence has been completed. The laws and regulations related to financing from international finacial instituitions makes it even more difficult. It sound to me that the financial advisor who helps Ames do not have the facts right how it works in St Vincent. No loans can be registred as security until the lender has been approved to hold certain licenses and such a licenses takes time.
Whoever touch this mess will ask for extermely high interest, I would say a minimum of 7-10 %. 30 million x 7% = 2 100 000/year + closing cosst roughly 450 000.. BB will be faced with an immidiate increase of cost for interest alone of 175 000 pounds a month. Divide that with net room revenue of 175 per night and you need to increase your room nights with 1000 room nights per month just to pay the interest.
I have to say that Mr Ames is a remarkable man who fights to the last minute with new promises despite the fact he failed to deliver on so many occassions. Someone need to advise him properly to work directly with investors and hand over his assets to them so they can realize what is left, they deserve it
Mr Lars
@ Anon 4.04 if you were an investor you would have made it your business to find out some info. Plus we were given a run down by DA at the presentation. And before we get the “well he would say that” his comments were a reflection of what was said under oath.
You can always ask BBaywatch, he is quoting the opening statements from the case so he should know.
Why should I know? – the opening statements were widely reported by reporters (you know those people you dislike so much who lie and twist), I merely read those statements and relayed them. Nothing in the opening statements relates to anything said under oath, so once again you are selectively quoting and misleading the forum readers. “a reflection of what was said under oath” is just meaningless verbiage.
So what DA said at the presentations regarding the court case was not a reflection of what was said under oath? Is that what you are saying. Any comment regarding the impact that the cruise terminal has had on visitors to SVG?
FDNRM
The impact the cruise terminal had on St Vincent is far away from the success we expected when it opened, St Vincent is a great destination which unfortunately has attracted a number of unreliable investors in the past.The problems casued by them reflects all tourism including airliens willing ness to fly and cruise ships to dock.
Airlines flies to destination with a huge demand and cruise goes to destinations which are popular and well developed. Hopefully Ames will settle with his investors so they can take contrl of what belongs to them asap other wise we will have another bad memory of unreliable investors.
All negative publicity so far is only due to harlequins failure to deliver, noone else is to be blamed. For the good of St Vincent who supported this investmenet please give it the righttful owner who spent their savings amd mortgaged their homes so they can enjoy the beauty of St Vincent in the future.
Mr Lars
@BBaywatch, and dont forget bribe.
@100 You are spot on. Ames is not a hotelier and a bad business man who does not control cost and has a Napoleon complex. Problem with BB is, as you mentioned correctly, the set up. It will take a middle sized investment to simplify the operations and streamline the layout.AI is probably the only viable meal plan in St. Vincent for this size property but they need to start finding additional revenues and stop the charity/show off strategy.
Also, the beach is constant cost factor as well as the huge maintenance set up.
An established international brand (non Caribbean preferably) could make it work as St. Vincent would encourage a re birth of this project. Harlequin needs to be excluded from management completely though.
Hardlysuccess…you are either a comedian or a lunatic…maybe both.
You seem to have an obsession with a “push bike ” that you say I own. Maybe you would like to sniff the saddle?
H Hotel is looking great…place humming with building activity, or as DA said in Sept 2012: ” As you will see within this Newsletter, work continues apace and millions
of dollars are being invested in moving our developments forward towards
completion, even during these difficult times”
According to the Nation News, they owe Preconco , Vat Office, National Insurance and others well over $500k US…not much really, but still, they could not even settle up before closing the H studio and doing a disappearing act.Nice folks to deal with and trust Harly!
@FDNRM I would respond to your comments re explaining why your analysis of the inevitable success of the airport due to the apparent success of the cruise terminal is ridiculous, but Mr Lars — who is demonstrably an expert in the local market — has done it for me. Beyond what Mr Lars has said, I would add that cruise ships and planes are very, very different things. It is not the availability of transport that makes a destination, but the draw of the actual destination itself. Given that Barbados, a very, very well known — and thus trusted — destination, and has suffered in respect of tourism of late, why do you think St Vincent will instantly be able to build a market to fit the profile and scale of the resort?
Trying to reason with you is like trying to reason with a child.
Connedagain.
April25th,2013 at 22:35 pm
I was planning to retire next year on my share of the profits, like many other investors. Now I will be scrimping like the rest of the UK population.
Sc****g Ames.
@Iron Lady.
I find your comments rude, distasteful, and most unpleasant. You rude, rude dirty little man.
Hi Cannon Ball,
We took care of the problem. Same old, same old!
@iron (nonce case) lady, I seem to have hit a raw nerve with my comments and you reply with these Sexualy abusive rants.
You are clearly not a lady! you are either a fat ugly pervert who is getting off on all this or a deranged angry harlequin employee troll who has just had the sack. Maybe both?
Either way, you are sick and you need help.
IT IS OVER…all this talk of maybe DA could do this or do that…IT AINT GONNA HAPPEN. this mess will take a lifetime to unravel…there are lots of independant investors who all wanna be first in the queue for what little is left.
There will all sorts of legal wrangles as to land ownership and who has title to this or that and whatever…IT is gonna go on for a lieftime, after all iot has taken ten years to get to this point, unravelling is twice as difficult.
Simple fact you can do what DA has done and then hide some money here and there…the authorities have to find it, then prove it was a scam and on and on…..IN the meantime DA will enjoy a luxury lifestyle (with your money, dont wanna rub salt, but facts are facts)
I am not a “I told you so”, coz I didnt….but people wake up it is over…years will pass…yes there will flurries of developement (legally not building) but ti will drag on for a lifetime…..DA will die a pensioner before he wears prison overalls….and he knows that, he has the answers to what where and why, but he aint gonna say a word…”chase me”
all the in fighting just on this firum shows how difficult it gonna be fopr this to move quickly
It really is over
You dont wanna hear it but the journey has stopped.
@Yatinkiteasy Could I make a suggestion. The true investors are trying to be possitive. we know HP is in a hole and trying to dig its way out, with the support of a large number of investors. Could you please stop posting the same nagative comments day in day out. Yes we know about H hotel and the other issues. Re the push bike, I thought it was quite comical. What happened to your sense of humour? Go and have a beer on the beach.
@183 I take it your are Anon renamed. Go on explain to me. dont hide behind Mr Lars comments, go on try. And again, silly comments about being a child. But what do you expect, I have nothing between my ears. So go on explain in simple terms. I’m sure you can manage that? Or can you?
@FDNRM I did!
So are you now Anonymous or 183?
@FDNRM the board sometimes ascribes the 183 automatically,I don’t. Definitely no attempt to mislead on my part.
OK, look I’m trying to understand something here. explain to me why a new airport, a 5* hotel wont attract new customers into SVG. Dont just say because it wont. Its a relitavely untaped market. So why not?
Fdmh. For your info, BFP and this forum is not for the exclusive use of Investors and Harlequin supporters like yourself and Harlysuccess who continue to try to put a positive spin on things when everyone with a brain that works can see that H is a dead dog .
I also thought the bike comment was funny, especially the part about the saddle.
You nor Hardly can stop me from saying what I feel and think about this mess. Throwing out stupid comments about a push bike and my needing an abacus to count the (non existent ) workers on H sites is childish and is obviously offered when nothing of any value can be said to counteract my negative comments. Sorry, you will not see one positive comment from me about this “developer”.
@FDNRM I’m not sure if you’re being deliberately obtuse, or just not fully understanding what I’m saying.
100 earlier on clearly, and fairly, stated that the airport gives the resort a “better chance”; this is undoubtedly true, but ultimately this is all it is — a chance. The inevitable causality that your staking the house on, is something else. The problem as I see it, is that quite apart from anything else, in this specific territory you are having to create a destination as well as a resort. By necessity, a long haul holiday is a highly discretionary purchase, and not a cheap one (that should be borne in mind, incidentally, when considering the actual potential size of the market for an expensive resort with a large number of people staying on it). With that in mind, the potential punter has to factor a number of things into their decision making process, in what is a highly competitive, highly elastic market place. Price and ease are two factors (though price is presumably something that most investors will want to see maintained at a certain level — an uncomfortable contradiction) but there are many more. One of the largest of these, is the extent to which the destination features in the public consciousness. For holidays, tried and tested is the thing. New markets open up and grow, of course, but this happens over a period of time — and requires enormous investment on a national level to generate awareness. Why do you think that there are so many outdoor adverts scattered around that advertise countries, not specific resorts? The airport is an important part in the medium to long term plans to turn St Vincent into a viable holiday destination, but to assume that this necessarily means that thousands of people a week will instantly become aware of it and want to travel there is nonsensical. You identified yourself that it took 20 years for a destination that you went to to become popular. It seems to me that people who are interested in seeking out untapped destinations are precisely the same type of people who find the idea of all inclusive resorts such as this loathsome. The successful resorts, or establishments, in the region seem to be small, chic, boutique-y type places.
That’s basically my reasoning. There’s much more to say, but I’d have to write a lot more — and frankly, I think that’s enough. I’m not saying that the airport isn’t potentially an excellent thing for the Island, and I’m not saying that in time, the profile of this Island couldn’t concurrently grow — but to assume that this will necessarily happen, and in the short term time frame necessary, is a real stretch. There are plenty of very reasonable, very fair people based in the region on this board who have asked time and again for proof that demand exists for this — or that such analysis was carried out. No answers have been forthcoming. The airport won’t suddenly fix this problem.
Fatchett does not represent me.
Of course the new Argyle International airport will be a huge success.Not only will it bring thousands of holiday makers to Buccamentbay and St. Vincent,it will also serve as the main hub for the region,replacing Barbados.also think about fly cruise holidays operating out of St Vincent.
Wow.
You are up for a task, change the hub from Barbados to St Vincent????? I wish you were right but it will not happen. Hubs are always based in the most busy tourist destinations that is why Barbados and Antigua are the hubs in Eastern caribbean not Grenada or St Lucia.
The airport will benefit all tourismrelated business but unfortunately with the track record of Mr Ames promises to deliver it will be to late for BB to enjoy under this ownership. I wish I could be more optimistic but those are the facts.
@100, I have greatly appreciated your balanced and reasonable posts over the months. You have added valuable insight to these threads.
At times you have mentioned that the structure of Buccament Bay will make it difficult to turn a profit. Can you provide further insight to this please?
Is it the layout of the resort that makes it hard to run? Is it the way the AI element is structured? I’m not sure what changes would be necessary to make this an attractive resort for a prospective hotelier to come along and operate it at a profit.
@Anon/183 Thank you. A reasoned point, better than calling some one thick, or nothing between the ears don’t you agree?
@FDNRM quite possibly, but I never did that — there are a lot of different anonymous posters on here I think. Having said that, I can understand that the wilful, stubborn and determined blindness to reason can push some peoples’ patience — an explanation, if not a justification.
@Anon/BBaywatch. Could I suggest you read the latest SVGTA’s news letter, item 2. I dont know how to put the link up. The CEO of tourism anticipates between 190000 and 250000 tourists by air in the first 2 years of the airport opening., and several airlines will be operating out of the airport when it opens. Now this begs the question, where are they all going to stay?
@ Beggars Belief
The major problem for any future at BB is knowing just what you are dealing with. If the HP PR is to be believed all 1200 units planned for BB were sold and as we know, not all of the land required is owned, and raising the finance to complete to the original plan (with or without marina etc) will be extremely difficult. (and of course you would be turning the whole area into a building site again which isn’t going to encourage guests)
If the current extent of the development is retained (anything from 166 to 300 units depending on what you read) then there is the problem of allocating ownership of all of the investors to the smaller number of units. Of course some investors bought multiple units which reduces the problem but it is still there.
Reading the reviews there are a number of guests who have commented that the public areas (pools etc) and beach are already uncomfortably crowded when the resort is at capacity which suggests that any enlargement would be foolish. The disproportionate size of beach/public areas to accommodation was one of the first faults picked up on years ago BTW.
A crowded beach and pool area might be acceptable for the lower end of the AI market but not if you are pitching it at the very top. The size of the resort was always the single fact that jumped out at anyone who has any knowledge of the region. If you won’t take my word for it research The Canouan Resort, which has changed hands 3-4 times since being built – AND – they have a very good mature golf course, a runway that can land traffic from North and South America (2/3 the length of the proposed Argyle airport) and a much much better beach location with natural white sand which does not require maintenance. Canouan Resort and The Tamarind Beach hotel have less than a third of the number of the rooms proposed at BB and occupies more than double the acreage of BB and yet with all of those advantages it it has still had a number of owners – even Raffles Hotels sold it on. Mr Lars will no doubt be able to add more to that if he chooses to.
The logistics of supply become much more complex when servicing a large resort, local sourcing cannot be relied on which means expensive transport from the US and storage on site. AI resorts which are expected to provide consistent stocking of bar and restaurant menus are further disadvantaged.
The basic problem with BB is that it is not fit for purpose in its location, if it had been built in the DR or Barbados it might have stood a chance. The ultimate irony might well be that if anyone did invest in Hotel Blu they might be the only ones to actually benefit. It was turned around quite quickly and is operating – it will never achieve the returns that HP suggested but it might make modest profits.
“The CEO of tourism anticipates between 190000 and 250000 tourists by air in the first 2 years of the airport opening.”
Up from last years total of >75K stopover passengers – hmmm – ambitious, especially as there has been a massive decline since the peak in 2006.
As we know statistics and predictions can suit almost any argument. If you really want to educate yourself go here – http://www.onecaribbean.org – hours of informative reading.
Hello 183,
The 183 is the last three digits of your IP number and if you don’t fill in a name, that’s what we use for you.
Please choose some name and stick with it. Thank you
Cliverton
Thanks for the clarification BFP, that’s duly noted. I’ll go with the name on this one.
@BBaywatch. Thank you for that link. Now I’m educated I will quote some facts to you from your link. Tourist arrivals by air in 2012. SVG 74,364, Anguilla, 64,698, Dominica, 78,119, Grenada 112,307, All these have something in common, they have no international airport. The next lowest is Guyana 160,907 which has an international airport, Next lowest Surianame 213,404 which has an international airport. Do you see a trend here. International airport means more visitors. You cannot challange those facts. Those figures would suggest that the tourist boards assumption that an uplift of +100,000 is not unreasonable. Agreed?
Grenada has an international airport.
@Anon, correct, I stand corrected. I was going from flight arrivals/departures today. Lazy of me. actually that makes my stats look even better. Thanks
@Fatchett Unfortunately you got a few important facts wrong.
All airports you mentioned are international unless you still believe that the Caribbean is one big English Colony.
Also, the numbers are unrelated to Tourism. Guyana and Suriname have very little tourism infra structure but a vibrant economy abd a bigger traveling population.
An airport is a nice thing but airlines will only fly to a destintion if they have consistent load factors and right now there is only BB and that maybe not for a long time. No airline will fly to an island becuse of one 200 room hotel.
With regards to the Grenadines, Barbados is far more practical to get to and will continue to service Union, Mustique, Canouan etc.
Right now, the airport is destined to become a white elephant.
But FDNRM surely you can appreciate that quoting those figures entirely in isolation is meaningless. You seem stubbornly determined to believe that an airport intrinsically generates people using it. In order to meaningfully make your case, you’d need to be able to accurately identify historically what it is that drives traffic through those airports. South America is entirely different from a Caribbean Island; it is simply not comparing like for like. The reasons that an individual might chose to travel to that region may be entirely different to the reasons that an individual may way want to travel to St Vincent.
Regrettably, it’s a return to the “build it and they will come” philosophy.
@Anon 11.41 “International” as in can take direct international flights, I.E long haul. Regarding Barbados, I’m sure the SVG will make the landing fees attractive to try and pull traffic away from Barbados. Dont foreget the poor reputation Barbados has at present.
Sorry but I don’t think you have much of a business mind FDRNM.
They will have to charge landing fees that generate sufficient income for the airport to remain a viable business.
It seems to be the HP stock answer to driving traffic their way. Slash the prices and run at a loss until the receivers arrive.
You could suggest that the ground crew give passengers cold towels shaped like novely animals while they wait at the baggage carousel. That will drive demand through the roof.
@Beggars belief. Do you ever read anything. I did not say they would not charge landing fees, but to make them attractive to entice carriers, as in undercut the opposition. I think the only person who needs a cold towel is you!
It would be nice if a professional airline consultant would comment. It is
my experience that airlines have been “cutting back” on destinations
for the last half dozen years. I can remember when BGI had two
A-300’s (Jumbo Jets) daily out of Miami. I also remember a daily
Amerian Eagle flight I took from Tobago-San Juan. I also remember
being given a US$500. voucher because AmericanEagle had overbooked
San Juan-Anguilla. Things like that just don’t happen anymore. If BB
remains operational maybe the best would be a weekly European
charter. But then again a professional airline consultant would be best
to comment on Argyle.
FDNRM that’s not what BB said — I’m afraid it is you who has misread. The point is not that they won’t charge them at all, but as per your undercutting suggestion, the level of the charge would not provide the income necessary to sustain the operation.
@UP I guess its a “glass half full” vs a “glass half empty” view. I was given the opportunity to learn something by BBaywatch and the evidence is there. No international airport = low numbers. International airport = higher numbers. The facts speak for themselves. How many people are put of visiting SVG by the Liate experience?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18855961 This is an interesting read. There is millions to be made (pocketed) by Government ministers and Contactors in the construction of a big international airport, even if there are no real good reasons to build one. There is also little thought given to paying for the cost of maintaining and staffing the place. Spain’s whie elephant airport may have cost a billion euros, but no one really knows. Sounds like many a Caribbean project.
FDNRM – excuse me ,, what was the Liate experience ?
@FDNRM you may well be right about the glass half full and respectively empty analogy — though only in the respect that it pertains to perception, not in that it speaks of a realistic reflection of things in this instance.
I think that you need to accept the fact that distilling these things down to simple conclusions negates the complexities involved — and those complexities are relevant. I think what you do absolutely have to understand is that these trends are forged over time; from the point of view of governments, this is fine — from the point of view of a company who urgently needs cashflow less so.
@Beggars Belief “You could suggest that the ground crew give passengers cold towels shaped like novely animals while they wait at the baggage carousel. That will drive demand through the roof.” Love it!
@Last chance, lost luggage, 20 min island hopping flight, long delays at the airports etc etc. Most people who have done it wont do it again. Go onto Trip Advisor and read the reviews.
“I was given the opportunity to learn something by BBaywatch and the evidence is there. No international airport = low numbers. International airport = higher numbers. ” – as I said, statistics etc are wonderfully malleable things – but hey ho, a quick read through makes you an expert able to interpret them to support what you want to believe so that’s all right.
@Beggars Belief “You could suggest that the ground crew give passengers cold towels shaped like novely animals while they wait at the baggage carousel. That will drive demand through the roof.”
that did make me chuckle 😉
*Liat
@BBaywatch, facts are facts. Its not interpretation of information, but the reality. I dont suppose we will not know who is right for another 2 years, but I have the support of the SVG tourist board so I’ll stick with them for now.
I did of course mean “novelty animals”. Glad it raised a smile. You have to keep some sense of humour through all this nightmare.
“lost luggage, 20 min island hopping flight, long delays at the airports etc etc. Most people who have done it wont do it again. Go onto Trip Advisor and read the reviews.”
and the ‘fact’ that many of those reviews are manipulated by HP (who have a vested interest in promoting the new airport and Harlequin Air) isn’t relevant?
LIAT has been a main provider of transport for many years (did you know that the govt. of SVG is a principle shareholder?) – if most people (whoever they are) won’t travel again then they would have been out of business a long time ago. I’ve travelled extensively with them for nearly twenty years and yes, the service isn’t all that it ought to be and unfortunately it has deteriorated, but it doesn’t stop travellers from using them.
As they used to say in the army you need to “get some in” before making these sweeping statements based on selectively quoting sources that support your own blinkered views.
@BBaywatch
Personally I choose LIAT over American Eagle whenever possible. It
brings back the excitement of earlier aviation.
ps – I will always contend that BWIA had the best service in the Caribbean
during its heyday.
@Lastchance – I wonder if Mr Ames lost any luggage whilst in St Vincent? 😉
@Alison, I hear he lost a quite valuable suitcase which was valued at around $1m.
@Sid
The best yet!
@perplexed – know what you mean, but have you ever flown with the Bequia Irregulars? Colourful – and not just Dudley’s paint job!
@Sid – damn – there goes another keyboard – mustn’t drink coffee while reading this.
BBaywatch
You have just given me a reason to make a side trip next time.
(If there is a next time).
I dont know if you have all watched a program on the TV called baggage hunters where they bid on suitcases which the airlines find after losing them and then they sell them in a auction so with this in mind anyone fancy a group bid!
it could be a fractionally ownership, lol
@BBaywatch, your consipicy theories show now bounds. OK at the presentation at Warrington I had a conversation with a couple sitting behind me who had been to BB and they said Liat was awful and it is stopping them going again. And you still trot out the “trip advisor is manipulated” Who were manipulating this couple?
And yes I do know that SVG government is the main shareholder. That is why Harlequin Air cannot get a licence. My taxi driver in November told me that. And the alternative to Liat is? Not exactly spoilt for choice. You, in a quite condesendary manner suggested I should read and educate myself. Now I have done that you dont like the conclusions and nit pick at every statement. 8 hour waits at Barbados airport for a connecting flight? I suppose I have made that up also.
Try this.http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g147380-i1175-k1256477-o10-Anyone_flown_Liat_Airline_recently-St_Vincent_St_Vincent_and_the_Grenadines.html
And this was BEFORE BB was opened.
@FDNRM
I am posting as anon because I have no wish to get into a back and forth with you. It appears you argue support both sides of an arguerment.
Context does not matter as long as you have the last word. Oy vey!
I had that FDNRM in the back of my cab once.
@Anon Once. I only want the last word when I am right!
@BBaywatch, 20 comments of relevance from the ling above. 10 negative. Wow and you suggest that Liat are ok? I have taken the blinkers off thanks to being “educated” by you. I suggest you stop defending the indefencible
FDNRM
You must think that you are always right otherwise you would not bounce back with new comments without any reality check. Have you ever been wrong on this forum????
@FDNRM…what other bits of wisdom did your taxi driver leave with you?
Did he not tell you that Dr Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines would do anything to help his buddy DA get a license for his Airline. After all, he gave him Citizenship in St Vincent.
There is always someone else to blame for any of Harlequin`s failures.This time it is the Govt of St Vincent that is keeping Harlequin Air from flying.
You have quite a sense of humour .I love that about you.
Yatinkiteasy
Sorry to have to bring this subject up again.
Yet more reports from Barbados on armed robbery and sexual assault at gunpoint.
Yet more highly damaging comments from tourists64 on 24th April 6.59.”I am not coming back to Barbados after 31 years of yearly trips”. That says it all!
What on earth is your Police Commissioner “Do Nothing” Dottin doing about this dreadful continuation of gun crime? Is it any wonder tourism numbers are falling so dramatically?
Barbados used to be famous for sun, sea and sunshine fun and relaxation in a safe environment. Now it’s a case of rudeness, robbery and rape in what is fast becoming a lawless society. Unless the authorities act quickly, very quickly to round up these vile criminals, you might as well kiss tourism goodbye, then what? Let’s face it, as things stand,Barbados has had it’s day. Already reduced flights to the island. Next for cancellation- Fly Cruise Holidays and the removal of Bridgetown as a port of call. No cruise line would wish to dock there and allow the passengers in it’s care to set foot into such a dangerous environment. As many have already said, there are plenty of alternatives!
Yatinkiteasy, you cannot stop me from saying what I feel and think about this mess.
@Yatinkiteasy, “Did he not tell you that Dr Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines would do anything to help his buddy DA get a license for his airline” Well you have that wrong because he dosnt have a license to fly does he. So who is stopping it? Any ideas? Would that be the same government that own part of Liat?
FDNRM is a BFP junkie, he needs it 24-7 and he must get the last word in. it really is pointless trying to argue with him.
He wont have a bad word said about Ames/harlequin.
@ FDMRM …The answer lies with the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority who process the licenses for the OECS countries. Many requirements have to be met, not the least of which is air worthiness of the aircraft, pilots` qualifications, repair and maintenance facilities, and Insurance Coverage, among dozens of requirements that obviously Harlequin Air have not met.(Otherwise they would be flying , don`t you think) Don“t be so stupid to believe your taxi driver, he is just offering his opinion and you state it like a fact. Incredible!
Hardly success..I agree with you totally…something has to be done about the surge in crime in general, and crime against tourists in particular, given the importance to the Island`s economy. Over a million long stay and cruise ship visitors come to Barbados each year…we can not allow a few idiots in our society to cause such a negative impact as we have seen recently.I also think we need a more aggressive and competent Commissioner of Police.
Our situation however, has no relation to the topic of this forum, which is the Harifailure that is taking place as we speak.
Just found out today that Ames was given the land in BB on a goverment grant scheme- Not sure this was old news but thought I would post anyway !! If thats true I can understand the questions re ownership deeds and even more so on what has actually been spent … I see RL are proposing to have two HIG members privy to the finance deal that are in place under a non disclosure agreement – Great idea if DA ddoes not buy into this we ALL know then he is a 100% crook
Some of the land at BB was leased to Ames/Harlequin by Bernard Punnett.
If any villas are built on that land, it would make things a little sticky to transfer legal tittle to investors.
I am not sure that slagging off Barbados for it’s crime record is going to achieve much. After all, if it is bad – and it is not compared with most other countries in the Caribbean – it will affect the future prospects for Merricks and the H Hotel.
Or is this all just to provide a platform for another excuse from Mr Ames at some point when he can’t get funding for his semi-bankrupt company.
@Yatinkiteasy, taxi drivers tend to be very informed about local issues. However if you are recommend I ignore a taxi driver them I think I should ignore a cyclist.
@Been had. Quite right, pointless.
@ Mr Lars, I have been wrong in thinking I could have a reasoned debate with Anon R-U without him lowering the tone.
A very old taxi joke…
A man hires a taxi to take him to the High Court in London’s Fetter Lane. The taxi driver drives up to the front of the building and asks his passenger ‘What are you ‘ere for then guv’nor?’
‘My bankruptcy examination,’ says the short-legged passenger, ‘you might as well come too.’
Eddie, British Jokes really sucks!
@FDNRM You asked me question “So who is stopping it, any ideas?”…and I replied, not avoiding your questions as you say I do.The Eastern Caribbean Aviation Authority is stopping it. Ask them why.Besides, your Taxi driver may not know it, but It is not a local issue, as the Aviation authority is based in Antigua.
Come on , you are stealing Hardlysuccess`s joke about my imaginary bike …do you wish to smell the saddle too?
Actually I have used LIAT quite a lot over the last decade and I find them OK on the whole, I have not experienced delays that often and my luggage has never gone missing. However, if I were travelling to the Caribbean for a holiday I would definitely be put off by the idea of an 8 hour international flight followed by a 4 hour wait in Barbados or St Lucia followed by a 2 hour onward flight and bus ride to my hotel, and then having to do the whole thing all over again on my return home. It is obvious that tourists will always prefer to fly straight to their chosen holiday island therefore the existence of the St. Vincent international airport is bound to have a positive impact on tourist numbers to St Vincent as well as the other Grenadine Islands. It seems to me that it is the extent of that benefit that is being debated here bearing in mind that St. Vincent is a relatively little known Caribbean destination compared to say Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia or Grenada.
Here is an America joke fuh ya, “Some people don’t really know when they been had.”
Heres a thought – Wonder if Ames would ever consider taking a lie detector .. it would solve a lot of unanswered questions
@Eddie
Man gets a grip of reality. Your cheap talk is senseless and does more to harm your self-image than you realize.
Why don’t you leave fdnrm alone, he my have invested a bloody fortune – you lot and that dangerous woman could stuff the whole thing do butt out
“that dangerous woman”?
Stuff what whole thing?
That one and her husband that made a total fool of herself at a meeting
@ari
arranging the deck chair as the Titanic is sinking
I think you’re speaking a little out of turn there RI.
@Fatchett Your airport analysis is way off. You earlier stated that SVG would reduce the landing fees but no airline is interested in PAYING reduced landing fees when the planes are empty. Barbados is subsidizing air lift and I doubt that SVG has the money to do that. Also, regarding your comment on crime in Barbados, once again a very uneducated shot in the dark. Crime in Barbados compared to the other Caribbean Islands (have you actually been to St. Lucia, St. Vincent, etc??) is very limited. The fact is that Barbados is one of the safest place in the Caribbean because when crime happens, the police actually solves it and catches the bad guy. Remember the English Tourists that were robbed and shot? Two days later the culprits were in jail. Are they perfect? No, but I prefer to walk the streets of Barbados at night to walking the streets of Manchester, London, or Birmingham.
@Real Investor You are out of line, get some education and manners. And when it comes to Fatchett, well he sounds more and more like a good old Harlequin Boy, so do not worry too much about him!
@ John Smith, rather uneducated rant.
1)I have been to SVG and StLucia
2)I made no comment about crime in Barbados, that was someone else
DOOH
Latest newsletter
Dear investors and agents,
Thank you to all who attended the Open Day meetings in Warrington and Basildon. We tried our best to accommodate as many people as possible; however, within the next few working days, we will be providing a document that covers everything that was discussed in the meetings, so nobody will miss out.
Dave Ames is very grateful for those who continue to show their full support, but equally those who took the opportunity to constructively air their concerns and, we sincerely hope, have them answered.
We acknowledge that communication is key and are urgently putting changes in place that will facilitate more regular updates and a platform for frequently asked questions to be addressed.
A number of purchasers have recently mentioned their wish to combine their investments into one unit in a joint agreement and Harlequin is currently consulting with its regulatory solicitors to ensure that this complies with the relevant legislation. Please do not enquire about this facility at the present time; we will be in touch as soon as we have news.
As was discussed at the meetings, Harlequin Property entered administration proceedings this week. To be very clear, this news does not affect any of the Caribbean resorts where clients have purchased. Put bluntly: your investments are unaffected. Harlequin Property is a separate and very distinct company that acts as the primary UK property sales agent of Harlequin’s hotels. Harlequin will continue to develop its hotels and build investors’ properties.
There are two key goals in entering Harlequin Property into administration: securing and restructuring the company; protecting our creditors’ interests.
Due to unfounded negative publicity in the public domain that has been instigated since 2011, the day-to-day UK sales business of Harlequin Property has become increasingly challenging, to the point that it is now almost impossible. Harlequin has always sought to manage its affairs professionally throughout this difficult time.
The last few months have given Harlequin the chance to restructure its business to attract new outside investment and develop properties in accordance with the sales made via Harlequin Property. The first stage of this restructure is for the directors to place Harlequin Property into administration via a notice of intention to appoint administrators. Harlequin Property has supported the Caribbean resort development companies over the years but is not, in its current form, an essential component to the future business of Harlequin in its role of delivering investments as a developer and hotel operator.
Kind regards,
Harlequin
I believe FDNRM has done a really good job on this forum,his posts have prompted informed response from such as 100 and Mr Lars ,he has also touched on subjects that may have been disregarded such as airline licence etc.If all this has helped HP I dont know ,nor do I know if it has helped those after HP for return of funds or what ever other agenda they pursue.Lets be honest without him not many would read this,and has more than any other on here helped me take a view on HP I may not have held without his posts
(“Due to unfounded negative publicity in the public domain that has been instigated since 2011”.).
Those are the words of a very sick man.
“All the proof of a pudding is in the eating”
All contributors to this forum have one thing in common they are looking for the truth. Some are strong believers that everything is going to be fine and some belive game is over.
I am not an investor but an observer who belives it can be resolved once the truth is on the table, and investors can proceed with a mindset to get together and work for a future solution which would save all or part of your investment without legal disputes.
It is easy to find the truth about BB, it is a bulit resort and fully operational. There is a book value as of Harlequins accounts and there is a real value which can be assessed by proffessional engineers with local knowledge.
Use common sense, appoint 1 or 2 indepent engineers with extensive experience from construction in St Vincent and nearby islands and you will find the truth of where the money has gone from you who invested in this particular resort. That is the first step if you are to involve yourself further in any discussions about restructuring of Harlequin property.
I echo what Mr Lars says.
The investors need to get a realtor to value the Barbados developments.
Merricks is basically 70 acres of land with 2 show houses and planning for an undefined Phase 1 development. Any competent realtor in Barbados can tell you what that is worth. The site next door is going for US$6/square foot. Unless the planning approval adds value to the site, which I doubt because hoteliers are not exactly queuing to build here at the moment (and especially not in that kind of location) that would make Merricks worth £12 million.
The H Hotel is probably worth just the land value. The building is still in ruins, so probably does not add anything to the residual site value. I don’t know what the site area is but it doesn’t look much bigger than the Caribbee hotel ruin down the road which is up for sale for US$11 million and is unsold after years on the market.
Google realtors in Barbados and you will find firms like Terra, Altman, Bajan Services etc. Any of them will be able to accurately tell you the value of Harlequin’s assets in Barbados.
The missing element, of course, is what Harlequin has in the bank. My guess is next to nothing, otherwise they would not have stopped work on both sites.
And do not be distracted by vague imaginings about the development opportunity. At a minimum, Merricks will cost US$450 million to build out – US$ 550 million with finance and developer’s profit. Harlequin has no way of raising that sort on money. Not from investors, completions or a mortgage on Buccament Bay.
Anyone who thinks that completing on a unit at Buccament will better protect their position is mad. The money will go to a Caribbean company whose name you probably don’t know, whose plan for the future you are not party to, and whose finances are totally controlled by Mr Ames – the man who buys planes and odd hotels on a whim. Worse still, investors have signed up on the basis that funds can be used on other developments, so a purchase at Buccament Bay which you make on the basis that money is then available for completion of the resort can be spent by Harlequin on a new site in Jamaica (for example).
I am afraid Harlequin is dead. Investors should go legal now and get whatever they can out of the mess.
@ Fatchett
@Anon 11.41 “International” as in can take direct international flights, I.E long haul. Regarding Barbados, I’m sure the SVG will make the landing fees attractive to try and pull traffic away from Barbados. Dont foreget the poor reputation Barbados has at present.
With poor reputation you probably meant the terrible rum, the too bright sun and the awful blue ocean! Never crime, no, unlike in all your previous remarks. You can pretend to fool everybody else on here but let’s face it, you are yet another Harlequin stooge…
He without doubt consistant, fair play ti him
BBC Moneybox R4 is covering Harlequin today. From what we were told this morning, Moneybox will look at Harlequin as an example to question what people should be putting into their SIPPs.
It is at 12 pm on 27 April (today) and 9 pm on 28 April.
Quote from latest newsletter:
“We acknowledge that communication is key and are urgently putting changes in place that will facilitate more regular updates and a platform for frequently asked questions to be addressed”
There was talk amongst the attendees of the recent presentations that HP would appoint some kind of communications director.
It sounds like this could be a good idea but something deep inside tells me that this person will just be appointed to help them tell better lies. Call me cynical but I can’t help it.
The last thing they can afford is a communications “director”
They have one already he is called Mr Gareth Fatchett
No he’s the first aider/ambulance driver
@erica You keep saying “from what we were told” and you believe it…from what you were told all the investors would own a fully built unit and enjoy an income and and and
It is not gonna happen, you seem so wrapped up in the cause, you dont know the sun has long since set
It is all very very wrong and sad…but DA has had you all over simples!!! fact.
The best you all gonna get is a lesson in life (and I am sure an extremely hard one)
St George and the Dragon
I am not “slagging off” Barbados, simply telling the truth on how it is. Burying your head in the sand will not reverse the rapid decline of tourist arrivals. Someone else has posted that the best way is to “Tell it, Don’t hide it”, not as your authorities do “Hide it, Don’t tell it”
John Smith
Fatchett Does Not Represent Me did not write the post on crime in Barbados. You say you would feel safer walking the streets of Bridgetown at night than on the streets of London, Birmingham or Manchester. The recent shooting of two elderly tourists in Bridgetown took place in a main street in broad daylight. Canadian tourists were attacked, robbed and sexually assauted at gunpoint in the Sea U guest house. A US couple in the same guest house were also robbed and their car stolen. Your streets and beaches are infested with druggies pestering tourists. Your police force arrested the wrong man for the rape of two British women, one a grandmother. These women, not the first to suffer such attacks, were brave enough to come forward to tell the police in Barbados that they had arrested the wrong man.
As for your comment about empty planes flying into St. Vincent, what rubbish!
No one wants to invest in Barbados. You are lucky that Harlequin have not walked away. Barbados needs Harlequin. The recent planning approval of Merricks was probably facilitated to keep Harlequin “on side”. All the empty abandoned hotels and abandoned projects such as the Four Seasons mess were in that state long before Harlequin arrived on the scene.
@ Harlisuccess
Just reflecting on your chosen name I thought I would look up the term “success”. It has the flowing definition:
Noun
The accomplishment of an aim or purpose.
The attainment of popularity or profit.
Could you run past us the ways in which Harlequin could be described as a success?
To remind you of the aim and purpose of HP we only have to read the original newsletters (now removed from the website but I’m sure you have them still. Reading these I can Hadley find any aims that have been fulfilled.
And as for popularity and profit…
Harlisuccess, with you as their spokesman, the doubters of Harlequin don’t have to do much to mount a counter-argument — so efficiently have you done it for them.
Acknowledging the inherent dangers of “burying your head in the sand” is particularly choice, in speaking on behalf of a company that is currently under investigation by the SFO, have lost their second set of auditors, is fending off a volley of statutory demands and went into administration all in the very recent past — likewise an acknowledgement of the fact that well established hotel brands had begun to find the Barbados market challenging in advance of Harlequin’s arrival — for some reason, you seem to think this is a good thing; most sane people would adjudge it to be fairly dubious business planning.
Why you would think that Barbados is lucky that Harlequin haven’t walked away is anyone’s guess. I’m sure that most Bajans will find your statement “Barbados needs Harlequin” suitably ignorant and offensive — and not to mention, telling in its arrogance. I’m not sure what sort of mileage you’re looking to get out of the relativistic points you’re making regarding crime rates in Barbados but it comes across as vaguely neo-colonialist and fairly cretinous (not to mention, utterly irrelevant).
And your rationale behind your conclusions about the empty planes being “rubbish” is conspicuous by its absence — all big statements, with absolutely no evidence to back it up (which sounds fairly familiar).
If Harlisuccess represents Harlequin’s thoughts (which it looks as though he does from all the other bumped up success stories he posts) I sense Harlequin is looking for an excuse to back out of Barbados.
The PR release will read something like:
“Due to the worsening crime rates in Barbados and the lack of Government support, Harlequin has been unable to raise funding to proceed with its two developments in the country. It is with regret that in order to protect investors interests, Harlequin will be focusing it’s efforts on the expansion of the award winning Buccament Bay Hotel in St Vincent where it is easier to bribe politicians to get things done and more likely that investors can be fleeced out of even more money.”
Not sure the end part will make it into the final release.
Sounds like a plan St G D, but if they do that they will have to give back thousands of 30% deposits which isn’t gonna happen.
I bet those ”awards” are endorsed by harlequin.
Fatchett does not represent me.
but if you were ill, would you not prefer a doctor or a person pretending to be a doctor ´not like Crozzier
to Erica Broughton.
Simple question, when was the last time you were in contact with a certain irish builder? and why whould you do that?
I know what is really going on!
Fatchett is doing a good job, better than the other tossers
Someone has been very quick off the mark with the first book on the Harlequin scam. You can buy it here:
http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html;jsessionid=C081352F8150DD3AD1A2D551089A537B?iid=28427&cid=
… or did I misread something?
It gets even better, there is a sequel:
http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=27981&cid=244
And one on how the investors were conned:
http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=26826
This is priceless; now one on the Ames approach to business ethics:
http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=27989&cid=192
The Ames approach to communication with his investors:
http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=27990&cid=192
And the final part of the Harlequin story:
http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=27991&cid=192
…and one from the middle of Mr Ames career:
http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=27964&cid=2869
@Anon 3.59. I would not want Crozier any way near me, especially if I needed the kiss of life!
We are still waiting for her to post her qualifications on the investors board but she never does – its been over a week we have been waiting!
If the above was directed at me then I’m afraid you have lost me.
No it wasn’t directed at you in particular – on the HP I asked for Nikki Croziers qualifications to verify if she should be giving advice – I am still waiting
Think you will be waiting a long time. SHe is not not a registered solicitor, nor is CPC Worldwide. I believe all she is interested in is getting punters at £2000 + Vat to get a class action going. 50 investors @ £2000 = £100,000 Nice work for what exactly?
6000 deposits = £250m for what exactly?
Nice little earner.
5* resort in SVG
More precisely one third of a resort in SVG. What a bargain for everyone. That works out at £1m a unit.
It’s worse than that. It looks as though there are only 184 completed units at Buccament Bay so that’s £1.35 million each. Unless you allocate some value to the planes, of course. Now let me do the maths – 2 Piper Navajo Chieftains – last built in the 1980’s and available on the second-hand market from between £115,000 and £250,000 each – so still £1.35 million a unit!
I think the businessmodel is built as follows
HARLEQUIN RESORTS INVITES YOU TO YOUR LAST AND MOST EXCITING INVESTMENT EVER
We will negoiate with landowners to buy the land on credit and maybee close on the deal if sale of units is succesful.
We will spend an intial sum on marketing. before we even own anything to sell
We will sell Units all over Caribbean and maybee even Brazil and pay the agents a massive unrealistic commission to keep them happy and eager to sell more.
We will spend even more millions on marketing for nothing that is built and we will “LAUNCH” huge events with celebrities.
We will spend millions more on paying dividends to Directors and their families as their well earned Dividends so they can live a lavish lifestyle well deserved.
We will guarantee to spend millions more on fighting every legal case brought against us for wrongdoing
We will spend money to buy inexepensive and useless aircrafts to be used to market our own an airline so we can sell more units but will not use them for flights.
And if there is any money left over after all the above expenses we will, build someting really cheap as a potential 4* hotel and call it 5* and make sure to change the EC$ cost to US$ value in the books.We will sell 1200 units at the location but only build 180
As we have no credit worthiness you have to take out mortgages on your own private propertis in UK and pays us, we will guarantee to pay your interest and promise an extra bonus as rental income when the units are built sometine in the distant future
We will Blame any mistake, delay or failure on anything that suits, everyone knows that in Caribbean things take time
And finally if we run into financial difficulties we will try to borrow from banks and use what we have built as security so we can build more units to sell to you
HARLEQUIN RESORTS GUARANTEES NO RETURN IN THE FUTURE, BUT WE PROMISE AN ADVENTOUROUS INVESTMENT
@ Mr Lars
You forgot to mention the £x million pounds spent building a replica pirate ship in Indonesia (or some such place), the cost of transporting it half way round the world, fitting it out, not providing a mooring for it (which was supposed to be ready in July 2010), letting it burn and now floating in some location in SVG.
Another great investment decision brought to you by the friends of Harlisuccess. Success after success after success. Everyone is pleased to have paid for all that.
Does anyone have any photos of the boat.
Nice Mr Lars, ill add one more thing but I’m sure there are plenty more.
We will stop paying all your interest payments and lie thats its a computer error when really we have spent all your money.
So you will be very stressed out at the thought of having to find the extra £100’s of pounds per month or lose your home.
fdnrm ( the last word kid) how do you talk your way out of those ”facts”?
@A Real investor ( i doubt very much) are you the Iron lady in disguise hence the sexual comments?
I am a real investor, unlike you. if you have followed the forums you would now that.
*know that
good work BFB for getting shot of the comments.
We do what we can Been Had.
Thanks to our readers for pointing out comments we might miss.
Erica its a fair point you do not seem to want to answer- are you in contact with O Hallaran the builder accused of stealing our money?
Why would you do that? Ames may have cocked up in many ways – but no court case for theft?
@Beggars Belief -subject – photos of The Pearl
http://www.lucianriders.com/forum/viewtopic.php?style=4&f=95&t=1313
Investors wondering where the money went might care to follow this up
http://www.emigrate2.co.uk/article/homes_and_relocation_detail-38/
Did it ever happen or was it Brazil like? Did any investors money get diverted there?
But Perth has got an international airport!
Reply to Harlisuccess ” You are lucky that Harlequin have not walked away. Barbados needs Harlequin”.
I am sorry that it has taken until now to respond..but I have been having internet connectivity issues.
I am a Barbados tax-payer and not a politican. I would remind you that all countries, not just Barbados, require investment.
But it is not just the money that matters, the investors must have INTEGRITY in the way they do business, and make their money.
So let’s examine the way in which the Ames family do business.
1). Where is the integrity in taking 4.62 million pounds out of a business between 2007 & 2011, and then putting it into administration
because it is unable to pay the debts? This action has prevented normal creditors to whom HMSSE owes money from receiving pay met for services that they provided with integrity. It would have had the money to pay the debts with this money.
2). Where is the integrity using 5 million pounds of a company’s money to buy the family houses overseas, and then when caught by the auditors coming up with the story that the ” the intention has always been that (they are held) on behalf of HMSSE”? Word of advice to creditors, better get these transferred quickly or the Ames family will retire in them.
3). Where is the integrity in having people do work and not paying them? A friend of mine has a company that did work in Buccament and has been left with them unpaid to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars?
4). The availability for Purchase of company accounts of a limited liability company is intended to provide some protection for normal, non-secured creditors. Where is the integrity in claiming in the company accounts that Carole Ames controls the company, when it is David who pulls all the strings? Anything to do with DA’s bankrupt status and regulations as to who is fit to be a director of a compnay?
5). Where is the integrity of closing a Design studio, laying off staff and skipping the country leaving a trail of unpaid bills and liabilities of various sorts to government.
So please understand that Barbados can well do without investment that comes with Harlequin’s investing integrity.
@BBaywatch.
Thanks for posting the photos of The Pearl. I notice these were taken two years ago. Do you know what kind of state it is in now and would it have any salvage value?
It has been mentioned on the other forum that insurance of $1m has been agreed/offered/paid. I don’t know which
@Beggars Belief – I’m afraid not, even well founded wooden vessels require constant maintenance, especially in the tropics, so I can only imagine that it has deteriorated if it has just been left. Salvage value would depend on integrity of the hull and if damage has been done to the frames. If that is basically sound then it could be used like a Jolly Roger style booze cruise boat. As it is based on a pinissi it should be seaworthy but…
@FDNRM
Well I presume that if it has been paid then the repair work has been done. I don’t think that it would have made sense to repair it yet because I’m not sure there is a suitable mooring to be had at Buccament Bay despite being told that the marina was “coming along” in January 2010.
I notice that you and Harlisuccess (it is perhaps unfair to put you in the same category as his grip on reality could at best be described as “slight”) have not offered a positive spin on the summary provided by Mr Lars, myself and been had earlier today. Can there really be an adequate defence for all this? Surely calling negative publicity “unfounded” is stretching the definition of the word!
I have a positive suggestion for Mr Ames. He said the other day that Harlequin employs two staff who deal with “social media”. I am sure they would never, of course, post on this forum without declaring that they were employees. That would be misrepresentation, wouldn’t it?
I suspect, however, that they are the authors of the Buccament Bay posts on Trip Advisor as they all read so irritatingly the same (paradise, blown away, cold towels, didn’t want to leave etc, etc).
They clearly aren’t doing a very good job on Trip Advisor as no-one believes the reviews, Save the investor’s money and sack them.
@St George’s Dragon
“I suspect, however, that they are the authors of the Buccament Bay posts on Trip Advisor” – I suspect you are right, this reviewer certainly seems to hold local people in the same regard as the management of HP.
“Firstly we were met at the airport by a well dressed and informative native”
I know a few Vincentian’s who would like to have a free and frank discussion of manners with that reviewer!
The bit about the bone through the nose did not make it through to the final post.
I think Erica should answer the question, about the contact with the Irish builder, why would someone who is so pro investors & who set up a blog want to be involved with anyone who defrauds investors ?
http://www.ifaonline.co.uk/ifaonline/news/2264464/harlequin-investors-push-for-review-of-all-sipp-advice
looks like the IFA’s are going to get well and truly stuffed, about time, they weren’t worried when they were taking a 15% commission – so whats wrong with Fatchett making money if he gets people their money back?
Works for me, feed them to the dogs!!!!! 😉
There was very negative review. .posted a day or two ago. Guess what? It has been taken down. TA is obviously influenced in some way by Harlequin.
The fact that TA also owns a Travel Agency (Tingo) that offers great rates at BB makes all those overly long, detailed, and super positive reviews all the more suspicious.
I agree with St George, If you read through most of the reviews you hear the same phrases repeated often. It is so obvious. Also, who goes on vacation to a seaside resort and recalls up to 8 names of staff!
It may very well be a wonderful resort , but the fake or paid for TA reports are really ridiculous and like many things, are to good to be true.
Shame on TA!
.
This is a great idea, those that want out, do so with a claim against the IFA’s and move on.
Those that invested cash, work with Harlequin and the finance company to turn this round – someone else come up with a viable alternative and I am all ears.
If you are happy do nothing.
I feel sure some of the fanatical aniti Harlequin people will poo poo this – come up with something workable and stop bloody whining or shut up.
Put all this negative effort into looking for a solution.
Too good to be true
@Yatinkiteasy
but do you think it may work ? what other options are there? its a long shot but worth it ? or just carry on moaning???
@Frothy Man, whats wrong with it is that Fatchett does not represent ALL investors, just a minority. Yes he might get some investors money back, but at a “stuff the rest” attitude. The way forward is for all investors to pull together to get a solution which suits everyone, not a minority. Also IFA online is just a mouth piece fo Fatchett. Funny how all the articles have reference back to him.
Agreed. But, putting that aside, assuming the finance is real and not BS – why not savage the IFA’s it will get people their money back who should never be in this – they wont be able to cover the closings costs in most cases?
You of all people, I thought would welcome a solution to protect your investment.
This could work if managed correctly, the only ones in a bad place are the cash investors – but that was always the case.
Or some combination of this? its at least something to work with?
Sue the ass off them
@Frothy Man
You are right to point out that IFAs may be a target for the SIPP investors. From listening to Money Box on radio 4 yesterday it is clear that even if an investment product is unregulated (like these) the advice is subject to regulation when the investment gets placed in a SIPP wrapper.
I think many of the IFAs who sold these products were not regulated by the FSA (as was) and were more like sales agents. If they had clients who invested through a SIPP then they must have referred the clients on to a pension adviser who was regulated. I suspect it is these advisers who will be in the front line for any compensation claim.
The trouble is that most advisers will have PI insurance with some capped liability and, if they sold lots of these to clients, then the chances are that this limit will be breached and investors will only get a fraction back.
It does nothing for those people who invested with cash or who mortgaged their homes to pay for their unit. If these people invested off the back of an unregulated IFA/sales agent then I don’t think they will have much joy in that direction unless they take out some legal claim against them.
The reason it won’t work is that the IFA’s have no money so the only way of getting anything from them is through their PI Insurance. Unfortunately, that has an aggregate limit of probably no more than £1 million per firm. How many firms are you going to get £1 million off? 5? 10? 20? Then knock off the legal fees. Then think about how many investors are going to trouser the money rather than give it to Ames again to spend on bonuses, houses abroad and second-hand aircraft and you are not going to have very much.
@Frothy man, I would welcome a solution but not for a few to the cost of the many. Fatchett is asking for an NDA with HP to look at books, talk to potential ntial investor money etc etc. so who is Fatchett going to share that information with? Only his HIG which has a minority of investors and is not for the majority. Also I believe the SFO will go after the IFAs as opposed to HP.
@Cannon ball. I could not agree more with your comments. Well said.
@FDNRM You think that the SFO will go after IFAs? That’s a fairly bold statement — where have you got that from?
I would suspect that any concerted assault on IFAs (and I’m not convinced that there are that many actual fully qualified IFAs involved) will result in them trying to make a counter-case. Basically, the investment was in Harlequin so all roads will lead back there eventually. There has quite clearly been some fairly scandalous bad advise, but I would imagine that the IFAs won’t take this lying down if they felt that they were misled in turn. I’ve certainly seen a video on youtube where Dave Ames describes the model as being very low risk — where advisers have been given this from Harlequin and taken it at face value, this could get complicated. Presumably that’s the sort of thing that the SFO are interested in — likewise how a company that only has one resort that is barely breaking even, has managed to service loan repayments (and even FDNRM’s income return) from a neutral income position. The admittance that it wasn’t a clerical error that stopped the interest payments doesn’t look good either — that is now a documentary lie. Acknowledging that these payments have stopped because of a lack on investment recently (as those who attended the meetings have suggested they were told) looks like the sort of model the SFO would want to have a look at.
Moneybox seemed pretty scathing to me.
@UP based on my conversations with the SFO. I could be wrong but it was a reflection of the thrust of the interview.
@FDNRM it seems exceptionally unlikely to me.
@FDNRM furthermore, the SFO are notoriously — and necessarily — circumspect in the way that they disseminate this sort of information. I can’t see how you’d seek to make a case against the IFA without simultaneously having to make a case against the product they were selling. The issue of the commissions shouldn’t obfuscate the fact that they too were presumably told that things would happen, and within a certain time frame — it seems a bit ludicrous to make them the fall guys for the fact that somebody else didn’t do what they explicitly said they would. The only reason any IFAs are in trouble here is because a tiny percentage of what was supposed to be built has been built; it’s important to remember that. Seems a bit rich for anyone involved in Harlequin to now turn on their own income stream — without the income that these third parties bought, where would they be?
I should be clear that I’m not making a case for those advisers who knew the potential risk and then peddled this to anyone who could buy it, that behaviour’s contemptible. The fact that some individuals have invested tens of thousands of pounds, but now can’t find the couple of grand needed to hire a lawyer speaks fairly profoundly for the inappropriateness of some of what’s gone on here.
@UP I don’t follow your point about the only reason IFAs are in trouble is because a tiny % has been built. Also I don’t think anyone from HP has turned on their own income stream. Unless I’ve missed something.
@FDNRM that’s okay, I’ll try again. I’m confident that many IFAs — or advisers in general — advised on the product in the belief that Harlequin would fulfil their obligations within the stated time frames. It’s the fact that they (HP) didn’t that now makes the advisers answerable for their advise. I think that the risk of the product wasn’t clearly or accurately assessed, but it’s not unreasonable to presuppose that the terms of a contract will be fulfilled (particularly when the rhetoric surrounding this was so unambiguous).
I wasn’t actually suggesting it was anyone from HP specifically suggesting that advisers and SIPP providers should be the ones being blamed, but it seem strange that they have now become the focus of opprobrium.
Wont all of this depend to a degree with whom the contract is with?
Can I suggest that anyone thinking of giving money to CPC Worldwide, google Elizabeth Crozzier first. The Leader has some interesting articles and comments regarding this lady. The name Audrey Dixon seems to pop up a lot. I add these are not my comments only advising people to make their own inquiries before handing over £ 2000 + vat.
@FDNRM does it not strike you as ironic that you would suggest this course of action, given the protestations you make in Harlequin’s favour. Every tried googling them? Ever tried reading what comes up?
Any financial adviser that recommended Harlequin as a suitable investment will be subject to professional negligence claims, which in all but a few cases (those exceptional, perhaps non-existant, instances where the extremely high risk nature of the product was explained and matched the investor profile and attitude to risk and was part of a diversified portfolio of investments) will no doubt succeed if pursued. The issue is that the advisers who have involved themselves with Harlequin have tended to be those operating at the lower end of the market, with limited assets and, as has been pointed out, limited PI cover. Most decent advisers wouldn’t have touched the investment with a barge pole.
Strange however, that someone is suggesting that the SFO’s main focus of interest is the small time financial advisers who recommended the product. Greedy, feckless and professionally negligent they may be, as the title suggests, the SFO’s purpose is to investigate serious and complex fraud; the idea that it would be “going after” the IFA’s rather than HP is weak propaganda. It’s also patently untrue as the SFO have made clear that, along with Essex police, they are looking into complaints in relation to HP.
@UP I don’t make protestations in HP favour. I only talk about facts as I know them. I warned this forum regarding ambulance chasers months ago and stand by that. I don’t think it’s wrong to warn others about throwing money away and I don’t appologise for it.
Bloody Hell a scammer turned hunter ! Let’s see if Nikki who ever she is will answer or defend this statment?
@ Kroll, yes ” looking into” does not mean a full prosecution.
It is certainly worth checking out, if its not true surly she could have it removed being such a multi national law firm ?
Caution I think well done fdnrm
@FDNRM you are quite discretionary in the “facts” that you chose to concentrate on — and those that you conspicuously ignore.
@UP I think I am allowed to comment on what I want or want to have an opinion on. I don’t have all the answers, I don’t even know what all the questions are.
As its only the sales arm in addmin,and its purely a sales company I take it those tasked with taking the company forward will be looking to start sales again.how does that work as no building is taking place at this time ,If building starts again how will sales be conducted and will whoever is running the show be responsible to any future investors .will they have to do DD on HP construction arm ,will that involve seeing accounts? will HP SVG have to produce said accounts ?how does it all work? I dont know I ask
I’m just reposting Mr Lars comments above (and a few that were added) because they really ring true.
Would you like to sugar coat them Fdnrm because you didn’t before?
I think the business model is built as follows
HARLEQUIN RESORTS INVITES YOU TO YOUR LAST AND MOST EXCITING INVESTMENT EVER
We will negotiate with landowners to buy the land on credit and maybe close on the deal if sale of units is successful.
We will spend an initial sum on marketing. before we even own anything to sell
We will sell Units all over Caribbean and maybe even Brazil and pay the agents a massive unrealistic commission to keep them happy and eager to sell more.
We will spend even more millions on marketing for nothing that is built and we will “LAUNCH” huge events with celebrities.
We will spend millions more on paying dividends to Directors and their families as their well earned Dividends so they can live a lavish lifestyle well deserved.
We will guarantee to spend millions more on fighting every legal case brought against us for wrongdoing
We will spend money to buy inexpensive and useless aircrafts to be used to market our own an airline so we can sell more units but will not use them for flights.
And if there is any money left over after all the above expenses we will, build something really cheap as a potential 4* hotel and call it 5* and make sure to change the EC$ cost to US$ value in the books.We will sell 1200 units at the location but only build 180
As we have no credit worthiness you have to take out mortgages on your own private properties in UK and pays us, we will guarantee to pay your interest and promise an extra bonus as rental income when the units are built sometime in the distant future
We will Blame any mistake, delay or failure on anything that suits, everyone knows that in Caribbean things take time
And finally if we run into financial difficulties we will try to borrow from banks and use what we have built as security so we can build more units to sell to you
HARLEQUIN RESORTS GUARANTEES NO RETURN IN THE FUTURE, BUT WE PROMISE AN ADVENTUROUS INVESTMENT
Beggars Belief
April 28, 2013 at 7:22 am
@ Mr Lars
You forgot to mention the £x million pounds spent building a replica pirate ship in Indonesia (or some such place), the cost of transporting it half way round the world, fitting it out, not providing a mooring for it (which was supposed to be ready in July 2010), letting it burn and now floating in some location in SVG.
Another great investment decision brought to you by the friends of Harlisuccess. Success after success after success. Everyone is pleased to have paid for all that.
We will stop paying all your interest payments and lie thats its a computer error when really we have spent all your money.
So you will be very stressed out at the thought of having to find the extra £100′s or £1000’s per month or lose your home.
Also to add too my post above,As its only the sales arm in addmin nothing to stop building restarting if funds become available ,who will receive and control these funds ,if the funds go to the sales arm will that take the sales out of addmin?or do they go to HP SVG to build with? will that company have to send funds back to the sales company to pay investors ?or as it would still be in addmin who does get paid? I would imagine funds to be raised on assets held by HP SVG so what happens to sales arm ?and the money they owe?
You guys are all running around in circles
Lets get a few things laid out
1: A lot of the money went to sales people and IFA….thats gone
2: HP did not have the capability to complete the projects, assuming thta the project was genuine (and a lot of things point to it being a scam)
3: HP is now a fatally damaged brand and along with it is BB and Merricks etc etc…remember bad news sells newpapers not good news…so nobody will invest…add in the current world economic mess…there are lots of better investments with much lower rosk etc etc
4: Following on from above, nobody will want to be any where near involved with HP or their projects….just too much of a bad smell attached…..if (and its a big if) there was an investor, the risk etc is so high that their terms would soak up any profit, again assuming there will be profit
5: There are so many investors, some want DA head on a stake, others amazing beleive that he can turn it around (his escape maybe, but HP no), You will never all sing with one voice so divided you will fall and Da knows this
The projects are all dead, those not started will rot till they fall down and BB will die a slow death
Have a wake be happy, but HP is never gonna deliver you have all lost…it would be good if someone could wave a magic wand and solve it, but it is over
I have seen a few scam peeps in my profession, and they know how far you can go before the bubble bursts…….a few get greedy and go along too far, but make no mistake DA knows he can string things along for a long time yet (irrespecitive of whether HP was a business badly run or a ponzi scheme) the accounts will be not available. The trail of where and how the money went and whether it was just bad luck and yeah you get the picture.
The fact is all this will go nowhere and it is game over, the dream has ended.
Thats all Folks
@ It really is game over. If the above is true, then why doesn’t DA just shut up shop now and liquidate everything. It would be years before it came to court. He would have is £ms in the bank. Or perhaps he has realised he has made big mistakes and wants to save the companies position. Why would he want to do that?
@FDNRM
I have no idea whether DA falls into this category of person but there are people who who so habitually stretch the truth (to put it kindly) and spin stories that they come to believe their own version of reality. If he was this kind of person it would explain why he has refused to do a runner or shut up shop earlier.
When this trait is combined with the skills of a good salesman then quite a few people get swept along with the vision and a group comes to believe it too. Even when strong contradictory evidence is provided the group tends to reject this and build ever more complex stories to preserve what they see as the truth. This is how cult leaders get otherwise ordinary people to do some very strange things. This is a kind of group delusion. I believe this effect can be very powerful when people have committed deeply (say emotionally or financially).
For example, a few months ago I listened to You and Yours where they described the plight of a man who had been conned into giving money to some company who told him he had won the lottery in Spain (despite him never having bought a ticket) and they needed a sum of money to pay for the necessary cash transfer to the UK. He duly paid this sum and, surprise surprise, the company needed some more money for stamp duties, foreign exchange trades…He eventually paid tens of thousands of pounds and still believed he was going to see his winnings. His best friend was at a loss as to how he might explain he had been scammed but he couldn’t get through. The story was really about whether a bank could legally use money laundering regulations to prevent a customer from paying money to fraudulent organisations. Ultimately it was determined that they couldn’t and the poor man kept paying more money. Even when it was shown that the bank accounts he was paying to were those of known criminal gangs he refused to believe he had been scammed.
Some people will be defending all this to the bitter end even if it results in the SFO recommending the CPS starts criminal proceedings and the whole things goes into liquidation. (I’m not saying this will happen however).
Reading the accounts from the people who attended the various presentations in Warrington and Basildon it would appear that a range of conflicting answers were given to the same question. This could be down to people hearing what they want or think they have heard so we can’t be absolutely sure that different things were said from the front. However it is possible that the answers were made up on the spur of the moment and so the story was not consistent.
There is so much evidence that this company has been ducking and diving for years and not playing a straight bat with anyone. I read the RLB red book valuation of Buccament Bay today and the qualifications and assumptions at the start of the report are a prime example of this. Here is an extract from 2009:
[QUOTE]
We have not been supplied with a full report on the legal title to the property. We have therefore assumed that the entire site is of freehold tenure, that there are no adverse matters relating to the title, including, but not limited to encumbrances, restrictive covenants, restrictions, rent charges, or other outgoings. We are also assuming that Harlequin Hotels & Resorts Limited has clear and marketable title of the entire 72 acre site and that all land titles have been paid for and registered with Harlequin Hotels & Resorts Limited as legal proprietor, and that all compensation required has been paid….
We requested the following information in our initial instruction letter, much of which has not been supplied, or which contains contradictory information: –
1) Details of the most up to date version of the scheme, and which has planning consent. We assume that the accommodation is correct as summarised and listed in this report, including with regard to the number and size of hotel rooms, cabanas, spa villas and all hotel units and buildings and the accommodation each offers and also in respect of all facilities on site.
2) There appears, from the plans provided to us by the owner/developers, to be uncertainty as to extent of the development comprised in Phase 1. We assume that the plans dated June 2009 prepared by TVS Design are correct in this regard.
3) Details of the nature of the titles, or rights being sold to investors.
4) Anticipated / budgeted marketing and advertising costs and commissions and ananticipated timeline for these sales.
5) We have not been provided with details of proposals for the sale / lease
arrangement for the accommodation / bar / restaurant facilities / water sports etc.
6) We have not been provided with details of the off site laundry storage facility,which we requested in our initial instruction letter.
7) We were supplied with contradictory schedules of accommodation, in terms of numbers of units and bedrooms and therefore occupancy levels each can support, and in relation to common facilities and the development as a whole.
8) No information has been provided to us by the developer regarding their target room rates for high and low seasons and any intermediate periods,such as Christmas and Easter. This was requested in our initial instruction confirmation letter, for each type of room, or unit, such as for the cabana’s /Island Sanctuary Spa Villas.
9) No information was provided regarding any additional income, such as from the leasing of certain parts of the property, or from water-sports operations, etc.
10) No information was provided regarding budget estimates for operating costs if available.
11) Our initial instruction confirmation letter requested details of what was intended to be included in guests’ room rates and what will be charged as extras. In other words, would there be any element of all inclusive room rates? Is it planned that transfers from the airport, or any meals or drinks included?
12) We requested, although did not receive details of local taxes and fees and whether any operating licenses are necessary and if so, the cost of these.
13) Anticipated management fee, or target profit levels.
14) Details of all costs included to date in the acquisition of land and development costs.[UNQUOTE]
As another example, BDO resign quoting a lack of effective communication from the directors of HMSSE. They produced a report highlighting their ongoing concerns around the accounts and were not provided with a response.
Can all these professional and highly successful companies all be wrong?
It is when all these important and rather serious issues are brushed aside by people like yourself and Harlisuccess and you go on to tell us that someone had a great holiday at BB or the resort won an award that we are entitled to feel that you have skewed the priorites a little.
A lesson should be learned from the Madoff scandel. American law works
differently but I believe British & Commonwealth law operates on the same
principal. (1) the British government in league with the several Caribbean
nations IMMEDIATELY raid the Basildon HQ by seizing all computors, files,
and paperwork. In effect physically carting away everything that can be put
in a box. (2) then an accurate forensic audit from day one can be done. (3)
Any domestic or off-shore banking accounts are simultaneously frozen. (4)
A referee is appointed by the Crown who after totally reviewing the audit
disperses a pro-rated to the amount of their investment (minus any mortgage interest received) to the individual investors. Of course this would
intail the liquidation for cash of any and all assest including Buccament Bay.
The longer DA can write a check or sell equipment or building stock locally
(as has been reported at both BB and Merricks/H-Hotel) the pot dwindles.
So many go on and on and on but NOTHING can be resolved until there
exists a true understanding of what assets exist.
I believe Erica wrote a month or two ago that someone in Basildon told her
that funds existed in Grand Cayman. Hey, why nigh the BVI etc.
@FDNRM The reason DA doesnt shut up shop is quite simple….
1: By keeping things going until forced to shut up shop , buys time and as the mistakes/scam are spread across several countries quite a lot of extra time
2: If this is a scam (holding the priciple of innocent until proven guilty etc), then keeping things going for as long as possible delays investigations and again buys time.
3: by keeping going there will be a certain amount of people who will again beleive that it will all come good…in effect reducing the number of baying hounds snapping at his heels
4: If we assume that DA was just a very good salesperson who simply could not build what he had sold, most people would resolve the supply issue before constantly seliing and selling….quite obvious if you keep taking revenue and not delivering, the companies position is gonna tae some big knocks and sustain damage…if he cared re the companies postion, he would have resolved it many years ago
5: If they were simply mistakes, DA doesnt learn very quick from his mistakes. The companies position doesnt mean anything to DA, otherwise he would have made it work.
You post almost as if you are DA at times…probing for responses to assist in determining your next move
Lets be sure about one thing, whether DA is or isnt involved in HP or whatever may come from this it is game over. I am lucky and travel to the caribbean quite a lot and things do grind slow, combine this with a fatally wounded product and it is game over.
The tourism market in the whole area is slowing down La source in Grenada closed (ok it was bought by Sandals), but bear in mind it was a recently refurbed ready to go product and of course complete with title etc etc. Almond Beach in Barbados closed (along with quite a lot of other hotels over recent years).
The world is changing…other markets are opening and attracting the tourist money…Cuba, Dubai…therefore the resorts are not sustainable…nice idea, nice dream….not gonna work
@irigo
You put it much more eloquently than I do. The longer reality is not
accepted the smaller the amount left…….(if anything)
@ Beggars Belief
You clearly have a copy of the RLB Red Book valuation.
Please post it on the HIG investor website or send it to me via a personal message through the HIG site. If you don’t want me to send it on anywhere else tell me and I will keep it confidential
Something has been nagging at me all day about this concept of suing the IFAs for their bad advice, then putting the money back into Harlequin to allow the developments to go ahead.
Why would you go to court to prove that someone mis-sold you an investment, win the case (thereby proving it was a bad investment) then promptly take the money and put it straight back into the same investment you said was rubbish in the first place.
It does not make any sense.
@SGD
The red book valuation has already been posted on the HIG website and can be downloaded there.
As you saw from the post above RLB had to make so many assumptions because they were not provided with the necessary information to do the job. The end result are numbers that are probably meaningless.
And another thing I don’t understand about the red book valuation is why make the assumptions that they did.
In each case RLB take the most optimistic assumption when information was not provided. For example they assume full title to all the land etc.
Surely if the valuer asks for a piece of evidence and it isn’t forthcoming the precautionary principle should step in and they should assume the most negative position.
I wonder what the number would have looked like on this basis.
Regarding the red book, two quotations from an independent source
“We have assumed the occupancy rates will increase, as aided by the proposed completion of St Vincent international airport”
“we are of the opinion that the existing Arnos Vale airport does not have the capacity and airlift to support this hotel”
But what do they know eh?
We seem to have two ladies who wont answer questions because they dont like us to know the answers:
1. Nikki Crozzier – are you a solicitor?
2. Erica Broughton – are you in contact with the Irish Builder?
Why not answer if they have nothing to hide? the pair of them seem to have gone very quite…… wonder why?
Its clear that the RLB Red Book valuation is fundamentally flawed because of the assumptions made – which we now know to be wrong. We can therefore place no credence on the valuation figure of US$166 million.
It’s interesting that the RLB valuation has a thread right the way through of information not being provided by Harlequin. Very reminiscent of why BDO resigned as auditor:
“…we have not been given sufficient information by the directors to enable us to ascertain …….,”
The difference, of course, is that BDO resigned because of the lack of information while RLB decided to make assumptions when they didn’t receive it. I suspect that with the knowledge of what has happened since the valuation was issued, RLB regrets that it was not a little more robust in it’s view and that it didn’t take the BDO view – resign.
@ FDNRM
Rather than cherry pick and repeat one optimistic assumption from the RLB valuation, please can you let us know whether you consider the assumptions made by RLB to be correct so the valuation of US$166 million to based on fact? Also, do you consider Harlequin was honest in repeating the valuation figure over many years when they knew that the valuation was fundamentally wrong because they had misled RLB.
@St Georges Dragon, Why or how could I comment on the Red book financial valuations? This was carried out by someone qualified to make these observations/calculations. I have no opinion if they are right or not as I dont know the facts. However their statements back up my arguments.
@Short legs, did you Google Elizabeth Crozier? Now I dont know whether the Leaders comments are correct or not, but pleanty of other posters have an opinion as to her situation. Anyone who has paid £2000+vat should be very interested.
What’s the old phrase – innocent until proved guilty?
Hi SGD, you’re right, but it’s more than a phrase, it’s the basis of our legal system. It is way too over optimistic to go into any court proceeding with the confidence that you are definitely going to win, it’s just a matter of time. If it was that clear cut, why does the case seem to be dragging? It was supposed to be done and dusted by Easter. There is obviously more contention that Ames would have us believe.
No, is it, “Guilty until you’re proven innocent.” If one is innocent until proven guilty. Why in some instances one’s liberty is curtailed until he or she makes bail?
@ Erica
Are there any key points from the court transcript that you can summarize for us?
Do you know why only the first few days of the case were reported in the newspapers? Did someone apply for the court to be heard in camera?
http://www.courts.ie/Judgments.nsf/09859e7a3f34669680256ef3004a27de/c8c46cd094d686f4802579ba00357f7c?OpenDocument
It seems that the case against the Irish Builder was not very strong from the start .
Yat – You’re one helluva detective. Wonder what the parallel
proceedings are in the Caribbean.
@ Yat
But it would appear from Erica’s recent post that the case is more finely balanced at 50:50 now.
It would be good to have some insight to proceedings. Are the court transcripts public documents?
Being devils advocate here, not sure it is lawful to be discussing the case with the Irish builder is it ? Either way it serves no purpose Erica ..In my mind both DA and PO are crooks … WHY get involved !!
More bad press:
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/10384004.Harlequin_Property_investors_fear_for_their_homes/#commentsList
@ Erica Broughton
You must be pretty close to him? why is that I wonder? maybe if you bring Harlequin down he gets off – what do you get in return?
He has stolen investors money, why would you want to get involved all very odd.
How long has this cosy little friendship been going on? and how did you contact him?
I don’t like this,…… i would not know how the hell to contact this THIEF – let alone him give me bloody court transcripts …. something is ‘off here’ but I cannot put my finger on it..
Why would he speak to her and how would she contact him?????
This needs to be answered – Erica Broughton – why would you do it and how did you contact him?
CB – this is called DD. Erica is talking to anyone she can. Why do you find that so offensive? It is quite easy to get contact details for anyone in this day and age; why don’t you try it. Would you prefer her to only seek information from Ames and Harlequin? That’s why she’s in the pickle she’s currently in!
Do you suppose that because she contacted O’Halloran to ask him his opinion on the case that Harlequin have blurted about all over the media, she must be in collusion? A very weak assumption based on conjecture. Ye of little knowledge.
All you “head-in-the-sand-monkeys” do seem to prefer blinkered vision, don’t you!
No-one knows how the Irish court case will turn out. Ames failed to prepare and execute a proper building contract (quite unbelievable when he was using such a vast amount of other people’s money) and failed to employ qs’s and pm’s to supervise the project. O’Halloran allegedly took payment in advance of work being completed. Since there was no contract (except for an extraordinary informal contract) it’s up to the court to decide if there is a clear cut case. I doubt it myself. Knock for knock if you ask me. No contractual terms being in place, so what contractual mechanism was there to stop O’Halloran receiving advanced payment if that was what was offered to him? Who cares what he spent it on, that’s his prerogative without a contract, as long as he had delivered in the end. I seem to remember Ames terminated the non-existant contract before it was delivered (I wonder if he had considered a refund over 24 months less 30% costs?).
Like I said, no-one can predict what the outcome of the court case will be. I’m a UK qs, and it’s my considered view that this is a complicated case clouded by the fact that the non-existant contract was set-up by an incompetent, deluded, power crazed, ignorant psychopath.
What I’m confused about is why Harlequin think this is so fundamental to the success of their business which has reportedly taken £250m-£300m from investors, and has a commitment to develop a portfolio worth £1bn in the Caribbean. What is O’Halloran’s PI? I hope he has a really big house. And maybe a yacht.
@ANON
pity none was done on Crozzier the pretend solicitor – its called DD – so you say
I agree with the Crozzier suspicion. I wouldn’t advise anyone to consult that firm based on by own DD. Admittedly, that’s just gut instinct going from forum posts.
I wouldn’t advise anyone to pay fees up front. If a solicitor wants your business, he can review your case and give you a summary and fee estimate for action for free. If he won’t do that, go elsewhere.
No way would the Irish builder give out info to a HP investor (stranger ) – Very odd .. why would he ? Sorry Erica i can see you have alternative motives and its not in favour of investors – AVOID HER
Last week I rang Wilkins Kennedy, I rang the SFO and I shook hands with Mr Ames.
@Anon R U DA did employ a QS, I have his signature on my stage build sign off.
@ Erica, you were asked several times on here whether you were in contact with O’Halloran but refused to comment. To be quite honest I think your integrity has to be questioned with your association with Crozier, and now this. I think CB has a point.
I don’t (think it affects her integrity). To be honest, I’m surprised that more investors haven’t been in touch with him.
Everyone seems to have taken at face value the fact that he’s definitely guilty — in spite of the fact that the judge in the notes linked to above doesn’t suggest that this is so. Even though a load of investors have had their contractual dates broken, they’re still prepared to take the word of Ames about all of this at face value — and brazenly call the guy a “thief.” This is bewildering to me.
I don’t know this Irish builder. I don’t know much about him. But I definitely wouldn’t make decisions about him because Ames told me to.
Everyone seems to have forgotten that he wasn’t the first builder on the job either. What happened to the crowd before him? They seem to move through builders like they move through auditors.
I see Paul Collingwood is suing his IFA regarding a high risk investment his money was put into. Should be interesting the outcome of this.
@fatchet 7.33 I have to congratulate you on the richly ironic “your integrity has to be questioned” line: you had me spluttering on my glass of Muscadet.
Only a low grade HP propagandist would question Erica’s integrity. Naturally they will seek to construct a narrative that places the minor characters of this French farce at the centre of the stage. After the dodgy Durham solicitor and the Irish rogue builder have exited stage left there will still be the small matter of £250m up the swannee with precious little to show for it.
Interesting if he wins and it is proven it was a high risk investment, and that it was misrepresented? What’s Harlequin’s take on it? High risk, or dead cert? Harlequin’s and Ame’s lies all the way through show this to be outright mis-selling and misrepresentation. Takes a criminal prosecution for that (i.e. fraud – which it clearly is) whereas it only takes a prosecution for professional negligence to successfully sue the agent / IFA.
Love it that you’re bigging up prosecution of agents for selling a duff product. But I agree. It totally is.
@Kroll “low grade” ? Wounded. If she was talking to O’Halloran why didn’t she say so when asked. Actually we have not heard DA side of the story. Have we seen/heard his evidence or any whiteness evidence? Not as far as I know.
@FDNRM. I told you weeks ago what I would and would not answer questions on, do you actually want what is best for everyone or do you just want the last word?
If you know so much about me tell the world!
It really is about time people questioned your motives!
People have been questioning my motives for weeks. Starting now would not be new would it? However why not answer the question when asked about contact with O’Halloran? Why have contact with Wilkins? What did the SFO have to say? Did you shout at them the same way you shouted at DA?
I have said it from day one. Fdnrm is clearly an Ames joey, he gets bonuses for getting the last word in.
Yep, I’ve said it from day 1 too. FDNRM is paid by Harlequin for his contribution here.
Tick tock FDNRM. Get your vaseline ready.
That’s because I have lots to say.
@Anon RU and you were just beginning to be sensible on here. Now you have spoilt it. Are the silly comments about to start again?
FDNRM, Point 1 I will speak to who I want when I want!
I had contact with WK as Mr Ames said in meetings last week that “there insurance had had to put aside 30M for Harlequin” Why do you not ring them up and find out if this is true??
The SFO said Thankyou for the recording I have no need to shout at the SFO the person I speak to there is a lovely lovely Gentleman who does not like liars.
One day the truth will all come out I really wonder what you will do then!
Is this Nicky Crozier (or should we say Audrey Dixon) true ?
What on earth next ?
@Erica, I would not believe anything WK say thank you. So are you saying you recorded the DA meeting at Warrington?
@FDNRM I did
fdnrm Heilige Gesu! Give it a rest
@Erica, and did you advise DA you were recording the meeting?
@FDNRM you wouldn’t believe anything that WK say? WK the top 20 UK chartered accountancy firm that have been in existence since 1882 and exist in a highly stringently regulated business — but you would trust the word of a firm that’s currently under investigation by the SFO, has its sales arm in administration, has lost two sets of auditors in two years and hasn’t filed accounts in the Caribbean for 7?
Sound judgement.
I had Mr Ames permission
@UP don’t start on the morals of accountancy firms. Top 4 accused of using info gleaned in HMRC to help companies avoid tax. Get real.
@ Erica, that’s fair enough if he was forewarned.
FDNRM. i think you need to take a step back and look at all the proven evidence in what HP and DA have stated over the years and what has actually come to fruition. look at the newsletters which have been proven to be utterly fabrication. look at certain video evidence again utter fabrication.. according to a recent news report the insolvency service has referred this to the Jo Swinson, minister for consumer affairs.and by all accounts the insolvency services companies are also investigating. whatever your view regarding the irish court case and wk this is a sideline to the real concerns in that there is not enough funding to actually complete the resorts ( i may be wrong but will happily be corrected if HP overseas companies can publish proof of the money in the bank to actually build or finance agreed to enable the build to progress – not just we are anticipating !!!!! that’s been the case for a number of years )
@Anon55 I don’t argue against any proven evidence, but I am sure as hell not going to just accept some of the crap some people spout. I may have opinions which some may dislike, but I will not stop airing those opinions. Despite the personal abuse. W/K are supposed to be a top 20 company that cannot be questioned, yet one of their directors/partners had to resign due to inappropriate actions. And I should not question them as a company? That’s like saying Lloyds bank would not try and sell me inappropriate insurance because they are a top bank. Yes right.
@ Erica
I can’t find the transcript on the HIG website. Is it up there yet? If so which section should I look in?
@FDNRM no, that’s not it — it’s the issue of relativity. Given the choice of who I’d chose to trust out of both companies, I’m fairly confident that I know which I’d choose. Your criteria for distrusting WK seems to be that based on, as yet unproven allegations, one of its employees chose to resign. I know that you’ll decide that his resignation is an implicit acceptance of guilt, but it isn’t. What is bewildering though, is that you’d decide that that single fact is enough for them not to be trusted, but you would put your trust in another company in spite of the reams of information that — by the criteria that’s made you decide WK are untrustworthy — is far more compelling.
If I was an investor in Harlequin, I would think the leaders of the group were not doing their job as well as they could unless they talked to anyone and everyone who might be able to throw some light on what went on. Erica should talk to O’Halloran (are we not allowed to say his name here?) and all. She should also read RLB’s Red Book valuation. That doesn’t mean she needs to believe the valuation figure or is in cahoots with RLB.
The Harlequin stooges will say she has an ulterior motive but they would say that, wouldn’t they.
If it comes down to trusting one side or the other, I would go for the wronged investor over the Ponzi developer any day of the week.
As to FDNRM, I think people should stop picking on him. He clearly has a vested interest in Harlequin and is therefore always going to be biased in their favour whatever the situation. Leave him alone.
@Dragon…11.07 pm I agree totally with your last paragraph, except that i would say instead of “leave him alone”…..Ignore Him….It will drive him nuts!
When this is all over…we “troublemakers” will all be proved wrong, and everyone will be happy with their little piece of Paradise in the Caribbean.NOT!
HP is damaged
1: The dream was never going to happen Ponzi or genuine…SVG and the Caribbean in general simply can not handle the visitor numbers predicted (with or without a new airport)
2: A lot of people go to the Caribbean NOT to stay in a vast AI resort
3: Whether DA or others have the money…it has all gone, otherwise DA/HP would not be trying to raise £30m
4: The money has all bee paid to sales agents and running costs etc etc…filtered through various companies, that will take investigators a very long time to trace…..ah yes time….
5: Time…that is key to a fraud like this, as the longer it goes on the more difficult things are to trace and as per previous posts DA, wants to save the company….NO NO NO DA wants time to make the trail harder to follow…tracing money through sales companies, management companies across several different countries….chase me, find what you can…paperwork trails….find em if ya can…I got lots of time (and of course everybodies money)
Get in quick …be quicker than DA….but
It really is game over
@ Erica
Thanks.
Is the court transcript a publicly available document? If so surely it can be put in the public domain.
@Erica Broughton
Be very careful that you don’t say anything that could lead to legal ramifications by Harlequin at a later stage, or put off future investment as a result spoiling for everyone. Just because you like the attention.this all brings you. I still worry why you are in contact with that builder who stolen our money.
@Erica
you said: Last week I rang Wilkins Kennedy, I rang the SFO and I shook hands with Mr Ames.
That’s not normal after I assume it was your husband said he would F**** kill Ames and you heckled from the front row…… and you speak with the irish guy who stolen (allegedly our money) you promote solicitors who may not be solicitors……….what actually are you up to???
Now you are on Radio 4 – is this all cos Panorama was pulled?
These are actions way beyond and investor wanting money back, dont know what but it spooks me
@Anonymous – The builder technically didn’t steal our money Dave Ames gave it to him. There is a difference.
It’s a bit like saying here anonymous go and take my car for a ride and giving you the keys. Or you just taking my keys and taking my car out.
I don’t think Erica likes the attention, she is just trying to help investors that want to be helped. If you don’t want to be helped that’s fine but there is no reason to be having a go at her for helping people who are on their own in this.
@Beggars Belief.
regarding you SIPP comments good points I agree 100%, but what other realistic options what you seen, the cash investors are always going to be in a very bad postion, even worse if HP goes bust.
very few options I can see and this could work – a long shot agreed but what are the options?
Well said Anonymous and CB – YES DA signed off the money for the builder and he took it for his own means – Guys of course he STOLE – you guys are so dumb or blinkered.. Either way it makes no odds – They are both crooks. You can gloss this up anyway you want Erica but HOW do you think befriending O”hallaran will help all us investors – Again I question your motives
calling the SFO, WK, speaking to O Halloran, recording meetings, promoting pretend solicitors, verbally attacking Ames, husband saying he will F****** kill Ames, setting up blogs and websites – what next?
like a blooming soap opera.
You just want to destroy Ames, its not about investors that’s just what you convince yourself of.
And you like the attention
BREAKING NEWS Nikki Crozzier IS Gareth Fatcheeks 🙂
A REAL INVESTOR – You forgot the Radio 4 shout as well – I agree 100% When you put it like that Erica is definitely in cahoots with the wrong people In serving our interests – fake solicitors ans crooks. My guess is she is getting weighed out to help bring HP down … YES as an investor I want this resolved just like everyone else .. But you know what I wouldn’t trust Erica as far as I could throw her.
So predictable – looks like the Basildon skunk works is on overtime again. Time to check the IP’s again BFP.
And I thought the concensus of opinion was that let things cool of a bit and give DA the chance to refinace and get capital in. Why say you have the transcripts but not sure if you can put them up is beyond me. I agree with Real Investor, its got personal with you Erica, think about the other 2499 investors out there.
@BBaywatch, the only predictable part is you, not an investor, coming on here and adding absolutely nothing to solving this apart from, “I told you so”. Who exactly do you think is multi posting?
It is great to see that all the Harlequin trolls are bored sitting at home without pay and living off the money they stole in the past from investors. They must be really bored since all the recent comments have a distinctive Harlequin flavour. Make no mistakes guys, the Irish builder stole the money, absolutely, but only after DA was well informed about the fact that his”best friend” was taking it and putting it into Irish accounts. From one thug to another. Still investor’s money….
YES lets all agree – BOTH crooks and no more support of the O’Hallahan Erica please … A crook is a crook … forget the outcome of the case .. HE took money for his own means .. DA gave the green light for this to happen – stop wasting your breath on the damn case.
Isn’t it funny that if you are not anti HP you are a troll, but if you are then you are crusader fighting crime and injustice. Go on Anon 10.57 give yourself an ID and be recognised.
It seems our Mrs Crozier had the transcripts on the 28th April. Not like her to be a shrinking violet now is it.
Hi FDNRM, how are you doing today?
I appreciate it’s not actually any of my business so please don’t answer if you don’t want to, but have you received another payment lately? I recall you saying you were paid at the start of the year and that you receive quarterly payments, so assume another is due.
@ Sid, it is due and no I haven’t. By the way I’m ok and thanks for asking.
Is it possible that the alleged theft of money from HP may have been spotted earlier if audited accounts were presented each year for the SVG operation?
It’s probable that if the accounts were up to date and didn’t make great reading, the Ames family may have been prevented from taking out such healthy loans.
Has there ever been a reason put forward why audited accounts were not presented for 7 years?
New statement issued by Harlequin about the BBC Moneybox programme. You will be pleased to hear that everything is going to be ok and it’s just Erica stirring things up along with that tiefing O’Halloran. See it in it’s full glory here:
http://www.international-adviser.com/news/uk/statement-from-harlequin-to-money-box
Fatchett does not represent me.
May i wish you a good day,
I could not agree with you more.
100%with you all the way on
all your posts.
She is stiring things up and not even an investor, investor in shit stiring.
butt out and stop risking peoples investments for you own twist goals
@ St George`s Dragon..Harlequin should be given The Best BS Award.Their spin on this whole failure to build what investors were offered (by Themselves or Agents) is quite incredible.Their spin on the SFO and FSA investigations is almost comical.
Of course, now that “Full Planning Permission” has been received for Merricks…work will continue apace.Notice there was no mention of the status of the huge projects in the DR and St Lucia.
So let me get this right? Erica isn’t an actual investor but her husband is? When you speak your marriage vows isn’t there something along the lines of everything I have I give to you?? Therefore technically what Erica’s husband owns is also Erica’s. So she has every right to be involved.
not if she did not sign the contract, what would have happened if it was a loan can not chase Erica can you!!
works both ways so get your fact straight.
@ homefront
I guess no accounts because it would show what the Ames family took out, and whilst the money was rolling in they could do what they wanted. A total arrogance by the whole family. The same think that will be their undoing.
Short Legs – You must work for Harlequin that is why you are holding a grudge against Erica.
It’s a bit like saying if you pop your clogs your wife/husband can not deal with your Harlequin investment (if you actually are an investor which I doubt) So I suggest you get your facts straight.
I do not work for them.
just sick of her stirring things up, its not normal. People are worried enough without her crazy talk.
Lets see what actually happening about finance and if its all crap – fine give them a good hiding – until then ………wait.
How many who follow scatterbrain Erica Broughton are satisfied she is acting in the best interest of investors? She is a dangerous woman, causing trouble at every opportunity. Why does she find it necessary to call the SFO? Why give an interview to The Money Box? Why give an interview to Panorama? Why engage with Fatchett? Why engage with O’Halloran, Newman and Wilkins Kennedy?Why the rants and death threats from her husband at investor meetings? Why was she a contributor to the Harlecon website? Is it possible she is in the pay of Paudie? Maybe she has said to herself “If I can’t get my full deposit refund back one way, I’ll try another”
Is anyone able to confirm undeniably that Dave Ames closed down operations in barbados ( albeit temporarily ) and left a trail of debt? Hearsay and speculation is not proof. Maybe a taxi driver told you.
The RLB valuation of Buccament Bay, dated 2009, puts the value ,as at that time, at US 160 million dollars. I have seen a letter from Wilkins Kennedy ( on headed notepaper), dated 2008, putting the valuation at US 200 million. Why was this earlier valuation considerably higher. Were WK telling the truth?
The knockers can be as sarcastic and negative as they like. Their comments add nothing of any substance other than to cause more distress to real investors. Ignore these outsiders.
As for the Trip Advisor Reviews, now coming up to 350, there is bound to be much repetition of the wording. How many other words can you come up with as an alternative to “excellent”, for example? How else can you describe paradise?
OK, the use of the word “Native” by one poster was not the best choice and out of order. Perhaps this individual was one of B Baywatch’s Neo-Colonialists!
Remembering the names of the staff is paying them a great compliment and gives added meaning to the word “Thankyou”. Many who now see the staff as treasured new friends will return to enjoy their company at every opportunity.
Yatinkiteasy
Where is the copy of the very negative review you say was withdrawn from the Buccament Bay Trip Advisor Reviews? Are you sure you are not getting mixed up with the very negative review on Sandy Lane, posted April 21st?
I understand there is to be a sponsored Triathlon event in Barbados next year. Even if your swimming and running are only average,winning the cash prize and the inaugural trophy should be a walk in the park for you. After all, you are the number one cyclist in the Caribbean,this being as a result of all the hard training you have put in.
The drama continues and new press releases are sent out to investors and media, funny how things can be so complicated instead of beeing straight forward and bring the truth to the table.
The truth is the balance sheet, what was brought in, what was spent and how much money sits in the bank acounts.
It seem like Harlequin are 100% convinced that everything will be fine and some of the investors agrees, Some investors are worried and need to have a confirmation what is right and wrong.
My advice to Harlequin and Mr Ames would be to prepare a balance sheet with all moneys collected from sales, commissions paid, assets such as land and other inventory paid for in full, construction work completed, other expenses spent such as marketing, interest and mortgages paid to investors, external borrowing outside investors investment and finally how much money is left in the bank.
No need for any valuations as those above figures will give you a rough estimate of the truth.
That would clear the question marks and show where the money has gone and tell whether there is any chance that Harlequin is capable and would be able to proceed with their plans to finish what they have promised.
Bearing in mind the responsibilty Harlequin has to manage other peoples money it must be easy for them to publish such a document within the next few days.
Bfp, a point of order. I am anon73, and note someone has posted using my name. You will note that the message was sent from a different ip address to normal, as indeed is this one as I am travelling and not getting much access. Short legs, that comment was not from me. Good luck all.
Sorry, just to confirm with BFP that I am anon73 and posted the above (now have access from my normal ip address) Just dont think it is good form to post using someone else’s name. I have not posted for for a week or so, not sure what you can do about that BFP.
@ Anon73 4;06 Is that your real name? otherwise it’s open for anyone to use. I didn’t know there was two of us, sorry! I’ll change my name slightly for you. I assume this will make you happy?
There is no way on earth Erica B is doing all this on behalf of the investors – She clearly has an alternative motive .. When that court case is over – see how many of these trolls will disappear ? And why not do as Fatchet says …HIG have given DFA the questions now lets see what he comes back with .
Erica and her husband purchased 2 units, that makes them hers in equal measure in my mind. I don’t know what your marriage is like, but in mine we are equal partners. Though, I can imagine Mr and Mrs Ames keep things very separate, so they can enjoy the pleasure of suing each other.
@Erica, At the 3.00pm meeting at Warrington DM did NOT say the SFO investigation was over.
So where are the transcripts of the court case. Your mate Mrs Crozier has seen them Being selective are we so you can just pick out the bits you think back up your position? When the consensus is that we should give DA breathing space you go onto Money box. Why? Perhaps you are using the “if I make a big enough nuisance of myself they will pay me to go away” And stuff everyone else.
It’s pretty obvious that people who question Erica’s motives are very deluded or work for Ames.
Ames statement is an absolute joke, a disgrace. He is a vile man.
Erica, Just ignore the very “small” minority who still defend harlequin.
You have helped people in a crisis come together and know they have a good honest women standing up for what is right.
Wow Been Had, You could be accused of being a Erica troll with an endorsement like that. Are you chanting “we are unworthy” along with all the other followers?
To all who keep saying give Ames another chance it is the same as saying
– “ave Ames, morituri to salutant”
Fdnrm ( the last word kid). you are pathetic and a sad excuse for a human being.
@ been had. LOL
@ Hardly Success At All….
News Flash… Harlequin SVG will be sponsoring their first Barbados Triathlon event in Barbados in 2014..Prizes will include:
A two week stay at the charming new Two Rivers Resort in Santo Domingo.
A one week stay at the Stunning new Marquis Resort in St Lucia. This will include free Golf on the New Gary Player Golf Course, with lessons from the golf legend himself.
Air Transport will be provided on the Luxury Air Harlequin Airlines….there will be a brief program of comic entertainment on the onboard Tv systems by non other than the very successful Mr David Ames, who has started a whole new model of Business that even Bankers in the Caribbean can not grasp.
For those who do not wish to travel, winners can select to stay at the Fantastic new H hotel in Hastings , Barbados,with its “open view to the ocean” concept rooms or at one of the two unfinished villas at Merricks. There is a minor problem of water supply in the area, but Harlequin have it covered with several big black storage tanks…no worries.
Finally there is a Grand Cash prize of 5 millionGBP, which I understand, Mr Ames himself is putting forward as his contribution to this historic event.
I look forward to participate, but I`m not sure I would like to win any of the prizes offered.
Yat – “perfacetus”
Harlequin sales in administration,Dave Ames still looks to be in charge ,how does it all work? I dont know I ask
@short legs
Give DA/HP some time
1: the investment will only come from suckers who throw more money that they already stand to lose.
2: Time to obtain investment….no no no time to muddy the trail and mke it even harder for investigators to follow. With or without DA/HP the dream is fatally wounded, it make take a little time to succumb, but death is the outcome
If you end up in a snake pit and the snake bites you, would you sit around and offer out your hand in friendship on basis of it only bit you by mistake so it wont do it again
The dream has ENDED Finished…this is a dream no more
It really is game over…goodbye money…..goodbye dream, live life as it is, coz this is game over
Been Had – I am not a troll or a HP lover just a simple investor following the guidance of Fratchet … DA has very limited time to get back with answers – WE do not feel the need for one man band Erica to go solo – I thought she was pro Fatchet so why all this gun ho shite …. Dont ruin this for others or they will gun for you next
@last chance. Agreed
@last chance, your comments seem very familiar!! Bore off will you!
You are as pathetic as Fdnrm.
@ last chance. You MUST be a HP troll. There is no other explanation as you have posted a sensible comment.
Erica its murder mystery night ! it was a white Audi? In the conservatory? With an iron! So who is the PI?
OMG is there no levels that Harlequin won’t stoop to? Spying on someone who isn’t even an investor as Mr Ames has said?? Is this how investor funds are being spent? If I wasn’t on Erica’s side before I am now. What sort of odd jobs are they!!
You hand over your cash to them and in return they spy on you it is shocking!!
@ Harlisuccess
I don’t follow you point about Erica “If I can’t get my full deposit refund back one way, I’ll try another”. That seems very sensible to me. Let’s say that hypothetically speaking, I had been lied to by someone who took my money under false pretences. I would leave no stone unturned to get the money back and have the thief put in jail. Maybe that is how she is thinking.
Yes. I can confirm that Harlequin closed the office in Barbados and left a trail of debt. You can read the story here:
http://www.nationnews.com/articles/view/harlequin-gloom/
I can personally verify that people I know are owed significant sums of money by Harlequin.
The RLB valuation of Buccament Bay, dated 2009, does put the value of Buccament Bay at US$166 million. Unfortunately the valuation is fundamentally flawed as Harlequin did not provide RLB with the information they requested. For example, RLB assumed that all the land was owned by Harlequin. We now know it is not, so the valuation is incorrect. I don’t know the nature of the Wilkins Kennedy letter but there is no way that the auditor of a company would value an asset. Directors of the company are responsible for preparing the accounts including stating asset values correctly. Auditors do not value property..
Anon32 – nobody is following Erica – why would Dave Ames follow her? She’s not important enough even though she would like to think she is!
The PI following her is a figment of her deluded mind!
Where has Erica mentioned a PI on here??? It is you that is mentioning them not her. So do you know something that Erica doesn’t? Who is the deluded one here??
Someone needs to tell Harlequin that a least one of the facts in their statement about the BBC Moneybox programme is factually incorrect. They do not have full planning permission for Merricks. They have consent for a Phase 1 development, subject to 35 conditions.Perhaps they would also like to communicate with their investors and tell them what the extent of Phase 1 actually is?
@Anon 732, but Erica says she is an investor. Was it Erica who tape recorded the Warrington presentation? Thats paranoid.
@fdnrm I think recording any meeting with HP/DA is good practice not being paranoid…having a record is simply good practice so why do you think its being paranoid?
@St Georges Dragon…I believe Merricks Full Planning Permission is for Phase one merricks “Show Village”..but someone within Harlequin could easily prove me wrong by showing what exactly has been approved.
SGD/YAT
Until Aug 2012 (nine months ago) all Purchase Orders for Merricks
Show Village were entered as for H-Hotel. I believe they had full
approval for H-Hotel but NOT Merricks. This was at the time was
confusing to me but unfortunately no longer.
@ Perplexed
It sounds as though that would be to do with the duty free concession from the Government rather than planning.
If a developer gets a concession, it lets them off paying duty on imported materials and may also waive VAT.
My guess is that Harlequin had the ability to reclaim/not pay on the H Hotel but not on Merricks, thus the alleged false accounting.
If Harlequin did deliberately misallocate costs to a concession, that would be illegal. (BFP – new thread for this one – it’s big news and Government’s attention should be drawn to this possible abuse. Ministers would not, I am sure, be keen to hear that Government had been taken for a ride in this way).
@ Yatinkiteasy
I think Town & Country Planning has been granted for more than the show village as in amongst the conditions was one relating to a beach elevator and it’s effect on the cliff face.
What I find really weird is that if I was Harlequin and had just received “full planning permission” I would be shouting loudly about it (which in general terms they are) but more than that, I would also be publicising it to the world to show what a great development Merricks is. Why the reticence? Put the approved plans on the website. Show us the CGI renditions of the resort.
It does leave you thinking that Harlequin has something to hide and that the approval is just for the two “cabanas” and the big black water tanks. Why don’t they prove us wrong?
FDNRM & ADF – That did not answer my question. So I will ask again. Where has Erica said that she has a PI following her??
I’m sure that there was a lot of people recording that meeting I don’t see the problem with it, It might be good for Mr Ames to record it himself to keep up with his own lies.
Also what I don’t understand is why you have a problem with Erica doing the Moneybox interview but you don’t have a problem with Paul Walton, Gareth Fatchett & Mr Ames doing an interview on BBC Radio Essex a few days before? What happened to the “period of calm” then.
@Anon 732, I did not mention a PI, why is that comment aimed at me.
Re Radio Essex, Paul Walton told DA he was doing the interview with radio Essex and gave DM the chance to put his side across. I did not hear it but I understand it was balanced and reflected the consensious of opinion that a period of calm was needed to help refinancing. Erica on the other hand is talking to anyone who will listen and did NOT give DA the oportunity to respond.
@St George’s Dragon 1.46 – if the agents have a house go after that
Been had
April 30, 2013 at 4:43 pm
Are you a family member? your defense is ott – troll like
@Fatchett does not represent me.
I listened to it and it was fair, if we want HP to go bust, and its the minority that for some sick twisted logic wish that – go find a solicitor who can do that, you wont!.
HP needs to be restructured and work with them, whilst savaging the IFA and sales agents.
Erica need to be quite or she will have the majority of investors turn on her
@ Erica
I still have a concern why you speak with O’Hallaron – following on from that I have a direct question.
Are you also speaking to or, have spoken to the accountant that worked for WK and Halequin? now works with O Hallaran? I do not remember his name…….
@Short legs, Newman. Notice the court transcripts have not appeared yet. I wonder if Erica and Crozier actually have the transcripts or they are quoting parts which O’Halloran has fed to them?
If Mr Ames is concerned about Erica damaging the business why doesn’t he just give them their money back? It can’t be that much surely? Are they entitled to a refund?
@ fdnrm where did they get them and why is the question? if they have them why not publish them – are they on the blog, i don’t have access to it
@anon 732 she has said she would not take a refund if she had to shut up – or had a gagging order of any type – would rather lose the money, sorry husbands money.
Just likes the attention, but there seems to be an awful lot of investors who are getting a little fed up of her inane rantings!!!
@Anon 732, Firstly he does not have the money, that is obvious if you had followed the history on here. Secondly if the criteria for getting money back is to kick up as much shit as you can then hey ho lets all do it. Whens my interview on Moneybox, Panorama or anyone else who will listen to me.
I would love a refund, but know the reality is I aint gonna get one. There is obviously no money and I can’t imagine any new investor putting money in just for it to be refunded straight back to the original investors.
@ Erica.
Have you also talked to Newman, recently or in the past? and why?
You need to answer or he could be asked on oath? that would be very embarrassing for you – even show up in your transcripts?
This is a very important question I ask you kindly please answer.?
@SID aka Erica.
slight mistake you made!!!
@Short legs, I dont know how she got them, but Crozier has them also. I wonder if they actually have the transcripts, or they have been fed selective info by O’Halloran which they are happy to divulge. The only fact that Crozier has put up is the commission given to the IFAs and CA cut of that. Seems very selective that does.
BREAKING NEWS!!!
Erica is SID!!!!!
Or is it you son 😉
@Short legs, I believe that Erica is far too close to O’Halloran and is being used by him. Crozier has her people (mugs) who have paid the £2000 + Vat so she has slid into the background. Whats the betting that there will be a series of postings about she has ripped them off?
Hi SL, it’s been said before funnily enough, maybe Erica and I have a similar writing style, but rest assured I am nothing to do with Erica.
I recall you saying I was someone else a couple of weeks ago. Sorry to disappoint, but I am only me, always have been, always will be.
BFP, please can you confirm that I am not Erica or anyone else?
SL, once confirmed, please can you stop trying to link me to anyone else?
Thanks for the chuckle though! And what was the ‘mistake’ I made?
@Short legs, if you have proof of this (or is it her daughter) can you ask BFP to check the IP addresses. Or maybee BBaywatch would like to ask. Or is this the Wigan bunker?
Wigan, I love it! I’ve been to Wigan once and won’t be going back!
Please do ask BFP…..I promise I will be gracious when accepting your apology :o)
Harlequin is like a leaky bath! 🙂 I think you should ask Mr Ames if you want a copy he did say several weeks ago that he would publish them I have decided you do not deserve to see them! also I have never spoken to Mr Newham I am going away for a couple of days so I will not be here to listen/talk to you bye bye
All this seem’s like guessing work, do you actually have the facts or is this just a bitchfest? What’s to say that Erica hasn’t only spoken to O’Halloran once? What makes you think that they are best mates?
Short Legs – Why would Erica be Sid when she posts as herself that’s a bit silly. At least she uses her real name here unlike a lot of people because they fear what exactly, that people will know that they are employees of Harlequin and not actually investors? Wasn’t you outed yourself a few weeks ago as being a Harlequin employee?? Not nice to be accused is it??
@Erica, so you are denying your 200+ followers on your other site access to the transcripts also? Either put up or shut up Erica regarding the transcripts. Also I’m sure you have not spoken to mr newham, it’s Newman. Going to Ireland for a few days?
@FDNRM, that is no way to speak to me…..or my mother…..depending on who I am.
FDNRM – How do we know that your not Erica too?? Trying to throw everyone off the scent 😉
Yeah Erica/ FDNRM.
But how do you know that I’m not actually Anon732 tryiung to throw everyone off my scent and onto FDNRM?
And is there really an Erica? Is Erica Dave Ames? Has he created his own nemesis? It sounds crazy, but it could be true.
PS. FDNRM really is Erica.
Erica – So we dont deserve the transcripts hey … Well **** you .. You are as bad as the ambulance chasers and the crooks that stole our money.. I hope everyone on here can now see you for what you are, and the way you think you can manipulate people in here with your clips of information and BS stirring, Its SO obvious you are being paid off or being used by OHalarahan …Your over eagerness has been rumbled .. Maybe through greed just like the IFA’s…. Enjoy your 3 days away as you wont be missed.
‘@ Last chance they are copy written so I would have to put them in my own words also I have been contacted by the court and told not to publish them in truth.
I didn’t think anyone would want to read them in my own words so thought against it. It was meant to be a joke that you don’t deserve them where is your sense of humor?? If you want it in my own words I am happy to do this for you, it will be a couple of days as I am going away.
Guys TBH this forum is a waste of time – It serves no purpose whatsoever .. The O’hallahan camp spies are getting very desperate now and will try all the tricks in the book to try and win this case..Erica of course the courts wont let you print then !!! Maybe thats why DA is not saying much about the case- He is not allowed obviously. So why would OH gamble on you leaking things that might damage his fight – Desperation thats why !!! Last chance to bring HP down – I cant understand why everyone cant just do what Fatchet says and WAIT for DA to answer those questions .. If he cant – YES we start again .. BUT please stop this OH garbage it serves no purpose in moving forward
Just a quick update for all of you misguided Harlequin lovers (bored ex Harlequin staff…) in this blog who are trying to pretend that they are “investors”: The GM at BB has resigned two weeks ago and is leaving in a couple of days together with 90% of management.Matt Ames, who is out on bail, will take over as interim GM. First reaction from staff: “we hate him and his arrogance” This should speed up the closure of BB without doubt…
@Last Chance, I completely agree. Well put.
Anonymous If that is true and Matt Ames is put in control that says a great deal about the DA and his arrogance,.. I guess his excuse will be Matt has not been found guilty and it is not costing anything to place him as GM.. Funny I raised this question with HP recently about MA role within HP – and I was told he is a sleeping share holder only and has no working involvement …OK – Please Mr Fatchet add this on your HIG questions – Griday is drawing close now.
@Erica, so is Crozier in breach in some way for disclosing information regarding commissions paid which were taken from the transcripts?
@Anon 11.49, care to elaborate on where these “facts” have come from. Another “Anon” who cannot be bothered to get an ID
Erica is going away for a few days,Mat Ames takes over at BB.thats it!!! they are going to meet ,unless of course its the same person,allegedly .Oh what fun so much to feed the grand conspiracy theory
I hate you both. I have been pretending to be Erica for ages just to get close to the big man only to find out now that I am 3rd in line. I’m giving up on the whole thing. He can keep my money. I never want to see him again!
FDNRM 12.31 is not me.
BFP SORT THIS OUT PLEASE
@FDNRM, I did wonder, but as they say, there’s nowt as queer as folk!
@Sid, I’v reported it to BFP so I guess they will sort it out.
@fdnrm – we hit on a raw nerve 😉
It seems to me that SID AKA Erika have been rumbled and that’s them making these silly posts.
I do not believe she has not been in contact with Newman, its the only bloody person she has not phoned with this obsessiveness of hers regarding Harlequin..
@ Erica.
Who will be filling your blog with bile, whilst you are away? or will you not be able to keep away???
I think the later, its such an important part of your life now – you are addicted.???
Just think someone may sneak on and make a pro HP comment!!!!!!!!! 😉
@ Short Legs, no one had been rumbled. Please do ask BFP to verify I am not Erica.
And this really is the 2nd time you have accused me as posting as someone else. Why? And you never told me why I made a ‘mistake’ earlier?
For the record, I thought it was you that posted as FDNRM earlier!
@BFP, I noticed someone has tried to post something as me, but it is in moderation. How come I can see it when I didn’t post it?
Please can you sort this. Thanks.
Hi Sid
There were a few more too. We try and sort it out every few hours but if we miss a few we appreciate readers alerting us.
It is a never ending battle since we took on the Harlequin story. Some folks have their own agenda of trying to foil discussion about this story. I wonder who would try to do that? (he said knowingly!)
Thanks BFP. Can you also please confirm I am not and never have been Erica?
#FDNRM Wrong computer so my ID did not show.
The Hospitality Industry is a small circus in the Caribbean and as all the BB Managers are currently flooding the recruitment offices in search of future employment all the facts are being put on the table. You will notice on the BB website where it shows the team members that changes are happening daily. You can always try to e mail the outgoing GM and have a chat with him. You might change your opinion regarding Harlequin if you do…
@ all
This thread has deteriorated into exactly what the Harlequin trolls and staff in the Basildon Bunker set out to do.
The plot thickens. More investigation:
http://www.basildonrecorder.co.uk/news/10392337.Minister_told_about_Harlequin_Property_concerns/
@a real investor, has Dave been promising you as well?
He cheated on me with Fdnrm and Im sure there are 1000’s of others who’s promises have been broken.
@St Georges Dragon, lazy lazy reporting. HP being investigated by Panorama! LOL
@John Smith, wrong computer? I have not got a clue what you mean.
@Harlisuccess again what do you mean?
@Eddie Lizzard2 Dont forget the Wigan bunker. Or are you a one eyed lizzard?
Very true Harlisuccess. He shafted me good and proper.
I await reports that Harlequin are suing the Government and that O Halloran/Newman has them in his pocket…
This is really starting to snowball.
@UP
sorry you lost me on that one?
I do not wish to get into an argument with anyone on here i would just like to voice my concern.
I invested with Harlequin about 5 years ago. when the completion date passed I was entitled to a refund.
I also lost my husband that year so i was very stressed out and explained my situation to them but was told we will only pay you back over 3 years and convinced me to stay with them as it would work out ok.
When the interest payments stopped in January all my calls fell on deaf ears or i was lied to about computer error.
I now feel on the edge, i am a single mother with 2 children and about to lose my home because i cannot afford the mortgage and interest payments.
They have said i will be backdated but after reading these threads i dont think i have a chance. I am seeking Legal advice but it doesn’t look good as we re mortgaged our home. can anyone offer some realistic advice?
Yes. The best option is to enroll on Regulatory Legal Solicitors web site you will find information there,
Here is not productive in your position – its tends to go off at all sorts of tangents. RLS it has to be said know more about HP than most. http://riskwarning.co.uk/
Katie37 – Join Erica’s forum http://www.harlequininvestors.boards.net/index.cgi
There are a lot of investors on there with the same problems as you.
@Katie37 I would suggest Paul Walton through the Harlequin Investor Group. He will give you some good advice and also a bit of insight into what their aims are. Under no circumstances give any money to anyone who says “they can get your money back” etc. lots of ambulance chasers out there trying to make a few bucks by making promises. Good luck.
@ Annon732
That’s just a HP bashing site, wont actually help will it? just full of whining people
@Katie 37, I would be very careful of Erica’s forum. Join it by all means for information but dont believe everything you read on there.
Katie, Erica will jump in here — and you should definitely get in touch with her.
Have you tried all the usual stuff — Citizen’s Advice etc. I would assume that you’ve spoken to your adviser and lodged complaints where appropriate with that. If it’s an IFA you should get in touch with the FSA/FCA immediately. I would also suggest that you contact your MP as they might be able to offer help/advice.
I don’t say this because of any anti-HP agenda, but because you need to get as many people helping with your specific circumstances as possible.
@Short Legs, did you ask BFP to confirm Erica and I are not one and the same?
Katie37 – Just sign up with Regulatory Legal Solicitors web site – FORGET any forums blogs or other irate dubious people in here – Go the correct way and stick with it ..Just listen to their advice – Which is sit tight until Friday at least till Ames comes back with some answers..But sigh up with them as well as the SFS – Just cop a deaf ear in here though to many idiots
@ Fatchett does not represent me – I agree with that!
@ Sid no i did not
@ Last Chance good points.
see we are all being nice now!
I think you will all find that RL are now turning people away as they are far too busy.
SL – Are you a member of Erica’s forum? I’m a member but not posted yet but it doesn’t seem to be a Harlequin bashing site. If you are a member you will see this.
Anon732 – read RL latest newsletter email – Quote – We have over 1050 people on our website representing a significant portion of the investors. We intend to work on this to reach all investors to ensure that everyone moves forward together.- So NO they are not turning people away
@Short Legs, I’d love to know what mistake I made, but feel free to keep ignoring me for no reason. I’m a bit disapointed in you if I’m honest as I thought you were one of the few that talked sense.
@UP.
I find the whole, ego trip for Erica hard to take, so no. RLS yes
Thank you for the advice guys i shall contact RL and the forum. ; )
And Gals 😉
@SL my feeling is that she should talk to everyone she can. I have to say that in her position every day counts, and sitting tight doesn’t seem very sensible — just in case Friday doesn’t turn out to generate the answers that everyone wants (which, let’s face it, must be considered a possibility).
UP – If Friday comes and we dont get the answers rest assured Fatchet will take it to the next level … whatever Erica does will not help in any way at all.
Last chance – Ring RL and ask them are they taking on anymore Harlequin clients. You will find that I am correct that they are no longer taking on new clients.
Anon732 – Then they are stating lies in their email then …. Does nobody tell the truth … Geeeeeeeezz
Regulatory Legal Solicitors have not stopped taking on clients. The number of Harlequin clients contacting us is significant. We have a process where people complete our questionnaire and then send their documents. Thereafter, we provide advice and guidance.
Our dedicated website is http://www.harlequininvestorgroup.co.uk. Our main website http://www.riskwarning.co.uk does not have any Harlequin information.
An important update will be posted on Friday dealing with the level of engagement and disclosure by the Harlequin management team. The investor based Harlequin Investor Group is meeting on the 8th May 2013.
You can email harlequin@regulatorylegal.co.uk or call 01384 426400.
Hi Katie – did you purchase your Harlequin investment through an IFA? Was it a SIPP or a straightforward deposit payment through remortgage?
Katie
First of all do not under any circumstances pay any money over to a solicitor
Talk to the citizens advise as they have solicitors who will at least point you in the right direction
Most importantly speak to your mortgage company and keep them informed
Monitor the various action groups and decide if they can be of any assistance to you
If you think you have been a victim of a fraud contact the fraud squad at your local police (they will direct you to the required team looking at this)
Finally I hope it comes good, but be prepared for the worst as it does seem that you and a lot of others have been scammed in some way shape or form
Good Luck
If we look at the scenario
A twice bankrupt double glazing salesman (bells ring loudly) offers a dream holiday home in a foreign country that will not only pay any interest, but provide an income with some nice holidays thrown in (them bells are deafening now) and you take out a mortgage on your current home to pay the deposit, with guarantee that the interest payments will be paid back to you each month
Question is where is the money coming from to pay your interest refunds…..as the developer at this point has no funds (otherwise he would simply take a small deposit, build whatever and then sell it to you, as he would not need your money in full would he?)
They keep taking deposits until finally there are no more deposits coming in, so no money to pay all those interest payments and the pyramid starts to crumble
The only answer has to be from new deposits….is that not what a Ponzi scheme is and how it works
Add in a few little extras like giving serious millions to an Irish builder (involve another country into the mix…make the trail harder to follow) without any form of contract
Offer to build (and it would seem actually build) the properties on land you don’t own with out the requisite planning permission
Admit that he made mistakes
And then state that all is well, but could you all chip in another £30million..trust me it will be fine
Then put the company into admin….just watch as all the other companies in the web fall…you see DA knows how all that works, he been there twice before and is experienced in these sort of matters
This is going to have a very sad ending for a lot of innocent people
Thanks RLS for clearing thatup – Anon732 get your facts right – Goes to show how how untruths can easily spread.
LC – Why do I have a letter here saying that they can not represent me. Is this because I am a cash investor?
RL – Do you only want to represent people who have invested with a Sipp because it is easy money for you?
Has anyone else received a letter like this?
@Anon, you had better ask them not on here!
if you are a cash investor you don’t have as many options, this is a sad fact. You will not find it easy to get cash out of HP.
Go and find another solicitor if you dont like RLS
Erica & Co BLOG.
I am an investor, and been to the meetings. The blog is just a bunch or people moaning and trying to out moan each other!
Erica loves it,…. but what does it achieve? promotes pretend solicitors? give unqualified advice? give hope? shatters hope? what is the point?
Its causing more damage especially as we ( the normal investors) want to work a solution out not just out on a vengeance campaign.
Erica what is you true game?
.
Fatchett Does Not Represent Me aka 36
The garbage posted yesterday at 3.31pm was NOT put on by me. one of the many numbskull troublemakers is trying to be clever, trying to disrupt the restructuring process and even at this late stage still trying to affect the outcome of the court case. Anyone who has followed my postings would know I would never write such utter rubbish. i have always been a loyal supporter of Harlequin and it’s loyal investors and this remains my position today.
Keep up your own good work. With you all the way.
Regards.
Hi Harlisuccess, I didnt think it was. I guess it came from the Wigan bunker. I have asked BFP to investigate some of the postings on here, including someone who used my ID to post as me, but I’ve heard nothing back. I guess its only anti HP people who can demand and get action on this. Perhaps BBaywatch would ask on our behalf? There again …..
I think the only way out of this mess is to get finance, work on a plan and kick out the Ames family – there will be some people that lose money but a severe cull is required. Get in some corporate savages and clear out the dead wood……. this is the only option.
plus savage the SIPP and IFA’s for poor advice
@In the S**T Agree with your comments above.
So “award winning jounalist” John Austin was getting his information from Newman then. Not being a jounalist, just mouth piece for Newman.
@Erica “Wilkins Kennedy have put their insurers on notice for £30m” Care to comment?
Panorama attempting to put out their, now discredited program, during the court case to try and influence the outcome.
I dont always believe everything the DA says but this is the nearest to a transcript you will get at the mo. At least he has had the balls to publish it.
Are you honestly taking all of that at face value?
Ok, here’s a grenade… Ames trusted Bodyguard Sean Ghent has apparently left him due to unpaid wages.
@UP disprove it then.
@FDNRM
I can comment on the Wilkins Kennedy PI Insurance notification. Under the terms of a PI policy, you are required to notify insurers of any claim or potential claim. If you do not do so, you breach the terms of the policy and have no cover.
Notification is just that – notification. It does not mean that you are at fault or admit liability.
Mr Ames has announced that he is taking action against Wilkins Kennedy, so a claim is being made. They have to notify in order to comply with their policy requirements. You can’t read anything else into this – certainly not an admission of fault, if that is what you are trying to do.
@St Georges Dragon, I am implying nothing of the sort. As I said, under notice. My comment was directed at Erica because she claims to have had a conversation with WK who denied such a claim had been made.
@FDNRM I could say to you; prove it then…
But that would be an equally ridiculous way to respond.
@ A Real Investor
I cannot see how you can “get finance, work on a plan and kick out the Ames family” much as that sounds like a sound idea.
Harlequin Management is in administration. Investors have no control over that – the Administrator is all powerful and will do whatever is best for the creditors. Investors are not creditors, as their contracts are with the Caribbean resort companies.
With the resort companies, they are unaffected by the administration, except for (1) there is no sales money coming in any more as the sales arm has folded (2) the money that they owe the UK Harlequin (according to the latest UK accounts) will now be due to the administrator who will presumably pursue them for payment.
Investors are not shareholders in the resort companies so cannot call an EGM or whatever. Investors are not Directors of the resort companies, so have no say in the running of the companies. The companies are owned, run and managed by Mr Ames and I cannot see any way you can have any control over them. This is the same Mr Ames who on a whim buys a hotel which was never in any plan or a pair of aircraft for which he cannot get a license to operate. It is also the same Mr Ames who apparently has the land at Buccament Bay in his own name.
Sorry if this comes over as negative but please tell me where the flaw in my logic is.
@ FDNRM
Both could be true. Mr Ames has announced in the press that he is suing them. Perhaps Harlequin has not formally notified BW of a claim. Paperwork does not seem to be strong suit for Harlequin – a bit like the lack of a construction contract for Buccament Bay. If I was Baker Kennedy I would have notified insurers even if I had not received any formal letter of claim in order to protect myself.
@St George re PI yes can confirm that is correct procedure ,100%
@UP, HP have put the inf out as a press statement. If anyone wants to disprove any of the information then I’m sure they will be free to sue them in court.
@St Georges Dragon, “Wilkins Kennedy have put their insurers on notice for £30M” Again if this is not true then I’m sure WK can sue HP. This is under the heading “Professional Negligence (to begin 2013)” which would suggest that is when a court case could begin.
It’s interesting that no-one seems to have commented on the changed nature of the situation now that an administrator has been appointed (if one has).
Administrators are powerful beasts and will run the company for the benefit of the creditors, not the Ames family, or investors (whose contracts are with the resort companies).
We should not assume that the administrator will choose to progress the claim against Wilkins Kennedy in the same way that Mr Ames seems to want to. The administrator will be looking at how much money is in the bank (assume none, or they would not be in administration), what the cost of proceeding will be (presumably quite a lot), what the chance is of winning the case and how much they might be awarded.
None of us knows the details of what the claim is but with no money in the bank, I would not put the chances of this going ahead as too high.
@StGD, its only the sales arm in administration, not the whole company.
The sales arm being the main part of the operation in the UK?
i am surprised at the latest HP statement following the meetings. is definitely much more open BUT i thought that all parties were not allowed to discuss/depart detailed information whilst the case is current??? is this not against the court rules??.
@Anon 1.55, I don’t know if it is or not, but Crozier posted some information last week and she is a solicitor. LOL
@ FDNRM
I know. My point is that if Baker Wilkins was employed by Harlequin Management Services South East (and that’s the only company which they appear to have produced accounts for) it is the administrator who will make the decision on whether to proceed with the case against them.
someone been telling tails?
http://www.ifaonline.co.uk/ifaonline/news/2265507/troubled-harlequin-faces-investigation-by-insolvency-service
How many other bodies can look HMRC next?
@SGD do you reside in Bim?
I read the 10 page HP waffle,
summary.
Not my fault!
@Erica you are quite today? didn’t you like the Newman question?
I dont see an answer??
@ It Really Is Game Over
Sure do. Why?
Lets look at the facts the uk sales co (now in admin) collected all the deposits and then passed the money out to the various over seas resort companies…with me so far
So the only income is from deposits…no deposits = no interest payments
The money has all been filtered out via the sales co, the overseas resort companies
The sales revenue has stopped, so the deck of cards will fall over…exactly
like a Ponzi scheme
The co has no money anywhere (why else ask for additional funds to complete)….Ah but they have assets you say, ok so who is gonna invest in a fatally wounded brand, with a never gonna work business plan (and that assumes they even had one)
Fact 1 There is no money to be had
Fact 2 the assets (again assumes the land is bought) nobody will buy
Hers another question DA gives a lots of£millions to an irish build who makes off, but with no contract between them so not much chance of getting that back….Could DA and the irish builder be in the scam together…yes ok HP is suing the builder….but it could all be just a show…just a thought
You have all lost your money …even if you can sue the IFA, the cae will drag on for years….people are having homes taken now and it will only get worse
It is a tradegy, but it is a Ponzi scheme and you all gonna have to make the best of it, but there will pretty much nil cash to return
Call me names whatever….this will take years to unravel DA has the keys and he gonna say nothing
Game over
just wondered…I am here at present on a trip…you post good information etc re the Barbados side of HP…so guessed you are on island
relax :-0)
SL – Erica did reply to your question…..
Erica Broughton
May 1, 2013 at 10:39 am
Harlequin is like a leaky bath! I think you should ask Mr Ames if you want a copy he did say several weeks ago that he would publish them I have decided you do not deserve to see them! also I have never spoken to Mr Newham I am going away for a couple of days so I will not be here to listen/talk to you bye bye.
Careful Anon732 or SL will publicly out you as being Erica.
DA – Yep 4 pages on accountants and builders – Yes he is correct on one thing there are definite Ohalaran trolls in here stirring it up ..So here it is Mr Ames .. I am happy that you are sorry and have regrets and that you have investors in the pipe line, and that you are sorting things out – Great – Now here is where I am .. I signed a three year completion contract .. Now its four years down the line, and you inform us all that it may be another 5 or 6 years to complete..Sorry that is no good to me at all .. you are 100% in the wrong. if this build model was not working in 2009 WHY keep on selling the same product – PONZI – I am going for all fronts – IFA – Sipp Providers and HP .. mis selling act – stat demand whatever it takes … Be a brave little man and move on and sell up or get some proper developers in to do the job .. your ego is ruining lives. Fatchet Friday – cant wait to see results
@Anon 732. Yes that was the “you cannot play with my ball” quotation. I also commented that Erica would not have spoken with Mr Newham, its Newman. Funny how Erica can still post on her blog. Heat and kitchen come to mind.
Hi FDNRM, can I please ask you a question….is it your preference that DA remains in charge of HP or would you rather he hand over to a new management team?
I personally want him replaced. I’d be interested in your opinion. Thanks.
Click to access Harlequin%20Newsletter%20no5%20-%20Sept%2009.pdf
newsletter from late 2009. in this they state that RLB are managing the BB project bi monthly to check being built to cost and will be finished on time. so how did all the money allegedly get diverted by the builder??
I don’t believe that HP didn’t sit down with the builders on a regular basis to review how the money was being spent. But if they did, then they are obviously as incompetent at running a business as we suspect they are.
@a real investor The last people you want to upset are HMRC ,they go “on the knock” at 4am ,and the last time I looked ,without the need for a search warrant
@Sid no I know thats Steph 🙂 the daughter
@fdnrm, yep you are correct, on the other blog she can give people ‘WARNINGS’ tell people off – even delete comments – total control – she will like that.
@ Erika Broughton
May 1, 2013 at 10:39 am
Harlequin is like a leaky bath! I think you should ask Mr Ames if you want a copy he did say several weeks ago that he would publish them I have decided you do not deserve to see them! also I have never spoken to Mr Newham I am going away for a couple of days so I will not be here to listen/talk to you bye bye
The question was Newman the accountant involved with Harlequin, are you sure you have NEVER spoken to him?
@Sid, I would keep him there. He knows that his every move is being covered and questioned now. Also any management team would want a lot of money. I also believe that he really does want to turn it round. Whether he can or not remains to be seen.
@FDNRM, thank you for answering my question. You actually make a fair point about him knowing he is being policed – quite literally too! Maybe it is a case of it being better the devil you know. Time will tell.
SL, I thought I was the daughter?
FDNRM – Before he can turn it around he need to pay off those who want out – impossible – only one way this is going now
@ Sid, just teasing you 🙂
Better keep him, but in a much reduced role, no power and no access to funds. He may be a fool but he does work hard, that you can’t take away.
@SL he does work hard…nobody said ripping people off and running a Ponzi scheme was not hard work
I would not him any where near what ever HP ends up as
You must be nuts when you read the story so far and still you want DA involved……
A lot of people displaying panic and desperation now on here…which part of the money is gone and the assets will take years and years to confirm ownership and then a buyer found
DA will die a pensioner and free man unless things move quickly
Any ambiguity within my own mind about FDNRM’s integrity or credibility on this whole matter has finally been out to bed…
*put
@it really is game over. great comment 3:59.
Its funny that when we state facts about Ames/harlequin the pro harlequin brigade cop a deaf one.
@fdnrm, you must be the only person on the planet that would like Ames to stay…that says it all.
#fdnrm
You must be not only deaf and blind but mad as well. Keep Ames? He blames the Irish builder for this mess but Ames knew about the fact that he was being ripped off as he was informed by senior Management in November 2009 that buildings had not been completed and that ICE was defrauding him. On several occasions, Concerns were raised and proof was provided. Ames was blinded by the brutish charm of the Irish Builder who he claimed was his best friend. There was no proper contract either. Ames was simply incompetent.
Up to May 21st, 2010 he still payed 1 million dollars to the big Irish fellow although by then everybody was advising against it. I would not trust Ames one second.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/02/iraq-military
Some interesting parallels between this and the HP case. In both instances people who should have known better appear to have ignored the obvious warning signs and even after the evidence became overwhelming continued to be in denial about the truth and perpetuated the fraud. An appetite for expensive houses, an extravagant lifestyle and ostentatious and costly toys appears common and neither insight, shame or any sense of remorse is apparent too.
The best that you can say about HP is that no one has been blown up as a consequence.
Any updates on this Crozzier/Dixon woman? Has she done anything or just taken the money and done a runner again?
maybe HIG should add i more question to their list. since the last audited accounts can harlequin confirm how much d and c ames and their immediate family have taken as either salaries/consultancy fees or dividends from HMSSE LTD.
@Baywatch What is quite incredible is that they are still in use! I just watched a CNN report with videos taken TODAY of Iraqi police using the fake bomb detectors at checkpoints. I guess they , like some Harlequin Investors, just can not believe what is in front of them.
@yatinkiteasy
There is this strange phenomenon that some people become so attached to an idea that they will not let go even when presented with concrete evidence. For some strange reason it’s common in travel where tourists decide that a certain destination is their favourite and will brook no criticism whatsoever – it becomes a personal affront if ‘their’ island/town/bar/country etc is criticised. A sort of weird version of Stockholm syndrome.
Most bizarre of all, we now have investors, who clearly carried out no DD themselves, railing against anyone who might make any kind of gain out of unravelling the mess and demanding that others investigate before committing to any expense – pot,kettle,black and stable doors all spring to mind. Erica Broughton has gone from saviour to traitor in a matter of days, judged by those who are pretty clearly transferring their self blame on to her. I’ve given commenting a miss for a while due to business and life in general – and the fact that it has become rather like Groundhog Day with endless repetitions of the same old arguments.
For some commenting here has obviously become their entire life and one suspects that regardless of the outcome they will need help re adjusting to normal when it is over – perhaps I should start a counselling company and advertise for victims? – definitely a need! 😉
Of course the arc of the narrative re EB has been helped along by the Basildon skunkworks – goes without saying.
@Been had/John Smith I was asked a question and I gave an honest answer. Rather than just come up with your usual “FDNRM is an idiot” stupid comment, would you care to give your suggestions for a solution? Go on put your balls on the line and suggest something. Think you can do that. Nah just moan as usual.
@BBaywatch any comment about your “award winning journalist John Austin” being a Newman mouth piece? Or are you now part of the Wigan bunker crew?
@John Smith, If you are the same John Smith who posts on Ericas forum perhaps you can answer me a question. If DA was being ripped off prior to 2009 on the building work, how come I have a QS sign off re my cabana by Trevour Thompson of TVA consultants ltd dated 2007?
@Yatinkiteasy, “endless repititions of the same argument” yes you are right about kettle pot and black LOL
@FDNRM aka 36 What are you talking about?…….kettle pot etc…. you have totally lost the plot.
PS..”your cabana” does not belong to you because you do no have legal title to it. I know.
@ FDNRM
A QS “sign-off” is certification of whatever the QS was instructed to check. What were they instructed to check and what did the “sign-off” say?
@St GD, how about the drains were connected.
@Yatinkiteasy, you have posted about “endless repetitions of the same argument” I’m afraid that is something you are guilty of. No solutions, no answers just same old comments and same old observations.
more of the same crap
http://www.caribbean360.com/index.php/business/683051.html#axzz2SDXFNZNU
I’ve been following this story on here for quite a few weeks now. It’s like a soap, some characters just seem to do and say such stupid things and you think why on earth would they think or do that?
FDNRM seems such a character, then the penny drops – he has his own agenda. He thinks he is going to get title to a property very soon – he won’t – so if he can keep the Harlequin show on the road, with DA still in charge, for just a little longer then he achieves his plan. Hence the remorseless defence of HP and attacks on anyone who threatens HP. What a loser!
@BBaywatch.
I have a name for it, short legs syndrome!!
where investors decide that a certain investment is their favorite and will brook no criticism whatsoever – it becomes a personal affront if ‘their’ investment is criticized, despite it being obvious to the un afflicted. 🙂
Anonymous
May 3, 2013 at 9:45 am maybe he is just a worried investor? no more no less
Without further investment, how long can Ames carry on? why is he still trying?
this puzzles me no end.
Why does he not just walk away? I am not trying to be pro or aniti HP just confused………….
or is he trying to sell it?
@In the S**t have you thought that is what he is trying to do, get more investment? I think that perhaps you might have answered your own question.
@ Anon 9.45 (who cannot think of an original ID) are you an investor? If not then you have no right to call me a loser. If you are an investor perhaps my efforts might protect your investment. Answer please.
Sorry FDNRM , I think everyone on this Forum (except Hardlysuccess) would agree that you take the top prize for being the most repetitive , boring, evasive,thick headed person who thinks for some reason, or would like everyone to believe that your investment is safe and that if just given some more time and money, Harlequin will be a great success.
You are totally delusional !
@Yatinkiteasy, well that adds to a sensible debate doesn’t it. And your interest is? an investor? No. I am I don’t have to justify myself to you. Thank god.
See what I mean? Thick. BTW congratulations on being an investor with Harlequin . You should frame your agreement and hang it on a wall in a prominent place so you can look at it every day and say “what a smart person I am “
@ FDNRM
It may or may not be the QSs job to check that the drains are connected. It all depends on what he/she was appointed to do.
Normally a QS would value the work and it would be for the Architect or Engineer to sign-off on whether it was done to specification. It would be strange, however, if they paid for drains which were not done.
The QS could be appointed as Contract Administrator, in which case he/she would also sign off the quality, testing etc.
Without further information it is not possible to say what the status of the QS sign-off on your unit meant and you seem reluctant to provide any information.
I am curious about one thing though. If RLB got it so wrong, why are they not being sued like pretty much everyone else who has ever worked for Harlequin – or perhaps they are?
Well just ignor me then. Think you can do that? No because you are obsessive with your character assassination and personal silly comments. Go on ignor me. Can you?
You are all so busy slagging each other off, in the meantime DA is hiding his tracks, under the guises of attracting new investors
Funny thing is that he has had £300million to invest and not much to show (at least publically anyway)
DA don’t seem to be too good at pulling in funds, now people know its a loser
The whole pack will fall and slowly crumble…what assets there are will be fought over in court until they are worthless and the legal peeps realise they is no money to pay their fees
Some will persue other avenues
This is going to be a long slow soap opera to unfold, before the last episode where the fireworks go off and all that is left is pain full memories
I wish I could argue with you. Though I’m sure somebody will (mentioning no names).
@ Fdnrm. You mean “ignore” ? I would, but you keep bringing me up. Whenever you do, it is to insult what I may have posted because its anti Harlequin. Then I put you down and you can’t take it. You seem to think that because you are an investor and I am not (thankfully) You have more right to comment on BFP than I do. If you agree not to mention me in your comments/insults I will gladly ignore you.
Oh dear the spelling police are out again. But they are not any good for anything else in Barbados are they. Here is your challange. Trawl through as many previous posts as you can and find where I have personaly insulted you, go on I challange you. By the way we have not had a report on H hotel lately. Any NEW news for us?
I am in Barbados at present and it is all padlocked up and no workers, no activity, no nothing…Oh and I would say it is anywhere near a complete building to even begin fitting out…it is a shell and in a fait part of it just side walls that you can see straight through….It will need a fair bit if money to get it to any form of hotel
Hotels are closing in Barbados at present due to lack of demand, so finding an investor to buy it could be difficult
Not looking good there
Old HP newsletters are online here:
Click to access newsletter_issue1.pdf
Click to access newsletter_issue2.pdf
Click to access newsletter_issue3.pdf
Click to access newsletter_issue4.pdf
Click to access newsletter_issue5.pdf
Click to access newsletter_issue6_news.pdf
Click to access newsletter_issue7.pdf
Fatchett does not represent me. May 3, 2013 at 11:02 am
@ Anon 9.45 (who cannot think of an original ID) are you an investor? If not then you have no right to call me a loser.
That’s rather muddled thinking isn’t it?
You’re saying that if Anon isn’t an investor and therefore hasn’t lost any money he/she can’t call you a loser whereas if he/she is an investor and hence lost money he/she can???
Strange qualifications you require of commentators.
@Anon 3.05 and you have an original ID. Not
Its Friday if I was FDNRM I would go down the pub and have a beer ,hes had a busy week ,he deserves a break,CHEERS
@fdnrm
I don’t think anyone will invest unless Ames is out of the picture and his parasitic family and hangers on.
Maybe that’s the deal they could find some letters for Dan to post in the new structure 🙂 back to his roots
@homefront. It will be fish and chips and a glass (bottle) of wine. Have a good weekend.
Is there any truth in the rumour that Matt Ames is going out to St Vincent to act as the new manager at Buccament Bay? Can you imagine that?
And will the Essex Police allow it?
Looks like One Man & his Dog Sean Ghent has also departed from BBay and erased everything regarding Harlequin on his social media sites.
And Phil Cavill too… Phil’s saying he’s happy to be back home in Essex with a roast dinner on Sunday and is now advertising new theatrical schools. I have to say here that every guest was impressed with his enthusiasm so good luck to Phil.
@fdnrm
have a good week end too, your not all bad 😉
@A Real Investor, you’re right. FDNRM isn’t the enemy and is definitely not a HP troll. He is an investor like the rest of us and is keen for HP too turn things around. I can’t say I agree with him on many things, but completely understand and respect his points of view.
Have a good weekend all.
“It will be fish and chips and a glass (bottle) of wine”
I thought wine only came in boxes
@Mr Blue, just thought that ” a box of wine” looked a bit ott.
FDNRM I have no idea how a QS could sign off on any Cabana in 2007 as they were not even built yet at that time. The QS I met on property was basically told by our Irish friend that she would write what he told her or no further work would be awarded to her company. There were several companies involved that were threatened in the same fashion who all confessed after ICE got kicked out. The sad part was that Ames was informed about the irregularities all along…
the sun is shining ( at least where i am ) and we have an extended weekend so all please try and have a stress free enjoyable long BH and come back to the debate on tuesday. wishing all investors the best of luck for a positive outcome in the oncoming months.
@John Smith, your comments are interesting. When I brought this up some time ago I was told, although I cannot remember by whom, that the consultancy company was well known in the Caribbean and not to discredit the QS who signed off my cabana. I have photographs of the building work that corresponds with the stage payment invoice.
@ Anon 8.51 agree 100 % let’s all have a holiday break and come back fighting next Tuesday.
Monday is a working day here in the Caribbean but there is nothing happening at Merricks, the h Hotel Barbados, Marquis Estate etc., etc.
The amount of classified information coming out of the Basildon Bunker has reached an all time high!!! some really p******ed of people – especially sales people owed lots in commission ……………….
Revenge is a dish best served cold!!
Well you poor thing!
you wont be getting paid regardless of what crap you are fed – fall inline, IP, then HMRC, you wont even get a bean!!!
FDNRM When investors came on site inspections, they were shown units that were the most completed. These never corresponded with the property they had purchased. Most of the time, even after opening the hotel, completed units were shown to individual investors and they were told that these were their units. Of course, this was a lie…
There might still be some footage on You Tube from the times where the GM took investors around and basically told them some nice stories….
well i invested in buccament bay, and las canas and from i have read in this forum. the chances of me getting amy deposits back are very remote , i was originally told my apartments would be built and earning me money by 2011 for buccament bay, and 2012 for las canas. as you are all aware neither of my apartments have been started along with many other investors on the same sites. if anyone has got any helpful advice for me i would be very grateful, meanwhile i have got someone looking into things for me. however any advice would be good.
A record has been set…….almost 24hrs with no posting from FDNRM.
Must of been the box/bottle of wine wot-done-em-in.
Well we are about 80% into the pre planned fraud so far and all is going nicely. The authorities as usual not doing a lot and sooo slow. The victims (oops sorry investors) running around in circles and arguing over who is the worst thief Ames or his best buddies builder man and accountant. The victims who are able and clever enough to go after ifa’s etc are doing. Keeps them busy.
Now just to pick through the ones left that have enough cash to complete. Got to make sure they believe they are important and above everybody else, of course they have to be gullible with a capital G. Mustn’t let them realise that I already have a plan for all the overseas assets. For all the investors who haven’t figured it out yet. YOU ARE A VICTIM OF A COMPLEX AND MASSIVE FRAUD !!!
The best advice on this blog was by algarvec below. He even gives you a clue how the last part of the fraud is going to be done. If you can go after advisors, sipp etc. do so otherwise:-
Your two choices are
1 Do this immediately
2 Put it down to experience and get on with life
algarvec on April 27, 2013 at 4:00 pm
HIG won’t like this but here’s some advice for free.
You are wasting your time holding meetings in the UK
You need to try to raise a fighting fund and engage an aggressive experienced forensic international property lawyer (not me, I’m a developer) to try to find a legal way to freeze the shares in all the Caribbean Holding and Operating Companies if they can find them. At least then you’d have some control over your destiny, rather than dear old Dave running the show and running you all ragged. BTW he’s the guy you met who omitted to tell you Carol was at the Court placing HMS (SE) ltd into Administration while he was talking to you? Hello, wake up – you still want dialogue?
Get someone out to the Caribbean fast (maybe pro-bono if you can’t raise any funds) and for your investors sake do not let the companies be placed in administration as you will then be sunk as pre-pack administration deals could have been struck with mates of the owners which enables them to buy the assets at little or no cost and it’s good night investors.
No charge for the advice BTW.
I have to say I too was impressed with algarvec’s post.
Many thanks “Love it ….” for bringing it to everyone’s attention again.
From what I hear HP are fighting off Stat Demands in SVG, getting concerned that will cause problems for the finance ( if it’s real 😉 )
The cash is really running low, apart from their own bloated bank accounts, that you all have helped swell over the years. He is B******g you all – as he has done to me…………and I work with him.
What finance? Not even Dave’s conmen mates in Pattya want anything to do with this (remember the Caldora fund?).
Yes, I met him, a horrible arrogant man it was yet another Ponzi scheme but had no takers!
The talk about the recent finance is mixed, another delay tactic, from a rather dubious broker, lots of big talk, the one man band accountant, banging his drum to the Ames tune.
Or,
These finance guys actually want Ames & the rest of the parasites, out of the way and take over and do a proper job, once it goes into liquidation.
The investor group are demanding answers by next week or more stat demands will be issued in SVG – so it all coming to a head pretty soon.
Either way the Ames family is stuffed, its over.
If he is full of BS again, the stat demands will put a stop to it and the ‘alleged finance’ I don’t believe anyone will invest £30-£50 million, why would you?
Let them go bust and pick it all up cheap as chips! simples 🙂
One partly finished resort with out clear land title, two hotels no one else wanted, and a few scraps of land no one else wanted either, all with c6000 contracts on them. I fail to see why such an attractive proposition hasn’t been snapped up already.
The only thing that could sweeten that pot would be two 25 year old aircraft, and no accounting records for 7 years.
@ Mr Blue
anything can sell at the right price? what do you think that is £30mil? 😉
Now the sales office has been closed ….there will be people coming out of the woodwork to tell tales….As the noose tightens, someone will spill the truth in exchange for not being jailed
DA and the family will need to keep looking over their shoulders (for official and un official people looking for them)
but game really is over
Why have we not heard anything from the administrator? Does anyone actually know if Shipley’s were appointed? There seems to be no confirmation.
We keep hearing about Shipleys, but stil no confirmation. Have they even been notified? It would be classic DA to be talking garbage.
Why anyone would listen to DA now I don’t know. A proven bold faced liar, his words are worth nothing. Just remember, DA got people to mortgage their homes, and two thirds of the money raised went straight into his pockets as well as the agents/IFAs selling them – someone’s life savings gone in a heartbeat into the bank accounts of these conmen, leaving virtually nothing left to carry out the business of paying Carter Ruck, defending law suits, covering operational losses, buying planes, paying mortgage interest etc Actually getting planning permission and building were never ever going to happen. Point is, don’t bother taking anything Ames says to be truth.
AMES HAS BEEN OUTWITTED
@Anon73.
If you think about it, Fatchett is playing a brilliant game here. Attack, get the investors on his side, be reasonable, engage, discuss, arrange HIG, but here is the classic master stroke.
He demanded proof of finance and 35 rather searching questions from Dave Ames – if he refuses he has lots of stat demands files and ready to use.
If he agrees the HIG and investors teamed up with Fatchett will get a true picture of Harlequin – something never ever had before.
Then based of facts decide what options they actually have instead of bull s**t.
The results may surprise or be better than expected – but Ames has been backed into a corner – give information or he will be, by his own arrogance be taken out!!
Fatchett has the information and skills to follow this to the end, most solicitors don’t – Ames HAS to work with Fatchett or it is, truly game over for HP.
Finance companies wont invest with millions of stat demands about!!!!!!!
It really is “game over” very soon
I have been on the investor site recently, what a bitch fest!!
Just whining sad people, do nothing just bitch and out bitch.
I worry why the ‘founder’ Erica Broughton are in contact with the ones who stolen our money the Irish builder and the accountant.
I also worry why she would side with the ‘ambulance chaser’ Nikki Crozier ( who is not a solicitor) or maybe we should say Audrey ‘from Spain’ who ran off with some investors funds years ago?
Next we will be hearing the same, how she ran off with HP investor funds!!
read the comments:
http://www.theleader.info/26/article/2850/oasis-update/
@Investor. Jeez. Ames is so well ahead of you! Stat demands will force HP into administration, equals Ames wins. Read my earlier post and try to understand the fraud.
@Love it when a plan comes together
How do you know that what you mention is not already happening? 😉
the great thing is ames wont be able to shake of fatchett cos he need his payday, ames will make it all go t**s up all on his own – he done more damage to himself on the open days that any newspaper – total prick he made of himself 😉 painful to see…………but so funny
@Investor. Yes. That’s the one. He already is. There is only a small window of opportunity to stop him. Remember it has already been planned and most likely already too late. Anybody who thinks Ames is going to see a prison cell doesn’t understand what is going on.
Just to play devil’s advocate ………what would happen if there were a
change of government in SVG?
The grand fraud theory relies on pre-pack administrations, doesn’t it?
Can you do them in the Caribbean countries? Never hear of one in Barbados.
The grand fraud theory relies on Ames robbing investors money and they get nothing. Ermm already there. The icing on the cake relies on the assets being put into administration and being sold to the highest bidder, not many of those about except one of Ames associates that is gonna pick up a bargain. Great plan he gets your money and the assets. Oh yes forgot he gets away with it as well.
There is a flaw in the grand fraud theory. The assets are poor quality. Buccament Bay is losing money; blu Hotel must be as well; land at Merricks which no-one would want to buy as its in the wrong place; H Hotel Barbados which is far from completion, was always a long-shot, is unlikely to make money and no-one is going to work for him on after Harlequin shafted so many people.
If I was Mr Ames I would be delighted to have got shot of it all and if I had any money stuffed away (and you have to suspect that he might) then I would do something a bit more worthwhile with it.
What if the investors bought the SVG company in return for their contracts ?
No 3rd party will buy or invest with them hanging around.
Think about it !
“He might have stashed some money away” would be funny if it wasn’t so tragic. To keep it simple, Ames has had a few practices before at this scam. He has robbed you. You now don’t have the money you had, he has a lot of it. He planned it that way, right down to the smoke screens of been incompetent and suing his builder buddy. Whatever the outcome of the court case will make no difference monetary to you. Notice it isn’t in a criminal court and its not about their money its about yours. To repeat you had some money now you don’t have it. You have been robbed. Got it yet? They can pick which asset to buy. I could take over bb tomorrow and make a profit within 12 weeks.
@bradley your contracts are worthless when they are with a company that has gone bust.
@Love it when…. you are spot on by setting up various development companies in different countries and being able to use the money coming in on any of the projects…it is going to be a nightmare to trace and even harder to recover if it can be
The assets of BB and the others …they are worth very little the whole scam is tarnished
The Irish builder is just another part of the scam….it diverts cash and attention away from HP/DA, He is either in on the game or could see it was a scam and realised HP/DA wouldn’t be able to do much for fear or ringing alarm bells, especially when investors cash was still rolling in
As I have said DA will die of old age before the trail has been followed
Final point DA has been bankrupt twice before…he knows the loopholes and how slow the police etc are tracking these things time….again as said before time is the best asset a scam merchant has
Do what you can to put them behind bars, but don’t expect your money to be returned
that’s just the way it is
Gingerbread Girl tried to point all this out two months ago.
Many of us tried to point this out 7 years ago.
Ames invested heavily early on in libel lawyers and others (with your money) who were scouring the internet for any negative publicity, any forum that spoke ill of Harlequin. That alone should have been an alarm bell – I don’t know of any other developer who focuses so much on libel lawyers rather than just getting good information out to purchasers and getting on with the work in hand.
@Erica, I have just read your post from yesterday 10.23pm regarding the timescales for HIG. I thought your forum/group were seperate from the HIG but you keep refering to it as “we”, and when “we” meet. Can you clarify, are you part of the HIG or not? Also it refers to “investors”. Does this mean this Investor vs purchaser issue is now clarified?
@fdnrm.
she is just after attention, irish builder, Crozzier aka Audrey, Newman, the blog, Panorama, Radio 4, anyone who will listen to her bleating so sad.
‘FDNRM, I just copied nd pasted what the Gareth and the HIG sent okay?
Does any of this matter…DA and others have all had it away with your money and it will take years to resolve, get on with your lives, otherwise you will waste years of your one and only life chasing a never gonna happen dream…time to move on
@IRIGO, how much money do you stand to lose? Or have you already gained from the whole mess?
@Erica, yest thanks, just wanted to understand.
@IRIGO, as you keep talking about other peoples money and other peoples problems I guess you are not an investor. If not what are you doing on here?
@FDNRM
It takes a lot of presumption to state that this is a blog for “investors”
Has it occured to you that some of may may have been VENDORS
and that some of us are stilled OWED for building materials. This is
run by BARBADOS FREE PRESS and is, if you read other treads on
here it deals primarilly with BARBADOS. I wonder how many potential
“investors” at Royal Westmoreland, where villas start on the high side
of a milliion $US have recoinsidered because of the Harlequin mess
which cheapens the brand “Barbados”
@sid as previously stated
I am not an investor in any shape or form
I have no connection with DA or HP or anybody/anything to do with them
I do not owe or am owed anything to/by DA/HP
Finally I am not an ambulance chaser either
I am merely an observer
@fdnrm I am here as I visit Barbados on a regular basis, hope to spend a lot of time in Barbados and as, this is a Barbados forum I read it as I take interest in events that happen in Barbados (I also have a interest in the Caribbean in general, but mainly Bim)
I post as someone who can see through all the mess as I am not clouded by either side, or have any financial interest.
you all informed now
@IRIGO, please don’t take offence, but I do have a lot of money invested and would therefor stand to lose a lot of money if things go the way you suggest they will. On that basis, it is a little annoying when someone comes on here rubbing my nose in that fact without making any real contribution. There is nothing new in what you say, we all know the situation and the events that have lead us here, but can’t just ‘get on with our lives’. It’s not that simple.
I agree Sid, a little bit of compassion would be more appreciated.
Well said Sid, I think a lot of people on here forget that if the Merricks ect would of work there would of been alot of Barbadians as well of investors making money, so can’t understand the enjoyment some followers are getting by posting on here
Hi been had, if I were lucky enough not to be up to my next in all this sh1t, I personally wouldn’t have any interest in these forums, yet alone feel the need to point out to people where they went wrong. There seem to be so many interested parties and people with different agenda’s.
@Sid/been had I do have compassion for all the people who have been screwed…I have a pet hate of people who rip people off…it is the lowest of the low in terms of theft… I do wish I could be a seret billionare and make things right for people (not just HP)…but sadly I am not
There are a lot of people on this thread who do seem to believe that coz DA only ants a little bit more money and says don’t worry it will be ok
Sid I wish you well (and all others)…. but I do know the Caribbean quite well and from personal experience how everything goes slowly
I hope you get sorted, but it is going to be very complex to unravel and it will only take a few to pull the thing down, therefore you may not get the outcome you want
Good luck
@ Steve no pleasure or enjoyment here from seeing ordinary people or any people for that matter get stuffed
However I think you are all dreaming if you are expecting a happy ending
BB is too big for SVG and not the sort of resort people travel the long haul flight to get to…Barbados is awash with unsold condos….The main builder in Barbados is bankrolled by a rich American billionare who is awash with cash and cant sell all the units they have built over the last five/ten years…and before you ask, the builder or the Amercican don’t want to know BB or Mericks
I have no desire to rub salt into wounds (apologies if taken that way), however I just do not see a happy ending long or short term
Game over: I know i’m not going to get my money back & knew for along time i’ve been over to Barbodas a number of times in the last 5 years and been to the planning office near the race course as well as the merricks so i knew that all was not well probably before alot of people.
I got no where in my talks with HP & before you start on due diligence i did what i thought was enough lawyer to make sure HP owned the land at the Merricks did the company house & it never showed up DA had gone bankrupt before & with all the people putting there name to the product i thought it was a sound investment even to the point that i didn’t ask for any payments from them.
The only good thing i’m left with is that it will not effect my finances to much as i only invested what i could afford to lose but didn’t think i would be losing.
I feel sorry for the ones who will lose their house or even marriges & don’t need people going on about this & that just because they have nothing better to do as i think most people signed up on this site for info & now it’s just being used for other purpose.
Sid, Steve and others – I understand your annoyance with what you feel are finger waggers and ‘told you so-ers’ – but please also see it from the point of view of the whistleblowers, who have been warning for 6-7 years that this was a disaster waiting to happen. Many of us care very deeply about the islands and the region and foresaw the damage that it was going to do and posted warnings (with well argued reasons backed up by evidence) on many different forums – unfortunately we didn’t have access to a huge pool of cash to spread the word like HP, so our message went largely unheeded.
Although we hate seeing people being ripped off, our main sympathies lie with the people of the region and the nations of The Caribbean. Of course some (all?) governments have been partly complicit in that they have been too ready to welcome foreign investment without making proper checks on the suitability of the people involved or their track record in delivering the goods. There has been far too much of the “build it and they will come” mentality – fine as a quote from a fictional story in a film, but insanity as the basis for investment and development.
Unfortunately like IRIGO I cannot see how much, if anything, can be salvaged from this wreck, but one piece of advice I would freely give – seek experts who can advise on the chances of success of the end product (and how best to achieve that) – not the building of the resorts, but the actual operation and profitability of them. The building is irrelevant, given enough money anything can be built, making it return a profit is entirely a different matter. I’m afraid that many of you investors cannot see beyond the construction phase and that is only a small part of the scenario required for you to get any kind of return.
@ Steve: May 7, 2013 at 2:36 pm
“Game over: I know i’m not going to get my money back & knew for along time i’ve been over to Barbodas a number of times in the last 5 years and been to the planning office near the race course as well as the merricks so i knew that all was not well probably before alot of people.”
Please share what you learned from you visits to the planning office.
Sid, I and many others share your frustration/disappointment/stress/anger at the way we have all ‘been had’.
I cant really argue with IRIGO. the truth hurts sometimes.
Found this, it may help a few investors clarify their thoughts:
http://www.investmentsense.co.uk/what-now-for-harlequin-property-investors-6-hints-and-tips/
@IRIGO, thank you for your response.
Well lets see what the end of the week brings, who knows maybe something good will come out of the HIG meetings – and before you all start ranting you have no idea whats actually going on, you all like having a moan and posting drivel.
How the hell does this work!!!!
http://www.ftadviser.com/2013/05/07/investments/property/property-firm-pursues-libel-claim-over-ponzi-allegations-e1nmkfi1gZ0cpWFabpwExJ/article.html
@Been Had.
What a load of Bol*****S how does that help anyone? you may as well send over to VT’s blog! 😉
@James Allington, Have you actually read the attached article. Investment sense is promoting CPC worldwide, Nikki Crozzier, AKA Audrey Dixon. “Help a few investors clarify their thoughts”. What an absolute load of crap. I suggest you do some research before you post anything else on here!
The case was started by Harlequin, presumably HMSSE, before it went into administration.
We need to wait to see whether the administrator chooses to continue with it. With no money in the bank and the SFO and FSA investigating, my bet is that they will come to a different conclusion to Mr Ames and choose not to pursue it.
There is an alternative. Presumably Mr Ames was libelled as well. Maybe he will take action personally. He could use his 5 million loan from Harlequin to pay the legal costs.
Short legs , why dont you just bore off? you can keep your pointless opinions to yourself, I know who you are (WTF and all the other names) you have used to try and butter your mate Ames up.
@FDNRM
Hardly promoting, simply reporting the facts, imho, there are essentially two groups, one run by Fatchett and one pulled together by CPC, although they have their own London based lawyer
By the way, no need to be so aggressive!
Seems that Shipley’s have finally been appointed as administrators:
Click to access 050713-Harlequin-Management-Services-South-East-Ltd.pdf
@ Been had,
now now Stephanie no need to be nasty, bore off you sound like fnnrm
@James Allington, sorry about the tone of my post. Its just the contents of the Investment Sense article are misleading. Its recommending CPC Worldwide, and any investigation into this company shows them to be highly dubious.
Short Legs – I am not “Been Had” I have never posted here before I’ve only read FYI. So I suggest you point the finger elsewhere. BTW I know exactly who you are ST.
Regards
Stephanie
Has he really got short legs? He’s not Oscar Pistorius is he? Or Ronnie Corbett?
Note their comment “the directors’ powers have been suspended”. I don’t believe that is normal wording in one of these announcements.
Hi StGD, who’s comments are you referring to?
@FDNRM, I quite agree. CPC Worldwide, the international team of laywers (who aren’t), who’s website is a free ‘make your own’ by moonfruit. That alone should be ringing alarm bells. Throw Audrey Dixon into the mix and we have the makings of another scam.
It’s just my opinion, but I wouldn’t go near CPC with someone else’s barge-pole! The question is, do they have the power to do any real damage? It’s all well and good HIG trying to sort something out with HP, but it could all be in vain if CPC do something drastic in the background.
@ Sid
Look at the Shipley’s press release linked in James Allington’s post at 6.31.
The same could be said for James Cannons website (Eleven Capital) http://www.elevencompanies.com/ Just incase you don’t know who he is, he’s the guy who is trying to raise the money for Harlequin. Why should we trust him, he could be a fly by night for all we know. It’s not hard to set up a 1 and 1 website…..What ever happened to Caldora funding??
Does anyone know who the administrator(s) were for Mr Ames previous companies which went bust? Also what were the company names?
Thanks AI2000. If HP are hanging their hat on this guy we may as well accept our fate now. The fact that Ames can only turn to one-man-band financers reeks of desperation.
@StGD, I don’t know who the administrators were, but think his previous companies were called Leggit and Scarper.
@ Sid
…and his lawyers were probably the ones who feature in the Private Eye, Sue Grabbit & Run.
@Angry Investor 2010
Are you following me here too? get back to your own blog – I know who you are
🙂 and you are walking a fine line…………
FYI http://harlequinpropertyclaims.co.uk advertise on The Echo website on pages relating to Harlequin Property. No doubt the swivel eyed brigade will denounce them as ambulance chasers, but for those of you seeking advice they may be of help. Of course investigate them thoroughly before parting with any money.
Shortlegs, I’m sorry I don’t follow? Is there another blog out there? This is my second post here 😦
Correct ambulance chasers, I lost interest the moment the mentioned the recent Panorama program – that was never shown, what about Audrey Crozier from CPC or is it Nikki Dixon? maybe our web expert angry investor would like to comment? : ) on their website
@Short leg hahaha I only post in my own name do you? I do not know angry investor I know lots of angry investors though!
I have had a thought when you are ready I will help you set-up your own website where you can go (probably on your own) use multiple names and talk about how wonderful your experiences have been to date with Harlequin and Mr Ames 🙂
@Short Legs – well that’s fine for you then, I’m sure that you have carefully scrutinised their service – not as if you would be fail to do due diligence on a serious matter is it ? – oh wait a moment…
@BBaywatch, Harlequin Property Claims, a subsidary of Magenta Claims, “help you get rid of your time share”. Yes they are a class act aren’t they. Mind you advertise in the Echo. Wonder if “award winning journalist John Austin” would recommend them That is the John Austin who was fed info by Newman eh>
IS THIS THE COMPANY WHO IS GOING TO RAISE FUNDS????
Cash at bank 8 973 not a very strong player in the financial market.
Business Overview
Eleven Capital Limited is an Active business incorporated in England & Wales on 11th July 1997. Their business activity is recorded as Financial Intermediation Not Elsewhere Classified. Eleven Capital Limited is run by 2 current members. 1 shareholders own the total shares within the company. It is also part of a group.
The latest Annual Accounts submitted to Companies House for the year up to 31/07/2012 reported ‘cash at bank’ of £8,973, ‘liabilities’ worth £2,253, ‘net worth’ of £57,734 and ‘assets’ worth £59,987. Eleven Capital Limited’s risk score was amended on 14/12/2012.
IT WILL NOT WORK, PROCEED WITH ANOTHER STRATEGY
@Mr Lars, you do not have to have funds to raise funds.
Might be worth checking out co directors history though.
@FDNRM, please don’t tell me Mr Lars post doesn’t worry you? Do you honestly think these guys are going to raise the capital needed to save the day? It looks like yet more game playing to me.
@Erica Broughton.
I was thinking of opening a website, having my family run it, so I am able to do and say what I want, give out warning, censor everything, feel so important, only attract negative thinking people, but guess what – YOU BEAT ME TO IT!!!
ps could you tell me what you aim is on your site? 😉 apart from stating the bloody obvious!
Hear the old Caribbean folksong folks: Matilda she took me money and run Venezuela; Matilda, Matilda, Matilda, Matilda, she took me money and run Venezuela.
Really helpful. Thanks MP!
Your senseless rhetoric helps little; at the end of the day your pockets are still empty.
If that is aimed at me MP, you know nothing of my pockets. And it was sarcastic, not rhetorical.
Funny how short legs is acusing everyone of using different names, when in reality, he is the only nut job who is guilty of it.
You’re quite correct. It was meant for you Sid.
Sid, you deserved what you have gotten.
@Angry Investor 2010
you post on Erica’s nutters blog, so don’t come the only blog BS…..Steph
Short Legs – PM me on the forum I will make you admin, I think you will be great for the job you can make sure that there is no Anti – Harlequin members.
Regards
Stephanie
@Angry Investor 2010 or is it Step – lost me there?
Short Legs – Like I said above pm me and I will make you Admin. I have only ever posted here twice before I don’t know who angry investor 2010 is. If you like I can call you by your real name as I know who you are.
BTW My name is Stephanie not Steph thank you.
Regards
Stephanie
@SHORT LEG Can you please stop posting rubbish Steph and I do not have to justify ourselves to you. If you want to be admin on the forum PM otherwise we cannot arrange this,also if you are a genuine investor please stop blocking this site as other genuine investors need to read all this rubbish instead of facts and other peoples opinion I have asked you before to please treat others as you wish to be treated come and join us we welcome everyones point of veiw,We will not ever answer what we consider to be daft questions posted on here if you want to PM us we will enter any debate you wish to have in the chat room.
@Erica & Steph Broughton.
Its not your blog so you can not tell me off…. the points below are not rubbish very valid, indeed?
I don’t want to be involved with people who openly admit to speaking with the Irish builder who stolen investor funds -why do that?
Who, openly promote and support ambulance chasing firms, who are not solicitors, and don’t even do any DD on them, Nikki Crozier or is it Audrey Dixon?? why did you not check her out? is it true see the link below – she will not answer, has been asked many times
http://www.theleader.info/26/article/2850/oasis-update/
What are you getting out of this?
Short Legs – I’m still waiting for your pm.
Regards
Stephanie
I am waiting for answers to my questions above? or is that for PM’s only : )
I asked you to pm me before you asked your questions so please pm me.
Regards
Stephanie
Short Legs
You sound like somebody out of the Basildon Bunker. Did you get paid last week..??/ Shame…
Anyway, have a look at the Buccament Bay website and you will see that they no longer have a General Manager.
Next week another face will be gone as those who are involved and in the know are jumping ship as fast as they can find a rescue ring.
But of course, you are just a bitter, cynical bunker boy….
@John Smith, Short legs is asking legitimate questions regarding contact with O’Halloran and Crozzier. Don’t try and change the subject by using the old ” Basildon bunker” line. It’s old approach to try and put people down.
Oh dear , not another GM gone! Is that three?How many Resort Managers?Hurry, Hardly Success..positive spin urgently needed!
Sorry FDNRM, I know that you have an agenda and therefore will not provide an objective input but even you must admit that Short Legs has only put up posts serving to agitate other people and has said nothing that contributed to this forum.
I am an investor, do not work for Harlequin, Ames is a total tosser and a bumbling idiot, who, at best is a totally incompetent man and worst an out and out com merchant.
However, I do have a problem with ‘Erica Broughton syndrome’ this woman is out on a mission to finish Harlequin off, it’s that simple. The is, of course, flowered up by ‘helping investors’ but its bollocks.
Look at the following:
1. In contact with O’ Halloran – why?
2. Website she set up – with who’s help?
3. Panorama? Any newspaper that will speak to her, Radio 4
4. Nikki Crozier aka Audrey Dixon – good choice for investors! Will you set up a site about her soon? Saying how she ran off with deposits and done nothing!
5. ‘The Erica’ blog or soap box, so she can ‘lord over it’ having multiple names as she answers only to herself – even talks to herself on there.
The biggest issue is that, the whole mess offers not one bit of sound professional advice, nothing.
So what is it all about Erica? Revenge plain and simple & self-importance.
You wont answer difficult questions just like your mate Crozier 😦
@Michael Payne, and what have I ‘gotten’ exactly?
Hi Erica, sorry to put you on the spot, but I’m just catching up on some reading and stumbled across the following statement:
“We are aware of the fact that Mrs Broughton has been attempting to stir up ill feeling against Harlequin, despite the fact that she and her husband have already received a full refund in relation to a property that they cancelled last year.”
Is this true, did you get a refund? If so, please can you share details of how you managed this?
Some background on Eleven Capital.
Eleven Finance Limited – Dissolved
Eleven Fx Limited – Dissolved
Eleven Global Llp – Dissolved
Oak Capital Management Ltd – Dissolved
I think we all know where this is heading.
@Anon 8.57 Would you like to expand on the connection with Mr Cannon and the above companies, apart from the fact they have “eleven” in their titles. Three of the companies were run by a Mr James Harris and dont seem to have any connection with Mr Cannon. Apart from that Mr Fatchett has disolved companies in his background which I have been informed is ok by some.
If you have a company and want to close it you can – whats wrong with that?
By dissolving it.
Simply put, providing you don’t own anybody any money and have no legal proceedings outstanding, you go through a process then company is struck off.
So, to be fair its nothing sinister & could have been for many, many reasons.
It does not mean anything sinister, its like saying someone opened 11 bank accounts and closed them!
@Sid I did threaten to set up a website and got a refund (NDA) I was promised by Mr Simon Terry that along with that I would get my husbands SIPP returned and so I waited over five weeks and phoned regularly and never got anywhere and so I set up Harlequin property problems which has had 6893 unique visitors. So we have not had a FULL refund as such.
@Short leg ha ha. I will speak to the devil himself (due dilligence) if I wish to, I have tried to help you privatley. If you don’t like our forum that is totally fine, in total I’ve commented less than half a dozen times all I have done is post on information received from Harlequin and other sources. I don’t understand what your problem is if nothing else we have made Mr Ames and Harlequin talk to purchasers. This is the last time I will reply to any of your posts.
Thanks for clarifying Erica. Ames comment makes it sound as though he kindly refunded you ages ago, yet you persist in trying to damage his wonderful business.
@Erica Broughton.
That’s no answer…… so you have had SOME refund?
Just like Crozier don’t like tricky questions ; ) says its all.
You missed off damaging peoples investment & your own little vengeance trip
ooops sorry your not speaking to me now
Oh dear, Harlequin Property Investors forum degenerating into a name calling fest. Get a grip Erica.
You are all running around calling each other names, whereby DA is planning either his exit route or the next business scam he sets up (once a con man always one its in the blood)
The lack of info (like no accounts for years etc) has got you all falling out….united you stand, divided you fall
Most of you understand where you are at, some still believe the dream…but you do all need to go in the same direction if you are going to get anywhere
I see that the Merrick’s site has been put up for sale. 54 acres for BDS$28,000,000 – Ron Karp Realty.
I have sent the link to BFP.
AL. don’t think this is ” HP merricks” but next door?? SGD posted prior about this piece of land for sale.
Correct. I believe it’s the site next door. They are unlikely to be selling either site soon as they are not exactly in a prime location.
They could do a “buy one get one free” offer if they teamed up with the next door owner, though.
Perplexaed
Barbados does not need any help fron Harlequin to drag down it’s appeal to tourists or other investors. The druggies, armed robbers and rapists are doing a fine job for you!
Yatinkiteasy
Nice to know you are missing me. I do not intend to contribute to this forum whilst there is nothing other than rubbish being posted here.
ps Got your missing wheel back yet?
Sorry forgot to post above under my own name.
Shock news of crime from Barbados:
– Young man dies after taking cocktail of drugs at party
– Three teenagers arrested after armed robbery
– Teenager appears in court charged with rape in car park
Well, actually these stories were read in Barbados but they are from the Echo which covers Basildon in the UK, home of Harlequin. Sounds like there is a lot of crime there.
If HP goes wrong and people lose their money I would not like to be the family living in that area – that’s for sure……
anon HP has gone wrong
@It really is game over.
I agree with you 100% but, for some, they don’t….. and still believe the crap they are being told. I will take it a stage further, I would not like to be a person who has sold it when the shit hits the fan…….. apart from the fact they will be stuffed when the legal people get their teeth into them – got a house? it will be gone soon ha! Ha!!
St. George Dragon.
I don’t think the crimes reported in the Basildon echo will have any effect on tourism
or the economy of the area.
That’s because it’s an armpit of a place – why would you want to go there!
I have been quite, but I am close to the end of my tether with that scheming, shorts arsed geriatric bankrupt little T**T.
If something is not sorted out by the end of this week I am going to wind up Harlequin SVG and don’t give a shit about the money, then I will pursue the Ames family for the rest of my life.
there is nothing anyone who posts on here can do about what will happen next,Its all about the SFO essex police etc and,even the government who are now involved its all gone way out of control,the people who will make all the key decisions inc CPS are not going to say a word until they move,also people who say 100% a certain thing will not or has not taken place are wrong ,you can not prove a negative.Face it the key players are keeping quiet
You go girl !!!
@Homefront
You forget Mr Ames invited the SFO to come and have a look! not sure he could stop them if he wanted 🙂
I have it on good authority, he will be getting a knock on his door in the future from the ‘authorities’
The problem with Aimless is he has told so many lies, its become reality for him so, in his stunted little world he has done no wrong!
its the only way I can work out whats is going on in his deluded little OAP brain.
Aye Ames you little runt, have you any idea what stuff is being ‘leaked’ you really should pay your salesmen 😉
@Hardlysuccesss…good news that you have decided not to contribute to this forum…and no, your silly comments are not missed at all.Obviously anything that is negative news for Harlequin (and there is plenty these days) would be deemed rubbish by you.
You missed your chance to put a positive spin on the resignation of the General Manager at BB. Perhaps Ames caught him stealing too? Oh no..another court case!
Interesting breaking news in the City of London of arrests and raids on ‘pension liberation’ schemes and the call centres running them. Wasn’t this one of the avenues being explored for Harlequin refunding? In any case it shows that the authorities are taking a keen interest in the exploitation and misuse of pension opt out and alteration schemes. Hopefully there will be far more stringent regulation of all advisors and providers of pension investment options in the very near future.
@Red button girl, why not just do it, go on feed your ego. Never mind the other 2499 investors in HP who are patiently waiting for some sort of rescue plan.
@RBG
Vroom! vroom! I’m the leader of your claque……..
apoligies to the Sangris-Las circa 1960 something
should have been Shangri-Las
@BBaywatch, I dont believe it is the same. From the SFO web site “The perpetrators’ approach to pension scheme members is usually via unsolicited phone call or text message, with a pushy ‘advisor’ offering cash incentives, ‘loans’, a ‘savings advance’ or ‘cash back’ from the individual’s pension.” This is a more one to one cash raising scheme.
@Perplexed, how about “I’m a leader, I’m a pratt” Just a thought.
@fdnrm How can you rescue something that has been robbed blind, is losing money on what is built and that will never be a viable business…what sort of a rescue do think is gonna come forward
Even International Rescue and Thunderbirds aint gonna rescue this mess…..
@RBG if that’s what you want to do go for it…..I am sure if you don’t someone else will
I notice BB has dropped the nice 30% to 40 % discounts that were being offered by all agents on TA., for stays through August 2013.I`m sure this in an effort to boost profitability, but when compared to 5 star resorts in the Dominican Republic (yes, they have many) BB does not seem at all attractive. The next 3 months in the Caribbean are usually considered “low season” where Hotels drop their rates to attract travelers. The success of this Harlequin strategy is very questionable.
RBG, go for it.
Those criticising anyone for taking action against HP for ruining their investment are deluded or complicit (or both – FDNRM).
Just bloody do it RBG. Put this misery to an end.
NOTHING is going to happen except prolongation of the demise. NO-ONE is going to rescue through finance and NO resorts are going to get started / finished. It is an absolute joke that people are pinning their hopes on this catastrophic mess being sorted. I 100% guarantee you that that thick, conman, fraudster Ames can’t sort it and I 100% guarantee you NOBODY will step in to sort it. Unless it’s some cocked up attempt at money laundering. But this is the dirtiest, stickiest operation I’ve seen in a long time, so even dirty money would get further soiled running through Harlequin’s “books”.
FFS, someone grow some balls and bring it down. None of you will get your money back, so why let them carry on??
A-RS
Amen brother, amen !
Oooops again ( too much Dewars) @A-RU
@Anon R U, now lets go through this again. How much money did you invest? That would be nothing. Do you get off on other peoples problems? Believe me I’m not deluded or complicit, just trying to get the best result for 2500 investers. Unlike you!
Ames is fighting for his own skin and the income of his family, not investors – lets get correct.
When this has gone wrong, and will get worse – Ames has no income or his family.
When the SFO take action and they WILL, despite what crap you read their assets will be gone too.
Ames has not paid IFA’s or his sales staff, so lots more to come out in the wash, it’s game over only stumpy does not yet believe himself.
It’s not his fault 😉
This is what is making him carry on, the old bag Carole won’t like being poor again.
HAS NIKKI CROZIER RAN OFF WITH THE MONEY FROM INVESTORS?
@Short Legs, no Audrey Dixon has!
@Leaky Leaky, IF the SFO goes after HP, and its a big if, what makes you think that they wont go after salesmen also. I would’nt be gloating just yet if I was you.
@fdnrm.- quite correct.
We are all shi****g ourselves to be honest, and if the legal beagles go for us too…. I am not gloating.
Ames will dump on us without a second thought, I am not that stupid
@LLmitb, she won’t necessarily be poor, there are a number of ways prisoners can earn money these days, and with nothing to spend it on I’m sure it soon adds up and will probably equal a fair amount after 8-10 years. How is she at making wicker baskets?
Joking aside, if the SFO do run with it, people will be prosecuted and will be punished, make no mistake about that. The fact that they haven’t acted yet isn’t a sign that they might not get involved, it more than likely means they are building a big enough case so they get the biggest result. It’s going to be a very complex and expensive process that they won’t begin until they know they will get the desired outcome. I’m sure anyone that has profited from the scam (if it is a scam, and you sound certain that it is) will be brought to justice. FDNRM is right, if you are a salesman and you have earned from the ‘scam’ having been consciously aware that you were party to criminal activity, you won’t just be looked at as an accessory but as fraudster in your own right.
@Erica & Steph Broughton.
Can anyone else comment Erica wont speak to me as the question is difficult
Its not your blog so you can not tell me off…. the points below are not rubbish very valid, indeed?
I don’t want to be involved with people who openly admit to speaking with the Irish builder who stolen investor funds -why do that?
Who, openly promote and support ambulance chasing firms, who are not solicitors, and don’t even do any DD on them, Nikki Crozier or is it Audrey Dixon?? why did you not check her out? is it true see the link below – she will not answer, has been asked many times
http://www.theleader.info/26/article/2850/oasis-update/
What are you getting out of this?
WHATS HAPPENED TO CROZIER???? AND THE MONEY ; )
Nikki ‘Nicked’ it
@Short legs. If she has signed up 50 invetors at £2000 + VAT thats a nice £100k, more if she hasnt declared the VAT. Nice work if you can get it. She seems to have disapeared, not on here any more or Ericas forum. When everyone is bleating on about DD on HP seems no one has done a DD on CPC Worldwide before they were permitted to advertise their “services”
@fdnrm has gone a little quiet…….looks like few other peeps trying to get fingers in the pie
Not getting better is it
If anyone’s interested I’m taking on clients at only £1500 each. I have absolutely no legal qualifications and don’t really have a plan, but please don’t let that put you off. I can arrange a group meeting with tea and biscuits if that helps?
http://www.sfo.gov.uk/about-us.aspx
worth a read in full to see the types of cases and history of those that the sfo investigate. HP still on website, although to be fair the initial assessment stage appears to be still ongoing and whether the sfo proceed further we will all have to wait and see. however, i cannot see that the SFO would ever divulge to the person/company being investigated any details of who had made any allegations ( as per DA statement.) they have a duty of care to protect those parties and would not give details as surely this could lead to witnesses being intimidated/threatened etc. just my opinion of course
An interesting point taken from the SFO website “By law, we can only investigate the most serious and complex frauds.”
@Anon55 we all know who made the SFO complaint, Newman.
@IRIGO, a bit quiet? 3 posts this morning. I didnt realise I was being monitored.
@Sid, are you VAT registered? What sort of biscuits? Hob Nobs could swing it for me.
@FDNRM “If she has signed up 50 investors at £2000 + VAT thats a nice £100k, more if she hasnt declared the VAT. Nice work if you can get it”
The streets of Basildon resound to the persistant percussion of FDNRM barking up wrong trees. Clearly the dubious non-solicitor is nothing more than a bit part player in this unfolding saga. Try multiplying the £100k by a factor of 3,000 and then follow the money trail, no doubt an exercise which the SFO are actively engaged in as we speak.
@FDNRM, not VAT registered no but will probably charge it anyway. Hob nobs can be supplied dependent on how much interest I get. Once I hit the £100k mark I will put on the finest spread of biscuits you have ever seen. Let’s see Nicki match that!
@Kroll, No she is not a “bit part player” What it shows is the level of deception which is going on by people jumping on the band waggon. MOS, forced to make an appology due to inaccurate, lazy reporting. Panorama, discredited. John Austin, Echo, mouth piece for Newman. Harlecon, mouthpiece for Newman. How many “bit part players” are trying to make a living off investors money? Do you think a worried investor should be parting with another £2400 to Crozzier/Dixon? Are you posting from the Wigan bunker?
£2400 does sound a lot, especially when we know HP don’t have any money to chase after. I think my £1500 inc. VAT and Hob Nob option is a far more sensible choice.
@fdnrm…bit quiet…I was referring to Erica and the questions being asked re the solicitor?? lady
I am not monitoring you or anybody else
somehow do not think that the SFO get involved and start an initial process on the basis of 1 complaint??
@sid not good that sfo only pursue certain crimes….crime is a crime in my eyes a good fraudster will now the limits that they will escape being looked at I guess…..the uk is going down the pan, ya pay taxes and get nothing
but then that’s a whole new story and not for this thread or forum
@Anon 55 yes your right, although Newman contacted them in 1010, 2011, 2012 and Erica did also. Newman might just have contacted them and directed them to the Harlecon web site and the Echo. All the info was comming from the one source but it would have been the level of any fraud which would have alerted the SFO, not the volume of complaints.
@Irigo, it’s not saying that small frauds don’t get investigated, just not by the SFO….who only look at major fraud. The fact that they are even looking at HP says it all.
Yatinkiteasy
Still there shouting off your big mouth, poking your big nose in and trying, as always, to cause trouble. What makes you think anyone takes any notice of your pathetic comments? As I have said before, why don’t you sort out the problems on your own door step? The druggies, armed robbers and rapists.
i am sorry to see the GM depart from beautiful Buccament Bay. He has done a first class job and I wish him well.Harlequin should have no difficulty in attracting a replacement top class manager. Who would not jump at the chance to manage beautiful Buccament Bay, fast being recognised as the No 1 resort in the Caribbean.
Think about this. With the ever rapidly declining numbers arriving in Barbados, it will not be long now before visitors to the island will have to fly first to the magnificent state of the art Ralph Gonsalves Airport in St Vincent and the Grenadines and then transfer by LIAT to BIM. Good luck. On yer bike!
Harlisucces, which PR company are you working for, with your enthusiasm about the entire mess surrounding Buccament Bay, you would be the perfect PR agent not only for BB bur for St Vincent and the Grenadines.
@harlisuccess
Whatever you smoking, deffo taking you on a trip..BB and SVG never gonna be like you say and if Bim tourists do flock to BB the bad guys will follow them
Get real you dreaming
@sid ok mis read the post
Ames is up to something, he does not seem worried about the stat demands in SVG…..the message being banded about is all is well and don’t worry – the little sh*t ……….. he is not as stupid as he comes across.
Interesting that on a related Facebook site a Harlequin investor is offering his services (sic) pro bono as a image consultant. He has been asking for other investors to help promote the HP image. Quite clearly that has had quite an effect with some – the delusional ravings are on the increase!
On a more serious point, HMRC are reported today investigating tax fraud and have identified a number of individuals to target.
The relevance to HP? – HMRC (and similar govt depts – eg SFO) have been investigating this for several years, these matters take time to get to the prosecution stage so lack of immediate action does not indicate lack of guilt. The tax fraud has been bought to light as a consequence of an undercover BBC Panorama team’s investigations – don’t assume that the programme on HP will never be aired!
There are many forms of stupidity. He can tell everyone all is well, but everyone knows that it isn’t. That’s not being clever, that’s living in a fantasy world.
@BBaywatch you really are getting desparate to keep this going aren’t you. First you tried the boiler room scam on pensions which the police have been involved in now its the HMRC on tax evasion. Just a hint, but keep this to yourself, its understood that Sheargar is buried on an industrial estate in Basildon. Perhaps John Austin has the inside track?
@FDNRM, is it fish & chips and a box of wine again tonight?
@Hardly. I know you still want to sniff my bike saddle!
You sure seem to take notice of my “pathetic” comments.
BTW how is the new hotel purchase in Barbados coming along?
I mean the second one your friend DA said he was buying 9 months ago and said that it would be opening in 2013.
You are such a sniveling nobody, trying to make a silk purse………..
I mock you because every time you fire a stupid comment and insult,it shows your growing desperation in supporting a dying business. A business that owes millions of dollars to suppliers, contractors , Govternment departments , ex employees .
Don’t you not think everyone is tired of your constant reports of how great things are at BB?
@Sid, no out for a few beers tonight with a mate over from Auss. Not seen him for a few years. Visiting with his Russian bride. This should be interesting!
Sounds like great fun. Enjoy! I’ll see you back at the coal face on Monday.
@Red button girl. So did you press the button? Did you go for the nuclear option? The world is holding its breath to see what you decided. Come on girl, have we all been incinerated?
Now you mention it, I did see a flash in the sky earlier coming from the south east 🙂
@fdnrm.
много пиво 😉
Talking of OZ – did he buy in Mr Ames successful venture there?
http://www.emigrate2.co.uk/article/homes_and_relocation_detail-38/
@FDNRM.
Awaiting for an update………. 😦
Just received this.
Meeting with Corporate Financiers – 10th May 2013
Today, two members of the HIG and a solicitor from Regulatory Legal met with James Cannon (Corporate Finance adviser) and Jim Baker (accountant) to discuss the “Rescue Plan”. These are our reflections of the meeting and the outline Rescue Plan.
1. The plan is quite complex and it will involve investors amending rights under their existing contracts. This process will require investors to make an informed choice. There will need to be a financial promotion in the form of an Information Memorandum issued to all investors. This document is going to require advice and explanation. HIG will be organising workshops to run through the ramifications. It is clearly inappropriate for Harlequin, sales agents or financial advisers to provide this advice as they are not independent to the existing circumstances.
2. The plan will reorganise the assets held between the Harlequin companies into a more manageable structure. This process will allow any financier to have clear title (enabling them to lend).
3. The basis of the conversion will clearly require HMRC and potentially FCA permission. The timescale will be in months rather than weeks. Our estimate is 3 months -6 months from start to finish. However, it is hoped by all that it will be shorter.
4. Anyone considering paying monies over to Harlequin at this time needs to proceed with caution and obtain in country legal advice.
5. We have invited Harlequin to agree an advice review process for all financed / SIPP based investments. There is a general acceptance by Harlequin that some of the advice received by investors was very poor. More details will follow on this process.
6. Those investors in abandoned projects such as Brazil will need to be reimbursed as part of the process. Reimbursement could take the form of a roll over into the restructured Harlequin business.
7. Those investors holding Statutory Demands will need to be dealt with as part of the process. They will need to be cleared to allow any Rescue Plan to proceed.
8. The role of the Ames family / Harlequin Senior Management in any new structure will need to be understood.
9. The objective in the restructure is to facilitate the injection of a sizeable amount of monies to deal with existing problems whilst at the same time planning for the future. This is going to involve concessions from all parties.
The HIG members viewed the meeting and the detail shared as both positive and welcome. The devil is always in the detail and for now nothing has been agreed or offered. However, when things start to progress investors need to be able to properly understand what they are being invited to agree to. The woeful explanation of the original contracts by advisers cannot be allowed to repeat itself again.
Forward Going Timeline
We will be receiving a more detailed description of the “Rescue Plan” next week. We will report to you with our comments on the 17th May 2013.
Any comments or issues you would like to share with HIG please sent to harlequin@regulatorylegal.co.uk
@Harlisuccess
I think some here would agree with you wholeheartedly that “Yatinkiteasy” needed a reality-check.
@Harlisuccess
Yatinkiteasy has been under false impression for far too long that those of here take notice of his utter-nonsense.
Re the “to be fair” summary above. How can SD demands be met if there is no money coming in. Especially as current investors who wish to complete are advised to proceed with caution. Isn’t this contradictory to progress?
@FDNRM
My reading is that they are saying to not put money in while the situation is uncertain. That kind of makes sense as long as the uncertainty does not go on for a long period of time. Particularly if the financier wishes to mortgage the sites in totality.
At least this is positive movement for once.
Is it Mr Braithwaite or Mr Baithwaite?or is it one of the dozen or so different Ids that BFP caught Harlisuccess using?t Totallly discredited and irrelevant person after that.
My reality check is that I see a failed venture being defended by paid PR people and a few desperate investors. Other reality check…I have nothing to lose in any of these mad schemes.I say it like I see it. I hate to see people being ripped off, especially pensioners, and I especially hate it when it happens in Barbados.
Anyone who thinks that a rescue plan will work is either in it for Consultancy or legal fees, or is delusional.
brazil was a total no go. didn’t get the land but had taken monies for deposits either cash, via finance or via sipps and only now years later under scrutinisation they are saying investors can transfer/or ask for deposits back if further funding raised and they have the monies to refund????
Scam, pure and simple. Always was, Ames is a criminal, clear as day.
@tobefair
The meeting was between HIG and someone who will go door knocking to try to get money, so this all assumes DA will play ball ..like no accounts for seven years appearing all of a sudden…like title deeds to all the land appearing and if in DA name being handed over free of charge
And all this will lots of strings like:
point 6 anybody who put money in abandoned projects such as Brazil needs to get a refund, but not in cash as it seems to say they will be rolled over into a reformed HP/another resort….hmm no cash spare there then…maybe wait until new money is invested, then sue for the cash…so still no cash for further development
point 7 peeps with SD need to be resolved before any rescue can start…..so those with a SD either have to be bought off, convinced to lie down….now with what 2500/3000 peeps who all have different views/financial positions…getting everybody to sing from the same hymn sheet…..that could be difficult
I simply cant see this all coming together as DA has to provide all records (and of course he is gonna do that making sure he is not incriminated by anything so maybe best hold on to those bit of paper …oh and this one….hmm now where is my shredder to shred anything that might incriminate me…but no worries he got three to six months before anything happens
Where are financiers gonna be found, I can not see a rescue coming. What are they gonna rescue a part built resort that will never make money…nice idea, but SVG will not support it
Shoot me down, but you all know the situation
The whole rescue is plan idea is delusional, devised by those trying to make a dollar off those who have so much invested they’ll believe anything.
How’s the Crozier/Dixon woman doing? She was on here daily while she was chasing the money, and now nothing. Was anyone silly enough to give her the cash? Will she reappear with a new name again, now that she’s 100k richer?
The rescue plan all hangs on the ability of the HIG, RL and perhaps even Cannon and his accountant to get Ames to play ball and fall into line. Then a majority of the investors need to agree with the proposed plan. Achieving both of these things will be like nailing jelly to a wall….herding cats…..use whichever analogy you like.
The Harlequin group of companies post the “rescue plan” will look completely different moving forward to the original model, with investors having to take significant haircuts, which whilst upsetting, might be better than a complete loss if the hold group falls in on itself.
As an aside my understanding re Nikki Crozier is that she was only working with a small number of investors, who are now working with a lawyer to move forward with and stopped taking on clients.
I think that the rescue plans hangs on a little bit more than that –
like winning the cases against O’Halloran and Newman (neither of which is a certainty as some suggest)
being exonerated by the SFO and Police enquires (chances of which must be 50/50 at best as it wouldn’t have gotten this far without there being a reasonable case to answer)
a satisfactory replacement investment vehicle being found as SIPPS would now seem to be out of the question.
compliance by investors in Brazil and H hotel in agreeing to a ‘no cash’ deal
no further adverse information made available to spook new investors (although Carter Ruck and the skunkworks do their best to keep a lid on this it’s likely that further bad news will escape)
and finally and most importantly some kind of believable evidence that there really is sufficient demand for these mega resorts (at the pricing level required to float the whole leaky boat) in the current and ongoing tourism market.
Only those gullible enough to buy into this daydream in the first place seem convinced that these conditions (and those detailed by James Allington) can be met.
Just read the Erica forum, I’m afraid she has lost the plot completely. Now wants to set up a company, get a loan (where from?) and then wants to “steam” in and buy BB. Erica is now a potential property developer and resort owner. Wonder if O’Halloran put this idea into her head?
Erica running BB with Ames as skivvy!
What’s your suggestion FDNRM? You’ve become pretty fond of trying to pick apart strange little peripheral details, but seem to have become a bit more reticent about talking up the big picture. Not looking great is it?
I’m finding the direction that HIG are going in very strange indeed, but I would suspect that there may be a little more to it than meets the eye. I struggle to understand how issues such as the Brazil project being cancelled, with investors uninformed and deposits retained could be considered as anything acceptable in any respect or jurisdiction.
Looks like you are being asked to invest in some fund and Ames will transfer the assets into a new company – so he can lend without investors getting in the way? seems like win win for Ames! Why would you buy into that? You will own nothing – just some of nothing, he has the asset or am
I missing a trick?
Good news on the crime front in Barbados. The Nation reports today that three young men tackled a bag snatcher on the south coast and returned the bag and its contents to the owner.
Meanwhile, in Basildon it is reported that someone has snatched £300 million and is in the process of making off with it. Will some plucky local step in and make sure the money is returned to its owners?
@BBaywatch, “only those gullible to buy into this daydream” that would be 2500 people then.
@ FDNRM: Absolutely, yes!
First rule of gambling, do not gamble more money than you can afford to part with.
@fdnrm……… you would seem to be correct about the 2500
It does seem like a typical Aimless plan, not structure, raises more questions than answers, basically bollocks.
He transfers your asset (investment) into a separate company he can lend against – and you have a bit of nothing!
You own nothing, what about you 10% income? and the property in the sun?
Need to seek advice don not agree with it, it lets Aimless off the hook, the little shit.
@ Leaky Leaky MITB
If you really are what your name suggests, can you tell us what the true position is on a few things?
For example whether anyone has completed on a unit at Buccament Bay, or is planning to.
I have just been on Erica ‘new buyer of Buccement bay’ Blog.
Its so depressing, there is one person to be fair who speaks sense, so I have nicked a post – this is a more likely scenario:
In summary, the new financing proposal means that purchasers will have to subordinate any rights they have over the various developments in favor of the external funder.
I hope I’m not being too cynical, but…
Rights get waived/subordinated
Harlequin is restructured so that each development is in a “clean” new company
Loans are drawn down from new funder, fully secured on the land/developments and subject to cross-guarantees
Loan is serviced for a couple of months
Loan is defaulted on
Funder calls in the loans because of defaults and enforces charges/guarantees
Purchasers are dumped/shafted
Phoenix operation starts – stuff them ment bay!
I would like to add the following :
1. What will you be investing in?
2 Who will be running it?
3. Why don’t investors ‘buy’ it?
4. Kick Aim out
5. How will they keep things going for 3-6 months?
6. Can you see HMRC FSA etc giving Ames the green light to run this!!!
7. Finance and stat demands don’t work!
All in all its just a stupidly complex plan designed to confuse and force investors to sign over their money to another Ames con.
STUPID STUPID DESPERATE IDEA
@St George’s Dragon
I do not know of anyone, getting title.
Recently some have paid a full balance crazy but true, about title no idea.
It’s all about Ames and the family – have you noticed now, short arse is saying he did not sell the units…… its all the IFA’s fault for selling them and giving bad advice!!
He actually believes his own lies – he’s told the so often they become real, something is mentally wrong with him.
The scapegoating of IFAs from within HQ is really weird — as if to say “they should never have been selling our own product, it was too risky” (whilst Ames is obviously in film saying it’s really low risk.
Leaky Leaky – are you helping the SFO and Essex police with their investigation? I hope so as it seems to me you’re pretty clued up, you know all the money has gone, and know that any salary / commission you may be owed isn’t going to materialise.
I too am confused at the naivety RL seem to be demonstrating over this. Why on earth they think they can trust Ames is completely beyond me. Gareth Fatchet clearly isn’t stupid, but he sat through a meeting with Ames, took in and reported all the bullshit he was fed, and the very next day HMSSE announced their administration.
The only explanation I can think of is that RL know there is no money left, therefore no SDs, let alone investors, can be paid off. Winding the company up means everyone’s money is lost. And at least warnings and actions by authorities have at last stopped the company selling to new investors. So, by RL trying to represent investors through any re-structuring / re-financing, they’re doing their best for investors who, otherwise, wouldn’t see a penny of their money returned.
That’s fair enough, and hats off to RL, but do they really, honestly believe sufficient funding will be found to sort out this monumental cock-up?
Not a chance.
No serious investor would touch this mess in a million years. Unless, of course, the deal involves investors rescinding all entitlement, future development commitment being significantly reduced and / or cancelled, the Ames family fucking off well out of the picture, and all existing debts to creditors being written off. And some.
@ Leaky Leaky
Do you know how many units were sold in Brazil, where Harlequin apparently didn’t own the land? Also whether any were sold in Grenada, again, where nothing was owned?
@UP its not that daft, lets say you invested £150k in a SIPP and Aimes has done whatever with it.
If you were mis-sold it go after the IFA or the SIPP company or the PI insurance and it deflects pressure from Harlequin!!!! they don’t have to pay you back ( if they could 😉 )
So, given most is SIPP it’s great for short arse!!! so f***King over the people that sold it is small beer to him – wont think twice about it – its all the IFA’s fault now in his wierd little head.
Couldn’t agree more Anon RU.
Would the finance cover the build costs, or the 70% balances, or both? Can’t see how the finance would work with the investors — shifting, as it would, the balance of power. Also can’t see what meaningful security there is given the additional issue of the investors.
Leaky that was my understanding of what was going on — just seemed a strange way for the boss to reflect on his own product. I would imagine that most of this is now about exactly what you suggest though.
You are nothing but a liar and out to cause trouble and are probably yellow back jones or jabba Dave Mann.
You have come up with nothing confidential just waffle regurgitated with a bit of spin!
Add to this the dick headed pack mentality on here and you have hours of fun playing them!
Why don’t you go back into your darkened room and watch your dwarf porn instead of causing widespread panick to gullible people?
*sigh*
Hardlysuccess – let the grown ups talk with your former employee. Believe it or not, their input makes no real difference; doesn’t put Harlequin in any more danger, nor gives investors any more armoury against you. And if you think he’ll be the only one to turn grass, you’re wrong.
@Anon RU yes let the grown ups try and sort this put. That includes the INVSTORS not the people sitting on the sidelines such as you who think they have some moralistic right to comment on here. RL are far closer to this to you. I cannot believe you have been taken in by Leaky Leaky. He is full of crap. Actually answers no questions at all.
@fdnrm….Do you really believe that finance will become available and all the investors agree to any terms that will be required to guarantee the additional finance….not asking what you would want/like, but do you honestly believe there is a viable rescue plan going to come forward from anywhere
not trying to wind you, just asking
@IRIGO. Regarding your question, I really don’t know. The reason being that there are 2500 investors, only 1000 ish represented by RL. Why should anyone with a SD get priority? It only mentions financed/SIPP investors. What about investors who have paid in full, in cash? What if just one investor does not accept an amended contract? I think some of your questions in a previous post were very good.
This really gets more and more interesting. No mention is ever made of
ex-employees owed back wages and vendors owed for materials supplied.
fdnrm seems to be under the impression that this BFP site is exclusively for
investors. Far be it from the reality. I don’t know exactly how it works
in the Caribbean Nations involved but here in the States we have something
called :”mechanics liens” and if they are’nt ALL satisfied NO-ONE
gets clear title.
@perplexed, no I don’t think the BFP site is for investors only. I don’t see any other creditors taking any action or trying to come with any answers, do you? If they were really concerned why don’t they try and do something about it?
On another note I see that on Erica’s forum the moderators are now criticising the posters! What a messed up site that is!
from memory the original contracts actually allowed HP svg/barbados/st lucia etc to borrow/finance if they need to. however , it appears now that they are looking to amalgamate all the assets into 1 entity to allow c 100 million to be borrowed/financed from external sources??? surely if BB red book valuation is correct then all the other assets do not need to be added as security?? BB is the only effective entity built and if worth the rb valuation and if making a profit should be adequate security. even if they raise the finance then the interest on this needs to be met and they will still need to raise the remaining hundreds of millions if not a billion to build the rest of the resorts. PLUS the figured for deposits taken as quoted/estimated at 250-300 million are out of date. these are estimates from the HMSSE accounts filed to date and by my reckoning there are are least 2yrs more sales figures to add to this (as bdo resigned may need to wait until shipleys verify current position) or HMRC/ sfo / fca ….
OH no, not again….
Well, the Joint Resort Manager and Director of F&B resigned and walked off the job. Next??
Harlisuccess obviously has no clue and went through a thorough brain wash as there is nobody wanting to take that job…
BB is running low occupancies right now, losing money every day. How long can that continue?
@john Smith But did you hear about the wonderful new towel animals that are left on the beds at night? Ask Hardlysucess.
Do the JOINT resort managers get to smoke that great St Vincent weed?just one of the perks of a job at BB.
Is the the same person as the general manager who it was mentioned had left last week?
If as is reported BB is losing money is true and HP is in admin with no more deposits coming in….surely it is a only going to be a short time before staff do leave if there is no funds to pay them
Here s a question…if BB closes coz no staff/losing money…does that make securing funds easier as it can then be re-started a fresh, or does that kill it as no funds come forward so it rots….will tour operators come back?
I cant answer the above, but I think they are valid observations
#UP No, this was the next one in line. He was promoted after the GM left and now has quit himself. Giving proper notice does not work with Ames so he just walked out. Ames never has respected contracts in the past and everybody is aware of that and cannot be bothered.
“will tour operators come back?” – a good question, especially as the major tour operators seem to have lost interest already. Virgin does have a page for BB, but only if you search directly for it. The landing page for Virgin makes no mention of SVG at all as a destination that they go to. Kuoni and Thomson both have outdated information on their pages (Kuoni still says that the galleon is available for weddings!!)
So where are the guests currently staying at BB coming from? This is the sort of information that should be readily available if they want to attract investment – investors contemplating any kind of rescue deal should know this already. I suspect that most will be coming through HP directly or via TA, which hardly constitutes a marketing strategy. Of course as HP cannot produce accounts for seven years I very much doubt that they have information on where their clients are coming from to hand.
Leaky MoleyArse……
ever think where the questions ‘fatcheeks’ was given come from? imagine if you were a professional working for Aimless, would you want to ruin your whole working life, or try to cut a deal with the authorities? imagine if you had just qualified ? would you want to be tared with the same brush ?
Most of what’s leaked you will never know.
Me I sell stuff, simple….. but know whats going on.
Just lets see what happens next should we? 😉
All this is just playing for time whilst Aimless puts plan B into action.
Mr Braithwaite
Thankyou for your support
Anon Reasons Unknown
Your half baked post May 11th 7.29. What the hell does this mean?
Yastinkiteasy
Nobody is interested in your disease infested saddle. Your suggestions are vulgar and stemm from an ill-educated mind. You should restrain from making such comment. My comments about your cycling activities are always clean and said with good humour.
What I have to say now does not entirely fall under the heading of the thread,but heregoes anyway.
As suggested by others, have you stopped to give yourself a reality check on the upcoming disaster coming closer day by day for Barbados and it’s people? Would not your time spent at the computer be better employed discussing how to overcome the huge crime problems mounting up in your community and the disastrous effect these are having on the island’s main source of income i.e. tourism? Why don’t you get off your high horse and stop this stupid vendetta against Harlequin? Why not start a campaign to encourage your schools,colleges and your press to stress the importance of good manners and courtesy in the teatment of your guests at the airport, in your hotels and resorts and in the wider community? Why not concede that others in the Caribbean, as found in St Vincent and the Grenadines for example, have these qualities?It seems the prosperity once enjoyed by Barbados has resulted in you believing you are above everyone else,not only tourists but also other island communities and that good manners and courtesy are no longer required.
The people of St Vincent and the Grenadines are as unspoilt as are their beautiful islands. The good grace of these people are a significant factor in expanding tourism, as has been said many times. The new Ralph Gonsalves International airport will bring them the prosperity they richly deserve. St Vincent and the Grenadines is not littered with empty hotels and concrete wastelands such as the Four Seasons mess. How many hotels and resorts stand empty in Barbados now? 40? 50? 60?. You need to face up to the fact that the good times once enjoyed by Barbados are behind you and a huge regeneration of your mostly rundown tourist facilities is long overdue. Your economy is near junk status and the rapid decline in tourist numbers will only detract further from your living standards.
You speak of Harlequin ripping people off and in particular,pensioners. You can talk! Was it not very long ago that two pensioners from a cruise ship visiting Barbados had their belongings stolen from them and hospitalized with gunshot wounds in the process? In broad daylight at that! A fine example of pensioners bein “ripped off”!
Until you tackle the underlying problems of crime and poor respect for visitors and others, nothing the Barbados Tourism Authority does will make the slightest difference to tourist arrivals.
i challenge you to take the suggested reality check, get on your bike and start a campaign to rescue Barbados from it’s drug culture and it’s No Go reputation and set about to return the island to the safe holiday haven it used to be.
The alarm bells have been ringing for some time now. Time is running out. TICK TOCK,TICK TOCK
You all my want to ask; regarding the wonderful rescue plan the occupancy rates of BB, and how they intend to keep things running with such woefully pitiful occupancy.
The issue has detracted to ‘the plan’ not the occupancy and will the resort return an investment for you all and keep Aimless and the parasitic family in the luxury they have all taken for granted – I have accepted I will not get paid what is owed.
@Hardly …..blah blah blah ..broken record, Suffering from bikeaphobia.
Well Leaky Leaky, share your untold knowlege, what are the occupancy rates? You dont really tell anyone anything do you.
Time is running out for Harlequin. TICK TOCK, TICK TOCK!
lets face it, Harlequin is simply stuffed so is the family and investment
@harlisucess the new airport is going to take people to where if BB closes and even if BB doesn’t close down, there is not enough of it built to provide accommodation for all these planes full of people and at present no money to complete the resort
As this progresses, the tour operators will shun BB…they will not want headlines such as xzz holidays sends tourists to Ponzi scheme resort branded about in what is still a very fragile market….oh and don’t think investors who want to pull HP down will not use this tactic
Whilst the airport will help SVG no doubt, they have been screwed as well with the promise of all the money to roll in in via BB
@FDNRM
as low as 20%
Is that including the apartments?
I was just referring to BB
Yes there are apartments at BB
A winding up petition will be presented in the next 14 days.
I am close to one of the Stat Demand holders. They are bored of the Ames lies machine. Their investment is £25,000.00.
Ames cannot even pay this off. Says everything you need to know.
@Lighthouse. Wonder how the other 2499 investors will like that. Ah we’ll so long as your “bored” mates are ok that’s all right then.
Lighthouse – so if he can’t pay the stat demand how will your friend recover his money? I think you need to know that your not in possession of all the facts and there is an agreement with Fatchett. If a Winding up petition gets activated in the next 14 days I will pay it myself?
Lighthouse = uninformed gobby dimwit
Leaky Arse – you are right about one thing there is a leak at Basildon. The thing is it is well known by Dave Ames who the leak is from and it’s not the sales team!
You however are full of shit!
Perplexed hit the nail firmly on the head some time back ,”Follow the money” its odd to think the people who are saying a further centralization of any remaining or future funds is such a good idea,just think about it,all those assets in one place,who will grab them?and from whom ?
@Leaky MoleyArse
There are several leaks from all departments. Ames lies plain and simple the so called rescue plan is only for Ames not investors.
Get a life and stop being so stupid, he has had your pants down
All this talk of stat demands and Ames not paying will someone do a winding up petition and shut the little dimwit down – I have had enough.
If Ames or the family are involved with any ‘rescue plan’ I will not sign anything, we the investors need to take over, then sell the asset. Providing its set up professionally its not as daft as its sounds.
@ a real investor….whilst your idea may not be daft, a question though
How much is the asset worth…after all fees/sd etc etc are paid
A resort in SVG that is what 10% (I don’t know how much of what is/planned to be built) and in truth will always struggle to make money (certainly in any level to return money to investors)
A bit of land in Barbados that will take a long time to sell (assuming that is part of the assets) and a hotel that is so knocked about its about to fall down (look at the pics)
So question is what are the assets worth, bear in mind that peeps like RL and other people will pop up demanding all sorts of fees, assuming someone actually wants to buy them (not gonna sell for top $$ are they given the status etc etc)….divide the return on these assets and divide them by the number of investors and to me that equals ….not much
just an observation
fyi. another case currently being persued by RL and others on behalf of clients. very similar in some respects, however, were not via SIPP’s so i think this is why the harlequin situation has gotten much more press within the whole fs industry and being much more investigated by the fca.
http://www.globaledge.co.uk/news/overseas-buyers-to-sue-their-uk-financia-49061
A day or two ago there was a very negative report on TA about BB. The main complaint was the long delay in their transfer from Barbados, traveling as they did with young children. There were also some other negative comments about the resort itself. Guess what? That negative report is no longer there! The same thing happened a week or two ago. No , I did not copy it because I have no desire to clutter my computer with junk.
TA is definitely cutting any very poor reviews that are posted about BB this really really stretches the credibility of their reviews.
Any negative reports regarding transfer from Barbados would probably be sensored by BBaywatch who does not believe that the new airport for SVG could in any way have a positive effect on BB.
@FDNRM For sure the new SVG airport will help boost tourism to St Vincent and the Grenadines when they start to receive International flights about June 2014. Question is… Will BB still be open?
A new Trip Advisor review posted yesterday says there are only 90 rooms at the moment. I wonder how long before that one gets removed.
We have to really question the sanity of some the British Folks here. who have been riding the Harlequin for far too long. Given is up folks! You have been got.
@Brownbeach, you’re wrong to question our sanity. Just because we are stupid (clearly for ever getting involved in this mess in the first place) doesn’t make us insane…..though I think we are all getting there slowly!
TA certainly have a curious way of editing reality – a post regarding the burning down of Octopus Villa on Bequia (which was confirmed by a resident) has been removed. Having read the review which mentions 90 rooms the reviewer also mentions plans for expansion to 355 rooms (?) and a nightclub and a casino – well why not? The whole operations has been a gamble from the beginning so a casino (fixed odds?) wouldn’t be out of place.
Not sure that a nightclub will have anyone to perform in it as reviewer Londonmania is specific that the resort was dead at night. That particular review is very fair, praising the good points but pointing out clearly where the resort falls down, all of which should be taken on board in any rescue attempt. Certain faults cannot of course be rectified – the beach is almost too small for the existing size so will not extra guests.
Proof that developers can advertise resort villas for sale, and claim nomination for travel awards even while in administration. March 10, 2013 at Harlequin’s blog: “Buccament Bay Resort nominated for 3 World Travel Awards 2013: VOTE NOW!” http://harlequinhotelsandresorts.wordpress.com
@ FOUWHSL
It is the sale arm, Harlequin Management Services South East Limited, which is in administration.
Still going, presumably, are:
Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited
Harlequin Resorts (St. Lucia) Limited
Waters Meet Beach Resorts SA (Dominican Republic)
Two Rivers Beach Resort SA (Dominican Republic)
Las Canas Beach Resort SA (Dominican Republic)
Harlequin Property S.A (Dominican Republic)
Promotora San Patricio S.A (Dominican Republic)
Marissa Investments S.A (Dominican Republic)
Harlequin Properties Brazil (SVG) Ltd
Harlequin Hotels & Resorts Ltd (Cayman Islands)
Buccament Bay Resort Ltd (St. Vincent & The Grenadines)
Buccament Bay Ltd (St. Vincent & The Grenadines)
Harlequin Services (USA) LLC (USA (Delaware))
Harlequin Worldwide Ltd (England)
Harlequin Travel Ltd (England)
Merricks Ltd (St. Vincent & The Grenadines)
So plenty of opportunity for a few more sales and awards yet.
I wonder where the money is, though.
@BBaywatch. Amazing how BB can get the “best new Caribbean hotel 2012” with a beach which is “almost too small” Do you statistics to back that statement up, guests vs beach area? or is this another desperate statement?
The World Travel Awards appears to use on-line voting. All you need to do is register with your name and email address and you can vote. That doesn’t seem like a very secure system to me as it could be subject to all sorts of abuse during the current voting period for the 32013 awards.
Mr Ames has stated that Harlequin has two full-time staff dealing with social media. I have seen some comment that they might be the source of all of the very similar glowing reviews on Trip Advisor. That could not, of course, be the case, as it would be morally incorrect, so not something that Harlequin would be party to. Neither, I am sure, would they get involved in any scheme to place World Travel Awards votes for Buccament Bay.
Voting could also be subject to spoiling votes from disgruntled investors – again something I am sure no-one would be party to.
The website for voting is here:
http://www.worldtravelawards.com/
“From the beach front straddling Buccament beach you can walk from one end of the resort to the other in 3-4 minutes, it was tiny.”
“Don’t have any expectations like we did and you won’t be disappointed, especially for a long beach front or a luxury resort as BB claims on its website. Get there before the apartment block is complete – getting a good spot sunbathing spot in the day will become a challenge. ”
@SGD now I wonder if some of those companies are still taking deposits
you don’t list any registered in bim…are there none registered in bim?
Just think if the money has been routed from one of thos co to another and then another each with management fees arec etc….can you imagine the cost and resource to go through each one and check all is above board…especially if no accounts been kept and DA./HP no giving any info to peeps tracking money
Now do you all see how long just sifting through all this gonna be to obtain proof of fraud or mis management tc etc
@fdnrp….awards in most industries are all mainly mutual back slapping etc….the xyz magazine awards for abc etc etc …now who spends the most on advertising etc …give em an award and keep em happy, then they will keep spending with us
@BBaywatch, I hope those quotes were not from Trip Advisor. We know they are selective in their comments don’t we. The apartment blocks do not restrict the sun onto the beach. They are not skyscraper size in height. Anyway the beach is west facing. What a stupid comment.
@ IRIGO
HARLEQUIN DEVELOPMENTS
HARLEQUIN (BARBADOS) PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LIMITED
HARLEQUIN BOUTIQUE HOTEL LIMITED
HARLEQUIN (BARBADOS) PROPERTY LIMITED
HARLEQUIN LUXURY HOTEL LIMITED
HARLEQUIN BOUTIQUE HOTEL MANAGEMENT LIMITED
HARLEQUIN LUXURY HOTEL MANAGEMENT LIMITED
HARLEQUIN PROPERTY (SVG) LIMITED
Sorry about the caps, that’s how they come off the system.
How many companies are there?
Why would they need that many companies? Answers on a postcard please.
If only some wealthy person would run a D&B on each, and if only we could confirm if each had separate bank accounts with money flowing through them.
Has the cunning mastermind that is Dave (twice bankrupt double glazing salesman) Ames managed to weave such a tangled wed that the SFO are too daunted to take swift and conclusive action?
Give me strength.
I should have qualified my list of Harlequin companies by saying that there may be some non-Ames companies in it – it is just based on a search for Harlequin. If there is a non-Ames company in there, apologies.
@St George’s. It looks like all Ames Harlequin to me. Since they are all Limited Liability Companies, there is a legal obligation to file annual Returns to Inland Revenue. Have they? Who knows?
In addition , if any of their companies has now, or has had, any employees, payments of withheld Income Tax and National Insurance should have been made . The reports in the local Nation News suggest not.
This is a real web that has been woven, probably intentionally, to frustrate and complicate any legal actions against Harlequin Companies registered in Barbados.
There is a Harlequin restaurant in the Gap which I was concerned about. That is nothing to do with Mr Ames.
Can confirm the restaurant is not anything to do with Ames…been there a while was operated by a Canadian guy..not sure who owns it now.
Looking at all the companies …the web is going to be complicated and tracing all the money could be very difficult…..and if each charges a management fee it will all reduce what maoney is left
Hi FDNRM, I hope you’re well?
As I’ve stated before, please feel free to tell me to bugger off and mind my own business, but I was wondering if you ever did get this quarters payment from HP?
Hello Sid, will let you know by the end of this week.
Thanks FDNRM. I hope it comes through. Were they previously paid by HMSSE like the monthly interest payments?
Lets try and keep things real here, anything that involves a plan money and Ames will not get by vote, he is only trying to hold on to his percieved position of power. He is a lying little shit.
It’s over, he just is too STUPID too work ot out
Do not complete ! No more money to Ames !
The two important winding up petitions will be issued next week. I have been asked for instructions to proceed along with about 100 others. The inevitable is happening.
You all should feel sorry for Mrs Ames how will she afford all the teeth whitening products, when it all goes wrong?
Dave Ames needs to Dopy-Dan in a job or its back to playing postman pat
Or a cosy family cell? tick tock 🙂 feeling stressed yet?
I think it’s over. Even if funds were raised to start completing projects the fact that there is no evidence that the resorts could ever give a viable return makes it a pointless exercise. I can’t believe we all put so much money into a business that doesn’t appear to have ever had a real plan. I keep reading people saying ‘fool me once, shame on you – fool me twice, shame on me’. I’d like to extend that by adding ‘get fooled by David Ames to the extent you put you’re family’s financial future at risk, you must be a complete f@cking idiot who should never be trusted with money again…..you dick’. I think that phrase sums me up quite well.
I wonder if the winding up orders will be the catalyst for the SFO to start proceedings? It could all go very bad very quickly for the Ames’s. It would be great to see them on Family Fortunes trying to make a quick buck…..which to be fair they’re very good at. We surveyed 6,000 people…..how much time will the Ames family spend in prison? I bet they win a Caribbean holiday.
@Bradley, are you Red Button Girl. She keeps talking about issuing something or another. Why wait till next week. Why not do it now? You people are just full of s**t.
@Sid.As before I wish it would come good for lots of reasons…investors and even the caribbean as a region, this will not help them either
I am sure it is very easy to blame yourself, but dont forget there ar 5999 others at least who have been fooled, without the builders etc etc….Ithese people are very good at what they do and I have been in presentation etc and have wanted to instantly mgive them all my worth…for me happily a sixth sense stopped me
The web is going to be tricky to unravel and will take time….and whilst time ticks the whole image for it all plumets.
Good luck to all the scammed…err I mean unfortunate investors
The only plan Ames ever had was to create more imaginary inventory for him to sell in order to generate more commission – more projects that could never be started never mind finished, glossy brochures and cgi’s and celeb endorsements with the sole aim of putting your deposits in his pocket. It is a sad indictment of uk authorities (fsa, sfa, police) that he has been able to do this in plain sight for so long, and still walk the streets. But in the uk, there are so many ifa’s that also are crooked, the sfo and fsa are just too busy and criminals like Ames can win. He has your money in his pocket and invested in property he has bought for himself. He did not have much money when he launched harlequin – he has taken 6000 deposits, failed to deliver and made himself rich. Pretty clear what has gone on.
be clear . if there is a case to answer with the SFO, police, FCA this will not be brushed under the carpet, not with est £400 million at stake. the newspapers will keep reporting and certainly the ifa’s / FS industry will make their feelings known if they are hit with a massive fcs claim. industry insiders have been warning the the FSA, now fca since as far back as 2006 regarding the harlequin investment according to various comments on FS websites. we don’t know the amount of advisers/firms/sipps involved. my guess it is a very small portion as an entirity. just a few who filled their boots big time.
@perplexed are the USA equivalent of SFO etc as slow and as easily fooled as ours appear to be.I leave out HMRC as you dont f??k with them.I imagine the states was looked at as a possible income stream.I dont know I ask
@homefront. yes agree if hmrc get involved they will be lethal. perhaps the hmrc can request an audit on all the FS companies/ifa networks who sold this and audit their books. despite turnover of millions (which can be seen on webcheck) they have not required an audit (probably as most of their advisers are self employed and technically not classed as staff). now that would be interesting…..
Dear investors and agents,
There appears to have been some unhelpful speculation lately, so we wanted to provide a short update on a few areas.
To be clear, investors do not need to take any action following Harlequin Property entering administration. Investors’ contracts are with an overseas resort development company, not Harlequin Property, which is the primary sales agent for Harlequin Hotels & Resorts. The same applies to cancellations and information to the contrary is incorrect.
We have received a tremendous amount of supportive emails since the Open Day meetings and the summary document that was latterly provided, so the Ames family and everyone at Harlequin wishes to sincerely thank those who have been in touch – we will be responding. Some queries were also received, to which the team are working on responding ASAP.
Harlequin is in the process of implementing significant communications improvements, including but not limited to a website dedicated to Harlequin’s latest media statements so you can keep up to date with what is shared (but perhaps not published) by areas of the media, and an online Q&A facility. Dave Ames is also organising another series of meetings to take place soon – details will follow in due course.
Harlequin is also currently reaching out to investors without email addresses on our system to either: a) request they update their contact details; b) register their preference for paper communications.
There are numerous factors to consider when making improvements to communications, such as accessibility, efficiency, cost, commercial sensitivity, and so forth. It is also essential to avoid flooding inboxes with email after email – not only will it annoy some of you, it will also flag the company as spam. Therefore, a number of options are in various stages of consideration and implementation, but you will be updated once the new elements are in place.
The restructuring process is being carried out in the best interests of our investors and their investments, and though we are not yet at the stage to release details, we will provide information directly to you all at the appropriate time. This is a conscious effort by the company to deal in facts rather than speculation, and we urge our investors and agents to do the same.
Kind regards,
@homefront……
It is done by the individual state’s States Attorney. I believe they can
request a judge freeze a bank account for “cause” while
an investigation is in the process. I know that New York (because of the
stock exchange & hedge funds) has several hundred lawyers working for the States Attorney that do nothing but handle fraud cases. And if any federal taxes are do the Feds jump right in. It seems to be a bit more
lax in the U.K. Remeber Stanford did his dirty work in Antigua but he
is rotting at this minute in a US prison.
@ EB. assume this is a copy of a harlequin letter/email. would suggest all investors speak to RL or their solicitors before deciding that they should do nothing re shipleys..
@Anonymous, I have just copied and pasted this for people who may not be on the Harlequin mailing list. I also received a letter from Panonne (solicitors) saying to fill in the form,Personally we will still be filling in the form it cannot hurt can it?
Reg Legal also said fill it in so do so!!!! and by weekend
Remember Ames is a lying scheming little short arsed toad – do not believe a word he says. If he is involved with this new plan if will only be for his and his parasitic families benefit – NOT INVESTORS.
Don’t let him near the money, he is a crook plain and simple – shitting himself because the net is tightening and he is on the back foot!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bull s*** Ames I sent Kim Fry HP Legal an Email three weeks ago and NO reply.. Sick of reading your lame emails giving you more time. Why dont you do the decent thing, and here is what you can do – Give the whole HP business over to a big developer / Hotel chain … You can then live off your hidden millions and we as investors can look forward to a proper company running our investment… Have some decency DA and do us all a favour and let go of your little baby
no, no,no!!!! those hidden millions will be subject to legal action…make no bones about that…………for all the family
Anonymous – It was tongue in cheek – BUT he could actually just take a paltry sum for the sale and walk away – Do the decent thing – That way a lot of investors will be happy to stay , and the new companies debts will be minimal if all we can believe is true – But DA will never do anything to help the investors – its all about me me me
Interesting that the word “investors” is now how purchasers of holiday units are referred to. When did those people who put down deposits to buy specific units in specific resorts become investors? I would fill in the forms absolutely. There is nothing Ames can do that will help investors unless he signed over all rights and ownership of everything to a purchaser/investor controlled board that would work in the interests of all investors by realising maximum funds from this debacle. Still noone knows the true picture – can it really be that he sold that many homes, took that much money, yet only had enough to build about 200 units? He really stole/took/paid out that much in fees, and wasted the rest? Not that it’s worth waiting, I agree with leaky mole, all evidence points to not trusting Ames or Harlequin for a second.
@Last chance
He has had enough and the blood sucking family and hangers on, stuff him get the little shit out for good
Anon73 – Agreed … I suggest the HIG propose that the only restructure that would work is indeed to sign over everything to someone new in control .. It can be done – He has to admit he cannot do this alone …. But then again he is a crook he gives nothing away…. But as the man wants a Q and A forum – its a question I want asked … Why dont you walk away and keep 3000 investors hopes alive and not just one little mans ego
Enough is enough – get him out. Well said last chance.
Ames must go! Ames must go!
to all. you all need to step back and take a look at the bigger picture as SGD had quoted before. forget about the 100 million or so promised. what needs to be assessed is the actual cost to build all these resorts given the location/ infastructure required and all the others associated costs. then you need to assess how much monies will be required to fund the build (via external sources who will want to be paid interest?) then what will the resorts costs to run/maintain?. then what are the envisaged returns after all the associated costs are taken into account.
waiting for the 34/35 questions to be answered….
He will not answer the questions, they incriminate him – so, he will ignore them as he thinks of investor as inferior people who can not afford to complete!!! they have no rights to dare to ask such questions – you are just irritation to him.
An itch that you can not scratch 😉
A proper feasibility study undertaken by any of the professional consultants who have Caribbean experience will show very quickly that the resorts as planned cannot work. They are the wrong hotels in the wrong locations on the wrong islands. If an investor controlled board were to take control, they would have to revamp entirely the business as it is. Most likely, not build anything anywhere else for a long time, consolidate on what is operating (the two hotels) and sell off the rest of the land for whatever they can get and use that money for operating cashflow and perhaps give some back to the “investors” There is no money anyway it would seem so building more would not be an option anyway. Buccament Bay as it is will be desperately hard to run at a profit, but can only have a chance when a professional hotelier is a the wheel, not an inexperienced bankrupt with only a vague attachment to reality whose only skillset is how to defraud people.
Subject: 14th May 2013 – Harlequin Management Services (South East) Limited (in administration)
All,
Harlequin “Advice” of the 14th May 2013 not to complete Proof of Debt Forms
It is very sad that investors who stand to lose significant parts of their investments are being encouraged not to take part in the insolvency process running with Harlequin Management Services (South East) Limited. Our colleagues at Pannone LLP (solicitors) are advising that all investors lodge Proof of Debt forms. We advise the same. Counsel we have spoken to advice a cautious approach is best adopted by lodging the forms.
If you need any further persuading consider this.
1. HMSSE has received just shy of £400m in deposits until the end of December 2012. That is serious money in anyones books. It is bigger than CF Arch Cru funds, bigger than the SLS or Lifemark individual elements of the Keydata funds. In investment terms this is one of the biggest non-mainstream funds with problems we can remember. It should be scrutinised.
2. The enclosed documents reference some of the representations made on behalf of HMSSE.
Document 1 – 14th December 2006 100% Finance Scheme – 14th December 2006 – click on the link
“In cases where we are unable to obtain finance for you, we will be prepared to refund the £1,000.00 reservation fee.”
This document refers to “guaranteed”. It also refers to “subject to status and conditions apply”.
•It is a fact that the vast majority of investors only invested due to the representations from HMSSE that finance would be available. Investors are entitled to have HMSSE’s books and records inspected to see whether the senior management at HMSSE ever arranged such facilities.
Document 2 – October 2008 – 70% Guaranteed Mortgage Letter – click on the link
“However, it is made clear in all the Harlequin literature and advertising that a 70% guaranteed mortgage is available. This is because Harlequin are fully aware that it is not possible for clients to raise mortgages in the Caribbean so the Harlequin business model, and the fact that there is no borrowing on any of the projects will enable funding to be raised and passed on to our investors.”
•Our view is that this representation would be a material inducement for people to part with their monies. Surely, people in this situation require an explanation of this statement ?
Document 3 – 20th August 2008 – Ringfenced Monies – Segregation of Monies – click on the link
“We wish to confirm that all monies we receive on each development is used for the development only.
For example, if you were to pay us 30% deposit for a property in Buccament Bay, this would only be used for the Buccament Bay development.
I trust this clarified the situation but should you require any further details please do not hesitate to contact us”
•This is simply untrue. The monies were intermingled. Many investors on the Brazil project paid deposits and when the project was no longer proceeding, why did they all not receive their money back ? If the monies had been as described above then people would have been protected. Sadly, many Brazil project holders have not received their monies back.
•Is Harlequin seriously asking these people not to register a Proof of Debt form to require an explanation from the administrators ? Can it be the case that every Brazil investor is not interested in an explanation ?
Document 4 – 24th March 2009 – Note to Agents – HMSSE note to agents – 24th March 2009
•Prior to 24th March 2009 it is very clear that some agents were suggesting to agents that the payments were ringfenced. Hardly surprising if the Investments Manager – Daniel Dalligan was telling people as much in 2008.
•Any agent making these statements is going to face a difficult job explaining themselves. The HMSSE records will show which agents made such statements. They will show how the Senior Management dealt with the concerns.
•We would anticipate that all investors would want this investigated and an explanation provided to the administrators. Surely, investors would want to know what happened ?
Document 5 – 12th February 2013 – Letter from Williams & Williams Solicitors Williams & Williams letter
•Read this letter carefully. The first piece of land properly registered with a Harlequin company was in January 2009.
•Is Harlequin seriously inviting people who invested before January 2009 not to require an explanation of this. Many of the investors we speak to tell us that they were told the land was owned by Harlequin. This is a serious issue and a proper investigation needs to occur.
Why would Harlequin not want investors engaged ?
The usual process is that the adminisator will make proposals to creditors. A vote is taken on these proposals.
We believe (as do our other legal colleagues) that it is important that investors control this process. With all the monies routed via HMSSE, we strongly believe it would take a brave administrator to deny an investor the right to vote as a creditor.
Investors need answers. The selection of the 5 documents above tell us that the directors / officers and senior staff at HMSSE have some searching questions to answer.
This process ensures that the administrators carry out their duties fastidiously.
Conclusion
Whilst at the same time that the Harlequin Investor Group are seeking to assist a rescue, the Harlequin machine continues to dissuade investors from seeking answers to very legitimate questions. This has nothing to do with the Irish Court case or the Wilkins Kennedy matter. It is all to do with the conduct of HMSSE in the making of representations to investors which procured their monies. Nothing more. The past has to be accounted for irrespective of what the future holds.
If you feel satisfied with the Harlequin machine (as Mr Ames claims), then do nothing and sit back. After all, you have already convinced yourself all is well. If not, get your proof of debt in.
If you missed our earlier email explaining how to do this, please email harlequin@regulatorylegal.co.uk
Good to see pertinent questions being asked. Ames and co have a lot to answer to and if this is all properly investigated, they are in serious trouble.
This is the longest case of MASS DENIAL that I have ever encountered..
PULL THE PLUG. The longer Ames writes checks on your MONEY the
longer you get less and less. IMMEDAITELY GET THE FINANCIAL
AUTHORITIES TO TAKE OVER.
I mean this sincerely…….GOOD LUCK
Buy the book and read how the scam was engineered:
http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=28085&cid=2867
Mr DA and Carol are pleased to advise all investors (previously called purchasers ) that following events over the past few weeks, the Company, even though a bit strapped for cash, is offering a free supply of Vasaline to go with the new restructuring plan . Investors simply need to be willing to bend over and take the treatment for a bit longer , so that their investments will be secure.
Do not miss this great opportunity to secure your investment. After all , they have only your interest at heart, and truly appreciate your waiting for over 6 years for your dream to own a piece of Paradise in the Caribbean. You will not be disappointed . Despite all the negative press, The Harlequin business model is sound (going into Administration is simply to protect their beloved Investors )
So folks, never mind what you have committed to this great scheme….you must believe that good times are just around the corner.
All the statements etc and the legal action, the big questions are
nearly £400 million in…where has it gone…oh dear no or very poor accounts…if it is all legit, why no accounts, if a scam DA gonna say nothing………………..now thats gonna make finding the money very hard
Lots of caribbean companies to filter bits of money through
A resort part built that just is not what the tourist market needs and will be of no interest to the sort of investors required to “rescue” this mess. given that it would seem local contractors have not been paid, who owns title to what is built
Once all the legal bills are paid, how much is gonna be left
If the SFO do find a case to answer and there is a trial, any assets can be reclaimed…but there is a lot of time to go and events before that can happen
As said before…several legal firms and numerious of individual investors, all with different points of points of view…some desperate for a rescue, others who can walk away and take the hit desperate for revenge…..too many different angles for a rescue to be sucessful
Sad but true
@St George’s Dragon – oh you tease! – nearly had me going there for a minute. I thought blimey, someone’s quick off the mark with a book. (which will no doubt come at a later date)
For Caribbean lovers looking for literature references to hotels can I recommend Herman Wouk’s Don’t stop the Carnival and Hunter S Thompson’s The Rum Diary. In particular Thompson describing the type of predatory developer frequently found in the Caribbean. It was partly his experiences with developers when working as a journalist in Puerto Rico that prompted him to run for sheriff in Aspen, campaigning (amongst other things) against over development and what he described as the rape of the countryside.
The Ames gravey train has run out of steam, and its coming to an abrupt stop very very soon.
Even the most dim investors know that
The silence from the Ames gang speaks volumes!!
Maybe they’e had enough of being victimised and singled out when they’ve done nothing wrong!
They are worried, very worried.
Matt Ames has his own court case to worry about, Dan will not want to go back to the Post Office, Ames won’t want to go knocking on doors selling double glazing – they would much rather spend investors money.
The old hag needs her new teeth cleaning products 😉
They are only worried about their personal assets – so, go after them!
@LLMitB, are you still working at HP?
I would not say working, is the best description!!
Go on….
Salso 202
I was approach by an agent a year ago to invest into this company. After carrying out a detail due diligence i realised that this set up was the biggest con!. I asked for a copies of accounts for the overseas entities that i would be contracting with but they could not produce them. When i looked at the UK company accounts i note that the the audit report was qualified – warning bells!. Also the agent and a senior member of staff at the company made a lot of misrepresentations to try to induce me to buy. In the end i told them where to get to. I could see that this company financing strategy to construct the resorts was flawed and the day that they run out of new investors money that would be the end and I pointed this out out to the agent during the due diligence process. Well it did not take too long for my predictions to come through. I would advise anybody who is caught up in this to take all the necessary steps to to try and retrieve at least some of their money because this is the END.
Hi FDNRM, I don’t know if you’re still hoping for a positive outcome with HP, but from where I’m looking it all looks very bleak. Have you taken any steps to protect yourself if things do collapse…as it could happen sooner that you think?
Here is a question….according to a report in the Barbados sundat sun, this Sunday the take is over 300million, but it lists the Iris court case as being over £15million, which is still a lot of money
question…whats happened to the other £285million
My answer is gone to agents, and spread across all those caribbean companies so hard to trace
@ Sid…very sadly, but I think you are are correct..lest hope not, but bleak is how I would see things
Looks like Harlequin is struggling to find the finance for investors to complete on the completed units at BB – RE LETTER OF 13 May 2013. Hi KM at HP, I thought you said that the finance for this was coming from the Middle East. What happen are you still searching for the oil sheik. You need to hurry up and find him as you need the 30m to bail out the company so you can keep your job.
There is not firm offer of finance- they will wait until it falls over and have the lot. Why just have a slice when you can buy the whole cake for the same price?
They will be using the same tactic as Ames, yeah yeah finance next month 🙂
Leaky Leaky, I think you are really over rating Ames genius! If/when the house of cards does collapse he will be found guilty of breaking so many laws in so many countries his tiny feet won’t touch the ground. Simples.
And Leaky Leaky, I love your use of smiley faces like it’s all quite funny really. I don’t know if you see some of the comments on the other forums but people are becoming desperate, some even suicidal. Not so funny. I think you’ve been on the other side of the fence for so long you don’t truly appreciate how much damage has been done to so many people. What part of robbing £400m of people and leaving them in the sh1t for the rest of their days is amusing?
@Sid, its not my intention to make small of this mess, so if my smiley faces offend apologies .
The ‘bunker’ takes calls as you mentioned day in day out – there are some just taking that all day long – that are only being paid a fortune for that – then just need the money.
Many just want out, or passing on information, to those that can do something
Please take the time to read this:
Harlequin “Advice” of the 14th May 2013 not to complete Proof of Debt Forms
It is very sad that investors who stand to lose significant parts of their investments are being encouraged not to take part in the insolvency process running with Harlequin Management Services (South East) Limited. Our colleagues at Pannone LLP (solicitors) are advising that all investors lodge Proof of Debt forms. We advise the same. Counsel we have spoken to advice a cautious approach is best adopted by lodging the forms.
If you need any further persuading consider this.
1. HMSSE has received just shy of £400m in deposits until the end of December 2012. That is serious money in anyones books. It is bigger than CF Arch Cru funds, bigger than the SLS or Lifemark individual elements of the Keydata funds. In investment terms this is one of the biggest non-mainstream funds with problems we can remember. It should be scrutinised.
2. The enclosed documents reference some of the representations made on behalf of HMSSE.
Document 1 – 14th December 2006 100% Finance Scheme – 14th December 2006 – click on the link
“In cases where we are unable to obtain finance for you, we will be prepared to refund the £1,000.00 reservation fee.”
This document refers to “guaranteed”. It also refers to “subject to status and conditions apply”.
It is a fact that the vast majority of investors only invested due to the representations from HMSSE that finance would be available. Investors are entitled to have HMSSE’s books and records inspected to see whether the senior management at HMSSE ever arranged such facilities.
Document 2 – October 2008 – 70% Guaranteed Mortgage Letter – click on the link
“However, it is made clear in all the Harlequin literature and advertising that a 70% guaranteed mortgage is available. This is because Harlequin are fully aware that it is not possible for clients to raise mortgages in the Caribbean so the Harlequin business model, and the fact that there is no borrowing on any of the projects will enable funding to be raised and passed on to our investors.”
Our view is that this representation would be a material inducement for people to part with their monies. Surely, people in this situation require an explanation of this statement ?
Document 3 – 20th August 2008 – Ringfenced Monies – Segregation of Monies – click on the link
“We wish to confirm that all monies we receive on each development is used for the development only.
For example, if you were to pay us 30% deposit for a property in Buccament Bay, this would only be used for the Buccament Bay development.
I trust this clarified the situation but should you require any further details please do not hesitate to contact us”
This is simply untrue. The monies were intermingled. Many investors on the Brazil project paid deposits and when the project was no longer proceeding, why did they all not receive their money back ? If the monies had been as described above then people would have been protected. Sadly, many Brazil project holders have not received their monies back.
Is Harlequin seriously asking these people not to register a Proof of Debt form to require an explanation from the administrators ? Can it be the case that every Brazil investor is not interested in an explanation ?
Document 4 – 24th March 2009 – Note to Agents – HMSSE note to agents – 24th March 2009
Prior to 24th March 2009 it is very clear that some agents were suggesting to agents that the payments were ringfenced. Hardly surprising if the Investments Manager – Daniel Dalligan was telling people as much in 2008.
Any agent making these statements is going to face a difficult job explaining themselves. The HMSSE records will show which agents made such statements. They will show how the Senior Management dealt with the concerns.
We would anticipate that all investors would want this investigated and an explanation provided to the administrators. Surely, investors would want to know what happened ?
Document 5 – 12th February 2013 – Letter from Williams & Williams Solicitors Williams & Williams letter
Read this letter carefully. The first piece of land properly registered with a Harlequin company was in January 2009.
Is Harlequin seriously inviting people who invested before January 2009 not to require an explanation of this. Many of the investors we speak to tell us that they were told the land was owned by Harlequin. This is a serious issue and a proper investigation needs to occur.
Why would Harlequin not want investors engaged ?
The usual process is that the adminisator will make proposals to creditors. A vote is taken on these proposals.
We believe (as do our other legal colleagues) that it is important that investors control this process. With all the monies routed via HMSSE, we strongly believe it would take a brave administrator to deny an investor the right to vote as a creditor.
Investors need answers. The selection of the 5 documents above tell us that the directors / officers and senior staff at HMSSE have some searching questions to answer.
This process ensures that the administrators carry out their duties fastidiously.
Conclusion
Whilst at the same time that the Harlequin Investor Group are seeking to assist a rescue, the Harlequin machine continues to dissuade investors from seeking answers to very legitimate questions. This has nothing to do with the Irish Court case or the Wilkins Kennedy matter. It is all to do with the conduct of HMSSE in the making of representations to investors which procured their monies. Nothing more. The past has to be accounted for irrespective of what the future holds.
If you feel satisfied with the Harlequin machine (as Mr Ames claims), then do nothing and sit back. After all, you have already convinced yourself all is well. If not, get your proof of debt in.
If you missed our earlier email explaining how to do this, please email harlequin@regulatorylegal.co.uk
This is a stupid desperate attempt by Ames and family, trying to keep the lid on things, by possibly having a ‘friendly’ IP apointed – if investors are the main creditors they can take the lid off and have a good look inside.
Maybe his cleaver little plan to avoid paying off those with stat demands has backfired on him???? when panicked people make mistakes.
tough titty, this is a big mistake
It is a big mistake. Once the lid is taken off the evidence will be there for all to see and there will be nothing he can do to stop it. He must be feeling pretty exposed.
Well at least the Irish court case has finished. Just wait and see the result now.
@erica, are you posting the transcripts now?
The lid will be taken off and the Ames family will be exposed and the information shared.It will convert even FDNRM to a ‘believer’
THE AMES FAMILY YOUR TIME HAS COME ITS OVER
Joke it has taken so long, an obvious scam since day 1. Prison is all that should await the Ames.
@Leaky Leaky, have you heard anything new at your end today?
Only this
At 8.27PM yesterday evening , a freezing order was served directly into the hands of Mrs C Ames and Mr D Ames at their residential address .
This is against their personal assets, lets see if he can get out of that?
It will all go very bad very quickly for them now.
I hope so, I am sure that in the next week or so more will follow suit. Assuming he can not wiggle out of it – seems all a bit to easy?
looks like it is game over forDA/CA
Who requested the freezing order
It was Crozier/Dixon from CPC. So much for co-ordinated action eh?
It was always going to happen. Any discussions between HP and HIG were always going to be academic in the event that another party i.e. Crozier steamrollers in. It really is every man/group for him/themselves. At the end of the day, had Ames delivered something to his investors and treated them with just an ounce of respect, none of this needed to happen. We have all been very generous and patient with him (I’ve been waiting nearly 7 years) but all he has managed to do is dig a bigger and bigger hole. Whether his actions were deliberate or not will come out in the wash, but the machine has definitely started spinning.
@FNRM, how will this leave you?
@Leaky Leaky, is this all part of the Ames genius exit strategy that you’ve been speaking of?
@SID
I have no idea of his exit plan, the man is so arrogant he thinks he can do anything he wants and get away with it – so what you are in that state of mind who know what his plan is – even if he has one.
Just a thought is it personal or business assets? its important point?
If its personal it wont affect investors so lets not panic……
i am not a solictor but from looking up the terms of a freezing injunction ( order) all this means is that the parties served cannot dispose of their personal assets. this order would have been authorised/approved by a court/judge and is mainly used to stop persons/companies disposing of assets prior to further court / legal action.
They should go after his aeroplane as well. When he realises that he is at risk of losing his peronal chattels then he might show a bit more respect to the investors. Not sure why they even consider investing with this geezer in the first place. The guy is a double glazing salesman who we all know are COWBOYS!
I believe it’s for personal assets, but my understanding is that you can only go after someone’s personal assets once you have confirmation from the courts that they are in debt to you. You also have to give them reasonable time to pay. Only then can you go after their personal assets. It seems like Crozier has managed to fast-track the process somehow.
I have no idea on the terms of the freezing order because Crozier/Dixon (who admits she is NOT Cilla Black) refuses to divulge the terms. Read on Erica’s forum. I suspect though its DA personal assets. Whichever way you look at it Crozier is a liability, a lose cannon. We only need this “Magenta?” mob to kick off now.
http://www.out-law.com/en/topics/dispute-resolution-and-litigation/injuctions/freezing-injunctions/
please read the above. may explain more regarding how these work.
It would seem to me that Crozier did all a favor. The 5 Million pound loan
(which is your money) cannot now be used by DA to defend himself
against you whose money it rightfully is in the first place.
apropos of nothing……..several months ago (yes its been that long)
someone was astonished that a US lottery had such a hihg payout.
As of today someone this Saturday night could win $475 Million US
on Powerball/Powerplay.
That’s harsh perplexed. As Sunny Stenning keeps saying, don’t the Ames family have a right to make a living?
A widow with young children losing her home is to me harsh.
Yes, bless the little fat crook. He was only defrauding you of millions to put food on the table for his family, what’s wrong with that?
I’m still waiting for the law to step in. I wonder if there’s any way we can instigate this?
And @perplexed, I hope you realised I was of course being sarcastic?
@Sid
Rather dry English humour gets me everytime……I’ll be on the alert
Given that DA has managed to fiddle £400million out of people, I find it hard to beleive he wont have at least some sort of defence/exit plan
this would appear to be the start of the noose tightening
@fdnrm, with so many interested parties, it was only time before the house started to fall
As stated in someones earlier posts, your contract is with the caribbean company (take ya pick there seems to be quite a few, so which one each investor is with maybe a mystery)…..if thats the case and hmssse have forwarded the funds…then the amininstartion and the court order, wont affect investors too much…as your copntract is elsewhere.
the big question is have the funds been transferred and if so where are they
@perplexed, we’re very good at bad jokes in the UK. Dave Ames is a real comedian. Some even think of him as a clown.
On a serious note. I had been supplying HD with building materials
since day one. NEVER did any payment come from one of the Caribbean
countries. ALWAYS out of London. It makes one wonder just how much
was transferred to the island entities and how much was in a central
London account.
We’ll find out soon.
@Leaky Leaky, have you seen the happy couple today/
@ perplexed…you say you got paid out of london, did you invice the caribbean co…or was it a uk based co?
I always invoiced the Caribbean entity.
Lets see how things pan out when Mr Ames sets his legal team to work on the personal freezing order, could be lots more costs for the Audrey Dixon followers
This freezing order on Ames is the rapid decline of the Toad Empire, no finance forthcoming just B******S,
SFO, Police, insolvency service, the investor group demanding answers, Fatchett boxing him in, stat demands in the UK and SVG, even a slippery little shit like toad face will not walk away from this……. There is a risk involved that he could put SVG into liquidation then its just the crumbs left over after the IP’s take there cut.
Its just seems to simple to freeze his assets????
I thought that a freezing order was applied for through a judge. Did DA have the chance to defend it? It would appear that as it was served yesterday evening that he was not aware it was being applied for. Even Mr Fatchett’s freezing order was presented to a judge with the opportunity to defend it. If I have read the freezing order procedure correctly, if it is defended then the applicant is liable for costs. Can anyone confirm or disprove this?
@ Sid 12 33 pm…You hit the nail on that one..here is Wiki`s definition of Harlequin..
“Harlequin (or Arlecchino in Italian, Arlequin in French, and Arlequín in Spanish) is the most popularly known of the zanni or comic servant characters from the Italian Commedia dell’arte and its descendant, the Harlequinade. The Harlequin is also known to be a type of clown.”
Why anyone would name their Company “Harlequin” just shows the ignorance and educational level of the folks involved.
Having seen him on the few You Tube Videos that are still up, I just can not understand how anyone could buy into something from this “clown”.
as previously pointed out this covers most aspects of a freezing order –
http://www.out-law.com/en/topics/dispute-resolution-and-litigation/injuctions/freezing-injunctions/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2287140/Tycoon-accused-taking-300m-British-investors-faces-freeze-assets-failing-build-luxury-homes.html
@Erica, this was published the 2nd March. Its old news which everyone has seen previously. Stop clogging this site up with re posting the same old stuff. By the way how is your frien Nickki Crozier/Audrey Dixon these days. Did you carry out a DD on her?
Sorry Guys I posted a out of date article by mistake 😦
http://www.ifaonline.co.uk/ifaonline/news/2268722/harlequin-bosses-served-with-gbp11m-asset-freezing-order
Even short Arsed toad face will have trouble with this one, IF it works it can just be repeated, again and again and again – until he has to put his name down for a council house after his incarceration ; )
It wont help investors long term its just for a few that paid £2400 ( for starters) these costs could increase – Ames won’t just say ‘yes here is a list of my assets’ he will fight it with investors money ….again
@ Erica Broughton
So how much did Audrey or is it Nikki pay you for promoting her on the blog? how is your DD on her doing?
@Short Legs, We have not promoted Nikki on our forum she is a member the same as Gareth Fatchett non of them have paid us anything. We have done DD on all solicitors that are on our forum. I hope this clears things up for you.
@ Steph.
I am specifically asking about Nikki Crozier AKA Audrey Dixson, so lets ask again, have you done DD on her – as she is not a solicitor.
You don’t like this question do you? sorry you let her self promote on the blog.
SL. Carter Lemon Camerons are the solicitors if you care to check. all above board and registered with law society.
@shorty leg, Nikki has never claimed to my knowledge to be a practicing solicitor in this country.
We have several different law firms on our forum if this offends you sorry we will do what we think is best for our forum users and that is why we offer people a choice anyone using our forum can be with any solicitor they choose and any law firm who can and will help are more than welcome!
I know that they are you dummy what about
http://www.theleader.info/26/article/2850/oasis-update/
have you done DD on her – as she is not a solicitor, and I would like answers
Erica just answer the question:
Were you aware of this leader issue?
what did you do about it? stop dancing round the question….. or will you come back with the ‘I don’t have to justifie myself to you’ line.
This is inportant and we need answers
@Steph, don’t you think its rather odd that on your forum NC/AD refuses to divulge the details of her freezing action, but IFA Online has seen the details. Now IFA online is asking for “more investor stories”. Think there might be a cozy IFA Online /CPC tie up here? Also this is the same NC/AD who says on your forum “we should all be pulling in the same direction.” Represents 13 investors only yet the funds of 2500 investors are being used to defend this. In case anyone wants to question NC/AD motivies please refer to the link below and the subsequent comments. http://www.theleader.info/26/article/2850/oasis-update/
@short legs. Beat me to it!
Short legs – We have done DD. There you go that is the answer for you
Steph & Erica – that is no answer and you know it………….. you have been had, bit like talking to Irish builders is it not 🙂
I rest my case….. I won!!!
FDNRM – That is Nikki’s business if she wants to divulge the information on the freezing order and who she divulges it to. I am sure when she is ready she will publish the documents for everyone to see.
She is acting on behalf of her clients who have paid money to her to do her job. If you was one of Nikki’s clients and you had paid her the money and she did not do her job as you had paid her to do you would be the first to put it all over here that she hasn’t done it. It is about time someone took action against Harlequin.
FDNRM I’m curious about the fact that you’re happy to take this one story — and the messages below it — as serious and gospel, but you’re also prepared to try and marginalise the vastly larger volume of stories about Harlequin and the allegations that follow (and suggest that the information/motivation underpinning it is spurious). Seems to me like you’re undone by your own logic.
Short Legs – You clearly don’t want to listen so I give up. If your that desperate for answers go and make them up in your head as usual.
@Steph/Erica, your new house rules say you will ban anyone who advertises on your forum. When are you going to ban Crozier and IFA Online? Also why don’t you comment on Crozier not divulging the contents of her freezing order on your forum, but sharing them with IFA Online?
@UP does it occur to you that I would hate for 13 people to be taken for a ride by a potential con? Crozier/Dixon could always sue the source of the stories if they are untrue. After all she/they is/are legal expert(s)
@FDNRM Trouble in paradise?? I think you lost this one. lol
If you are abusive to other users or forum staff you will be banned I will post up anything I think is interesting to other forum users and I will advertise meetings,when we say we do not allow advertising we are talking about spammers if you wish to discuss this further please feel free to pm me I refuse to block this thread as concerned purchasers do not need to see all this we can chat in the chat room at 9pm if you wish?
The silence speaks volumes, Fatcheeks took action when stories were circulated by Dan Dalligan……….. so why does Audrey / Nikki do the same? most unusual.
Or comment on here and explain, that its all untrue – joking aside its inportant.
Erica you are full of self importance – really, who the held do you think you are? who are you to judge whats important? ban people! do you ban multiple posters with multiple names ; )
Short Legs – just so you know for future reference it’s IMPORTANT not inportant, also it’s HELL not held. I don’t understand why you are on the forum if you don’t like us, bit strange really!
Just so you know we’re having a clear out over the weekend on the forum, so if you do have more than one username you will be deleted.
FDNRM for some reason no, it didn’t occur to me that you’d stand in judgement of people being complicit in the propagating of something that turned out to be a bit of a con. I have no idea why.
So easy to get you going StefF, ……..be sure to delete your extra names too, do you still enjoy multi personalities on the blog?
you never did answer on the Nikki leader issue did you 🙂
@ short leg, I post up everything including everything I receive from Harlequin I think everything to do with this purchase and company is important dont you.
Thank you so much for the tip off about multiple users and proxy servers I think you are right one user one account and no proxy servers I will clean it all up over the weekend any other tips please let me know.
Seriously guys we will not post up until after the weekend as we are cleaning any questions please leave till Monday 🙂
@Erica, “ban me from the forum?” “refuse to block this thread?” So now you have a direct line to BFP? I think you are on the wrong forum dear. Unless you are threatening something else? And you are the one complaining about your freedom of speech being threatened by Simon Terry. Double standards I think.
@UP Live and learn, live and learn!
Hi FDNRM, did your cheque arrive?
@Sid, not sent yet. Perhaps I will get a freezing order from Crozier to resend it to CPC. Oh hang on, would not know whether to send it to Crozier or Dixon.
So Dixon/Crozier only got 13 people for her class action? That’s quite a lot less than 50, clearly more people did their DD on her than I thought.
If any one want’s to follow suit, just contact Carter-Lemon-Camerons directly as they are the solicitors, Dixon/Crozier is little more than a travel agent in a world of internet booking.
One comment in the IFA article says that DA and Carol ignored the court order and took off for St Vincent today. Follow the money.
Knowing it would one day come to this, DA obtained Citizenship in St Vincent…the place where the only partially built resort is located, and in a country where money laundering is quite common. Besides, he has the support and protection of the PM who granted him Citizenship under strange circumstances. The next few months should be very interesting.
@Stephanie, you may be a very important administrator on you forum, but please don’t come the “spelling police” on here. Why do you think he has to like you to be on this forum. Are you and your mother moderators on BFP also?
@Yatink, I think that DA and CA had flight plans before the freezing order. I would hate to think that running the HP business ground to a halt because of the interests of 13 people.
I bet they had flight plans. Probably have a few more as well.
@FDNRM
Yes, they hold the most lofty positions and rule supreme on the blog, this also gives them the opportunity to have multiple users names without anyone questioning them – its a control issue they have…………. and of course the narcissistic personality disorder.
Anyone involved in running a company or practice in a competitive world knows you have to do the very best for your client or customer,you cant be concerned overly with the effect this will have on your competitors, or any one else after the same ends,you can only have your clients interest at the head of your list of priorities ,you are obliged to do this all within the law.clients or customers expect this in return for there money,just as HP were expected to complete contracts for their clients
Perhaps he will assume the position of GM at BB now that the GM and one assistant resort manger have fled (sorry, left)
@Short leg @Fdnrm Why do you not set up your own forum where you can make the rules and tell people how wonderful everything is going to be……….Oh yeah you already have http://www.Harlequinproperty.co.uk
@Erica, we have a forum here which suits me fine thank you. What I object to is why do you think you can moderate it? Your daughter has become the “spelling police” Or perhaps you are threatening to ban me from your forum where I have never posted?
One would have thought that when Mr (or indeed Ms) Justice Singh granted the freezing order without the knowledge of the defendant (i.e. D and C Ames) that he (or she) would have had to have been convinced by the applicant (CLC) that there was a real possibility of the defendants either disposing of or hiding assets etc if given any kind of notice of the order. As that order was indeed granted (and they are not granted lightly) then clearly at least one Judge considers that the Ames have a case to answer. Given the conditions imposed by the order one might think that the Ames’ actions in immediately leaving the country (as alleged) were sailing perilously close to contempt of court.
@ Erica
if you look at my posts they are not pro Harlequin.
It’s your high and mighty riding in on a white horse, being the know all I object to, when clearly you have been, or are still in contact with that Irish builder thief and you let a very dodgy ambulance chaser post all over the blog – that has become your life.
So, butt out and get back to your own little blog where you can rule the roost 🙂
@BBaywatch, and where does it say they cannot leave the country? Especially if the trip was pre arranged?
Is it correct that the Ames had to provide details of their assets to the court today? How are they going to do that if they are travelling to St Vincent.
Have you noticed that the “Team” section has been removed from the Buccament Bay website? That has a simple reason: By now everybody on that list has resigned and has walked off the job. Sad day for BBR. All you silly Harlequin supporteers here (yes, FDNRM, short legs etc. we mean you Harlequin employees…) remove yourself from this forum and stop distracting from the seriouseness of the situation. Because of your ridiculous messages investors will hesitate and lose out completely. Nice try…
@Anon 2.37 I am not a Harlequin employee and I will not remove myself from this forum. Are you from the Wigan bunker? Nice try ….
That sound like dictator Erica’s voice
FDNRM – your right not to join Ericas blog if you disagree with her she bans you off it in any case. I was on there burst her bubble/ ego an now I’m not allowed on.
You pair of clowns are really turning into a comedy duo, Beavis & Buthead springs to mind!
@whats the fuss, Erica has really lost the plot. She is trying to moderate this forum! It’s funny how she will allow Crozier/Dixon, who is reported to have skipped a court hearing in Spain against her, and who is now having sly digs at Paul Walton who is a moderator.
@Fatshit,dorm & Shit legs, aka Wigan bunker, ill take that as a compliment, which I’m sure it was ment as.
yeah you would take that as a complement with your mentality, you dumb ass!
Sorry it was sarcasm was it. Silly me.
An FT bit about HP….. saying don’t do it
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/4a0dba3e-be0d-11e2-bb35-00144feab7de.html#axzz2TZW4ysCX
PASS ME THE SICK BAG!!! jeez what an ego!!!!!! AD /NC
Yes they can leave the country but their assets cannot ,
In the point of the value of the claim at the moment ALL OF HIS PERSONAL ASSETS ARE FROZEN however today is the day ames does his declaration of assets and could or may decide to ring fence items to cover the value of our claim. In which case we are happy . It is worth noting that my team came to this group two months ago and most of you had already appointed other representation, some of you actively encouraged clients NOT to join our action . I work for my clients , I do the best deal for my clients , we achieved in 2 months what other failed in two years . So why the sad face Cassandra ?Do you expect us to work for people who did not appoint us ? ? Do you expect us to include forum posters calling me an ambulance chaser? people slandering a dead family member ? Let me make this very clear MY APPOINTED TEAM AND I WORK FOR OUR REGISTERED CLIENTS AND WE DO THE JOB – A BIT LIKE RONSEAL- EXACTLY WHAT IT SAYS ON THE TIN- THERE IS NO FANNY , NO MESSING AND FOR SURE WE WILL CHARGE YOU .
Read more: http://harlequininvestors.boards.net/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=33&page=26#ixzz2TZXjdthm
“THERE IS NO FANNY” wtf does this mean NC/AD has had a sex change? is she painting a fence? And 13 people have paid for this? The fact that DA has continued with his trip to SVG I wouldn’t count your chickens yet.
It does seem a little uncouth, mind you not being a genuine legal professional you could expect such profanities.
Maybe, Erica should have a word about using such words on her blog its not very professional is it?
Someone has stolen Croziers FANNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No it was Dixons!
To be fair, NC secured the order. High Court Judge persuaded. That says all you need to know.
“My appointed team”….. good choice of words. I bet her fingertips still have ink on them from looking up “solicitors” in the yellow pages.
The kudos goes to Carter-Lemon-Camerons for doing the real work. Dixon/Crozier claiming credit for this is like a travel agent taking credit for your flight leaving on time.
It’s a shame she lost her fanny in all this mess though. Maybe she’s due for another name change. I think Bruce is a manly name, she should consider it.
@privado375@gmail.com
Yes, that’s true but unless I don’t understand things, if she has got it wrong Ames can sue the people who brought the claim about?
If you read the blog she is full of it, and all her cronies sucking up to her. I hope they have deep pockets.
she has a big gob to match her ego…… sound like anyone else?
Mr Blue, the real solicitor does indeed deserve credit, he obviously does not need to self promote.
If anyone finds her fanny please return it to either Dixon orCrozier 😉
You sound like a pack of braying donkeys. Get a grip.
Welcome back Yorkiepoo, it’s been a while. How’s the job going?
Does her fanny do what it says on the tin?
I cannot believe that DA does not have his bases covered on this. If Crozier has got this wrong then DA will be going after her big time. But there again perhaps she has previous experience of being in court?
@DAVE DWARF You lookin for her fanny?
sounds to me like your talkin through it!
Dave you payin £100 a night to stay in one of ya investor houses? well that ya money gone for tha week init
Well D &CA have havin a short break in SVG…maybe they makin the most of their freedom and time together before its separate rooms with bars on the windows
does kinda look like the net is closing in
it really is game over….for D&CA
Someone else pointed it out…the maintenance on BB website is up to date..the section “Our Team” which only two days ago showed the edited down team..is now not there at all…hmmmm who is running the place now?
I am aware of many management staff applying elsewhere, some have not been paid for a while.
@Anon73
They just join the ever increasing list of people or organisations that have not been paid. I wonder if the Ames family have been paid?
If CPC have got this wrong they will be faced with a huge legal bill for the clients, the £2400 was only a starter, if it drags on Crozier’s ‘clients’ will need deep pockets.
There is no way the deluded little toad will just give this information over, he thinks he is above the law. It was a brave move by the investors and the law firm and by that i don’t mean CPC – they are just ambulance chasers!!!!!!!
@Erica, ref your question about 4 weeks use of BB, if your contract reads the same as mine “upon completion” have you completed yet? “the buyer will have the right to occupy the said property for at least 4 weeks of the year” That is board only, you still have to pay for food/drink etc.
Are you helping your mate Crozier paint her fence today using her tin of Ronseal?
Liquidation by the end of June
@Brady – what for?
Maybe croziers fanny is like Ericas, it’s probably there but not the easiest thing to find! Like looking over a thick white sliced loaf!!!
Does John leave a bookmark for when he’s rooting for it the following year!
Crozier may have had a sex change because she’s been spending a lot of time in hospital or is it that her chavvy dead head son has got himself another second prize??
Freezing order with no cash is like a SD that Hartland Group can’t get paid!
The homophobic and misogynous comments on here are repulsive. You should be ashamed of yourselves. You sound like a bunch of pathetic teenaged boys in a playground. And so ignorant too!
EL2 – thanks that was the intention! Surely you must know, with your intelligence must know what is designed to irritate
@EL2 I suggest you carry out some research into Crozier/Dixon before you put up some sort of defence. She has had every opportunity to clarify her background but refuses to do so. Erica is trying moderate this forum. I don’t agree with all of the comments, but they have put their heads above the parapet and they will be shot at, figuratively speaking of course.
CENSORED!!!!! CENSORED!!!! CENSORED!!!!!!!!
http://www.theleader.info/26/article/2850/oasis-update/
If you bring up the Crozier / Dixon thing on Erica blog it gets deleted, now that can’t be correct.
It’s okay to say what you want about Ames (as long as you say negative stuff) but mention Crozier and Spain and it gets deleted.
Strange, how a ball breaker like Crozier / Dixon/ no fanny, does not answer the questions? is that because if she does the answer about it being a ‘dead relative’ could be ratified?
Erica, just another poor judgement, contact with the builder thief, now wielding your ultimate power censoring the blog.
I would like you to explain your actions, how do you know the dead relative thing is a convenient cover story? can you publish the alleged apology? and if, indeed there was one why do they leave the story online?
@What’s the Fanny
Thousands of people have been cheated out of their pensions, life savings and will possibly lose their homes too through a sophisticated fraudster who thinks he is above the law. Hundreds have lost their jobs in SVG, Barbados and the UK; many have not been paid for the work they have done. Eyesore buildings sites blight land in Barbados. There are serious allegations of bribery, the company is in administration and being investigated by the UK police, SFO et al.
And all you can do is make dim-witted jokes about female genitailia and conduct personal attacks against two people who tried to help other people. Would you let anyone speak to your mother in such a disgusting fashion? I think not.
Good points well made
EL2 – and you think this forum will sort it you retard? This forum is what it is, gossip, piss take and innuendo, not a forum for solution.
Ease up – why you defending those two battle axes?
Do you want to check out their slug trails/ russet gussets?
Ps – I hope chavvy crozier is healing up well in hospital! 🙂
@EL2 read the other thread. Crozier has brought this on herself with her stupid comments. Erica defends her to the hilt and has threatened to give a forum posters details to Croziers solicitor. So the question is “has Crozier sued the Leader for slender?” If not she is fair game, just the same as other vilify DA and co. what’s good for the goose etc.
perhaps ” award winning journalist” Jon Austin would like to look into Croziers background?
@Whats the fanny, I am guessing you are!
You seem to enjoy stopping anyone getting any information they may need from here? and insult anyone trying to help anyone else along the way.Lets change the subject to The subject of “do you think the Ames are still taking a wage”from us???
Watching you Dave – getting at Dave Ames assets, what a joke, it’s no more than a wet dream for Crozier/ Dixon!
There’s about as much chance of getting your hands on his personal cash as Paul Walton has of getting a tittywank of Angelina Jolie!
Since Harlequin SVG is not affected by the UK co being put under Administration etc ( according to DA himself) have any “investors” received legal title to their unit at BB, which DA boasted 11 months ago, was being done? If not… Why not?
Yankinyourselfstupid – why do you think DA is in SVG now? That is exactly what he’s there doing!
The Harlequin distractors are at it again, filling up space with senseless and vulgar comments and insults. It will not stop what is an obvious financial disaster unfolding for everyone to see. Nice try guys but no cigar.
This is the posting about Crozier that Erica removed of the HP forum;
I hope anyone that has employed the company CPC Worldwide or CPC Holdings to act on their behalf to try and retrieve invested money into Harlequin, realise that the woman running this company Elizabeth Crozier, originally called is the biggest scamming woman out there and had to fled Spain for robbing 2 miilion euros plus of expats money through her dodgy estate agents. How she has the audacity, I do not know. She would think it’s highly hilarious that she is needlessly putting more pressure on a company that is trying to do it’s best to overcome some problems that can happen in any business. If more people stopped scare mongering and biting on the bit. I would say that the company will pull through. It’s mad how such hounds await on the fence to pounce at a time when peoples minds are a little confused. I urge you to go nowhere near this company as you will lose a whole lot more if you get involved around . Look her up online if you don’t believe me. Oasis Spanish Properties. You will see who you are dealing with.
Yankinyourselfstupid – who on here can help what’s going on with HP? This forum is about playground humour isn’t it?
Where is Jon Austin when you need him.
@BBaywatch, get him fired up on this one. Good story here, Spanish fraudster turns into super sleuth. Get Panorama on the act. Perhaps it’s because Newman is not feeding the information out.
WTF, could happen in any business?? Surely you don’t believe that. Selling properties for years on projects without planning permission, for a period on land not owned, not building anything anywhere other than on one of the projects. Years of sales in the dr, st Lucia and Barbados, thousands of sales and no units. No planning, and evidently no money. Two thirds of revenue paid in comms to agents and the developer himself, taking profits up front. The final third spent on bucc bay, and on planes, legals, mortgage payments etc, but not on building. This does not happen to any business, this only happen to a business that is grossly negligent, or is a scam.
@Fanyidiodt. Did Carol have to help him give out the titles?
More likely reason he is there is to see what he can do to replace all the senior staff that have left, including the Hotel manager .
Of course, he may simply wish to enjoy a vacation in his new home, St Vincent.
With occupancy rate now around 20% there is not much cash flow to pay wages, so he may have travelled with a few bags of cash .
Time will tell, as it has already done with the events over the past 6 months.
Yankinoffyourdog – Matt has been there sorting out staff – DA and CA are there enjoying themselves with the investors cash while u chat shit on here but don’t know how to do anything about it! Keep talkin but achieve nothing!
@WTF needlessly putting more pressure on a company that is trying to do it’s best to overcome some problems that can happen in any business.
You spot on here…after all doesnt every business have a twice banrupt salesman in charge and cheat their customers out of nearly £400 million
I hope D&CA enjoy their holiday, next one is going to be a HMP resort
Are you worried that you may join them…..sounds that way
Game Over – no I am being productive instead of bleating on here how awful things are and poor me me me!
I have no worries on prison! I hear that you were interviewed by the officers at operation YewTree when Jim fixed it for you to milk a cow blindfolded! Ya knobhead!!
Fannyidiot. ….you couldn’t mean THE Matt who has been charged with fraud for selling some non existent forest? Would make an excellent Manager at BB…who else would take that job now?
BTW I don’t have to achieve anything as it relates to H. My investments are sound, provide me with an excellent income, and time to comment on the unfolding disaster that is sad for investors, and the Caribbean, but true, nonetheless .
Yankinoffyourdad – good for you! Are you gloating at the investors who have had bad advice? So it’s your hobby to comment and give advice? You a frustrated IFA?
Yes that’s Matt you described, he’s the same kind of smug prick as you seem to be! Maybe he can give you a job washing pots? And Erica a job in laundry?
Is there a need to encourage fanny man?
He must have some deep rooted psychological sexual problems. I must admit FDNRM initial comments were quite amusing but now it’s gone a little off track and vulgar in the extreme..
I raised what I feel were some very valid points but its got lost in this gutter humor, maybe that’s the intention?
ARI oh come on don’t stop now this is fun! You a prude?
it’s not my idea of fun, I’m interested why you are such a repugnant little man furthermore what is it you are trying to achieve? you are showing some very worrying traits – you need help.
@ WTF Operation Yewtree seem to be arresting funny guys, so its you that should be looking over your shoulder
Ya can call me names, but it is you thats looking stupid, you deffo shose a handle that describes you
btw you need to start taking your medication again
Just one thing to remember, DA and CA have not stood in any court and been accused of anything. Can the same be said of Crozier/Dixon. Of course she could threaten legal action against me. Go on Erica, give her a nudge. You have on your forum.
Fanny…you will now be ignored..I don`t have conversations with filth.
@yatinkiteasy
fanny who? not worthy of comment
@A Real Investor…..Should be What`s The Fanny.Follow the thread above and my comment will make sense.
Crozier is not your problem. The winding up petitions will be.
Once they go in you can forget a restructure.
Liquidation by the end of June.
@brickolage, only an idiot would go for liquidation. No one gets anything with that route.
Time is running out for HP and the Ames family – can not argue that.
There have been so many lies and underhanded behavior from HP its inevitable it will not be able to survive for much longer – on what?
If its true; some ‘investors’ have handed over more money to Ames for ‘completions’ whats happened to that money? I hope an escrow account until title is passed, if not it will go on legal fees fighting off these freezing orders, or paying his living expenses!! surly taking and money at this stage from ‘investors’ would be illegal?
@FDNRM
That will be the only option shortly.
Some fools have “completed”. But then they haven’t really have they ?
@Brickolage
I don’t think anyone has title, but some have paid Ames in full.
Closing costs are around 8% of purchase price from what I can understand. So, if people think they are completing now it could take several months until its done – HP will be gone by then.
Anyone who things otherwise, is taking the same funny pills as Ames.
@A real investor
Some people genuinely believe they have title having parted with the balance.
That is madness. I also suspect it may be fraud as HP know there is no title.
Anyway, it is not my money. I have kissed goodbye to 30% (65,000.00).
mine is more than double that, but fortunately for me a SIPP. So I do have some recourse, but I won’t be kissing it goodbye without a fight
No one has title, but Ames has had all the money, and his family. That old cow Carole a director what a joke, she was just a f****g typist.
Carol has more qualifications than Erica our saviour!
She’s a trumped up washer woman but thinks she is qualified to unravel this mess!
Finally admitting it’s a bit of a mess then? I have to say that I think the personal, and vaguely sexist, nature of your comment above is fairly unpleasant FDNRM. I also continue to be confused as to why you’re so obsessed with the alleged misdemeanours of one individual, but so unconcerned about the swathe of allegations made about the one you’re so committed to defending.
Someone has just been taken to hospital with chest pains. Oh dear.
I.F.A.!!!!ALERT!!!
Something educational for you to read.
What is provisional liquidation?
Provisional liquidation is an emergency procedure governed by the Insolvency Act 1986.
A provisional liquidator can be appointed by the court only after a winding up petition has been presented (section 135(1), IA 1986). Provisional liquidation may be appropriate where there is a real concern that, between the presentation of the winding up petition and the making of a winding up order by the court, the company’s affairs will not be properly conducted or its assets will be dissipated. The main reason for appointing a provisional liquidator is to preserve the company’s assets.
During the period of a provisional liquidator’s appointment, the powers of the company’s directors are effectively terminated.
What is the procedure for putting a company into provisional liquidation?
An application to court for an order appointing a provisional liquidator may be made only after a petition for the winding up of the company has been presented at court, and then at any time before a winding up order is made (section 135(2), IA 1986).
The following categories of person may apply for an order for appointing a provisional liquidator:
A creditor of the company (including the person who presented the original winding up petition).
The company itself.
@ Wow
Who?
@FDNRM
Fatchett does not represent me.
May 18, 2013 at 7:10 pm
That does not sound like your comment style? have you been impersonated?
you are nothing but consistent, and it does not seem like you unless you have been on the wine again 😉
SGD – hopefully it’s Erica, she looks due for one!
The real wow here.that was not me.some body has impersonated me.
@short legs. Correct its not me.
I don’t understand why all this disruption, if you work for HP you must know by now, shorty will shit on you without thinking about it, if you are an investor your in trouble, or is this a mind of a sick individual?
@Stephanie, as you have censored all posts about Crozier being Dixon on your forum, can you confirm the Crozier has sued the Leader for its inaccurate articles?
I would like to add to fdnrm post.
Did you just believe what you were told or actually do any DD ?
I also note that Nikki / Audrey rather cleverly, will not comment on it, just lets her followers leap to her defense so she can not be held accountable for what is said.
A very convenient cover story, a dead family member?
Matt Ames fraud stories are well talked about,’ the apple does not fall far from the tree’, so whats good for the goose….. those posts should not have been removed in the interest of balance.
Paul Walton’s post was removed asking for her to answer; and clear it all up to put the whole thing to bed one and for all…… That’s a very fair balanced request – so why delete it?
The truth will come out and if its proves to be truth, you all will look incredibly stupid and incompetent. If, its not true why does Crozier not put the record straight?
@Short legs, I agree with everything you have said. All comments regarding the Ames family have been left on their forum, whether true or not. Now they are practicing CENSORSHIP because questions about Crozier does not fit in with their aims. I will put this to BBaywatch, ask Jon Austin to carry out an investigation into Crozier, her background and has she ever sued the Leader for its comments. Come on your ajournalist who wants the truth, here is your chance.
@fdnrm 11.55
I’d suggest that there may be less of a public interest component to a story concerning the background of the director of a small time claims management company seeking damages on behalf of 13 investors in a failed overseas property developer than a story about the overseas property developer itself, which over a period of many years has taken over £400m in deposits, mostly from UK pension funds, the majority of monies having been paid out in commissions or retained by other group companies, has entered into contracts and taken monies in respect of developments on land which it does not even own and after all this time has nothing more to show for itself than a half finished resort, a string of legal claims and counter claims, and a general trail of misery and devastation resulting in one of the largest mis-selling scandals in the history of UK financial services.
I didn’t think you thought Austin’s investigations were worth much — all just instigated at the suggestion of Newman or something. Tell me, FDNRM, why is it any different if you suggest that he looks into something that suits your agenda? I would reiterate the fact that you’re obsessing about a single story, on a single website about a single individual working for a single company — I don’t really think that this represents an integral issue in this whole thing.
Fdnrm is close to ames and harlequin, always looking to deflect from they key facts about harlequin’s fraud. Dixon/crozier not really relevant on big picture.
That’s why e are all here we never did DD on HP, now when we are asking about Crozier, people don’t want to listen!!
When Ames fights it, more fees, for investors, and she wins either way wake up!
Kroll – I am really impressed with you long, long, long sentence. I wish
I could write like that. Touche’
@Kroll/UP, Croziers action on behalf of 13 investors could put into jepody the rescue plan for the other 2487. Do I think she should be investigated? damm right I do. The scale of scale of deception is irrelevant, deception is deception. And my point about Jon Austin is this, here is his chane to do some serious journalism, not just be Newmans soapbox.
Liquidation is CERTAIN now…
Pity about the censorship over at Ericas forum….pot and kettle spring to mind
Yes, it is however shorty is too arrogant to see it coming, and when it does it wont be his fault 😉
http://www.theleader.info/21/article/2495/oasis/
no smoke…..
@FDNRM “deception is deception” — hilarious. You appear to have no self awareness whatsoever.
@anonymous 3.02 “no smoke”? Seriously? You want to bring that rationale here — cos there’s A LOT more smoke much nearer by.
@UP. “Hilarious?” glad you think its funny. You are certainly on a different interlectual plain to me. Are you posting from the Wigan bunker today?
We now have some people, mainly Fdnrm trying to deflect the attention to Crozier/dixon, who is now blaming her for putting the rescue plan into ‘Jeopardy’.
I may have missed the post by Paul walton but if his question was removed it does seem odd?
‘But’ lets not forget who has made this mess in the first place and Ames has still failed to come up with answers about the ‘rescue plan’ if there is one?
Hats off to miss Crozier for getting the freezing order in as the Judge wouldn’t have handed it out lightly.
@UP Its beyond me why you and your mates, refuse to even think that Nikki / Audrey is above scrutiny. It also find I mind boggling that she herself wont confirm or refute this. Come on Audrey show some balls – prove it one was or other.
When her clients start moaning about their ever increasing legal fees, she will feel the whiplash. Ames will fight this and cost many many thousands…….
Erica can not censor this can she???? 😉
@FDNRM
Think D.J.
Now folks here’s one from the Wigan bunker!
My Husband and I were watching who want to be a millionaire while we were in bed.
I turned to him and said,Do you want to have sex? “NO” he answered.
I then said “is that your final answer” he did not even look at me this time”
simply saying,”Yes” So I said,”Then I would like to phone a friend”.
and that is when the fight started…………….lol
Are you all stark raving mad !!!
Fdnrm( the last word kid) why are you trying to deflect the topic off your mate Ames?
I doubt if Crozier has put the rescue plan into ‘jeopardy’ ( if there is a rescue plan?) because so far Ames has copped a deaf one.
If what you say about Paul Waltons question being removed is true, then it does seem a bit odd ‘But’ lets not forget who has caused this mess in the first place.
*didn’t realize the first post went through so excuse the repeat.
Question, is there anything other than one single article online to incriminate Nikki Crozier?
Does anyone actually have any hard evidence of these claims?
As far as I can see she is acting for 13 investors, has appointed a well respected legal firm and all of this is a side show to the main event which involves a £400 million investment which has a better than even chance of collapsing.
Just for you! I couldnt find a toad face hahaha
I can now reveal that David Ames was, in fact, originally called Peter Sutcliffe and was responsible for the brutal murder of 13 women. You can see the full details of his crimes here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Sutcliffe
I can show you no evidence that they are one and the same person as I just made it up.
Is there any evidence of that Nikki Crozier is Audrey Dixon?
@anon, 4.33 suggest you read the comments section below the online article (s) it’s funny how you come to the defence of Crozier, but Salsa Lady is allowed to question the credentials of the latest ambulance chaser to put their hat in the ring. Any comment Erica. By the way you should have gone 50/50
@St GD yes, plenty of supportive evidence if you can be bothered to read the Leader and the comments section below. She has had every opportunity to either refute the accusations or sue the Leader. Your post is just stupid.
No FDNRM I don’t think the situation is hilarious, I was laughing at you. Seems about the only appropriate response. In actual fact, I couldn’t give a toss about this Crozier woman (and one online article won’t change my mind about that). The lunacy of placing so much stock in one webpage, with its comments below, whilst simultaneously trying to discredit a massive volume of other webpages and their comments sections surely can’t be lost on you?
@fdnrm
Questioning NC is just a side show, whether she is everything you claim, an innocent party or bloody Lord Lucan is irrelevant to whether Harlequin Property will work and investors will get their money back.
Give the persecution of Erica, NC et al a rest and focus on the real issue, Harlequin’s imminent failure.
@SGD Audry Dixon is Elizabeth Crozier (listed as CEO if CPC), so is Nikki just another name? Why won’t she tell us?
Ames is on his arse now! The cash came in from Dubai from his property sale, only to be seized by the administrator who told him to keep his sticky fingers off.
Because of this Hartland can’t be paid.
He then had to sink 100k of his own cash to keep the office/ essentials running.
Unfortunately it’s now looking like the end – will be lucky to get 10p in the £1!!
@UP I suggest you try a little harder. I’ve got 9 yes 9 articles regarding Crozier. Surely that is not lost on you is it?
@CD () drm. If this is correct then does that mean that because of the SD on HP, which resulted in administration, then the hartland group cannot get their money from HP? If that is the case have the SD backfired?
@ Crozier / Dixon
Who or what is Hartland.
@ FDNRM
I have read it. It is not proof. I will post my Peter Sutcliffe invention a few more times so it becomes supportive evidence.
@FDNRM and how many articles on Harlequin can you find?
No not it THEM. Do some work and a bit of investigation.
@ STEPH. Regarding you comment on your forum Suggestions and questions are posed to you on BFP but you just flounce off if you don’t like them. You do exactly the same if awkward questions are made on your forum. It’s censorship.
@ UP are we having some sort of Top Trumps game here? Your posts beat my posts. Get your head out of the sand. Ames has not been to court, Dixon has.
St G – Hartland is the first group who came to a deal with Ames after they tried the Freezing order and failed. They have a deal but no cash! Lots of promises to pay but no money – they are the most dangerous bunch.
FDNRM – it’s not really backfired because they have SD on the SVG companies, that’s when we have problems when they are activated, it’s liquidation time. If you haven’t got title, which I think you don’t, then get your hands on it in a week or you join the creditors like the rest .
I was hoping for a rescue plan but it looks futile now!
Unfortunately this is the nearest we are going to get to a apology:(
But what if DA gets the funds to pay the Hartland group? Why would he put HP in admin if the SD was on SVG companies? I thought they were on HP.
Crozier/ Dixon (who ever she is today ) doesn’t represent me!
How can you claim to know so much? what do you know about your alter ego Nikki?
@ Erica, have a word with your daughter to answer the points above. Or are you still in bed playing ” dreaming of becoming a millionaire? “
http://www.change.org/en-GB/organisations/harlequin_investor_group
SL – i know so much because of contacts.Dont know much about Crozier I think she’s a claims facilitator (leach) and Ericas new friend. I think the scammer was her sister, I hear her brother is an arsehole too so odds are she is. Her son was hospitalised last week after getting a good hiding!
Dont know a lot more!
FDNRM get my head out of the sand? The irony continues.
If a court is what you need as proof, I suspect you’ll get it — there’s enough litigation in the off-ing. The most bizarre thing is, that I would suspect even then you’ll be committed to the belief it all would have been fine without the intervention of people speaking up about not getting what they paid for — and that absolutely everyone else had it wrong.
FDNRM – if DA had the cash in the business I’m sure he would pay but he hasn’t and he doesn’t see his cash mixing with the business. HP was put into admin because the SD mere lodged both UK and SVG.
It gone past the time that HM government got involved in this 400million fiasco,am I alone in thinking this ,as so far SFO etc seem powerless,has anyone tried talking to their MP??
@homefront
Here in the States, a politico would have grabbed this and run with it.
That’s how they get press and re-elected.
@Crozier/ Dixon (who ever she is today ) doesn’t represent me!
make your mind up, you say Ames put in 100K then say he does not mix his money with the business????
what is the correct version?
@perplexed.
don’t see many Yank solicitors coming on here, so shut up. Sorry you won the war! forgot.
yawn yawn……… YORKIPOO… is back under yet another guise……. lost track of how many reincarnations he has had!!!! all follow the same theme zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz 😉 what’s up found Ames told you some porkies pies????
( that’s lies for the non UK element)
@Perplexed, I have wrote to your President and not got a reply 😦
I have tried my best to alert all the authorities to this but to be honest I think they are scared as Mr Ames is very litigaious.
If you think about freedom of speech as a basic human right:How many people use there real name on this website?
I feel sometimes using my real name has done me no favours especially with the keyboard warriors from Harlequin Properties and of course the IFAs who sold this product who are owed wages and commissions but I also feel that Mr Ames allowing his staff and agent to behave in this manner does him or his company no good.
Why would anyone want to invest/purchase with a company that treats the very people who pay there wages in this manner is beyond me!
This is exactly why there will be no funding as long as he is in charge we do not stand a chance.
The sooner people stand up and be counted the better!
In view of the comments made with regard to censorship we are holding a poll on the forum for people to vote if they want “What the fuss” to be allowed back onto the forum, If you wish to vote please do so now as the poll does only run for 24 hours
Harltland – this is one of the Regulatory Legal creditor groups.
They settled with HMSSE and the SVG companies. HMSSE – no claim there SVG companies – petition will be issued by end of May 2013.
Ames will then need to call favours in SVG to adjourn the hearing. What it does do is shaft any rescue. Who would lend to that ? Why not simply wait for it to fall over ?
What Ames has not forseen is that the petition will be issued in the English courts. Look at your finance agreements (if you have one). Which law governs ? Looks like his lawyers did not think that through.
The job is a massive one and there is a queue of people wanting to act. So funding the petition will be straightforward for clients.
Will Ames be able to stall the English courts ?
Also, will the bank want to lend when they can wait and steal. The irony is the shafter will end up shafted.
What about putting back the Crozier??? stuff then, this is cherry picking what you want to censor!!!!!!!!!!
That’s even worse
@ Reality Check
What do the Finance Agreements say then. Is it English Law, or the jurisdiction of the English Courts or both?
@@ Reality Check
bloody good post, looks like short arse solved the hartland group (not) but caused more problems for himself.
Summary there is no viable rescue plan, its just bullshit and Ames is losing the plot
SL – what I’m saying is Ames could settle the SD with his own (ours indirectly) cash but won’t.
The £100k is short term cash to keep going, this is because the Dubai money got swallowed up by the administrator!
Think he plans on getting it back and not making a habit of it
Erica Broughton – I see you having a vote as to whether I should be allowed back on the forum. What you have failed to tell everyone is that the insult was in a private message, not posted on the forum for everyone to see and was in reply to a private message to me that was inflammatory!
Can we have the full story if people are being asked their opinions???
@Short legs I am not prepared to potentially be sued for letting people post potentially defamatory remarks concerning anyone on the forum, if you want to post that sort of stuff post it on your own blog
Erica – where’s my reply? Ignoring me?
@What the fuss, I am more than willing to post every email and PM that you have sent to me and every single PM and email I have sent to you is that what you want? Your choice I actually thought I was doing you a favour,You made many post on here under different names including What the fanny but I did not want to exclude you I have tried to help you for a few weeks privately as well you know I do not have all the answers I wish I did have,I worry constantly for every person who has invested via a SIPP as we will all get a tax bill for 40% of what we invested, Along with the Ames’s paying themselves while people max out credit cards to keep a roof over there heads. Yes folks we really are in this together. Yes all you who did not get paid last month Mr Ames and family paid themselves
WAKE UP SMELL THE COFFEE
Erica – nice rant but stick to the point. Make it clear i insulted you in a private message and not to the public it makes a big difference to the question you are asking! Btw I was not what’s a fanny!
Just tell the truth, I admit I insulted you in a private message
I forgot to say – I’m not really too bothered if you let me back on the forum or not – it appears its all about you playing God!
I vote in favour of letting Whatsthefuss back on the forum, but I don’t see why he’d want to. It’s so heavily censored as to have become pointless. The deleted posts, warnings, and forced apologies (yes, Erica treats posters like little school boys and they are forced to apologise if they get into a scrap) have made it laughable.
This forum gets a little tedious and rude sometimes, but that’s the price of freedom. Thanks to BFP for letting it run it’s course.
@WTF To be honest whether it was a PM or email or on any forum why should I take abuse of you or anyone else,You do not have to like me or hold the same opinions but why would you want to be on a forum where you obviously hate the staff is beyond me?
You really need to calm down this is not helping anyone
Erica – I don’t hate you, but you irritate me! I can’t see how I get banned off a public forum for sending a PM!
Have you made this clear to your kangaroo court?
@Anonymous, There are at present four members of staff on the forum I did delete several post yesterday this is the first time I have deleted anything, I have on two occasions PMd people and asked them to try to be kinder I really do not see a problem with this,some people are more easily upset than others I hope you understand
WTF, I WILL START THE POLL AGAIN AND TELL EVERYONE THE REASON I BANNED YOU WAS BECAUSE OF A PM OKAY??
Yes thanks
@Erica you have lost this one in my book. Double standards.
So you are saying Nikki said she would sue you? that’s bollocks and well you know it.
I would worry about Ames, if we talk about defaming someone, your way ahead there, he is just giving you enough rope to hang yourself……. you will be on his list, Nikki could defend you if she were a real solicitor !
He will come after you, its too personal now for both of you.
@Erica, I’m afraid I don’t. It’s either a free forum for people to air their views, ask questions, and generally provide and absorb information, or it’s not.
Any form of censorship is dangerous. Who chooses what gets censored? Chairman Mao? Stallin? Kim Jong Il? Robert Mugabe? Should we add Erica to that list?
Sometimes things are said that we don’t like, but that’ the price of freedom.
This is novel getting some support!
@WTF, why bother. The anti HP posters will vote against it so you will not get back in. Its their lose. Are you really bothered. The Crozier posts were taken down. Can we have a pole on that? I think I know what that answer will be.
* loss *poll
I have an 8 year old son… and an 11 year old son. They are really good kids but they don’t half sling a lot of mud at each other. When they calm down they both talk a lot of sense. Maybe people hear need to vent there frustrations now and again… so write an email in caps and then bin it… your not 11 !!!.
Erica,
I am an investor and a work in heathcare. You are displaying some worrying signs, obsessive behaviour, control issues, irrational statements, feeling the need to be ‘bloging 24/7.’ its almost like an addiction
You need to wean yourself away; nothing will happen; the world will keep turning – give yourself a break, or you will become very ill.
Why are you all fighting each other? the common thread should be you have been had by HP/DA, yes some want winding up (revenge), yes some of you think Thunderbirds and International Rescue are going to salvage this mess, but fighting and name calling between yoursleves …should you not be making sure any money left is reserved for investors and DA is not doing a disappearing act (with your money)…together
The only thing of value is BB, but who owns the land…as for it going as a resort, as this drags on, there will be sd on it and all sorts of legal disputes…the tour operators will then avoid it as the srvice will go down and they will get bad press, so they will abandon it, after all the market is already struggling so other resorts will mop up the but one thing is for sure DA/CA, will not reveal or tell anything other than what they think will save them.
But the issue we were discussing was freedom of speech. @wtf doesn’t always say things I agree with, but he should be alowed to say them. The personal attacks on BFP aimed at Erica are abhorrent, but to censor them more so. Freedom of speech is vital. With out freedom of speech, Erica’s forum is poinless.
BFP has been the only provider of uncensored information for some time. May it continue. At least here that leach Crozier can be questioned freely.
@Anonymous from earlier, BBFP do a fantastic job but even they have on occasion removed postings from here,
WTF has said to me that PMs are private,Also as he pointed out He did help me get some people into the meeting in Warrington.
The poll has been restarted at WTFs request
Maybe the forum is useless in your opinion, and censorship is a issue but my problem is some people are on the edge and I do not want the forum to push them over some people are very badly affected by this chain of events others less so……
I do not know why it all has to get so personal? Why can we not just have a different opinion to somebody else?
I have decided that we will find more forum staff and I will have less of a role and hopefully then some of the anger will disappear.
I am personally sorry if I have added to people’s stress by posting on here:(
@Erica…..As someone not ffected by the HP mess, it does seem odd thatyou will not confirm/deny the question re Crozier/Dixon, which seems, to me anyway the point that is upsetting some people. A simle statement I am sure would shut a lot of peeps up
Just an observation
@Erica, so will there be a poll to have the posts regarding Crozier reinstated? Or is she “on the edge” and you dont want “the forum to push her over”. You seem very evasive in answering the tough questions.
@ Erica,
Two issues one it was a private message. Two, you have been suckered by O’Hallaran and now defend Crozier – ever wondered why they are your ‘mates’
@ Erica.
All people who invested are adults, we got it wrong, you can not help all of them, you are not an expert. This will end very badly for some… you can do nothing about it.
Whilst we have had our little disagreements, what you are doing is good – but don’t let it take over your life. When was the last time you did not check the blogs?
It does appear you jump in ‘feet first’ without considering what the consequences of your actions will be.
For example this Crozier thing could be stopped dead if only she or you did some statement – instead of ignoring it with contempt ….just like Ames does when faced with a difficult question…..nothing.
Take a more measured view of things and look past your hatred of Ames to an effective end to this unholy mess.
latest news……
http://citywire.co.uk/new-model-adviser/harlequin-investors-warned-not-to-hand-over-more-cash/a680590
@RI, I agree with everything you have said above. However it looks like Crozier has overstepped the mark by going public with Erica/WTF correspondence, although it has been edited. What is the expression Erica, “you take tea with the devil” So again I put the question to Crozier, “are the articles in the Leader correct?” As you say you “do what it says on the tin”, is it Ronseal or Dixonsteal?
@fdnrm ronseal/dixonsteal excellent humour (although I suspect you actually mean it ) lol
@RI agree with fdnrm a straight forward answer/statement to the crozier/dixon thing and everybody can go back to sorting out the real issues and maybe stop the in-fighting, which will tear you all aprt whilst the ames appear to be having a nice little familly holiday
@fdnrm
Say it all about Crozier.
WTF wont get back the ‘rollypolies’ will see to that with their ‘Ghost members’
The blog is full or whining wimps anyway.
ERICA HAS NOW LOST THE PLOT.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She has published some of WTF PRIVATE messages, so no doubt between her and followers he will never get back on….. he can not defend himself – that’s wrong plain and simple.
Still nothing from the Crozier con woman or from her puppets on the blog.
Erica, when Ames sets his legal team on you, ask yourself who will fight your corner, Crozier? I think not.
You need yo have a look over your blog and get rid of the comments about him – do you know about ‘spy bots’….. you should.
I have just been made aware of what Erica has done on her blog, I’m not over bothered because I stand by what I say (I did apologise for calling her an old cow, that was wrong), this is the email I sent her today for information
Erica
What are you doing dragging all this up again? I thought this was behing us?
I havent made contact with you sine Thursday last week, you unilaterally ban me from the blog and then decide to tell everyone about it and take a public vote as to whether I should be reinstated!!!
You then get Crozier/ Dixon involved when it wasnt about her, you then publish my PRIVATE MESSAGE on the blog!!!
I then get support because people dont like censorship and you have a fit because they are not supporting you and threaten to close the blog! (No chance by the way all fart and no shit in that statement)
This just isnt normal behavior!
Then in your God like role with your deciples say that you are a saint and you are saving people teetering on the brink!
2 questions, why is it your position to be a councellor and secondly, how do you know that I wasn’t one of those teeetering when you banned meor did you not consider that because its all about yourself?
You unilaterallty decided to ban me, never mind the votes, you should reinstate me!
Have a good day,
@Erica – you mentioned that you had written to President Obama with
no reply. I cannot for the life of me understand why.
Here is a modest proiposal – Write to both PM Ralph Gonsalves (SVG)
and the opposition leader Arnhilm Eustace. If you can get them going at
each other’s throats re: BB I think that a lot of previously unknown
information will be disclosed. It is obvious that DA has moved the bunker
to SVG where he may think he is secure. But it is a tenuous security at
best because it rests entirely on the patronage of the local government.
I for one don’t think it a good position to be in.
In all actuality the government of SVG holds the ultimate say in
the outcome of the BB debacle.
I have just been made aware of what Erica has done on her blog, I’m not over bothered because I stand by what I say (I did apologise for calling her an old cow, that was wrong), this is the email I sent her today for information
Erica
What are you doing dragging all this up again? I thought this was behing us?
I havent made contact with you sine Thursday last week, you unilaterally ban me from the blog and then decide to tell everyone about it and take a public vote as to whether I should be reinstated!!!
You then get Crozier/ Dixon involved when it wasnt about her, you then publish my PRIVATE MESSAGE on the blog!!!
I then get support because people dont like censorship and you have a fit because they are not supporting you and threaten to close the blog! (No chance by the way all fart and no shit in that statement)
This just isnt normal behavior!
Then in your God like role with your deciples say that you are a saint and you are saving people teetering on the brink!
2 questions, why is it your position to be a councellor and secondly, how do you know that I wasn’t one of those teeetering when you banned meor did you not consider that because its all about yourself?
You unilaterallty decided to ban me, never mind the votes, you should reinstate me!
Have a good day,
@perplexed. DA is back in the UK today.
FDNRM – No he isn’t hes back Thursday
FYI – http://www.ifaonline.co.uk/ifaonline/news/2268032/harlequin-advisers-netted-up-to-15-in-commission
What is particularly interesting is the way that agents organised their MLM style downline so that they could earn off transactions that they themselves did not complete. With so many taking a slice of the pie it’s a wonder that anything was ever built – and no wonder that there is now no cash to complete anything. The more that I read about the background workings – none of which seems to have been hidden or particularly difficult to find out about – the more I am amazed that anyone was stupid enough to have been taken in.
FDNRM
Either place is he truly safe from the tumbrels full of pitch-fork armed
peasants (investors) out for his neck?
On a serious note without knowing the ownership status of BB as legally
RECOGNIZED by SVG who knows where to seek recourse.
@BBaywatch, Ah yes Laura Miller, another one who has to advertise for stories because she cannot find out anything by herself. Wonder if she will do an expose on Crozier/Dixon unlike Jon Austin who cannot be bothered. Too difficult a subject perhaps?
BBaywatch
That’s a question I ask myself…. it’s not long until they whole thing falls over…. but that will be because of the negative press ( so Ames keeps telling us)
@fdnrm…DA back in the uk…didnt have a very long holiday, maybe he was just re-locating a few suitcases of cash to SVG …. or maybe a cell in the uk is a better place than SVG
I appreciate you would like a rescue plan, but being true to yourself, do you see anybody putting any money anywhere near HP or anything even slightly connected (would you invest any more) (not trying to wind/insult you btw)
I wonder if the extraordinarily misogynistic attitude of many of the investors posting here reflects the HP mindset? It wouldn’t surprise me, perhaps strong women make them feel inadequate?
@BBaywatch, I know the difference between a strong woman and a mouth piece for solicitors/ambulance chasers. I know the difference between a strong woman and woman who deletes posts from her forum because she “does not like them” I know the difference between a strong woman and a woman who will not answer basic questions about who she really is. I also know the difference between a woman who has been in court and a man who has not. Do you?.
On the forum Whatsthefuss has slagged off anyone who says negative stuff about his mate Ames.
Now the pathetic bully has been has sent insults by PM to Erica.
Why should he be let back on there?? he insults anyone who just wants to share their disastrous experience with Ames/Harlequin?
Fdnrm , you are just full of shit! if Ames hasn’t been to court I’m sure he will get plenty of chances in the coming weeks…coming months…in earnest! as he likes to say!
Bean Head – now lets get this right, I did call her an old cow your right, but what your not privy to is what I was responding to!
whatstheuse, your throwing your dummy out of your pram again!!
@Been Had, now now, “your full of shit” you could get banned from some forums for language like that you know.
@Whatsthefuss, could I suggest not bothering with Ericas forum. Now that Paul Walton has left as moderator, the mods left will be like the witches in Macbeth
Declaring oneself bankrupt (twice) is a great tactic to avoid being dragged into court for non payment of debts . However, it just does not look good on your résumé.
@yatinkiteasy….especially when circa £300million of other peeps money would seem to have gone walkies
@fdnrm ‘The witches of Wigan’
There is so much crap going on here, leave Erica alone with her blog if it makes her happy, its now got very very boring.
Its obvious the the Crozier stuff wont be answered, because if it was it could be challenged.
FYI – “To be made bankrupt, a court has to issue a bankruptcy order against you.” from .gov.uk
So – Mr Ames has been in court twice already – third time – errr – unlucky?
When he is court next time, it could be HMRC, SFO, freezing orders, insolvency service,police……. despite his mental delusional state ….. he can not win….its over.
Over the last couple of months a lot has been going or regarding Harlequin.
Investor groups set up, engagement with Harlequin, promises of finance, completions pending, promises, broken promises, administrators appointed, Harlequin road shows, investor meetings; questions asked the list goes on.
Where are we now?
No finance offers; no questions answered, no cohesive rescue plan, no completions……………..
@ paul walton….sounds like
do not pass go go directly to jail
So what next?
The engagement between Harlequin and investors seems to be a sham. To have a meeting then find out you were not told Harlequin having made a decision to put HMSSE into administration the same day must make investors question whether the exercise is being undertaken in good faith.
Finance is apparently being dealt with by someone who first appeared at the Harlequin / investor meeting and does not exactly feature in the top tier of blue-chip financial advisors. He is assisted by the accountant who did the forensic audit on where the money went and reported that it is all traceable. I don’t question his conclusion – just whether presenting something that said, in effect, it all went to the Caribbean resort companies or in commissions, is the whole picture.
The 34/35 questions remain unanswered, so no-one has a clue about anything that has gone on.
The rescue plan seems to be to have a rescue plan. It is stunning that in part it appears to be based on the principle that investors in the Brazil resort have to be accommodated as part of this plan. I don’t question the need to include them and address their problems. I do question that a rescue plan is being discussed with Harlequin when part of the reason why it is required is because people appear to have been sold units on land which Harlequin did not own.
The clock seems to keep ticking but it never strikes. Is no-one going bring the whole sorry story to a conclusion?
Off you go then St George, do your bit and bring it down. Any ideas? Eh that will be no then. All observations no suggestions.
@ FDNRM
Ok. You have persuaded me. The answer is clearly to invest more money.
I hope FDNRM takes Harlequin’s advice and invests more money. That would make my day.
@SGD absolutely spot on
There is no money in any of the accounts
There is no rescue on the cards, the only peeps who will go near this are the vultures looking for a give a way bargain….
@fdnrm….I ask you again, do you really beleive a rescue plan will salvage this…..the units that are built, if one happens to be your unit, they have not been handed over so they will become assets of HP and part of what is left to be shared, and that is assuming peeps will buy them, as if BB closes, which it could well do, the resort will just rot and what is there will die with it
DA may well go to prison, but tracing and materialising the assets into cash will take a decade…..assuming the legal peeps leave anything
the pack of cards will fall, it is the only thing that can happen
…and the interesting thing is, if FDNRM did invest more money, when the thing goes bust and the investors get 10% in the $, he will have made up some of the deficit for the other investors.
Go for it! It’s a great plan.
@Anon RU you are easily pleased.
@SGD. keep up, I don’t have to invest more money. By the way it will be 10% in the £ not $.
@FDNRM: “by the way that will be 10% in the £”
Finally something we can agree on…although maybe we are being a touch optimistic!
So, whilst people like FDNRM still pretend that leaving Harlequin alone is the best approach and that all will be good, staff at BBR again have not been paid and creditors have come on property and taken away packed goods and machinery. This was authorized by Matt Ames as harlequin was unable to pay the bill.
So much for the “turning a small profit” theory
I have just asked on the newco Harlequin blog to confirm if they have been selling off furniture, but my question is under moderation:
They have made this statement about Reg Legal.
Harlequin’s response to Regulatory Legal’s PR campaign
by Harlequin Hotels & Resorts
R Legal has made a number of conflicting public statements recently, which contain a number of falsities. In the circumstances, it is imperative to set the record straight immediately.
R Legal has recently stated that it is working with Harlequin on a “rescue plan”. It is not. Harlequin as a group is, however, engaged in a restructuring process. Neither R Legal nor any of its staff are involved in this process in any way.
Harlequin is increasingly concerned by the on-going PR campaign by R Legal, which is intended to do little more than create further anxiety amongst investors in order to attract custom to their firm.
It must be remembered that R Legal was the firm that, through the media and its own websites, encouraged purchasers to turn against Harlequin. Only two months ago, R Legal featured in an article claiming Harlequin’s assets would be frozen in March. This application failed but the intention was to cause undue panic and alarm amongst purchasers.
R Legal is of course entitled to represent its clients and advise them as it deems fit; it is not, however, allowed to attempt to jeopardise the investments of the remaining overwhelming majority of investors, nor will we allow this.
Further, R Legal has also tried to draw Harlequin into its campaign against IFAs. Harlequin absolutely has not and will not speculate on advice given by IFAs. Any view allegedly expressed concerning the suitability of such advice cannot be attributed to Harlequin.
Harlequin is currently engaged in assisting a number of purchasers to complete on their properties in Buccament Bay Resort and in sourcing external finance, both of which will dramatically hasten the future development of its projects and our clients’ investments.
Harlequin is not yet at the stage to release details about the restructuring process but will provide information directly to its investors very soon.
Harlequin sincerely regrets that some purchasers have found themselves in hardship and is doing everything it can to ensure it delivers on its promises.
A key message taken from the meetings held with investors in the past month was that lines of communication need to be transparent, and so it is with a conscious effort Harlequin makes the above statement, in order to ensure the minimum of speculation surrounding the spread of disinformation by parties with ulterior motives against the best interests of the majority.
@John Smith, not me mate, I have never pretended that leaving Harlequin alone is the best approach. I suggest you trawl through 1000s of posts and find where I’ve suggested that.
Harlequins knew website
.http://wn.com/holiday_resort_investor.com_-_caribbean_real_estate_harlequin_property_buccament_bay_update
Regulatory Legal clients hold the winding up petitions. Is Ames calling their bluff with his statement ?
“Not my fault it all went bust……”
@paul Walton Regarding Harlequins statement: At what point do we get out the violin ?
@ FDNRM
I am interested in what you believe to be the way forward for Harlequin. You seem to disagree with everything that anyone posts here and say that no-one has any positive ideas. What do you think should be done to solve this situation?
I have just (sadly) reread all of your posts on this thread and I think your message is (apologies if I have cut and pasted anything out of context):
1. The true investors are trying to be positive. HP is in a hole and trying to dig its way out and it has the support of a large number of investors.
2. The way forward is for all investors to pull together to get a solution which suits everyone, not a minority.
3. I would welcome a solution but not for a few to the cost of the many.
4. The consensus of opinion is to let things cool off a bit and give DA the chance to refinance and get capital in.
5. We should not try to disrupt the restructuring process or affect the outcome of the court case.
6. Croziers action on behalf of 13 investors should not put into jeopardy the rescue plan for the other investors.
My confusion comes because it seems as though you are saying do nothing and let Mr Ames sort it out. Is that what you are advising?
St. George’s Dragon, you are spot on! FDnrm is a Harlequin saboteur, of course he will never admit it but stalling the demise of Harlequin suits nobody but Dave Ames himself !
@SGD, on the contary, I am not saying “do nothing”. RL has about 1000 on its books, Crozier has 13, HIG has about 250 members. As HIG will have several who are already in RL figures, then of the 2500 investors, the majority of opinions are not known. So reading your/my points above.
1)True
2)True, Croziers actions have proved this.
3)That still is my opinion.
4)That is still true, RL even suggested this route, although they are now advising investers not to complete which is very odd. Is this not a way of getting additional capital?
5)Speaks for itself, Erica talking/posting on behalf of O’Halloran was stupid.
6)Crozier is a lose cannon who cannot even confirm who she is/is not. How do the other 2897 investors feel about her actions.
@Anon 3.44 I am an investor so how does it suit me to see the demise of HP?
To be fair fdnrm points I agree with apart from point 4. anyone handing money over at this stage would be crazy.
I think an investor ‘vote’ or balot could be the way forward? Ames out!
@In the S**T, but some people do want to complete, and thats their right. For Fatchett to post articles trying to dissuade investors from completing steps over the boundary between trying to do the best for the people he represents, and interferring with HP trying to restructure their finances.
@FDNRM.
Ok fair enough, what I should have added is it would be prudent to take independent advice to confirm they were crazy! then do it anyway 😉
Pretty high risk at the moment, you must admit that?
I think this link put up on Erica’s forum is significant http://www.ifaonline.co.uk/ifaonline/news/2222399/ifa-ordered-to-redress-client-in-stirling-mortimer-ruling
This could be the way forward for the SIPPS investors, while the rest of us are left to sort it out ourselves.
Its all over for HP, Ames and IFA’s……. and you lot reading this in the bunker take note: When the SFO come a knocking uncle Dave won’t be able to help you then. Won’t look too good on your CV will it?
You need to give him up and save your own skin….. or go down with him?
@fdnrm….the thing is that there are 3000 investors…so in effect 3000 loose cannons, which as I keep saying all have different opinions and of course the right to wait, issue Sd etc etc…just because RL represent say 1000 Crozier or anybody else can go down the winding up route now option…whilst it is good a lot have banded together, at the finale, it will everyman for himself, coz thats life
Nobody with any sense is going to hand over any money without serious DD to make sure the resort is going to be completed as planned…would you want a unit in a resort only 10% built lossing money….ultimately you could end up with a worthless unit I just can not see any funds being available…just too much genuine bad feedback….everybody will avoid like the plague.
What if ther SFO do conclude there is a case to answer…..everything will be frozen, so I can not see at this point (or in the future) anybody will have any interest in putting hard cash into this
the whole concept of a resort catering for 4000 people (I thinks this was figure I have seen for the cpmpleted project) in SVG is a non starter…the main reason peeps go all the way to the Caribbean is not to stay in a resort like butlins….the whole plan was flawed from before it even started.
@Dave Dwarf, unless someone comes knocking on the SFO door first. :))
@IRIGO. I think your comment re Butlins is unjust. Have you been to BB? It’s certainly a lot better than that. It is an asset which has substantial value.
@ FDNRM
Please humour me as I would like to understand where you are coming from
You say that you do not believe in “doing nothing”. Then you say you still agree with the points you had previously posted.
1. Stay positive = do nothing.
2. Pull together = do nothing.
3. A solution for all = what?
4. Wait for a refinance.
5. Allow a restructure = do nothing.
6. Stop Crozier.
If I understand you correctly, you want RL and Crozier to stop their actions but have no positive strategy apart from waiting until Uncle Dave sorts the mess out by refinancing? Is that right? In addition, you would like other people to “complete” on their units although you will not be putting any more money in.
@fdnrm
Without doubt, why would you risk your professional career for Ames? maybe its just like the telly and you can ‘cut a deal’ is you turn super grass!!
No honor among thieves 😉 or people with no job…that may have worked for HP
From the latest review of BB – “The building work is still a work in progress. There are empty shells where eventually I think they will install 10 restaurants, a casino and a nightclub. At the moment there are less than 100 villas, but with the apartment blocks this will increase to 350+. They will build more pools to house the additional occupants as the present ones could not cope – nor could the beach.”
This is extremely peculiar, up until now it has generally been accepted that between 166 to 300 villas have been completed – with most accepting the higher figure. This is the second recent review to note that the number of completed units is very much lower than those figures. The comments re the casino, nightclub and numbers of restaurants also mirrors another reviewers post.
Either guests are being told a version of events and plans at considerable odds with what is on the record, or there is a major change under way. Investors are being urged to complete – but – if there are only less than 100 units to complete on then the amount raised from the proceeds of completion is going to be less than third of what was anticipated. This must also affect any valuation of the resort. Unless ( and surely this cannot be true) multiple investors are being asked to complete on the same unit?
The BB story just keeps getting weirder – how could any investor hand over more money without a site visit to ascertain exactly what the situation is? – then again they parted with their cash in the first place without proper knowledge, so who knows?
look folks, the game is over. the assets will have to be reorganized and sold off to pay off all the debtors and so called investors. its as simple as that.
all the posing, the back and forth, the court stuff is just wasting money time and resources.
they are cash flow negative with no new revenues except for the rentals in BB and BLU St Lucia
its simple math
wake up
this guy was either an excellent confidence artiste or actually believed he could juggle 8 or 9 properties on a shoestring….it didnt work
time to face the music. the courts will put out an order to reorganize and work out the assets.
sorry those are the facts.
all the histrionics and acting and name calling and boo hoo hooing dont do anything
the lawyers will make a KILLING in fees on this and the poor “investors” will lose their money
End of Message
If I was the HIG, I would send one of my co-investors there pronto, to do a survey of what is, and isn’t there. Joint fund the trip. Maybe take the opportunity to look up the next-door owner and have a chat about land ownership, talk to the staff about whether they have been paid or not.
There must be someone who would do this and post the results.
This is Frank Cannon remember me? (an overweight, balding ex-cop with a deep voice and expensive tastes in culinary pleasures, who becomes a high-priced private investigator)
Anyhow, I have been instructed to look into James Cannon (no relation) from Eleven Capital – the guy who is heading up the £100 million rescue package for investors…..
I have some questions, that need clearing up:
1. On James LinkedIn profile he states he is a director of Eleven Capital I can’t confirm this at companies house?
2. Eleven Capital is FSA regulated, but alas James is not? With a deal of such magnitude I would have preferred that?
3. Anyway, there is reference to RICS so that’s good at least he is a surveyor, oops sorry no record of him….. worried yet?
4. Well so what, Eleven Capital, being in London and all that, must be doing very well with these multi national deals….. not really….. not even a bit.
5. Eleven Capital website give very little information, well it gave nothing have a look looks like I did it.
http://www.elevencompanies.com
This all does not inspire me with confidence, hey what do I know I am just a PI 🙂
The London address for Eleven Capital is actually a virtual office Jame Cannon is not actually based there.
Cannon Capital Ltd went into liquidation, …………… tell me Its not the same guy we are hoping will get us the finance….please….. Ames twice bankrupt now Cannon NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Well we have nothing to worry about do we! the 100 million finance is in the bank, or will it have a banking error! this is not funny………. the rescue package is just bullshit
James Cannon has run off with Nikki Croziers fanny!
Could not resist that, sorry!
if this is correct we are all in deep shit, I checked the company house and Frank Cannon is correct – Ames when one of your flunkies tells you about this post, James needs to answer.
Leakey leakey mole in the hole where are you????
You are entirely wrong about Eleven Capital not being a substantial company. Their accounts for the year ending 31 July 2012 admittedly show a slight blip in that net assets reduced from £1,652 to £0 but shareholder funds did increase by £12,150 to £57,734.
They are also confident about the future as note 1.1 to the accounts states “As a result, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the company will have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, and accordingly they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing these financial statements.”
I note in addition, that they are entering new markets – the alternative and renewable energy sectors. Isn’t that what Mr Ames’ son did with the forestry business which unfortunately failed?
I have seen some comments on BB having substantial value. Anyone who is serious about purchasing or investing will take the various valuations they are given, and whilst not discard them, they will do their own substatial research to make their own mind up on value. Of course, if clear sets of accounts are not available, then that would instantly stop any interested investor. Just to give you a brief idea as to how an investor may approach this, or at least I would as this is my business…Buccament Bay almost certainly loses a significant sum annually. This could be for a number of reasons – such as St Vincent tourism still in its infancy and cannot get people to holiday there in large numbers, (I say St Vincent, not Grenadines where tourism has been steady for a number of years), the product is not right for the destination – does not have the appeal and competition on neighbouring islands too great given they also have direct airlift, the marketing/management team do not have the necessary experience in marketing a hotel in the eastern Caribbean (something that does require experience and strong industry connections), cost control is poor (hiring of west end singers, sporting celebrities seem to be a little unnecessary), control of the AI costs, efficiency of the design of the resort from an operational standpoint, utility consumption standpoint etc An investor would look at all of this and ascertain if these inefficiencies are easily overcome/changed and management easy to improve on. Would an international airport help? Yes, to an extent, and would be a factor in the decision making, but with so many other factors to consider, not a swinging one.
On top of that though, and most importantly, what are you actually buying? Everything that is built has commitments on them in the form of buyers. These buyers owe 70% supposedly, but how certain is that 70% to come in given most seem to require financing, and are the contracts not in fact in breach and therefore you have 1200 or so sets of liabilities? If you buy, you are due to build another 1000 or so units, or refund that money to the purchaser who is due a refund. Even the suggestion of that would stop an investor in its tracks, but the reality would appear to be just that – build 1000 units from scratch with only 70% of the purchase price due to come in, or refund everyone. Building them all would make no sense anyway as you would never fill them. Furthermore, what is the relationship with Harlequin’s other unbuilt developments – are there payables from BB to the others as they used the deposits on the other developments to fund BB. Will you have thousands of other investors coming after you. As to the common areas you would be buying, and unbuilt land, you really are only going to pay for those based on what you think you can earn from them. If the common areas are part of an AI hotel, then really the hotel needs to be making money for them to have value. The unbuilt land (land that is not part of the 1200 plus units sold) only has value based on what can be earned from it, and with 1000 or so units sold that have not been built, I doubt there is much room for more.
With any development purchase, the agreement is clear that the buyer wants it free and clear of any and all encumbrances or outstanding legal issues. This does not look likely or possible for years, so again most would wait until things clear up before really looking at this.
But, if an investor were to look at it now, then the above would suggest a very very low offer would be given to purchase the asset as is, perhaps as little as zero. That is not to say the entire asset is worth zero, but what is left that can be bought is worth close to zero, because a substantial investment in time and money is required to make it worth something. I have seen better places than BB go for close to zero dollars in the last few years as the business was in such a mess. Now, if you are looking for raising finance, virtually all non-institutional lenders (don’t see a bank lending on this) look at such financing as follows due to the high level of defaulting that has gone on in recent times – do I want to end up owning this asset, and what would I do with it if I did. I doubt any lender would want to end up with this as it is now.
Without wanting to be a painter of doom, it seems that much of this forum has deviated from the key issues and, understandably given the situation, it has got personal. I don’t believe a white knight is coming, and that white knight certainly would not be Ames anyway – that people still believe he is of any use given his track record is surprising. Those who invested via IFAs must do all they can to file their claims and there is a good chance of compensation one would think. Similar applies to those who invested via a SIPP. Those who paid cash should protect themselves, stat demands etc, and also explore the last option of suing the directors for fraud if they have reneged on contracts and not paid you back or come to any arrangement. Whilst the ideal would be for all buyers to act in unison, it is not going to happen with so many. As to a rescue plan, this is not possible with Ames involved, he does not have the skill set to be involved, nor does he have the skill set to get the right people involved. Some sort of plan is fathomable, but will require neutral highly qualified people with the relevant Caribbean experience, overseen by a selected board of purchasers also with some relevant skill sets.
This is the company ran by Harlequin’s financial adviser.
Name & Registered Office:
CANNON CAPITAL LIMITED (in liquidation)
c/o BUSBYS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
UNIT 7 PICKHILL BUSINESS CENTRE
SMALLHYTHE ROAD
TENTERDEN
KENT
TN30 7LZ
Company No. 07084099
Great news a new reggae band has issued an album detailing this mess.
Dave and the Winders (Winding Up Petitions) !
Hit me know !
If every worker in the UK stumped up 30 odd quid that should build the outstanding units ,will need another 12 or so pounds each to replace the money so far invested.Makes you think.these are only budget figures ,so no lessons in maths or stats please
@SGD, if you want to forensically disect all my posts that is up to you. What I am not going to do is get into a detailed reasoning why I have said these things. They are my opinions and mine only. I am not saying “do nothing”. Pressure has been put on DA to try and resolve the position, bearing in mind it is only 5 months since the SIPPS bombshell was dropped on him which dryed up his revenue stream.
@Dave Dwarf, professional career? If being unemployed counts as a “professional career” I need to retrain.
@ FDNRM
So the answer is to put pressure on Mr Ames to sort it out. Doesn’t sound a great plan to me.
@SGD, you seem to bemaking a big thing about Eleven Capital’s accounts, both on here and Erica’s site. I would suggest that Eleven Capital would be a facilitator for funding which means that they dont necessarily have the money themselves. A bit like Crozier not being a solicitor but getting involved in legal matters. Follow my drift? At least James Cannon only seems to go by one name.
@SGD, well you can always come to a meeting, contact them directly, propose your own plan. I’m sure they would love to hear from you. Sorry what was your interest again?
Am I wrong regd the drying up off SIPPS funds ,say that issue was resolved now that would mean more deposits for more units leading to more funds to complete these units I would have thought at this stage the last thing needed was more liability.or is it me ?
@100 asolutely superb post and absolutely true…just need all the other peeps on here to realise “it realy is game over”…I am not heare to rub salt etc, but people are not going to be able to reteive anything no matter how little whilst they belieive “it will all be ok”
@fdrm Maybe elevn captiol are only the facilitator, but what investor is going to invest in a virtually no value project, that failed because of a massive scam/mis-management (either way not good on paper) that is being touted by a no value and prob no contacts etc facilitator….even if you had a suicidal approach to investment and were interested in HP the facilitator will put you off…….would you use crozier to sort out your investment in HP…..bearing in mind she appears to be using a fairly pro active solicitor (they did get a freezing order)……..
People it is over (very sadly), but it is only a matter of time
Here is a point…if all this was legit (even with bad management), any legit business would have stopped taking deposits until it was able to complete what it had started and if not would have flagged up problems a lot sooner….unless the lure of the money for nothing and lots of it took over, the scam has been born
Hi Guys, Frank Cannon….PI
CANNON CAPITAL LIMITED (in liquidation)
c/o BUSBYS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
UNIT 7 PICKHILL BUSINESS CENTRE
SMALLHYTHE ROAD
TENTERDEN
KENT
TN30 7LZ
Company No. 07084099
Now this company was put into administration, wait for it…………..
buy a pension company. Now, from an old gum shoe like me to say pensions and Harlequin and liquidation………. lets be a bit careful?
Why would a pension company take a company out?
Do you all want me to keep digging?
@ FDNRM
I don’t think it would be worth me meeting Harlequin as my plan would be to advise people to go legal and wind the whole thing up as soon as possible. At least that way they might get something, however small, back from the liquidator rather than have it spent on suing the critics etc.
Regarding James Cannon, I have nothing against the guy, but any credible recovery scheme is going to need substantial advisors who carry weight and have the contacts and expertise to raise the finance. Maybe he is the man. Let’s see.
My interest – I have been watching this disaster start to happen from around 2006 (if not earlier) and have tried to do my small part towards warning people of the risks in investing. I am concerned for the investors and for the countries in the Caribbean which are going to be damaged by this.
It’s a very sad situation but I don’t believe that burying your head in the sand and leaving Mr Ames to salvage this thing is going to work.
But what do I know?
Further investment is a dream perpetuated by those who have so much invested that they can’t see the forrest for the trees.
Wind it up now, and force the SFO’s hand. They’ve stood in the background for too long now. The longer you wait the less there will be to pick over. Those who got in early may get something back, those who want to sit back and see what happens will get nothing. That’s the law of the jungle.
BB and St Vincent Tourism will be hit hard if the murder rates continue like this..5 in three weeks.True they were not tourists, but murders nonetheless.
http://i-witness-news.com/2013/05/20/svg-records-6th-murder-since-april-29/
Yatinkiteasy
May 18, 2013 at 1:03 pm
Since Harlequin SVG is not affected by the UK co being put under Administration etc ( according to DA himself) have any “investors” received legal title to their unit at BB, which DA boasted 11 months ago, was being done? If not… Why not?
What’s the Fanny
May 18, 2013 at 1:08 pm
Yankinyourselfstupid – why do you think DA is in SVG now? That is exactly what he’s there doing!
So did anyone receive their legal tile during DA and C one day visit to BB?
What a bunch of liars and spin doctors!
@St George’s Dragon
I have seen you in the witches forum!
Your posts are always pretty balanced & I usually agree in the main.
This Cannon thing is a concern, potentially another bankrupt, not FSA regulated, not even a surveyor, so he is not some KPMG wizzkid!!! no site of a plan, an offer of finance, so this could have been just a delay, so Amless starts stashing away his assets.
The Crozier freezing order won’t stop him as we speak securing the remaining assets over £1.1million, so its really was not worth all the bum lickin that’s going on the witches blog – just prompted him to start securing the rest?
It needs to still go thru Parliament, plus the 8% closing costs are not too popular.
Ames needs this cash off ‘dumb investors’ because he has had ‘his’ Dubai money whizzed off him by the Administrators – He got that wrong, such Irony!!!! So he is pissed off and desperate….. for your cash 😉
Tock Tock it’s coming to an end……. people are turning against him…not the lower end some very senior people indeed have been, lets say singing for their supper……..in Cockspur Street 😉
It has always seemed to me that it will be one small thing which will make the SFO move from background investigation to getting properly involved. If they do, they will then have access to all the information in the Bunker which will enable them to understand everything – if the shredder has not been working overtime.
One thing which could be critical, is Harlequin’s position on the Brazil resort. If it is true, as has been alleged, that they were selling units there without owning the land, that has to be a serious chink in their armour.
There does not seem to be much information around on Brazil. Does anyone have the details of how Brazil was marketed. What did the promotional literature say? What did the contracts say?
http://www.bridgingandcommercialdistributor.co.uk/newsstory?id=596&type=newsfeature&title=ifas_faced_with_100m_fscs_fine
Times up IFA’s
Regarding the James Cannon comments.
We have had some rather strange allegations in recent months, this is equally strange.
I am sure someone from Harlequin are reading this blog, so could they please clear this up.
Alternatively, maybe Mr Cannon can put is side of the story forward and put all investors mind at rest that he is the best man for the raising of finance?
Cannon is just an IFA nothing more nothing less – certainly no Red adiare
i for one cannot find anything to substantiate PI’s comments re james cannon. i cannot find any trace of him listed as a director at any time nor any link from the company 07084099 to current company, either via directors or otherwise, i cannot find any trace of any bankruptcy either to people should be careful that they can stick to provable facts before they insinuate something
How did the pole on the investors forum go to get me reinstated after insulting her ladyship?
6 for 22 against. So much for free speech mate
Didn’t everybody realise that James Cannon was a fraud and an absolute joke when Lady Erica rumbled him telling lies at the investors meeting at Warrington? He stated to Erica that the SFO were not investigating Harlequin, he stated that his ex-commanding officer in the paras was lead investigator and he said he would call him right away. He left the meeting, now seems probably phoned his wife and told the audience that he had spoken to his contact and the investigation had ceased.
Erica then contacted the SFO in writing to check out what Cannon had said! Guess what it was all a lie he knows nobody there and nobody knows him, the police then visited cannon and warned him about the statements he had made to the investors!
The bloke is as deluded as Ames and we are relying on him to save us. All he is doing s getting on the gravy train.
Until he and his cronies, Carol, Dave, sperm of Dave and all the clinkers on are removed we are screwed- they all need to go and new management, with the backing if the investors installed and see if things can be resolved.
How much cost do you think could be saved amputating all those dead heads?
Big turn out for that then – clearly nobody gives a shit – same as me!
Well he has a property background according to his LinkedIn page. Worked for Savills, Nelson Bakewell and Jones Lang LaSalle, They are/were all good, reputable firms (Nelson Bakewell now being part of Capita Symonds).
In fact any of the three would be just the sort of firm you would want representing you if you were trying to raise property finance. They are well known, substantial entities who will have funder contacts and a “blue-chip background”.
He does not come up through a UK search on the RICS website. Maybe I have his name spelled wrong or am looking under the wrong country. His LinkedIn page uses the RICS Linkedin group logo but that’s available for use by “RICS Members, other property professionals and students”.
And how did you know the police visited Cannon? You know this? How?
@anonymous
May 21, 2013 at 6:36 pm
Thats’s because you are not a PI! the company was liquidated and they are the IP’s
Looks like the Wigan bunker has some time on its hands. If your investigating people how about Crozier/Dixon.
FDNRM – It is true about the police trust me – Paul Walton may be able to confirm?
@WTF you far better to be on this forum rather than the Witches of Wigan one!
There are dark forces at work.
@James Cannon – more like a lamb Cannon
No Ames family, about 5 million per year, £500k on legal beagles? the bunker running costs…. anybodies guess.
Carter Ruck and ‘the Irish court case’ many more millions.
I think its safe to say lots of millions – let’s start a campaign!!!!
Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Frank Cannon PI, you made me laugh out loud several times.
All others arguing for the prosecution – don’t worry about it. Whilst FDNRM and his other identities argue for the defence, and other clinkers on try to sort out how they will boot out Ames, sperms of Ames and Mrs. Honeymonster Ames and set about taking over the empire in a coup; someone, somewhere will be taking serious legal action, quietly, in an attempt to recover the money they are owed, and if they don’t get it, they’ll bring the fuckers down.
Why shouldn’t they? I would. The Harlequin plan was NEVER going to work.
100 – top class contribution again.
Frank Cannon – what’s the cryptic comment about dark forces?
I think your right – strip the Ames cost out and all the other climbers in and there might be a business there – but never while those vultures have their hands in the till!
Hi Guys, Frank again……
Last one I need to eat some donuts 😉
Who paid for Buccament Bay?
it wasn’t Ames was it?…… So who was it? I did not use my detective skills on working out that answer.
Yep, you guys and gals paid for it…… all of it!
Now, Napolian complex or the Harold Shipmen of Carribean developments may not see it this way…………….. but it does not belong to him.
SO TAKE IT OFF HIM, ITS PAID FOR WHY NOT?
Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@Whats the fuss.
I can not say, I was taught to be cautious.
Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What I think Frank Cannon, PI, is advising everyone to do is to appoint a solicitor in the Caribbean (suggest that’s not one recommended by Harlequin) and place a legal charge on whatever resort they invested in.
I don’t think your right – I think I know tho!
Frank,
I think caution is the only way. Strict caution.
Is it true that Matt Ames is proposing setting up a Sewing Bee in prison ?
@Men at Work
Don’t be silly.
@Faire du Brickolage
iz zat James le Cannon from onze Capitale
@Frank Cannon (PI)
Try me and prove me !
@ Men at work – I’ve heard he wants to be part of the bad boy bakery that was set up with Gordon Ramsey.
@Faire du Brickolage
You begin…
@Frank Cannon PI
Do you think “Cordero Canon” deserves the third degree to see whether he has raised the dinero ?
@El Frank Canon (el secreto)
At my initiation, I was taught to be “prudente” . I will “letra” or “mitad” it with you.
ديفيد أميس هو اللص
Well Mr Cannon clearly hoodwinked the investors, and Dave Ames. some people just wont level with you.
Any way Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oi Oi Oi !
Alvin,
Calm down, everyone can read Arabic !
David Ames is not a thief
Wat oor die sekuriteit man? Is hy in op dit?
ديف أميس من المستثمرين في
What excitement tomorrow ?
@Simone Telly
Geen sy die lekkende wetlike ouens
Simone Telly – Weet nie wat hy gedoen het ‘n artikel oor die meule MC Cartney situasie waarin hy gebruik om hulle te beskerm.
Frank Cannon
You are indeed a cunning linguist
I need to go and eat some donuts…..and investigate Croziers lost Fanny!
We need to square things up, and stop acting like a apprentices.. Its time to get things going and black ball Ames.
Happy to meet …………….. you all.
Ek was ‘n dubbele agent voor ‘n private Dick
@frank cannon
Until our next merry meeting then.
Herr Schlom
In my schtick of the woods it is oy! oy!
@ Not on of us
Must go now, sorry to part….. but will be….. happy to meet…. again.
Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Francis !
This is your mother. Stop pretending to be a PI. Your cousin James has just called your father complaining. He says he will stop pretending to be a financier if you stop pretending to be a private eye.
@ Mother Duck.
I will stop if you tell Uncle Dave to stop pretending to be a successful Caribbean Developer….. or was it eloper ?
Francis Cannon there you go again. Always the last word. Never happy.
Stop it . Nothing has been proven with regard to Mr Ames. Nor his son. Nor anyone in his employment.
Your cousin James has made it clear that there is nothing to worry about.
Jesus, what a load of crap. You make Erica’s forum sane!
@ Frank Cannon…very good, but will DA store away his secrets in a safe place until every Ames has had their fill
Maybe DA needs to advance to the investors showing some sign or token to prove himself capable
So what was that all about then? Harlequin employees back from celebrating their transfer of employment to Harlequin Newco at the pub?
LOL. Psmsl. What is even funnier is that deluded fraud victims think that pi is insane. You couldn’t make this up. Of course you are an intelligent cash investor and haven’t lost everything. Give the thief some more money while the business is restructured. LOL.
My heart goes out to the victims misled into this fraud, I hope you can salvage something. Those working with the criminal and giving him some more money, now that is insane.
Hi Guys Frank here,
Well all sorts of things change overnight, especially on LinkedIn. Mr Cannon seems to have changed his profile – he is not a director of Eleven Capital, just a humble marketing manager – maybe he has been demoted
😉
The liquidated company.seems to have disappeared, and a new one appeared called Cascabel ltd.
No accounts
24/11/2011 COMPULSORY STRIKE OFF SUSPENDED (DISS16(SOAS))
The RICS seems to also have been deleted.
3 St Helens, London EC3a 6AB also do a nice little offer offer on virtual offices …….
All very odd indeed.
Bye for now, donuts time…..
Hi Frank again, just
Well I am not surprised, there will be no update from him or Harlequin,, same old same old……..
How can this guy have any credibility?
First he lies in an open meeting about his SFO connections on a recording, saying they were not investigating Harlequin!!!!!!! that’s just is not true
Then this, what next?
Let me guess,
”Finance is just round the corner, the rescue plan is going great, just give Mr & Mrs Ames some more time to shift their assets round, ooops sorry its all the negative publicity that stopped the finance.
But, its going to be next week. Anyway, H hotel is great and Mr Ames does what he said, did I mention Buccament Bay’s awards? and the special offers? buy one settee and get a free table?
Dave had his Dubai money diverted to Shiply’s ( good plan that) Shipleys are doing a very detailed job (because the have too all eyes on them) they will unearth some very interesting things, lets just say about how the family used HP as a piggy bank.
No, sales coming in – so I repeat, he needs your CASH, no other income.
The finance is a none starter, who would invest, wait until it goes tits up, buy the lot without Ames & ‘investors’
You lot in the locked down bunker, get your singing voices ready, some auditions going in in Cockspur St London ………..
Don’t forget to pass this onto Dave like the James Cannon thing!!!!!
Looks like Ames is spooked into making some more stupid than normal mistakes.
He is fighting for him and the family, not investors. remember he has had £394 million.
The personal stat demands will take him out, at some point soon, or the SFO have to act, or the police, or the insolvency service, or HMRC…….or one of the hundreds or creditors.or Fatchett, or Crozier….anyone of them can push it over.
I still would not be surprised if Ames, does the same with BB as he did with HMSSE.
Dead man walkin if he does
It would be beneficial if Harlequin, or James Cannon put the record straight regarding the SFO recording, and the changes made to the LinkedIn account – it would have stopped all this frantic speculation.
Maybe, a factual update regarding the actual finance offer and rescue plan?
I am sure they must read the blog, otherwise why the overnight changes?
In the interest of balance, I have registered – I like the sound of legally verifiable documents – awaiting the OK
http://www.united2succeed.org.uk/united2succeed.html
Be careful about the LinkedIn changes. Yesterday there were 3 LinkedIn pages for James Cannon, Jim Cannon and Jamie Cannon – all the same person as the past career was if not identical, then obviously the same.
Today, I can still see a Linkedin page for James Cannon which says he is a Director of Eleven Capital and has the RICS group logo.
By the way, you can use the title Director without being a statutory director of a firm.
I see that Ericas blog has some competition on the blogs.
Harlequin have started their own!
http://www.united2succeed.org.uk
Everyone enjoy!
Whatsthefuss….probably started by Harlisuccess.
I’m registered!
If you register for the new Harlequin support website, you will have declared your IP address, unless you do something cunning.
From the last Harlequin investor meeting notes:
“I appointed a forensic IT team who ……managed to eventually identify…..the administrator of the …website…. I immediately appointed a surveillance team to follow…..”.
@SGD, well that would only be a problem if you have something to hide, have multiple identities (as if LOL) or want to post something insulting and dont want to be banned. Will the Wigan bunker/witches coven) register I wonder.
@ FDNRM
Which category did the Singing Pig guy fall into?
I wonder if the witches will be putting on a play this year, MacSteph, with the classic line, “alas Paul Walton, I knew him well”
@SGD Newman’s mouthpiece
I have registered as me and my real email address, they have all my details anyway……… just intrested whats being said.
Hi Paul, I notice you have attached your photo also for identification LOL
I look much worse in the fur !
That’s an insult to the dog!!
Even it’s breath is sweeter than Paul’s!
:-p
I can’t get banned off here can I?
HI Guys n Gals….. its Frank here, for those of you that are of a certain age please have a look at this, my real name is not Frank……
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066636/
The bizarre think is Frank looks like James Cannon
😉 lots of Cannon things going on………
I have been working on something, and will update you all later today, it’s kinda revealing trust me on that………………….
I don’t know how to put the pretty pictures up!
Come on fatty spill the beans…. what is it?
I was just having a word with some people ‘in the know’ and stumbled across some rather interesting information regarding the
‘TOTALLY INDEPENDENT INVESTORS GROUP’ for Harlequin.
Well have you ever heard the saying ‘All that glitters is not gold’ well you will like this 😉
http://www.united2succeed.org.uk
“We are a totally independent investors’ group with clear goals:
1 To provide important factual information, legally verified where appropriate, to assist Harlequin Property investors to form a balanced opinion.
2 We are strongly of the view that the damage being done to our investments by negativity and criticism in the media and elsewhere is unfairly adverse.
3 It is critical to our investments that there be integrity, balance and fairness in all that is being said and reported.”
All pretty good, legally verified, just whats needed, but I have found out something, a little less than independent about this set up.
Domain name:
united2succeed.org.uk
Registrant:
Cannon Hill Services – 21st May 2013
Registrant type:
UK Limited Company, (Company number: 6500368)
Registrant’s address:
323 Cannon Hill Lane
London
Greater London
SW20 9HQ
United Kingdom
All okay, all above board, apart from who is actually running the site, it’s a media company!! Okay, let them off with that?
http://www.cannonhill.eu/contact/
And guess who runs the media company, yep,a consultant, who works for……. Come on guess ….click the link!!!
http://uk.linkedin.com/in/damianwilson
A consultant working independantly (of course) for Harlequin…mmmmmm
This last little bit I am not 100% on but a Mrs Wilson does actually work for Harlequin…. could it be the Mrs of the independent consultant?
I have put it on waiting moderation, its about the new independent website for Harlequin – its a good one Guys ‘n’ Grls
فرانك يمكنك بعد ثانية من فضلك
I’m a little confused how, in only one day, this new independent blog for investors has 360 people enrolling?
Anyone gained access to it?
Seems a little odd?
386 and counting. I take it you haven’t been given the nod yet Paul?
@Alvin Quaeda – Anon 59 – Ali Baba
For the non-believeing infadels like me could you provide super-titles
That sounds very unusual last time I looked on the investor board, they only had about 280 and Reg legal about 1100, and that’s taken months!!
So something a bit fishy going on here – maybe Frank Cannons post will be enlightening?
its that time of the evening when the idiots start posting their riddles. Someone is spending too long in the pub I think.
It’s a page view counter, I just pushed it past 392 by refreshing the page a few times.
395 now!!!!!!!!!!! some sort of database, its not even easy to find unless you know the email address…… all a bit off….. and very fishy!!!!!
I
I am really sick and tired of your continual echoing of Harlequin ill-gotten gain.
@bajancat@yahoo.com
We are all, however you don’t need to look if you don’t want – very soon you can have a moan at the insolvency company – we will shut up then.
A special request for David Ames, BB does not love you.
Domain name:
united2succeed.org.uk
Registrant:
Cannon Hill Services
Registrant type:
UK Limited Company, (Company number: 6500368)
Registrant’s address:
323 Cannon Hill Lane
London
Greater London
SW20 9HQ
United Kingdom
Registrar:
Fasthosts Internet Ltd [Tag = LIVEDOMAINS]
URL: http://www.fasthosts.co.uk
Relevant dates:
Registered on: 21-May-2013
Expiry date: 21-May-2015
Last updated: 21-May-2013
I have never seen a group of individuals so pathetic in my short time on this earth. Ya’ll are worse than women. And that’s not meant to be degrading to women in anyway shape or form. I love women and respect the important role they play in our society; without them where would human civilization be today? I am simple referring to they tendency to magnify an issue beyond its limit.
CHECK OUT THE POST ITS ABOUT THE INDEPENDENCE HARLEQUIN POST I HAVE UNDER MODERATION!!
I explain in more detail..when its punlished – for now.
All okay, all above board, apart from who is actually running the site, it’s a media company!! Okay, let them off with that?
http://www.cannonhill.eu/contact/
And guess who runs the media company, yep,a consultant, who works for……. Come on guess ….click the link!!!
http://uk.linkedin.com/in/damianwilson
A consultant working independantly (of course) for Harlequin…Mmmmmm
This last little bit I am not 100% on but a Mrs Wilson does actually work for Harlequin…. Could it be the Mrs of the independent consultant?
It is time that you surrender your attempts to magnify this issue beyond what it really appears to be. I am quite certain that the entire Barbadian community is sick, and tired of entertaining your lopped-side arguments, day in and day out.
Neither Cannon Hill Services nor the company number show up on the Companies house database, and Google maps can only find 322, and 325 Cannon Hill lane Unless it’s the S-Cargo Van parked in front of 322 in Street View!)
Fishier and Fishier…..
These are our independent Harlequin investors running the ‘new’ website.
Little bit stupid Davey Boy?
Domain name:
united2succeed.org.uk
Registrant:
Cannon Hill Services
Registrant type:
UK Limited Company, (Company number: 6500368)
Registrant’s address:
323 Cannon Hill Lane
London
Greater London
SW20 9HQ
United Kingdom
Registrar:
Fasthosts Internet Ltd [Tag = LIVEDOMAINS]
URL: http://www.fasthosts.co.uk
Relevant dates:
Registered on: 21-May-2013
Expiry date: 21-May-2015
Last updated: 21-May-2013
It is time to move on….
Its already on the Erica blog, so the letter will be in the post to the SFO tonight
😉
A joke Erica – one of those things that cause you to smile.
bajancat@yahoo.com
yes piss off
http://www.cannonhill.eu/
Reputation Management and public relations consultants.
And ran by
http://uk.linkedin.com/in/damianwilson
Blooming heck! how can he be independent! he works for Harlequin 😉
shock horror!
Anyone like to tell the story as Frank cannons post is stuck in the ether!!!
Could it be Harlequins investor site is ran by Harlequin!!!!!!!
Thats sad, very sad and pathetic.
The Company number is to short and web check puts a 0 in front of it, and then you get;
RCS JOINERY SERVICES LIMITED
UNIT 5A, MILL STREET
WEST INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
DEWSBURY
WEST YORKSHIRE
WF12 9QS
Company No. 06500368
A double Glazing salesman!!!! is that a coincidence or does someone have a sense of humour?
however 06500378 (7 not 6) gives:
CANNON HILL SERVICES LTD
49 MANOR ROAD
MITCHAM
SURREY
CR4 1JG
Company No. 06500378
Nature of Business (SIC):
62090 – Other information technology service activities
73120 – Media representation services
74909 – Other professional, scientific and technical activities not elsewhere classified
82990 – Other business support service activities not elsewhere classified
Its looks like a job for Edina Monsoon and her trusty side-kick
Patsy Stone. They could’nt possibly make it worse.
It looks like a job for that PR wizard Edina Monsoon.
Does any of this matter as its all gonna fall over
there is no rescue….there is no rescue
So DA informs us that Panarama are back on the HP trail – You know what DA just show them around and prove what a fantastic investment we all have- Easy Peasy …. Whats to worry about
Not the best PR days for Harlequin, James Cannon’s ambiguities yesterday
and today the new all singing all dancing totally independent investors site, I wonder if they will report themselves for the negative press.
If you e mail bajan as provided where does your address end up with??
site A 247 members, We want answers not happy site B 1243 members and growing .very happy ,dont let the minority ruin it for. us the very content majority
Re the latest HP e-mail, which I don’t know how to post on here, it seems that Fatchett is briefing Panorama and journalists against HP. The question is is he now overstepping the mark and not reporting fact but speculation. If that is the case could he leave himself open to being counter sued for driving the business down?
Driving the business down?
Dude, the “business” has already gone down the plug hole….very few if any assets, hundreds of millions of liabilities….this is a s%itshow now
Ames has A LOT of questions to answer
Maybe one man’s “briefing against” is another man’s “fearless exposure of wrongdoing”.
“driving the business down” might be DA approach.
Can you just cut and paste the email? Some of us don’t bother with the other bog…..and at least one has been banned
I don’t know how Panorama have made such a hash of things, nor why Fatchett would provide speculation. The facts as we know them and as cannot be contested:
1. Harlequin sold approximately 6,000 homes in the Caribbean from 2005 to present day, equating to almost 400m pounds in money taken.
2. They made sales on land that was not owned at the time of sale
3. They made sales on property that did not ahve full planning permission, and which still does not.
4. They paid commissions to agents that equated to approximately 33% of money received (average of 10% on purchase price, a third of the deposit)
5. They paid themselves at least 5% of purchase price, or 17% of deposit received.
6. They built between 180 and 300 homes on one single development, and have not started any of the other deveopments they sold.
7. They are not paying interest on loans according to contract.
8. They are not refunding purchasers according to the terms of the agreements.
9. Having not started what they had sold, they went on to buy two other hotels.
10. They tried to rennovate one, saying it would be open in 2012, and would bring a faster return. As at this date, it is nowhere near completed and is an abandoned job site
11. They invested money in two planes that still do not have license to fly commercially.
12. They invested huge sums of money in legal defense against negative PR
13. The Ames family borrowed 5m sterling from HMSSE which has not been repaid
14. The Ames family took large dividends during this period
15. Dave Ames is on youtube talking about marinas being almost finished in 2010 that has not yet started as at today’s date, about resorts being open in 2011 that have still not started as at today’s date.
16. They are in court against their contractor who allegedly spent US$13m on personal items, and they are claiming that back. (Quite how he was able to spend that without Harlequin knowing at the time is not good)
17. Much of the money spent on properties came from SIPPs, and were missold by IFAs, and many of these people face financial ruin as their loans are no longer being repaid.
18. Sporting celebrities were used to endorse the products, encouraging naive investors to buy without doing the proper research.
18.. They continue to be unable to commence the other projects.
The list of facts can go on and I may be accused of rehashing old ground, but these are the facts.
The speculation that goes with those facts is far more extensive (for example, as there are no books one cannot say for certain that Buccament Bay was losing US$1m per month, even though a Harlequin employee did say that was the case, and indeed the resort still loses money hand over fist), but I would think Panorama could make a show about this story without needing to speculate. Point 17 alone is a damning indictment of the UK financial services industry that rogue agents are allowed to missell as they have.
Bluff, double bluff…..honestly don’t think Ames is clever enough to play that game…he always came across in videos as mediocre salesman(which is what he was)…he was in way over his head managing a business this size
He has a touch of madoff about him….just keep the whole thing going, maybe a property boom would bail him out….
IF he was clever…he would have cultivated a better image, stashed a few mil, prepared for an endgame where he can plausibly claim it was a normal business failure due to wider economy & walk away but instead he seems to be clueless…his only hope is the continued incompetence of the FSA/fca/SFO….
Strange it’s not on the other blog.
Where is Frank Cannon ?
That namesake PR agency has made Ames looks right wally.
Making up your own website ! He’s finally lost it.
Not a square dealer that Ames.
All,
“Fiddling while Rome burns”
We are pleased to see that Harlequin are making good on the following statement :-
“At the Open Day meetings in April, Dave Ames assured agents and investors that Harlequin would
be as transparent and open as possible with you all. ” Harlequin Update – 22nd May 2013
The “as possible” is the key statement. This does not extend to the rather ridiculous attempt at opening up an independent investor website from behind the scenes.
The site claims :-
“We are a totally independent investors’ group with clear goals:
1 To provide important factual information, legally verified where appropriate, to assist Harlequin Property investors to form a balanced opinion.
2 We are strongly of the view that the damage being done to our investments by negativity and criticism in the media and elsewhere is unfairly adverse.
3 It is critical to our investments that there be integrity, balance and fairness in all that is being said and reported.”
So how independent is the new website group ?
The domain registry tells us :-
Domain name:
united2succeed.org.uk
Registrant:
Cannon Hill Services – 21st May 2013
Registrant type:
UK Limited Company, (Company number: 6500368)
Registrant’s address:
323 Cannon Hill Lane
London
Greater London
SW20 9HQ
United Kingdom
http://www.cannonhill.eu/contact/
The owner of Cannon Hill is a one Damian Wilson.
http://uk.linkedin.com/in/damianwilson
Damian Wilson’s Experience
Consultant
Harlequin Property
Leisure, Travel & Tourism industry
September 2012– Present (9 months)England
PR and reputation management for international property group. Source : Linkedin
What a waste of time and investor money paying for an ill thought out website pretending to be an independent investor group. Point (3) talks about “integrity”. Paying a PR consultant Harlequin money to set up a site which our administrator traced back to Harlequin within 5 minutes is not the work of a genius. It is also not the work of a senior management team wanting to resolve the dire issues which face Harlequin.
BBC & Gareth Fatchett
The whole statement is bizarre. RL, HIG and Gareth Fatchett have never claimed to be working “for” Harlequin. It is certainly true that RL, HIG and Gareth Fatchett have sought to seek a resolution to the current position investors find themselves in.
The situation is dire and the options open to Harlequin are limited. However limited the options are, RL and HIG have sought to seek a solution fair for all investors.
The suggestion that Harlequin are subject to a negative PR campaign is ridiculous. Harlequin are lurching from one problem to another without clear leadership or direction.
Making a complaint to the Press Complaints Commission about IFA Online is all very exciting, but it does not build one further property, provide any mortgage facilities for completion or do one thing to help investors.
Let the PCC decide whether a claim that Harlequin paid up to 15% commission is “unfair” to its reputation. All a little odd as the company who paid the commission is now in an insolvency procedure. Hard to understand who the complainant will be, as the joint administrators know nothing about this latest Harlequin approach.
The RL conclusion is simple. If we are asked for comments, we will give them. We stand by our comment that no one should be completing and handing over any more cash at the moment. That is prudent and applies a standard of strict caution.
We also make the comment that RL will prosecute the cases of its clients forcefully. Harlequin are fully aware of the critical stage this has reached which makes this episode even more odd.
Conclusion
Harlequin need to get a grip and focus on the rescue plan being put together by their advisers. Setting up spoof websites and making complaints about IFA Online is akin to “fiddling while Rome burns”.
The Harlequin Investor Group update will be published tomorrow. It will deal with the Rescue Plan, the 34 Questions and the role of Dave Ames as we go forward. That is a key update as it will seek to recover the currently dangerously drifting position.
Regulatory Legal Solicitors
Hi Guys ‘n’ Gals,
Pity my post got stuck in moderation nonetheless, Reg Legal have done a far more elegant job of explaining things.
So much Cannon things going on, James Cannon, Cannon Hill, services and yours truly 😉 James Cannon (Pi)
The need to be cautious is paramount.
Ames out anyone in!!! Ames out anyone in!!!!!!! Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!
Ames out anyone in!!! Ames out anyone in!!!!!!! Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!
Ames out anyone in!!! Ames out anyone in!!!!!!! Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!
Ames out anyone in!!! Ames out anyone in!!!!!!! Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!
Ames out anyone in!!! Ames out anyone in!!!!!!! Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!
@Black ball
Sorry did not see you there rather slipshod of me – I agree he has lost the plot and the noose is tightening around his neck.
He really should go along and put his slipper on, or he will be knocking on doors again.
Not a good couple of days for the people in charge of communications at Harlequin – lets see what happens tomorrow. …..I must level with you and say I am showing signs of distress over point 5 Anon73 mentioned befor
Update on a forestry investment you might like to make:
http://www.redd-monitor.org/2013/05/22/matthew-ames-director-of-carbon-credits-company-forestry-for-life-charged-with-1-2-million-fraud/
@SGD interesting article…maybe the income from this will form part of the rescue plan for HP
Looks like the Ames race is to see which familly member goes to prison first…deffo looks like fraud is inbred
Hi Guy ‘n’ Gals,
Lots of Cannon connections, one other to ponder – who is the loose Cannon in the bunker 😉 aka Leaky leaky mole in the bunker?
With all this name changing going on Nikki Crozier aka Audrey Dixson, I must check if Dave Ames was once called Mini Madoff.
I like this song.
@BFP, can you either clear some of the crap off here or start another thread. Its taking ages to load the threads up, and contiual You Tube videos hardly add anothing to the debate.
FDNRM, This is just for you http://youtu.be/TmENMZFUU_0
FDNRM another one for youhttp://youtu.be/grfuW9nB9po
Fdnrm the last Harlequin defender. ”as usual” you seem to have copped a deaf ear regarding some revelations about your mate Ames/Harlequin.
How do you sugar coat the so called ”independent” website that a Harlequin employee has set up?
This takes them to a new lower level of deluded, immoral behavior.
Having bombarded this forum with obscenity the Harlequin skunkworks now seems intent on trying to bore us to insensibility with stupidity. It won’t work though.
A serious question – can anyone give proof of exactly how many units have been completed at Buccament Bay?
I tried to post this yesterday but it has not appeared. The latest Harlequin email update:
Statement: BBC’s Panorama and Gareth Fatchett
At the Open Day meetings in April, Dave Ames assured agents and investors that Harlequin would be as transparent and open as possible with you all. In line with this, we want to make you aware of very recent developments with the BBC Panorama programme and Harlequin.
As you are aware, Harlequin was to be included in an episode of the BBC’s Panorama programme in April this year. That episode was pulled after the programme’s producer resigned following suspension for attempting to bribe individuals associated with Harlequin. You can find out more at the links below:
[Removed as they seem to slow up posting on BFP]
We also understand that an independent review commissioned by the BBC found that the programme makers had become too close to individuals who are intent on bringing down Harlequin. This supports what Harlequin already knew, not just from the nature of the accusations and questions, but because Padraig O’Halloran actually mockingly quoted private emails Harlequin had sent to the BBC whilst we were suing him in the Irish High Court.
Despite the shameful and shocking behaviour of the programme just weeks ago, BBC Panorama is back and this time they apparently have a new friend in Gareth Fatchett of Regulatory Legal. Whilst attempting to appear as if he is representing investors’ best interests and claiming he is working with Harlequin, he is in fact briefing journalists against Harlequin and providing Panorama with misinformation. After all, the greater amount of concern and alarm that exists, the greater amount of custom can be attracted for his firm.
This has been made plain this week as, most curiously, the new producer of the BBC Panorama episode presented Harlequin with the very same misinformation that Mr Fatchett provided to IFA Online this week regarding commissions paid by HMSSE. The resulting article, which featured quotes from Mr Fatchett and was published despite Harlequin informing the publication’s News Editor that the figures were inaccurate and inflated, is now the subject of a complaint to the PCC.
Shortly we will be providing you with more information on Panorama’s requests and Harlequin’s responses.
Kind regards,
Harlequin
Absolutely no surprise that the Panorama program will be shown, that was always going to happen despite the issues alleged by HP. Regarding the reference to an independent review – if that is their conclusion it should be available – why no link or other reference?
Regarding GF being a ‘new friend’ – shock horror, journalists interview all parties involved – nothing abnormal there at all.
Complaining to the PCC? – no money left for Carter Ruck then? – or perhaps the editor had seen sufficient proof to justify running the piece.
how can anyone take harlequin and Ames at face value, or in any way seriously? Long list above by anon73 of realities of what they have done, thousands of posts from distraught investors, and total fluff coming from basildon.
@BBaywatch
May 23, 2013 at 12:15 pm
157 complete furnished units on BB
@BBaywatch
Maybe they have not been paid, and maybe they don’t want to repay all their fees, maybe they could be argued it maybe be proceeds of crime, maybe, they are just distancing themselves – because they don’t can Cannon in firms particulars!!!
“This has been made plain this week as, most curiously, the new producer of the BBC Panorama episode presented Harlequin with the very same misinformation that Mr Fatchett provided to IFA Online this week regarding commissions paid by HMSSE.”
Why assume this information came directly from Fatchett? Could it not have come from IFA online just as easily?
“…..despite Harlequin informing the publication’s News Editor that the figures were inaccurate and inflated”
Perhaps HP could stop telling us that everyone elses figures are wrong, and provide us with the correct ones, maybe that will stop the speculation. Or are the figures only 0.5% wrong, making HP technically correct? Just enough to refute the story, but clearly a scam nonetheless.
Cannon fodder!
Director at Eleven Capital Holdings Limited
Past
Managing Director at Cannon Capital
Member at London Motorists Action Group
Property Consultant at Severn Trent
Director Savills Commercial at Savills
Director at Nelson Bakewell
Major at Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment
Investment Surveyor at Jones Lang LaSalle
Or his Double
Head of Marketing at Eleven Capital Limited
Managing Director at Cascabel Developments Limited
Past
Director Savills Commercial at Savills
Director at Nelson Bakewell
Member at ISVA
Investment Surveyor at Jones Lang LaSalle
Involuntary liquidation, involvement with pensions……. sets alarm bells ringing in my book.
@Simple Simon Says! – thank you, without, in any way, implying that I disbelieve you can this be verified? It’s very interesting as it is about 50% less than the number that has generally been bandied about. Does that include the units being used as the gym, the spa and the Saffran restaurant?
This reduced number of units completed would of course have a considerable impact on any valuation of the resort and the amount of revenue that it can generate and the potential for profitable operation. The marketing material produced by HP implied that the entire development had been sold (1200 units?) so this suggests that only 13% are ready for the owners to take over – how many owners have been asked to complete I wonder?
A 157 unit resort is at the upper limit of what would be viable in that location but might work. For a phoenix operation that might work – even more so if all debt and obligations to ‘collective’ investors could be off loaded. Liquidation, buy back and relaunch for a select few perhaps?
@Been Had. You have fallen right into the trap set. So obvious.
@Anon 12.59. You have your comments the wrong way round. IFA Online is just a mouthpiece for industry comments, the IFA Online articles come from people such as Fatchett, not the other way round.
@BBaywatch
Its from the inside, I have no reason to doubt it.
I was told around 20 people actually was to complete with cash and that was why Ames went over to have a word with the PM – he needs the cash and wants it pushed through asap.
Why anyone would complete is beyond me, unless there have been some ‘discounts’ for cash investors – but, that’s just speculation.
@Simple Simon Says!
So one must then ask – how many units do those 20 investors own? If between them, and I think we can believe that some investors own multiple units, those 20 own the whole 157 then “someting fishy in de bay” for sure.
A change of subject.
I am asking because I have no idea….
Could the likes of Erica blog face any legal action from Ames ? or even off the bemused befuddled ‘pro harlequin’ investors ( if there are any)
could they use the Ames line ‘negative publicity has damaged the investment’
The blog is only negative post and some quite nasty stuff, Dave Ames in prison outfits, that was all a bit immature..
I am playing devils advocate, but its a fair point?
@BBaywatch.
I don’t know if it was 20 units or investors, I think units.
@In the S**T not Erica, but Fatchett might catch some flack.
@fdnrm,
yes but he can defend himself, maybe Crozier will defend her………..oops forgot she is not a solicitor 🙂
@In the S**T, according to Erica’s forum, Crozier has been forced to leave it due to threatened legal action because of some of the comments she has made. If anyone thought DA was going to roll over on this think again. Now who else do you think he has in his sights?
Crozier was just using the blog to drum up business. Yet another poor choice Erica, builders & Crozier – would have been better sticking with Hatchett, he did say he would defend you( back in the day )
Crozier was too quick of the mark, and all the ‘followers’ thinking she was great – if she has got this wrong, they are in big trouble.
@fdnrm Da doesnt have much of a choice…lie down and go to prison, or play tough and go to prison a bit later
He will be laying down in prison taking one up the tail pipe!
If there is a sweet baby Jesus in heaven it will be you fdnrm
Wind Up Wind Up
@Anon 3.28, with my limited interlect I’m not sur if that is a compliment or not!
@Anonymous/ yatinitesy
How long do you expect to keep flooding this blog with your less than humorous conversation? When will the Barbados Free Press develop enough courage to say to the Harlequin Haters; we have had enough of your blog killing conversation? Green- monkey, Ross, Fenty, and a troop of others were frequent users of this blog, but they conversations has obviously been silenced by this Harlequin nonsense.
I have however, concluded that profession- therapy would be a viable alternative rather than your day to day preposterous discourse. The people of Barbados have had more than enough of your senseless arguments, and daily denegation of the Harlequin- Enterprise
http://www.ftadviser.com/2013/05/23/investments/alternative-investments/harlequin-blames-discrepancies-for-two-year-redress-delay-C4JFP982Xm2RciPo7bfDrO/article-1.html
FDNRM – out of interest is Harlequin still making you your 10% rental returns or have they stopped??
And by the way it’s a genuine question not to wind you up!!
@WTF. I don’t take it as a wind up. Lets put it this way, I’m happy with HP at the moment.
James Cannon, the man with several LinkedIn accounts, also goes by the name Jamie, and Timothy ( that is his middle name) his company who he claims to be a director of, was signed over to Pumpkin Rhodes Pensions (CWS Co-op) December 2012.
So he is not a director of it , bit like Eleven Capital……..
so all is welllll
You are so right FDNRM as you have a fantastic team of lawyers dont you DAVE AMES Please give my regards to Simon Terry 🙂
Matt – it’s likely DA has no lawyers anymore as he’s already spent all the investors’ money on Carter Ruck. No law firm would touch him with a barge pole without money upfront (I imagine, in the public interest).
Thank goodness for the PCC!
Tax payers’ money now being spent via PCC, FCA, SFO and Essex police. Tax payers may well end up paying as much as Harlequin Investors have before Ames Snr. ends up in jail (alongside Ames Jnr, on other, semi-related, fraud charges).
I do so hope they both get banged up the botty in jail. That would help to counter the pain I feel because of the catastrophic nightmare many of the thousands of investors are going through (or are due to go through).
And FDNRM. Before you start your usual feeble little attack; get this:
As soon as HP refund every single investor contractually entitled to a refund; and until they pay back all the investors in Brazil whose money was taken for a development that will not happen (as it has been cancelled), I will stop my posts here.
Anyone investing or handing over more cash now deserves to lose everything as far as I’m concerned, and I won’t waste my time on them.
If DA can’t afford to finance the refunds as he has blown all the money on marketing and legal fees, then I suggest he sells personal assets to do so. That’s what the Investors did. Sold or remortgaged their own personal assets. What right does DA have to spend their money on anything other than development?
A lesson in what happens if you fail to declare the extent of your assets to a court:
“A billionaire fraudster is set to lose three of his luxury properties in Britain’s most exclusive postcodes after a High Court ruling.
Kazakh businessman Mukhtar Ablyazov fled the UK on a Europe-bound coach last year after he was sentenced to 22 months imprisonment for contempt over failing to declare the full extent of his wealth.”
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/high-court-rules-that-billionaire-fraudster-should-lose-three-luxury-properties-8628053.html
Anon-Reasons Unknown
How can anyone with at least an IQ lf 22 argue with that?
@Mattew Pippin, I have proved my identity in the past so you could have saved your silly post
@Annon RU, you are entitled to post what you like. So long as your posts are factual and dont get personal (fat chance) then post away.
Fdnrm you would be ‘happy with HP at the moment’ because you are being paid to defend Ames/Harlequin 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
do you ever sleep or are you an automated systematic robot?
There’s something a bit sinister about the idea of FDNRM being slipped his cash whilst everyone else is left in various different iterations of financial chaos. Prioritising one individual over another in these circumstances because that individual is a vocal supporter is reprehensible — likewise FDNRM’s smug reflection on this sanctified position.
@WTF, you see you ask me straight forward question, I give you an answer and the idiots join in. And UP, what makes you think I am not in financial chaos? “sanctified position”? thats a bit much.
@fdnrm, you have already answered your own question you dip shit! ‘happy with HP’
@Been Had, “dip shit” bit harsh that. You would get banned from Erica’s site for comments like that. That is what I told the SFO in my interview in January. Think I lied to them?
HIG UPDATE: 23rd MAY 2013
The current situation is as follows:
Today, the 23rd May 2013, Harlequin was requested to provide answers to the 34 questions posed by the Harlequin Investor Group – none have been provided.
The Harlequin Investor Group have met with David Ames and his advisers (James Cannon of Eleven Capital and Jim Baker – Baker Clarke) to understand any restructure plan and provide views to improve the plan – details of any restructure plan have not been provided.
The Harlequin Investor Group requested confirmation that no Harlequin assets would be transferred during this interim period – no reassurance has been provided.
During the Harlequin presentations David Ames stated that investors could have their deposits returned, particularly with regard to Brazil – no evidence has been provided that refunds have been provided.
A request for meaningful engagement by Harlequin with the Harlequin Investor Group has not been met.
The stated facts speak for themselves. Investors have the right to know where their money has been spent and why? There is no evidence to support that investors’ money has been spent in the correct manner .There appears to be no accountability.
HIG
The Harlequin Investor Group comprises of six Harlequin investors who have invested either directly or via SIPPS and come from professional experienced backgrounds who do not engage with any other organisations concerned with Harlequin activities. Based on the facts as stated, the personal involvement of the individual Harlequin investors in the Group and the experience within the Group, the following actions / plan are recommended by the Group:
ACTIONS
Investors should continue to submit their Proof of Debt paperwork to Shipleys.
Investors should continue to raise Statutory Demands via Regulatory Legal Solicitors where they are able. Please call Martyn Anderson at Regulatory Legal to discuss.
Investors should not sign any variation of their contractual rights or invest more money in Harlequin without taking professional advice.
INVESTOR CONTROL
The Investor Group will give David Ames / Harlequin until the 31st May to provide the detail of the proposed restructuring plan. If no plan is forthcoming, the Harlequin Investor Group will investigate establishing a bid vehicle to assume responsibility for the Harlequin assets which would ultimately result in a change of ownership and control (in favour of investors). There is significant support for this proposition. We will not spell out the progress we have made to date. Suffice to say, if the Harlequin are unable to perform, we will seek to do so.
Regulatory Legal
It should be clearly understood that Regulatory Legal Solicitors have a supporting role to the Harlequin Investor Group in its efforts to acheive a satisfactory outcome to the current situation. The group and RL are united in their concerns about Harlequin.
Harlequin Investor Group
Sorry for my poor spelling 🙂
The worm has turned…………….
To David Ames & Family.
Why don’t you do the correct thing, and F**k off, you all are a waste of skin.
Fdnrm is in cahoots with hp, cannot take him at face value. No surprise about Ames lack of any transparency, was anyone seriously expecting different? The man is a crook, when will everyone wake up to that??
HIG & RL are taking HP/DA down a funnel…here are the questions…here is a reasonable time for you to provide the naswers…no reply…here are the q again…no reply, ok here is a deadline for replies…if no reply a judge/court will deem the demand is fair and reasonable, so RL will get the judgement they seek
the noose is getting tighter as time goes by…I can see where they are going and slowly they will nail DA and in the process obtain info to assist any SFO enquiry….the SFO line has gone very quiet, but thats how they work, they dig away until they have all the evidence to hang the criminal for all their misdeeds
The whole thing will grind to a halt very soon as there is no rescue plans and the people who are helping with it appear to be a didgy as HP/DA, so any DD with the history and events on HP and a rescue is a total non starter
@Anon 11.37, does it not occure to you that my contract/circumstances are different to others on here? I have explained this many times in the past. Your statement is ignorant and without any evidence. There are 2500 investors, how many opinions have you counternanced?@ 2500? I think not.
Because you, and seemingly you alone are being paid by harlequin, you are happy with them. You are not therefore unhappy with them about not paying anyone else, about not filing accounts, about building less than 200 units out of 6000, about them lying openly on various matters, about ames paying himself and family fortunes whilst not even starting developments which by the way don’t still have planning permission, about not owning land when they were selling, about buying planes and hotels before doing what they were contracted to do etc etc. And you felt happy enough to tell the sfo that you were happy.
Sorry, either you are blindingly selfish, incredibly naive, or in cahoot with harlequin. I am afraid that your position leaves readers with those as only options based on your posts in the face of overwhelmingly bad behavior by harlequin. You don’t seem naive, so either selfish or in cahoot. I chose the latter, so it was a process of elimination to come up with your situation – even if you claim you have a different contract, does not invalidate the foregoing.
@it really is game over
May 24, 2013 at 11:44 am
I could not agree with you more, Ames and family, must go, period. Cannon and Baker are low end, hardly BDO, get that was a dig at toady and old hag
@fdnrm.
A serious question, you have always maintained a very ‘pro’ Harlequin position, and unlike, some I actually respect your unwavering support ( don’t agree with it) but each to there own.
Do you think the Ames family should be replaced and do you think Ames is untruthful?
I would be a very interesting barometer of the situation
@Anon 12.53, I answered the SFO specific questions with specific answers. Have you been interviewed by the SFO? I guess not. If you had you may understand the process. As to your assumption “I am not unhappy with …..” I was asked a specific question and gave a specific answer. Don’t try and make assumptions from my comments. I am, however, unhappy having to pay for my lunch at BB. You can put that on the record.
@ FDNRM 1.51p.m.
I recently watched an LMN movie where the wicked mother of a serial killer was interviewed by the police. Later a long-serving detective asked the new police interviewer if she had declared her longtime employment in the police records office, with full access to all records. The new interviewer said no she had not.
When confronted with this, the wicked woman said quite clearly, “Well, I was never asked that question!”
Your post is meaningless, and even myself with minimum intelligence (I watch LMN movies) find you totally evasive. You do not address the point that anonymous is making. Are you selfish, naive, or in cahoots with HD, or perhaps you have another descriptor which might apply to you?
@casual observer
re: fdnrm Freud must have had a word for him….
something like very verbal passive/aggressive
@CO, and why do you think I have to answer anyones questions/observations on here? You could have saved yourself a lot of time and meaninless effort with your post above. I was asked an earlier question, I chose to answer it. You are one of many people who come on here making judgements and stupid comments regarding my answer. IT IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!
So why talk about it on an internet forum then? For the attention? I think that’s just it.
Anyway, you don’t talk about your business. You just moan and agitate and defend Harlequin. Pah ha ha!
@Anon RU do you ever bother to read forum threads, or just post some knee jerk reaction to the last comment you have read. I was asked a question by WTF, not by you or anyone else. I answered WTF, not you or anyone else. You see the “@” symbol, that means its directed at a specific poster. It’s Internet forum etiquette, something far too clever for you. If my comments agitate you then good!
So you were having a private discussion with WTF on the BFP internet forum?
Since you dislike all posts here that criticise Harlequin and object to countless people posting here as you don’t think they have the right to, why don’t you go to the private Harlequin forum?
Nobody there to argue with? Nobody there?
FDMR`s situation is quite different to every other investor..he/she has stated this before..(as “36”)
36
October 22, 2012 at 12:57 pm
As an investor in Harlequin I sat down with Mr Ames and negotiated my money back on 2 Rivers as per my contract and received compensation for the late delivery of Buccament Bay again as per my contract. I am also receiving my rental income. Yes I am twitchy about the future of this company, but there was no need to go legal. I would suggest that the claim went to court because of the nature of what was being claimed for, which seemed some what excessive. And no I am not a Harlequin stooge!
Everyone should understand by now that this deluded individual does not work for Harlequin…just has a special relationship it seems, as he/she was able to sit down with Mr Ames and get sorted out.
I have a bridge in Brooklyn NY I would like to sell to anyone who believes the above story.
@Anon RU ( see this is directed at you) you really are a dumb ass. Let me make this simple for you. Are you ready? The question was put to me on this forum. I replied on this forum. You cannot PM anyone on this forum ( you know what PM means?) I have never said people do not have the right to post on here have I? Now stop making thing up. I’m bored with this now and will not be replying to these questions/accusations/silly comments any more.
@Yatiniteasy yawn! Anyone who trawls back to October 2012 needs to get a life.
Was in London today and guess who I saw, although he’s easy to spot??
The one who’s most trusted, closest man to Ames?
You guessed it, Mr Sean Ghent!
He looked to be Harding to the SFO office!
Was he going there to spill his guts?
Looking bleak for Ames now!
Just re-reading the statement by RL last night, apologies if I’m being a bit thick but what is RL meaning with the following statement? what is it they are intending to do exactly???
The Investor Group will give David Ames / Harlequin until the 31st May to provide the detail of the proposed restructuring plan. If no plan is forthcoming, the Harlequin Investor Group will investigate establishing a bid vehicle to assume responsibility for the Harlequin assets which would ultimately result in a change of ownership and control (in favour of investors). There is significant support for this proposition. We will not spell out the progress we have made to date. Suffice to say, if the Harlequin are unable to perform, we will seek to do so.
Yawn
Stop being nasty and spiteful to Fatchett does not represent me.Just because he has paid in full for his Villa,and is getting a return as holidaymakers are using it.thats why he invested in the first place.so what’s wrong with that ? Anyone else who has paid in full will also be getting a return.As will everyone naw completing.
Paid by a property developer. it is said,to defend his/her employer at any cost.our hero sees the light and decides to annoy people as much as possible to set all against his/ her employer in a cunning revenge plot while still being paid,Very clever,Any relationship between this fictional character and anyone living or dead is purely coincidental
@Wow, at last some one who can see through the rhetoric and the crap of the anti HP posters. You are spot on. Well done.
@homefront yawn.
Wow – do you really think that title will ever be transferred?
The stat demands will be triggered prior to the process being completed.
Anyone handing over may as well put it in a pile and burn it because the resort will be liquidated prior to that happening!
Handing over cash is madness
Incidentally no funding will be forthcoming with stat demands being triggered. Who would lend money to a business in this predicament?
@icu4wotur boring.
Now that fdnrm has said that what wow is saying is correct, even more than ever fdnrm has no credibility. Somehow owning in a loss making resort that has still a thousand unbuilt units, as part of a company that has 6000 unbuilt units to start and complete, is going to deliver a return…how? They are insolvent and losing money. How can they pay a return unless with new funding, as hotel revenue nowhere near covers all their running costs, not to mention about a billion in liabilities. I stand by the comment that fdnrm is in league with hp. Noone can be that blind as to be happy with hp. Agree though, it is fairly boring pointing out the obvious. If anyone wants to read and give any credit to fdnrm, may as well watch Ames on YouTube and get excited by his dribblingly incoherent speeches based on lies as well.
@Anon 9.42 if its boring, then why be boring? Yawn.
Having just read the Panorama letter and the DA reply, Panorama really have learnt nothing. They tried to doorstep PM of SVG who suggested they make an appointment, and they now think that DA can make an unscheduled trip to SVG over a weekend which includes “dropping in on the PM” Panorama are you really that stupid!
No but he could dine with Madame Gonsalves – she with the million dollar
decorating talent – enough said
No you are boring me. Same old same old.
Panorama can now talk to Sean Ghent as he is no longer an employee – spill the beans man
@fdnrm. I only went back to Oct 2012. This scam has been going on for around 6 years!
Have you framed your title deed for your BB unit yet? Thought not.
Yawn.
@Yatinkiteasy, original. Not.
Fdnrm is involved with hp, simple as. Probably will lose money too, but is in bed with the crooks.
@Fdnrm10:29pm. What you mean to say is – truth hurts. Have a good sleep and dream your dreams of HP solvency. Don’t forget, if you are having problems perfecting your Gangnam steps – You Tube is a good source of inspiration. Let the forum know when you upload the results. LOL
Hypothetically, if a Harlequin employee posted on here pretending to be independent of their employer, what would the consequences be? How for example, would the SFO view it, if they got properly involved?
@SGD you are a silly boy, hypothetically. Would you like the contact name and direct dial of the investigating officer? You can phone him direct. Go on you know you want to.
Its over all the moneys gone,apart from the bit keeping fdnrm happy .Dont expect a big spectacular end the government agents involved are not great..Parting shot..treat our good mate fdnrm with humour hes only trying to earn a living.Goodbye and good luck I am of to do some construction in far of lands for people who do it for a living.and will complete the project on time and within budget
It looks like a certain someone, who does’nt need to be named, has
dominated this thread so thoroughly that the “kiss of death” has be
struck
I have inside information Fdnrm is not human.
It is a robot programmed by Harlequin to answer any negative comments 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
It sometimes has a glitch due to overworking and will take some comments as compliments.
Not sure how much life is left, but you are still guaranteed an answer to anything negative about its owner.
@BH/Anon/Homefront. Give it a rest, the suns out, it’s a bank holiday weekend. Get a life. Ps got a bit of money in my pocket, going shopping. LOL
Looks like I may have scored a major goal yesterday leaking information.
I’m sure it will become apparent soon, it has caused major ructions!
Help me! What is a ruction?
Have a look quick before TA is ordered to take down the latest review of BB.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g147380-d1719145-Reviews-Buccament_Bay_Resort-St_Vincent_St_Vincent_and_the_Grenadines.html
Thanks to google now know what a runction is. My hats off to Leaky
Leaky Mole. Sounds like a word they would use in The Economist.
@Yatinkiteasy, was that the “fabulous experience, go befor it expands?” Thanks for bringing that 5* review to out attention. And I thought you were anti BB. My mistake.
@LL MITB. I cannot find any “leak” from you on here yesterday. Not using multiple ID’s are we?
FDNRM – yes
Get your own name, I’m the real LLMITB
Do you want a leaking competition, impostor mole?
Imposter mole – what you got to leak that we don’t know then?
@Fdnrm..otherwise known as “last word Charlie.”…the latest post on TA is “unfinished business” may 24th 2013. At last, an honest review on bb.Mosquitoes, lack of restaurants,hot and uncomfortable lounge area in villa,drinks served in plastic containers,brochures say 5 restaurants, but there are 3, with only 2 available at any particular evening.
The final comment sums it up “There is a major issue with Travel Companies currently advertising this as a completed resort.”
If you read the review you refer to, you will see the same negative comments about mosquitoes,plastic,uncomfortable living area,building works in progress with “empty shells”….etc This person nonetheless gave it a 5 star rating…must have been the rum.
The names of the leaky team, and that’s enough for me to know you are not the real leaky one – because that’s me.
When I feel like having a leak it shall be done on my T&C., so get your own name.
Just a little old tune for the family…..
Wow…that was quick . the TA negative review of BB (May 24th 2013 by Eastsussexunio)has been taken down already! A matter of hours. What is going on with TA and Harlequin is now very obvious…ANYTHING NEGATIVE IS NOT PERMITTED!
@Ytinkiteasy otherwise known as one eyed Charlie. Isn’t it funny how you highlight negative posts but not positive ones. Perhaps if you did that you might be taken more seriously. I have just had the last word on this.
I dont need to be taken seriously by you (Harlequin Joker) or any other Harlequin “supporter”…I am simply stating a FACT…Negative Reviews on TA of BB are being taken down whenever submitted…so of course all that remains are the positive ones . I have a JPEG of the review I referred to which was taken down a few hours after being posted..So have the last word.
We all know that you know things that no one else knows about Mr A and Harlequin.
@Yatinkiteasy, touched a nerve there? I have an I pad and walk round the house, sit in front of the tv, take it to the loo. I will have the last word, you cannot win.
Maybe he was heading to Fleet Street when you saw him yesterday?
I am just wondering what liability a US travel agency would be subject to if they booked BB and due to the fact the the sewerage treatment is no better
than primary and I believe tertiary treatment is called for if the effluent
is discharged into the surrounding waters. If you look at the photos of
the valley in which BB commands the beachhead you will see that ALL
drainage flows through the BB campus. Anyone could claim they
caught almost anything there. This past August when I tried to visit the
part of BB open to guests I was stopped at the guard shack which sits next
to a drainage ditch. As I have posted once before…..Yuck!
That Tripadvisor view in full, presumably pulled because of the factual error about the Barbados hotels being in “temporary liquidation”. The reality is that there were no Barbados hotels to close as they never opened.
EastSussexsunloverz
nr Brighton
Reviewer
5 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote
“Unfinished Business”
Reviewed May 24, 2013 NEW
Buccament Bay Resort
We have just returned from a week in this resort as part of a 3 week holiday in the Caribbean. We were very disappointed. The drive from the airport to the resort was made interesting with commentary on route from the Buccament driver. This did not detract from the stomach churning, winding, potholed drive at night.
Buccament Bay is published as a 4*+ resort. It is a resort with its villas clustered around various water features to try to give the effect of a small village. The villas, although identical in design and give the effect of a new build housing estate, are extremely well furnished but our lounge had no air conditioning. It has high glass windows which created a greenhouse effect- hot & uncomfortable. There is no mesh on the shutters, so despite “fogging” each evening, mosquitoes and lizards were in our space. The water features are a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The resort design lacked soul.
In our villa there were two fridges holding complimentary drinks. This should have include beer, but despite repeated request for this, it did not materialise. The water bottles also got smaller as the week progressed. Bathroom towels were changed daily but we could never work out why they only left one face flannel.
The main bar was within The Bay restaurant, we were astonished to be served drinks in the evenings in plastic containers. There was no comfortable seating to have a pre-dinner drink. Brochures state the resort has 5 restaurants. There are 3 and only 2 were available at any particular evening. A Sushi bay is also available in the Bay restaurant at lunchtime. Menus remained the same for the week we were there. When we asked when the menu would change we were met with blank faces. The quality of food served was excellent but limited in choice. Americanised based around steak and shrimps in one restaurent. After 5 days it was difficult to find something different to try.
There are lovely swimming pools and the beach is good, however there was a lack of parasols on the beach. We eventually got one after constant requests, this we believe was taken from one of the villas which was not occupied.
The staff were helpful & always polite but the constant requests from staff and particularly managers, asking if we were enjoying our stay and was everything OK, became a bit tiresome. If felt as if there was some unease around the resort. We learnt that the Parent Company Harlequin Resorts had recently closed 2 resort hotels in Barbados, having placed them in ‘temporary administration.’ This may be contributing to the atmosphere at Buccament Bay.
In summary Buccament Bay is a project still in progress with 90 villas out of the planned 350 and 3 out of 5 restaurants completed. It remains to be seen if it achieves its objective.
There is a major issue with travel companies currently advertising this as a completed resort.
Room Tip: Make sure you room has air conditioning in lounge & bedroom and not near to a pond
Its like the last dying gasp, before someone leaves this mortal coil it. I told you he wants your money!
The family are shitting themselves now, even Ames knows it’s very close to the end of his and the old cows ‘model’ …….
Leaky leaky legal 😉
Matt & Dan – feeling under pressure now?
Hope you all sleep well and have a nice weekend 🙂
The same unease felt at BB, you need to try the bunker! its the ‘normal’ little people who always get the shitty end of the stick……
LLMIB – so what’s the end game for Amws? Is he trying to squeeze as much cash out of the business or does he believe his own hype?
Following on with the earlier post about Sean Ghent, some people on here say he has left others say he hasnt what’s the truth?
Their “model” was pathetic, a transparent scheme designed to fill their own pockets. What is a joke is how far they failed by, not even getting as far as planning permission never mind actually starting to build in most cases. Absolutely had the “investors” over, built some 2 per cent of what sold, and that loses buckets of money each month it stays open. Ames and co will go down, may take time, but won’t make the money reappear.
I think RG999 must have meant to say “have” not “are” and the acronym he used stands for “contract unlike normal terms”. Or maybe not.
sgd Are you really Kofi Annan?
Erica must be beside herself. She can’t warn RG999, delete the post, or ban him!
Will FDNRM commit suicide? Will his feeling be hurt? Will he even care? Oh the drama! I can barely contain my excitement
I can’t believe H get people to write stuff on this blog while having a crap! FDNRM you are a gem!
@Yatinkiteasy according to someone called Pappin? FDNRM is Mr Ames?
Which would of course explain a awful lot eh
@Erica, don’t be silly, you know I am not. Mr Fatchett has met me. Now grow up.
@RG999, I believe this was your first post on this forum. Will we have to wait another 2 years for another literary gem?
@Anon 12.02 your right I don’t care.
@FDNRM You could of been anyone from the bunker! You are a self centered individual who is totally out for your self,People are losing their homes but all you care about is yourself,You disgust me I hope you can explain to people who know you how you have behaved I am sure they will be so proud.I will never be able to understand how when you have had it explained to you you still behave as you do,Yes I understand you also need the money…….but this is not the right way and even you must know that.
@Erica, Er no. I went to Mr Fatchetts and proved my identity. You really should not abuse people in this way. Would you allow this on your forum? Now where is WTF? Oh yes hes been BANNED. You are a hypocrite of the biggest order.
Erica don’t be blaming FDNRM for people not being able to pay their mortgage – you need to look at HP not him – to say he disgusts you is wrong!
The foolish people who remortgaged to invest need to have a look at their own financial acumen!
I for one do not believe any homes have been repossessed, are you in possession of the facts?
I believe there may be some hardship such as cutting back on non essential luxuries but no more than that!
@Erica, piss off and get back to your own forum – coming here insulting our FDNRM,…. Dave Ames come….. on he is far to cleaver for that and he did go and she Fatshit, with documentation.
Have you ever one thought he is an investor that albeit does not agree with the majority? and that’s wrong?
Don’t come back, we are happy being able to wind each other up, with out you being able to ban us of tell us off.
GO AWAY! BACK TO THE WITCHES WIGAN BUNKER.
@fdnrm,
round one to you !
SL
Look-up the legal term “clawback”. FDNRM will wind up with nothing.
Round Two to Erica!
The post put on Trip Advisor yesterday was so obviously not genuine and TA were correct to remove it. Anyone with half a brain could see that it was intended to put the resort in a bad light. It contained much negative comment and a number of downright lies. As has happened in similar previous posts, the negative comments were interspersed with a few positive ones to make it appear plausible.
Well, another milestone near on the TA reviews, now approaching 250 rated as excellent and set to soon overtake Sandy Lane. Well done to all concerned. (Yastinkiteasy, please note the towel art continues to feature prominently in the rave reviews.On yer bike!)
The website set up for genuine Harlequin investors”United to Succeed” has already seen more than 1400 registrations. What a terrific response to the garbage normally posted here by a few doom and gloom merchants.Strange,jealous people, mostly other hotel and resort owners who have or are near to going out of business.Plus a few O’Halloran and Newman trolls still trying to affect the outcome of the Irish court case.
As for Erica’s vendetta in attempting to set up her one-sided forum, what a dismal failure! She Broughtiton herself,so to speak. How can she expect anyone to take notice of her views on the development plans for beautiful Buccament Bay when she asked for a deposit refund on her unit there and was given it. Many will agree she is no longer entitled to express any opinions on this resort. She had her chance to be part of it but chose to walk away..This also applies to her belligerent husband and silly Steph.
I have recently returned forom two fabulous weeks in beautiful Buccament Bay, having stayed there following a 4 night stopover at the impressive Blu Hotel. Whilst at beautiful Buccament Bay, I chartered a yacht from St Lucia and sailed around the Grenadines. Fabulous! Beautiful Buccament Bay proved to be the ideal base for this great holiday.Relaxation at it’s finest!
I wonder when the Panorama programme will be aired? I bet the journos are going to really dig the knife in now Harlequin got Chapman the boot.
Fdnrm is a scumbag, agree with rg999. Harli is amusing, posts are ridiculous. To support the banditry of ames is disgusting, erica is right. Where are the units at Marquis, dm rep, merricks? Not started, no planning. 7 years later and counting. There is no build profit, and no operating profit, just abject failure. Yet Ames has profited handsomely, and pay jokers like harli and fdnrm to support them. Lowest of the low, outcome clear – all genuine investors will lose everything, some will successfully claim back from fos, bucc bay will close and reopen in future, blu will close, assets will be liquidated, ames will go to jail or disappear, marquis and others will never start. But bucc bay has good ta reviews so all is well!
@Erica, have you taken up counseling, because you need it yourself instead of preaching to your followers of the coven – and leave fdndm alone
bully
Think about what the Ames families are suffering at the moment, please don’t cry.
1. Vilified by investors the media even locally, even by their ‘loyal’ staff
2. Ridiculed the world over, especially simpleton toad face fat dwarf.
3. The ill-gotten gains about to be stripped
4. Third time bankrupt looming
5. Jail for a pretty-boy Matt
6. The stress must be unbearable, more so for some than others
7. Staff turning on them, to save their own skin
8. All the regulatory authorities attacking them, solicitor’s hunting them down
9. The creditors, huge list, what’s the chances of a few taking matters into their own hands?
10. However, worst of all for them, the gravy train has well and truly stopped.
11. Dan your next mate, not as tough as daddy are you 😉
Read this Ames family ans weep, its only what you have done to many thousands – its over and you now have to many thousands and its called KARMA
Leaky – do you have any actual inside info for us? No offence, just would be nice to have some sort of revelation rather than a summary of the obvious.
Like your nickname for DA, btw.
Finance is not available yet, talk, talk,and more talk,they are making mistakes, starting to panic.
The rescue plan is still close, but expected to be good for the Ames family not investors.
Lots of leaks, going back to the pub now 😉
Up until February I was employed as a contracts manager on Harlequin Developments Construction Site at Buccament Bay.
I was responsible for the building off and most importantly the development of the new villas and block two.
However when I was ordered to use Mr Andy Smith (procure indirect) foreign workers , all from Prague , instead of excellent qualified local brothers & sisters . When I question this practice I was told by Messrs Smith , Terry, Campion and Ghent that if I didn’t “toe the Company line” then I would be out.
Without hesitation I resigned . I do not want my professionalism and great work ethics ruined by such devious and underhanded business practices.
I was contacted by Simon Terry (Lawyer) and told I must leave st Vincent immediately and that if I mentioned anything about Harlequin or Buccament Bay, that I would be sued.
How dare this pompous and arrogant Man and Company deal with me like this. I suffered daily threats and accusations from Harlequin People, especially a Mr Shaun Ghent who actually told me “I will make you disappear Boy” how dare he . He is a nasty , racist ,rude and angry man who tries to intimidate because he is a big overweight bully.
Just a small point. These are my lands and Islands, as a Proud Bajan Man, don’t come here and try and throw your weight around.
We are a proud People West Indians and we know how to deal with imperialist racists . How dare he call me “boy”.
I continue to get threats of Legal action against me and also violent, intimidatory threats from the South African bully boy. Everywhere he now goes he has a heavily tattooed man and a big German shepherd dog with him, does that mean the bodyguard now needs a bodyguard.
I am happy to stand by all my words and actions.
Kevin Webster
Well done Kevin. Always stand up to a bully. It totally disarms them.
Make sure you keep copies of all threatening communication (sorry to state the obvious).
They really are a bunch of ignorant wankers. Not sure how that translate to Bajan?
@ Hardlysuccessbigtime…to quote FDNRM , YAWN!
Lies, threats, cover-ups, suing anyone for negative PR, self-interest and not building more than a tiny fraction of sales, leaving debts everywhere sums up Harlequin. And all this happened from the outset -who plans to spend so much on covering up negative PR, when just delivering should be the focus? Shameful group of people, as are those who support them.
@Anon 11.52. Would you like to explain why I am a scumbag? Is it jealousy because my negotiating skills are better than yours, or your just bored and need to insult someone. A bit like Erica, from the Wigan caven?
We all know that you are on Harlequin’s side, or you are not, so get ready for the inevitable response from Harlequin about Kevin Webster. I am guessing it will go something along the lines that he did not leave, he was sacked. He is in the pocket of O’Halloran. He stole money from Harlequin….. etc., etc.
Yawn.
@ KW – very odd this is old hat, its cut and paste from the old Harlicon site and has been refuted, many many times before.
I am no defender of Harlicon sorry Quin – but this is simply untrue.
Try and come up with something a tad more believable 🙂
Maybe, the person that seen Sean Ghent could confirm if he was with:
‘Everywhere he now goes he has a heavily tattooed man and a big German shepherd dog with him, does that mean the bodyguard now needs a bodyguard’
its just bollocks!
Mat be old hat to you but it’s very recent in my mind – I never wrote it on here just i witness news and I wanted to make people here aware.
Short legs are you Sean Ghent!
Don’t bother answering as you won’t be honest!!
I think KW was referring to when he is in BB.
The dog would have to clear quarantine so Sean uses Sonia, mother of the dimwit brothers Stenning!
No I am not, equally you are not KW. Do you live in Wigan now?
Ask who about seeing Sean where??
Do I look like I eat lots of pooles pies??
Can someone explain this Wigan bunker stuff please?
That’s better had a few glasses of vino!
If Ames and family would just leave that’s the only way investors would be prepared to go with any rescue plan, in my simple little mind.
Otherwise, its just rescuing the family, and keeping them in a job they managed to FuK up with £400 million quid.- and now when the dosh is not rolling in does
ANYONE THINK THEY ALL OF A SUDDEN CAN DO A GOOD JOB! 😉
TIME TO OPEN ANOTHER BOTTLE
@plmitb, not another bottle, another thread. You imply a lot but say nothing. Go on give us facts if you have any.
@Kevin Webster, is that a real name or do you have some connection to Corrie,. So you you are saying Cabannas were being built up to February? I don’t believe that for one minute. I believe what Short Legs says about this. Old rubbish.
@Anon 3.47 ask Erica, she’s the commandant, the staff Sargent who whips the troops into line. Lets the 5 th columnist Nicki Crozier onto her site and then tries a commando raid onto BFP. Likes to say things on her that she would ban anyone else from saying on her own site. I know, clear as s**t.
FDNRM – well done Sherlock I am referring to February 2012 – good reflection in the investment when you see how little has been done.
By the way no I’m not in Corrie! Are you disappointed I don’t have a 9 year old escort for you? You look like the kind of sicko into those sort of vices!
@KW amazing how a Bajan would get the link to Corrie and relate to the Kevin Webster case. Also getting caught out on the date. Looks like the Wigan bunker has been caught out again.
Just an observation……..would all of you not be better pulling together, rather than in-fighting and calling each other names
FDNRM – I live in the UK you idiot!! LMFAO
I didn’t get caught out because I never put a year you assumed – I reported something that I had written before but not on here!
Anyway makes no difference who I am when your assets get liquidated!
Did you know that Thatchett processed the SD on the SVG assets on Thursday last week? Give it a week to go through the process and FDNRM will be in the same boat as the rest of us – a creditor!
Anonymous was me KW btw!
IRIGO – pull together and do what exactly??? It’s the end game now – liquidation is inevitable
Also when Ames attended the freezing order hearing on Thursday – he accidentally forgot to mention a bank account in Luxembourg and some ignificant sums in trust – he looked a right idiot and the SFO wer there observing!
How many people here have Luxembourg bank accounts they forget about.
The judge requested Ames get hi facts right for the next hearing
Ahh, so that explains the day trip to the Caribbean. A(nother) day in court for Ames and the Honeymonster.
Jolly good, Anonymous, thanks for the info.
I was once paid from an account in Belgium but it could have been
Luxembourg in 2008.
Perplexed, you always make me chuckle.
@ A-RU
I’ve also invoiced but never received a wire transfer from
7F Shink Kong TC
161-167 Des Vouex Road Central
Hong Kong
……….this is why I think monies were stashed all over the place,
my hunch is that if anything at all is left it is in BVI.
@KW, who is Thatchett?
FDNRM – I notice you criticise Erica for being a hypocrite. I push a wrong key and u turn into the spelling police something you criticise Erica for!
Anyway I your clever I will let you work out who I meant – you dimwit!
@hardlysuccesfulliar – oh dear oh dear, that lying review is up again!
http://is.gd/onZDEv
@perplexed – were you ever paid from Macau?
@Perplexed. “SHOCK HORROR, you were PAID by DA. Shame on you, you scumbag. Dont you know this is a Ponzi scheme. Your payment could only have come from investors money. Dont you know people are losing their homes over this.” Where’s Erica when you need her? Just a sample of the comments you should be receiving.
@KW. How can pushing TH instead of F be one key. You have been found out mate, and I’ve never critisized Erica for spelling. Not with my spelling!
FDNRM- found out for what saying Thatchett instead of Fatchett – he’s not even my brief???
Anyway it’s irrelevant it doesn’t change what’s coming your way, but you believe allis well – you don’t get investigated by the SFO, FCA, build 2% of what you sold, have your fingers in the till, need a rescue plan, stop building, stop contractual payments, have SD all over the world, freezing order on your assets and get an award for services to business!
This is to name a few – explain to us why you think Harlequin is a healthy business please – I would love you to convince me I’m wrong
Sad thing is your living in hope and it’s sad to see you can’t face facts!
@BB
Only invoiced HK, never paid. (Never shipped the goods either).
Know nothing re: Macau.
Fdnrm, if you are a human being? you need to get a life and stop trying to defend the defenceles. If you are an investor ‘which I very much doubt’ you need to pull yourself away for a few days at least, You are seriously damaging your mental health.
If you carry on like this 24 hours a day there can only be one conclusion. You are being paid to keep defending.
@BH. Why do people like you keep coming up with the same lines. Do you ever read through these threads. I have proved I am an investor. Have you ever proved you have “been had?”
@KW I agree with what you say, but why pretend to be Webster? are you sure your not Nikki Fanny Crozier ?
@ St Georges Dragon
I have always liked your posts here and on Bossy boots blog, I note you mentioned the Nikki Crozier / Dixon message on the blog now its been removed I am I correct in that ?
That’s very wrong especially your detailed balanced outlook? can you confirm or I can not see it?
She is more of a dictator, only bad things allowed about HP, but nothing bad about Crozier – maybe they are scissor sisters?
Ames has over the years spent very large amounts of investors money on Carter Ruck. All to shut people up and keep the misinformation and propaganda machine going. Misinformation including deceit and outright lies such as ownership of land, planning permission and the ring fenced money. Then we have the planning, recruitment and management of the misinformation trolls. Make no mistake about the key role CR and the trolls have in this scam. Without them this fraud would have folded years ago.
@fdnrm you are part of the propaganda machine. You think showing Fatchett a bit of paper from your boss gives you credibility. (A good touch I must admit ) but no not really, you are an Harlequin troll. The best on here, in fact the ebb and flow of the conversations of the more obvious trolls around you points towards you been a manager or supervisor of that section. Not long to go now
@ In the S**t
Memory failing – what post did I mention?
Why does no one believe that FDNRM (aka 36) is an investor when he has legal title to his beautiful villa(without kitchen) at BB? In fact, so proud is he of his investment which he personally sat down with A to negotiate, that he has it framed and on the wall of his dungeon in the UK…..just to cheer him up a bit when his payments don’t come in.
@Yatinkeasy, I agree with you, why anyone would disbelieve me is crazy. I appreciate your vote of confidence.
@Anonymously 11.30 calling Mr Fatchett a liar is very brave. Or perhaps you think he is “in on” my trolling?
If FDNRM is a Harlequin employee (which appears likely), and if LLMITB is as well, presumably LLMITB would be able to leak who FDNRM is. After all, seeing someone in the office tapping away on the internet all day with BFP on the screen would be obvious, one would think.
On the other hand, maybe LLMITB is not for real?
Or FDNRM is a deluded non-employee?
Or both.
Why not ask the SFO? So many on here seem to have a direct line in. I’m sure they would confirm my credentials. Unless of course some people are not as close to the SFO as they recon. Perhaps award winning journalist Jon Austin ( although not this year) could investigate me. Perhaps I could put up a prize to someone who guesses my identity, apart from Paul Walton.
@SGD
Re: “36” If in real life he is as compulsive and chronic as he is on here
it is no wonder that he is the only BB investor to have “title” to his
property. He must have driven Ames crazy with a constant, constant,
24/7, never ending demand for it. (It almost makes one feel sorry for Ames.) But he will shortly find out what a “claw-back” is.
FDRM – I will go for the prize please!! I think I know who you are!
Are you the little creepy guy with the Coventry accent?
What’s the prize if I give your name??
Fartchett – You’re Bob not a lot from Derby dump, What’s the prize? Doubt it’s a Rolls Royce…….
Close but no cigar! I’m not little, not from Coventry And not from Derby.
Buy you have a Coventry accent? I didn’t day you lived there!
Predictive text !! That was but and say!! Apologies!
Is that the HQ business name for the Wigan bunker???
Perhaps if the Anonymous at 9:10 on the 26th was privy to Aimes court hearing and therefore knows about the trust accounts and Luxembourg account, he/she would like to share what assets he declared?
Now that would be good reading.
Mr Blue – the Wigan bunker has the information supplied by Crozier, I would only be repeating what I was told
What’s the story going around that Croziers son was beaten up and it’s been linked with Harlequin – anyone else heard this?
If crozier is Dixon then I would think plenty of people would be looking for her.
I don’t think FDNRM is directly employed by HP. Even they know he’s not much use to them. I think he’s merely being paid to provide an internet presence.
And that follows since HP are rank amateur and little league in business. They continuously fuck-up and lie with every turn they take (quite amazing that Erica and Fatchett still give any credence to HP statements – but, hey, horses for courses).
FDNRM’s contribution here has merely helped to accelerate the demise of Harlequin since he makes it clear one has to be totally thick to be a Harlequin follower, or obviously on the take. He just argues about anything other than direct questions about the abject failure of Harlequin or the proved non-effectiveness of their model (they came up with the completion dates and super profit: they’ve failed. On every single promise they made). Since FDNRM has ignored all evidence, his contribution to the debate is totally irrelevant.
HP are just lucky that they attracted someone who clearly has absolutely nothing else to do in life.
http://harlequinpropertyclaims.co.uk/
this hs a few links in it
The SFO will be quietly working away in the background, watching as well as investigating
@Anon RU Ah bless, to think you have spent part of your bank holiday writing all that about me. Your such a nice little chappie. Did you spend all day thinking that up or did it come to you as a flash of inspiration. Just one question, if my contribution is irrelevant why are fixated with me and feel the need to constantly write about me? A stalker maybe?
Because your a clown and your stupidness is fascinating, the only plus with the impending liquidation is to see what tune you play then!
Jesus I’ m getting a fan club. How about I start my own blog. Everyone must play nicely otherwise I will “do an Erica”
And a complete demonstration of your utter thickness that you class a mocking crowd as a fan club. Still, whatever attention you can grab in your lonely little world. Thank goodness for the internet!
But Ames loves you, yes he does, honest. Keep the faith.
This article is about Harlequin not Erica so why keep bringing her up have you got a thing for her?
I find it very strange, if true? Why you were one of the first people to be interviewed by the SFO.
What baffles me is that you are the only person who has claimed this.
Could you have organized the interview to tell them how “happy you are with HP” just how you have done relentlessly 24 hours a day 7 days a week!
Very fishy!!
Anyone still supporting DA, are delusional. Get a grip people and get help now before you all lose your money!
@Been had, have you ever thought of writing fantasy film scripts. That I should call the SFO and ask them to interview me? I was one of the first people who’s contact telephone number they had. Thank Newman for that!
@Anon RU how can I be lonely when you keep posting about me. I feel we are bonding now, perhaps I occur in your dreams at night. I understand that stalking is obsessive 24/7. Sweet dreams x
Been Had aka Anthony75 – if Ames offered you back your deposit for Merricks would you refuse it because others were not getting treated properly?
I don’t think so, so why get on Fdnrm’s back for getting a return?
Plenty of hypocrites on here!
@FDNRM, why would Newman have your number? You would have to be well connected for the accountant to know you (and your situation) well enough to shop you into the SFO, surely.
Harlequin Property Claims look as though they are on the ball. According to their website “The Facts (sic) about Harlequin Property Group Limited are well documented on the SFO website and more recently on the BBC Panorama Programme (sic).”
I must have missed that Panorama episode does anyone have it recorded. That’s irony, by the way.
Fdnrm is a coventry fan I believe so people are close….he is a horrible piece of work though and totally irrelevant in the scheme of things. Ames and the ifa’s are the bigger crooks, fdnrm is just a hp stooge.
@St George’s Dragon
May 27, 2013 at 11:39 am
It was a comment from IFA online i think mentioning the Croziier incident in Spain, looks like its be conveniently deleted (again) that can not be right can it?
@Mr Blue, I’ll spell it out for you. Newman was HP accountant. As accountants they had details of investors in HP. Newman went to the SFO. SFO put a section 2 onto Newman so he had to turn over all the accountants info, hence my name and contact number. Simple see.
When you report back to Ames, just have a little think; how long your job is going to be around for Mr communications director?
You won’t be needed soon. How is the totally independent investor web site doing? Pretty stupid move that? Just one of the many mistakes being made…… couple of weeks tops- then your gone.
How long can you carry on for Dan? Whats it like to know you are next in court, your little property empire is going to be taken off you – your not as hardy as your Dad and brother are you? Tough its over……
@Anon 2.19. If I’m irrelevant why do people keep posting about me. Some have fixations (Anon RU) Why not just ignor me? Because is some peoples sad lives they just cannot help themselves. Funny how no one is asking questions about the fraud Dixon anymore.
@fdnrm – good morning how are you?
Old George mentioned something and it was taken off, the Erica blog now he is suffering from a poor memory!
Why does she not just come clean, after all it may not be true?
My bit about the rescue….
When the rescue plan comes out, do nothing seek legal advice before you sign anything, it’s a typical Amem set up, it wont work, stay tough and hold off – its like Hitlers bunker now we won the war….oooops its over! We lost.
Shipley’s are leaving no stone unturned, not what Ames expected.
They are being particularly by the book. The Dubai money was not expected to be kept by them! So he is still after your cash to pay the legal fees! poor old chap keeps forgetting to tell the judge things 😉
Dan is not holding up very well, turned into a puddle,
I think there’s a twist in the tale coming – in fact I know!
LLMIB – when will the super rescue plan being published to the investors?
Leaky what members of the Ames family are in the office today please?
@Short legs. crozier was all over Erica forum, but I think someone got threatened with some legal action and now she has disappeared completely. Nowhere to be seen. A bit like the Dixon disappearing act in Spain. Perhaps that is what poor old George was referring to.
@Anonymous
May 28, 2013 at 8:50 am
I believe in the next few days, but it will be crap
@TS sorry, won’t answer that
@fdnrm
I can confirm the nasty post that Georgy boy forgot about has been ‘censored’ by the coven – nothing bad about Nikki only Ames is allowed
Ames is a plonker and should just piss off and take the old crow with him, she is a director lets not forget that and as such has certain responsibilites, just like that little ponce Dan.
Leaky this afternoon I will be in the head office to talk about my investment and it would be helpful if you could say something that certifies you are an insider. Why won’t you tell me? What about what colour dress Carol is wearing today?
I have just had a peek on the Witches blog, what a bunch of sniveling, of tree huggers they are, jeez, get a grip and stop whining on an on – do something, and as for any men on there – bloody wimps.
What’s it all about?
@TS, I am not in the office today, or I may be? don’t want to blow my cover do I? up the stairs office on the right – king and queen will be there 😉
Say hello from LLMITB
Thank you Leaky I will be there at 12.30 and will confirm if that is true.
TS – Have you an appointment to see Ames?
So i see Dave Ames has email his responses to Panorama to the investors – email 24/5/2013. What a load of crap.
TS – If you dont have an appointment, the door at the top of the stairs has a lock on it, so you wont get through that plus usually Sean Ghent is there to keep you out and do Dave and Carols dirty work
So Sean Ghent hasn’t left HP. More mis information.
@Unknown 11.22 yes you are right, the Panorama letter was a load of crap full of inaccuracies. Still what do you expect, they are so discredited on the HP subject.
Someone previously reported that SG had resigned. Why would A need a bodyguard? Are there still bags of cash to carry around?
Leaky is NOT an insider after all. Only Mr Ames is in today and not his wife. It was a very vague verification of his status but it was still incorrect.
Anon I had an appointment for 12.30. I rang the buzzer said my name and I was let in.
@FDNRM “full of inaccuracies” — care to expand?
I think it’s all a little ingenuous to suggest that they are “discredited” on the Harlequin subject; on the contrary, it seems that the issue with the former producer (which was a fairly minor transgression) may end up backfiring and that the pursuit for a full story maybe especially “credited.”
Not great news for you that,
FDNRM – Who has said Ghent has or hasn’t resigned, how do you know? All I said was that when things were normal Ghent would make sure nobody got upstairs!
Also LLMITB said he wasnt in work so how would he know if Carol was there or not? It proves nothing!
TS – Did you get all the answers that you wanted from DA, was Sean Ghent working?
It appears to be a crime not to remember everything you have ever posted on the internet. Tell me the time and date of my post and I will look at it.
Leaky said he MAY not be at work but that I would see them both so why say that if he was not sure?
Yes it was a very worthwhile meeting thank you. I did not see Mr Ghent.
@Anon 12.21, not you, previously it was stated by some one that SG had “left de house” so to speak.
@UP, the Panorama letter letter asked 4 questions, 3 which have been refuted as wrong. You may suggest it was a “minor transgression” but bribery is a criminal offence for which the police have been called in to investigate. Obviously criminal activity is ok in “UP” world.
TS – any info you can give us? Any financing details? Are you more reassured than when before you went to the meeting?
Well i believe that Sean has left the company, is is a consultant so is employed on an as needed basis
@TS now we know you are not being truthful, buzzer? let you in – you did not go to reception first!!! liar liar pants on fire 😉
@ ‘Forgetful’ St George the dragon
Pity Erica or one of her flunkies told you off over your post, it was a post from IFA online about Nikki Crozier / Audrey Dixon – how do you feel about that? its just not right to have posts deleted.
Or have you been told not to remember?
Are you allowed to come on here with out the OK from the coven?
Leaky you must not have visited Harlequin for a while. Now they use the smaller entrance with the buzzer. It was the same when I visited after the Basildon open day last month.
@ Fatchett does not represent me
re: mis information, that was one of the Soviet best weapons during WW2
and this is a war!!!
Harlequin are just plain and simple liars.
@TS
If you say so…….
So, have he give you a one to one in bullshit? I bet you are happy now?
Said some nice things to you? all the negative press, and he will be giving you title soon? finance ready? but lets guess nothing in writing?
Did he mention the ‘you wouldn’t get to speak to the chairman of an investment fund’ (or similar?) he really does have a high regard of himself.
Missed anything have i?
@FDNRM, clearly you were a person of interest nonetheless. Were you getting your rental return then?
Leaky none of the above but yes I am happy with what was said. The only bull I have seen today is yours because you did not even know reception has not been used for at least weeks.
Just out of interest in an ideal world, how would you like this mess to ultimately get resolved?? Liquidation? Muddle through withe the Ames family? Funding with Ames removed? If removed replaced by whom?
Anonymous on May 28, 2013 at 3:13 pm
Pure fiction.
I have been through takeovers of distressed developments a few times, and the only way to have any chance of moving forward is to take those that caused it out of the picture, namely the Ames family, especially if the cause was incompetence or worse. The recession cannot be blamed for how this was all set up. Until that time, liquidation of all Harlequin assets is without question the best and only result that will see anything paid to creditors. If you had a competent board without individual self interest that can appoint proper management of the operating entities and turn the business around, and look at all the purchaser contracts and take decisions on how best to ensure there is not a total loss to the purchaser/investor, liquidation may not be the imminently necessary option, although ultimately still might be.
100 – I agree remove the Ames family and the investors take control of THEIR assets!
BFP – I am going into thread withdrawal & shock. Did’nt get my
morning fix from this site. Certainly someone, somewhere, someplace
must have the latest Harlequin buzz, rumor, speculation , idiotic comment
or Sean Ghent sighting. Help !!!
@Perplexed, I’ve just been to B & Q to look at some new wallpaper for the lounge. Then had a slice of cake and a coffee. Sean Ghent was deff not there.
@100
Yep that makes sense, the must be removed along with senior management
Why would Sean be in B&Q? He’s more likely to be seen where journos are selling his story to the highest bidder!
Blog running out of gas…..just like Harlequin.
HP sold a product they never delivered on end of story, that is fraud, seven years wait for that product and no sign of it or any refund,
Testing testing 123
I’m decorating the lounge with my mate Sean
This is the way the world ends
This is the way the world ends
This is the way the world ends
Not with a bang but a whimper
@ FDNRM
Are the dog and the minder helping?
I’m just looking to colour code the walls with HP logo colours
Off topic, typing on my I pad has become very slow all of a sudden, but only this thread. Could it be the length of the thread? Any suggestions ( sensible) please.
I asked BFP to close this thread of and start another one but they do not seem to be around.
@FDNRM, It can all be explained by relativity.
Time flows relative to the observer and time is also slowed by an increase in mass. Having just added another layer of wallpaper to your lounge the mass of your house has been increased to the point where it has created a small dent in the fabric of space time.
Sitting in your lounge, time appears to flow normally, but to an observer looking in, time appears to have slowed, you appear to be moving slower than normal. The opposite is also true. When you look out the window, time appears to be flowing faster.
When you access the BHP blog, You are accessing the faster world, from with in your slow one, so what you are seeing on your ipad is what we are seeing (and have been seeing) ie. everything from with in your house is moving in a different and slower time stream.
This also may explain your apparent lack of posting recently. For us two days have gone by, and we’re all wondering what’s gone wrong. But for you barely any time has gone by at all, and you probably haven’t noticed any difference.
The positive side to all this is that you’ll live longer, the negative side is that your increased lifespan (relative to us) means you’ll hear more of Ames’s crap and lies and probably die sooner than if you’d never redecorated your lounge at all.
@ Mr Blue…….kudos
If you were Ames defense attorney and used that logic/speech in
summation as to why properties have still not been built the jury
would be so confused (as I am) that guilt would be impossible to prove.
I am truly impressed.
Would you mind explaining string theory?
There are some beautiful colour prints of BB on the hoardings of the now deserted H hotel site (eyesore is a better word) in Barbados. I was thinking of nicking them and sending to FDNRM so she would at least have something tangible to put in the lounge to remind her of Dave.
FDNRM, I understand that if you stick your ipad as far as you can up your arse, then pull it out as quickly as possible (very important not to use lubricant, according to the Apple help page), then try loading this page again, all should be fine.
@Perplexed, string theory is quite simple. Any piece of string is twice as long as half it’s length. Theoretical physicists will pad this out for quite some time and hope to loose you in their jargon, but the basic calculable physics remain the same (for now).
The Plum-bob that FRNDM used to mark the initial true vertical line from which to lay each successive sheet of wallpaper to his lounge walls (at least I hope he has done it properly) proves this perfectly. If he was to hold he plum-bob and the end of the string in one hand, he will have two identical lengths of string.
If he were to join the ends of the string then the universe will turn in on it’s self and a whole bunch of mildly interesting stuff happens (again “theoretically”). But of more interest is the mass of the plum-bob, which has now slowed the time stream in FDNRM’s house to the point that He never heard Ames claim the BB marina was nearing completion, and therefore can plausibly deny it was ever said.
I thought FDNRM’s wallpapering was just a continuation of what he has been doing on this site for ages.
After all, a layer of wallpaper will cover over those unwanted problems, make sure that people cannot see obvious defects which you wish to hide and on the whole make everything look great on the surface. Underneath, of course, the problems will continue to be there and anyone who knew about the underlying problems would be able to spot them through the thin veneer applied over them.
Wallpaper will not, of course, be any remedy in situations where there is a serious structural problem. In those cases, people wallpapering over obvious problems will regret covering up the problems as they are likely to find that whatever they have attempted to cover up will come crashing down, possibly taking then down with it, if they have not made careful plans to get away.
@Mr Blue, The biggest issue is Gloss or Matt paint. As I’m only papering one wall (cannot afford to do the whole room) would gloss or matt be best for the other 3?
@Annon RU, If I did take your advice regarding my i Pad, it would be open at one of your comments, which is exactly where it should be shoved.
I’ve just had a mention on Erica’s forum!. No wallpapering hints though.
Fdnrm, why don’t you get some use from the nice glossy Harlequin brochures you have stacked up next to your bed. You could decorate your whole house with them ( if you haven’t already?)
So the Harlequin Property Investors board has been hacked. Any thoughts on who might have done that and why?
This is what gets interesting to me. When that site was originally set-up
I remember Erica on an earlier BFP thread openly inviting Harlequin.
to join and be an administrator. Then several weeks ago a “Janey”
started posting about being infiltrated. My God!, how can you be infiltrated
if you have been openly invited? This may be a job for Mr Blue to explain
the seemingly conflicted quantum mechanics.
Good day Fatchett does not represent me.
I know you are doing a fully professional job in your lounge,and with the good work on this website. Haw exciting to see trip advisor have awarded Buccamentbay with a certificate of merit.this award is given only to those hotels and resorts who have provided outstanding service to holiday makers every where,it is for excellence awarded to a select few considered to be in the top ten per cent in the world in 2013. Well done to every body at Beautiful Beautiful Buccamentbay x
@ wow top ten per cent…is that in recognitionof the fact that only ten per cent has been built
Janey has been “infiltrated”? it’s worse than we think Jim.. Even I was invited to join Erica’s board. Bet Crozier would have vetoed that!
There is a new review of Buccament Bay on Tripadvisor. It’s nice to see that we are back to cooling towelettes and 5 stars for everything.
Strange that the author has travelled the world with his family but is a first time poster on Tripadvisor. Maybe he has just found the site.
The certificate of excellence is mostly based on the number of 5 star reviews posted by guests. The last one I saw was typical…Kevin Brown,a self proclaimed World Traveller from the UK in his first and only TA review gave BB a 5 star, glowing review.
It just goes to show that even if you have an unfinished resort, which is in a mosquito infested bay where the river water turns the sea brown after a heavy rain, where the white sand beach is imported sand, where plastic containers are used to serve drinks, where guests have to sign for everything even though it is an all inclusive resort, where only 2 of the three restaurants open on any given night, where there is no longer any entertainment, where the villa lounges are hot, where the beach is too short for a decent walk…….you can still get a certificate of excellence from TA because so many visitors(including investors) felt “compelled” to say how great it is.
It’s hard to understand why anyone would pay over US $1000 per night (double occupancy) to stay there when there are so many other Caribbean 4 and 5 star resorts that are the real deal, at less than half that rate.
Besides, if it so great a place, why is it that a General Manager does not stay there for more than a year? They have had four in three years.
Hi all, I’m just back from a nice relaxing 2 week holiday (not in the Caribean) and have deliberately stayed well away from this forum as I really needed a break from the crap. Now I’m back I’d love to know if I’ve missed anything of any importance with regard to HP and the wonderful Ames Family. Obviously I know all about FDNRM wallpapering his lounge….news like that spreads far and wide 🙂
This forum was getting to be really interesting, and then Yankiteasy comes along and spoils it with same old same old. Come on now, mat or gloss? these are the issues of today.
By the way wasnt today the cut off for SD and Croziers freezing orders?
SGD – who has told you about the hacking?
It’s bullshit Erica and crozier have been on there said too much, made private messages public and now have been rumbled!
Their poor excuse for the leaks is that the forum was hacked!!!!!
Lets see if they report it to the police?
Lets see if legal action is taken against them or rather when!
My post about TA and BB must have upset Fdnrm because it is true, and because he has not yet been able to frame his BB legal title to hang on the newly wallpapered room.(because he has not gotten it)
The same old, same old situation at BB will bring about their sure closure, and it will happen soon.The summer months are here now with low occupancy rates, no support funds from home office, it’s curtains.
Gary player should do some research. Harlequin do not own the land they are planning his golf course on. One family was paid in full. The farmers though were promised an income from harlequin. It has not happened so the farmers have retained ownership. Just check the land registry. The crookedness is sickening. They also tried to divert funds during bucc bay construction to other non harlequin related land and put in the name of individual harlequin people. It is likely Ames did not know about that part but otherwise he is chief crook.
@Yakinteasy, your right, I haven’t picked the wallpaper yet. Also you think I should have new curtains?
No comments regarding the SD and Crozier’s court date, 31st May?
Did the claimants manage to ledge their surety money with the courts? Heard a rumour they were struggling to raise the funds!
THE RESCUE PACKAGE
Maybe I don’t understand but, Mr Cannons plan does not work for me. Who owns the assets? what do investors get for signing over the legal rights? just looks like BS, no facts, no offer of finance and trying to ask people not to raise stat demands………..smell a rat?
Rescue package=scam part2
only if we sign up to it, and I wont
Fatchett Does Not Represent Me.I suggest you use Matt for your woodwork. His dad is the one to use when you need gloss.
Yastinkiteasy
You are showing signs of desperation with your jealous rantings relating to beautiful Buccament Bay. 250 reviewers, many promising to return, can’t all be wrong when they report it as a truly 5 star destination with truly 5 star service from the staff.
@Hardlysuccessespeciallyinstluciabarbadosanddominicanrepublic..I am not desperate love, as I`m not losing my life savings or pension with your crooked friend and family.In fact, I`m off this weekend with my family to a true 5 star resort in Punta Cana DR, where the all inclusive rate is 25% of mosquito creek BB.
@ Hardlisuccess
Mr Ames said that Harlequin has two staff whose job is to deal with “social media”.
What do they do?
Some people have speculated that they write reviews on Tripadvisor.
If that were the case it would be morally wrong, and possibly fraudulent.
If that is what is happening, please can you suggest to them that they stop mentioning the cold towels as its getting boring and repetitive.
They report back each day with activity from blogs sites, don’t be fooled he knows whats being said and by whom. Pity his little workers don’t know whats going on.
What a load of rubbish that the harlequin forum has been hacked! Truth is that Erica is as leaky as a sieve with the biggest pie hole in Wigan! This time she has been caught accessing private messages and making them public to Crozier or is it Dixon this week! These have now been challenged and guess what? Rather than admit it makes a cock and bull story about being hacked! She’s made private information public one too many times! Why has all croziers posts been removed along with investor2010, sponge bob, anonymous55?
What’s going on Erica? You lied too many times!
pti. i can say for sure that i alone decided to remove some of my posts as they were no longer relevant and were duplications of others and felt that it was easier to follow ( not all my posts have been removed). absolutely nothing to do with the erica or the forum you mention. again a bit of a sideline to the whole debate.
Anon – hardly a side line when itvaffectscan ongoing court case? Your missing the point in that its ok to have the right to delete your own posts but not if its against your will and not your choice? Also you consider that if the administrator chooses to take a private message and make it public thats ok in your mind too? I don’t think so!
Anon – your an idiot saying its a sideline. Ericas breach of privacy and censorship, breaking the privacy policy of the forum is serious! She’s a moron who hasn’t got the intelligence to run a forum!
Has the Crozier/Dixon, honest it’s not me shes dead, 13 claimants manage to lodge the funds with the courts yet to enable the case to progress? That’s £8k each with Crozier pimping fee, and not a penny back yet!
She will be changing her name again at this rate!
I wonder how Erica would feel if her personal information was made public without her permission – now there’s an idea!
Is any of this twaddle about Erica constructive? What would be
constructive would be: (1) remove the Ames family from Harlequin,
and (2) audit the true worth of what any and all of the properties and
hidden bank accounts are worth, including properties the Ames have
put in their names..
Only then can all proceed with a plan. Until then everything is
sheer speculation.
Perplexed how can you call the Erica issue twaddle? Don’t you know this has filled a void in Ericas sad existence and is the upmost importance to her!
You also are a boring tepetatuve bastard who keeps repeating this rhetoric – instead of preaching your sermon about what we should do – why don’t you instigate it?
Pressed, what’s the obsession with Erica?
Anyway, back to the issue, what do you think about perplexed’s 2 point Harlequin plan?
Either you agree with it, or you don’t. If you don’t agree then I will presume you have no problem with the Ames family being in charge and you’re not interested in what money they and Harlequin have.
@Anon RU, more to the point what do YOU think about point 2. As an investor you… hang on a minute you do have a financial interest in this dont you? So let us worry about Erica and you worry about, what?
Anon R U – I have an obsession with freedom of speech and privacy matters.
The only other reason to be obsessed with Erica is if you had a fattish
@Pressed to impress (is that ID to do with ironing?) I see you now have to log in every time you want to look at Erica’s forum. I agree with you, there is the small matter of censorship which is important. Crozier put hereself about on all the boards, with erica’s help, took the money, and now has ducked out of site again. Sounds just like some of the comments in the Leader.
Pressed – Freedom of speech? So you are against the gagging orders issued by Harlequin as a condition of receiving refunds investors are entitled to according to the contract drawn up by Harlequin? Smacks of a dirty cover-up doesn’t it.
Fatchett the twat – read Pressed’s post. Freedom of speech. I post here whenever the hell I like on any topic I like. Piss off to your own forum if you don’t like it here. In fact, why not visit there regularly and clock-up the number of registered users Harlequin have managed to attract. I imagine will have increased every time you visit. The genius of the Harlequin followers.
@ Anon RU, hit a nerve again have I. Always resort to type, nasty name calling, silly comments. You really do add to this debate dont you. Not. Try and slide back in bed a get some, it might calm you down a bit. At least you hav’nt used the F word, still time though. Go on prove me right. You know you want to.
Anon RU – yes I am against gagging orders too, I dislike any censorship! The other differenc is erica is censoring without consultation the NDAs were agreed at the persons free will!
Any other questions?
@Pressed to Impress aka anonymous, etc etc.
A sick obsessed, bullying personality, what is your end game here? apart from dancing to the tune of your puppet master?
No wonder you are so close to Ames you share the same personality disorders.What’s he offered you???
It’s a pity you you don’t actually know whats really going on and what an unimportant little pawn you are and you think you are in the know 😉
Carry on or is that the best you can do?
@Pressed to impress. Dont try and put a reasoned argument on here. There are certain key words that prompt the Wigan caven into action. Like a pack of dogs laying in the midday sun. One will raise its head and say”are you going after this? its your turn.” And if that doesnt work then Alfa attack dog Anon RU is let out of his cage spitting bile and four letter words. Probably a hate cleric in his spare time.
Very sad pit and fdnrm. Your friend Ames rips of pensions in biggest property scam for decades, and you spend your time spouting the rubbish that you do. Genuinely horrible people, sick, twisted and as bad as ames himself. Karma will get you, if the law does not.
@Anon, why should the law be interested in me? You know absolutely nothing about me, my position, or my situation. Was it your turn to wander out from under the tree?
@FDNRM actually, no one really cares about you.Tick Tock…
@Yat, then why post about me? Cannot resist it can you?
DA – I am not interested how a part built BB is getting mickey mouse awards – i invested in Barbados so stop sending me shite mail about a resort I have no interest in please … Send me something I want to hear about — Oh forgot you have nothing !!!
All of the fuss – Do you normally pass comment about people you have never met then state that you know anything about me? You have never even met me so reserve judgement until you know the facts, sounds alot like the Windsor Road, Wigan/ Ashton-In-Makerfield Bunker statement backed up by crozier/ dixon or who am I today?
I have never stated to be in the know and have only met Dave Ames at Investor Days.Your right I am a pawn in this and have no significant role to play whilst others pretend to be solicitors/ other people/ claim to be dead/ and lift £26k in advanced fees off people who can ill afford to be ripped off again! Then to add to the insult they are not told at the outset that they need to lodge funds with the courts and ask for anothe £6k each !!!
Said too much have you and now telling fairy stories of hacking, how foolish!!
Last Chance – You daft enough to expect him to read it, reply, or give a shit!! Daft lad
@PTI. Is that true after the CPC £2000 + VAT fees they have come back for more? However Crozier did say the fees were £40k for the freezing order, so something didn’t add up.
@Pressed to impress.
How do you know all this, what a load of utter tosh!!
Fatchett the skinny Twat, please tell me how much money you’ve invested again? In all this sorry mess, it is at least good news to remind myself how much you’ve given to Harlequin.
I think you should give more. Do you think other investors should give them more money? If not, why not?
You’re backing them yet it’s a disgrace that you don’t give them more money. It’s people like you bringing the company to its knees. Professing your support, but not handing over another penny. Just spending your time making bugger all difference on the internet except showing how little support for Harlequin there is; and showing that what little support there is is completely ignorant. Splashing your benefits (I assume it’s benefits since you have no job, you workshy gibshite, and you invested every last penny in Harlequin) on ipads and curries rather than investing in Harlequin. Why on earth would you do that? Makes no sense at all. You utter selfish bastard investor.
Should people invest more and/or complete if they have the money (to burn) Fatchett? . You’re a fake. You don’t support Harlequin one bit. Why would any supporter damage them as much as you’ve done here, comrade?
@Pressed to Impress and all your names….. easy to figure out – you thicko.
You are such a sad, pathetic weirdo; you need help, are you related to FDNRM ? Big tough bully eh? sat behind you keyboard helping your only friend Dave Ames…….. sad little man.
Anonymous firstly about the freezing order, you may hope I’m wrong but you will see by wednesday I’m proven right.
Secondly if you want to see a gutless bully read Anon – Reasons Unknown , what he has written about FDNRM is just vile and I challenge anybody to defend what was written!
Again insults against me when you have never met me, it seems you are the bully and don’t realise it – I’m not hiding at all and I ask you to contact big mouth Erica and she can give you the details to contact me
@fdnrm 2.35pm I am secretly in love with you. You come across as such an easy person to live with.to live . Also, I wish to share in your wealth when you finally get title to BB and then sell it at a handsome profit. This is the only reason that I tolerate your stupid and repetitive comments Forget all the others that attack you for so blindly supporting H and DA.they are just jealous of us.
And with this……BFP should definitely close this thread.
Anon RU – your obviously an inbread retard to say that – surely you would never say such things? What is it with all the hatred can’t you take fdnrm’s pisstake? He’s just beat you hands down!
@BFP
Yatinkiteasy idea is great – enough is enough? it’s ran its course now?
Anonymous – aka crozier at least I only use a pseudonym on the chat room not in real life – honest it wasn’t me it was my dead sister! Yea yea I bet!
You don’t really understand balance do you Pressed. You see, if you and your skinny little mate are OK to attack me, any other poster your don’t agree with, Erica, Crozier, Dixon, then I will continue to attack you.
I wonder if ever any of the illiterate Essex wideboys will actually contribute to the debate regarding the Harlequin scam. Of course, we have the world renowned Buccament Bay (with its plastic glasses and 2 restaurants on any given night and awesome 60 ft long white beach) which has been reviewed by a massive 250 guest (most of them compelled to review for the first time ever – must be the towel art); almost enough reviews to fill the resort!
Can’t be more than a couple of weeks until the finance deal is struck eh? Surely you can spill the beans on that and put all us doubters and trouble makers in the picture? Or would any publicity put an investor off the once in a life time chance to take over the global success that is Harlequin?
At least no sorry buggers can invest now. Even if any poor soul did manage to be convinced it was a good idea.
All of this fuss/ anonymous/ Dixon/ Crozier/ someone deceased – your the thickly for trying to cover your tracks!! Pity it isn’t you suffering something terminal like your sister!
@Pressed to Impress
Your lack of correct grammar and education are reflected in your rather poor taste posts. Only some oaf would use such offensive terms as retard. You have nothing constructive or informative to add, please desist; frankly, your just boring me.
Anonymous RU – I have never personally attacked you like you have to me, I don’t have an issue with you having a different opinion to me but what you wrote above about FDNRM went too far be a mon apologise and get my contact details off Erica, I’m not hiding are you?
This isn’t a spelling contest its a blog you retard.
You won’t produce your education certificates will you Nikki? We have been asking since march, post them and we can compare and see who has an education.
The thread doesn’t need closing its your legs and scamming business!
Which name are your fake qualifications in? Crozier/ Dixon or some other dead relative??
Pressed – call me paranoid, but I consider “inbread retard” to be a personal attack. I suggest you retract what you’ve said about me, stay out of it, and concentrate on your own online behaviour in case you contradict yourself again.
Anon RU – we can discuss it once you get my details from Erica, don’t want to be accused of hiding! Inbread retard was how you were behaving, I can’t help that
No fanny Crozier where have you gone? Putting flowers on your fictional dead sisters grave?
Pressed – Keyboard warrior – OF course DA reads these posts there are HP trolls in here !! You Retard. I posted as a figure of speech not as a direct message to DA …. And YES I have already mailed him directly .. This forum really does not need twats like you in here .. Go join Ericas barmy army
Windsor or Pressed who ever you are bum buddies no doubt.. go join a circus and leave real investors to discuss in an adult manner. Childish chavs like you dont deserve my time – no need to use the C word.
LC they are all part of the harlequin propaganda machine and therefore conmen themselves. Ignore them.
@Anon RU, you seriously need to get some help. All your pent up anger and agression. I suggest you go and sit in a dark room and contemplate what you want to achieve from your life, because if this is how you are normaly then I pity you.
‘inbread retards’ now that is funny!
@KIC
“Inbread retards”? So one sandwich short of a picnic then? (Sorry it’s politically incorrect).
You may find a raison in bread – but you certainly won’t find
a raison inbred!
Lol – these yank iPhones auto correct inbred to in bread! And that’s from the redneck capital of the world!!
Glad typos/ auto correct mistakes make individuals laff at their financial preficaments that were based on being greedy fools!
What a bunch of thoughtless morons!
Crozier/ Dixon how’s the collection for raising the funds for the court?
Still putting flowers on your fictional sisters grave? I hope what she had (in your mind) is hereditary, painful, slow progressing and lethal!
Anybody notice how cleverly H paid people have shifted the focus to the horrible “crook ” Crozier/Dixon and away from the big fish Mr A and his wife who have taken hundreds of millions of people’s money and not built after 6 years, what they were paid to do? It really is incredible! These guys should be in politics.
Word on the street in St Vincent is that the Argyle Airport will not be ready until 2014. No need to rush to complete BB resort . Lol.
And in the meantime the weekly earnings at Buccament Bay will be:
157 rooms x 25% occupancy @ £100/night x 7 nights = £27,475.
A question for Mr Lars – if he is still watching – how much profit does that give at an all-inclusive hotel?
@st George where did you get £100 per night? The advertised rates are approx €780 double occupancy now through Aug . Please help me with the math.
@yatinkiteasy, No one is paying that. The advertised rates bear no resemblance to what’s actually being paid. BB is attracting the low end AI crowd. Think Benidorm and you’re getting close.
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.
It says a lot about someone fragile ego, how, they react from being banned from a blog; for exactly the same vile ranting and tough guy talk and we are now being subjected to here.
They should be pitied and God only know what his family must be subject to?????.
@Pressed to Impress.
What’s up didums, not getting your own way 😦 ask Mummy to pick your toys
up after you threw them out of your pram!!!!
Poor little boy……
THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE……The Apprentice
All,
Information Request / Assurances
HIG has reasonably requested :-
(a) Confirmation that no company assets will be transferred while a restructure is underway.
(b) Answers to the 34 questions posed to Harlequin in April 2013.
To date neither (a) or (b) has been attended to.
HIG intended to meet with Harlequin during this week. However, whilst (a) & (b) are outstanding we see little point. We will update investors again at the end of the week. We hope by that time Harlequin have managed to deal with (a) & (b).
HIG Mandate
HIG wishes to point out to Harlequin that with 1100 investors on http://www.harlequininvestorgroup.co.uk a significant portion of the overall population is represented. These investors receive the same updates from Harlequin as HIG do. The Harlequin Updates are a constant stream of seeking to blame others for the failings of the senior management at Harlequin. The simple fact is that the major beneficiaries of Harlequin are the Ames family, the agents, the financial advisers and the SIPP providers. The people who made Harlequin possible are the investors who have poured their hard earned savings into the business. They have no received any tangible benefit for their investment to date.
Harlequin need HIG to assist in the process. HIG want to be constructive to assist the process. Downplaying the HIG role would be a foolish course of action by Harlequin.
Eleven Capital Plan
The Eleven Capital plan will move all investor rights to a fund. The assets will be kept separate on the proposal. Who will own the assets ? What about people who want a refund ? What about those people who have issued Statutory Demands ?
The Eleven Capital plan appears to be great for the Ames family and the senior management at Harlequin, not so much for investors. The plan also needs to be authorised as a fund by the FCA. This will take time as no application for authorisation has been made as yet. The statutory time limit on a decision on any application with the FCA can be up to a year after the application documentation is complete. We have seen no evidence that Harlequin has the working capital to operate in such period. The update on the 31st May 2013 makes it clear that creditors cannot be paid as they fall due.
In the short term any lender will want free title. This will be impossible to achieve with the level of Statutory Demands against the main trading / asset holding companies. Those holding Statutory Demands want payment. Period.
The simple fact is that the Eleven Capital proposal is in very early stages. No valuations, feasibility studies, legal or accounting due diligence appear to have been completed. On any analysis, the proposal to investors is months away. Warm words and complex phrases may impress some investors, but most see the Friday update for what it is.
What action should investors take in the meantime ?
Investors have two basic options :-
1. Wait for Harlequin to issue a formal proposal (eg do nothing). This is clearly the preferred route for Harlequin. The spectre of doom is being used to make investors inert.
2. The alternative route (which is supported by HIG) is based on forcing the issue of repayment with Harlequin. There are a number of defined classes of people who can demand repayment of their deposit / finance payments under their contract.
(a) People holding contracts where the completion date has expired.
(b) People holding contracts with Buccament Bay Resort Limited
(c) People holding contracts relating to the development in Brazil.
The logic is very simple. If you issue a demand for monies under your contract formally then this will be picked up in Due Diligence. The only way a restructure can work is by you (as the creditor) agreeing a settlement of the monies owing to you. It may well be that you settle by agreeing to restructure your investment. It may be that you demand payment as part of the restructure process.
We have seen the Harlequin PR move which seeks to suggest investors demanding what they are rightfully entitled to spoils it for other people. However, that analysis is flawed as it suggests that those who want to sit and wait are taking the correct position. Neither position is “right” or “wrong”.
As a matter of fact the number of people who have taken some form of action is significant and growing. It will also continue to grow as people decide that they require repayment.
HIG has always suggested that investors should be taking action to protect their position. HIG cannot sit back and allow matters to drift as Harlequin would prefer.
Solvency
The Eleven Capital update paints the insolvency picture as offering investors around 10p in the pound. These calculations are designed to frighten investors into doing nothing. The valuations of the business are figures which cannot be relied on. The note from Eleven Capital goes on to say that valuations are being sought. How will this be funded ?
The simple conclusion is that the restructure is many months away, if at all. It has been based on the assumption that investors will tear up their existing rights because they are desperate to avoid a liquidation. HIG would respectfully suggest that this assumption is wrong. Many investors will stand by their existing contracts in order to seek repayment. The Harlequin senior management know that there is a tipping point where if the number of investors demanding their money back exceeds the amount a bank will lend on free assets, the game is up. Every day that passes, more people feel less confident and seek to demand repayment. The simple message to Harlequin is that they need to pull their finger out and get a serious proposal to investors as soon as possible.
It is naïve for Harlequin to think that they will simply send investors new contracts which will be signed. Everyone will need advice so they understand what prejudice they could suffer by agreeing to a restructure. The advice role cannot sit with Harlequin, the agents or the financial advisers as they are hardly independent. Additionally, the nature of the proposed transaction may required a Investor Memorandum and Financial Promotion to be issued by a person authorised under the Financial Services & Markets Act 2000. This all takes time Harlequin does not appear to have.
Our conclusion at this point is that Eleven Capital are long on overview and very short on detail or timescale. It is for this reason that we continue to recommend that investors continue to take defensive action by issuing Statutory Demands.
Statement of David Ames dated 31st May 2013
“I am aware that a number of you are still being affected by outstanding sums owed by Harlequin to you, for standing orders and cancellations. At this stage I am unable to say with certainty when we will be in a position to catch up and reinstate payments”
The HIG view is that this is coded language admitting that Harlequin has no ability to meet monies outstanding to investors. Any repayment is going to come from “completions”. HIG have not seen one single piece of evidence that any investor has obtained title in Buccament Bay.
“At this stage I am unable to say with certainty when we will be in a position to catch up and reinstate payments, but things are definitely moving in the right direction to enable this to happen. If completions continue to progress at Buccament Bay Resort, this will drive in excess of £20,000,000 back into the business and enable us to resume payments and further normal operations including construction works. “
It is clear that Harlequin are seeking to encourage investors to part with further monies. HIG would strongly advise that anyone considering doing this should keep money in some form of escrow arrangement unless and until they have received evidence of their specific land title.
Harlequin need to provide documentary evidence that title has been transferred to investors when completions occur. Remember, the main land owner is Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited. This company has a material number of statutory demands against it. In this context, simply handing over money to it would be folly. Protect yourself by using an escrow account if you are committed to completion.
Anyone who is considering this course should take advice and satisfy themselves that they are obtaining title in return. The HIG position remains the same eg – that investors should not complete unless and until the current restructure has been completed.
Conclusion
HIG has one objective which is to seek an equitable outcome for investors.
The lack of assurance on land transfers and / or the 34 Questions leads us to conclude that Harlequin is not able or in a position to deal with the basics. The Harlequin machine seems to have only one concern which is to solicit further monies from existing investors.
Those investors are taking a very high risk unless they obtain title confirmation. We have seen no evidence of any title transfer. We are happy to be corrected and would certainly publish an update if evidence were provided.
For now, we urge investors to take defensive action and to refrain from completing. The HIG view may change, but this is unlikely unless and until Harlequin deal with the basics.
Queries / Legal Advice
Please call 01384 426400.
Does anyone seriously believe Ames is capable of coming up with a plan, or willing? He is an out and out crook, does not even own land he says he does. Waiting and hoping is worst option.
@Anonymous
Not a hope, or his family, or any of the management team. The best option who be an investor led rescue plan, whereby we sack all the staff and appoint people who know what they are doing – we the investors own the asset – not that little runt.
The “rescue” plan” seems to deal only with H receiving more money from investors at BB whose units have been completed . Assuming that is around 200, where does that leave the investors in the other 1000 or so units at BB, whose building completion dates according to contract have long expired? Where does it leave the poor folks who have deposited on Marquis St Lucia, two resorts in DR, and in Brazil and Merricks Barbados ? In these projects, absolutely nothing has been built after 6 pr more years of selling by H and various agents and advisors?(Merricks has two unfinished show units and a guard hut…not even a road leading to the site)
This clearly an extension of a 6 year old scam. Anyone who puts more money into BB is either delusional, or stupid, or both.
@Yat, spot on.
It’s only a Ames rescue plan, FOR AMES
The plan is only going to work if all investors agree. That is not going to happen.
The only conclusion to this involves 10p in the £1. Sad but true.
If HP is forced into administration, will that trigger the authorities to take action? Maybe that is why Ames is so keen on a rescue plan, to avoid being prosecuted.
What did I tell you all about the plan? I was attacked and called a fake?
The real plan is to get you to sign away your T&C’s borrow again the new unencumbered assets, then dump the company and buy back form the administrators – simples.
Gets rid of investors and keeps the asset, he can only do this if you sign over your rights.
Sign nothing.
Sorry Dave its over mate.
If we all sign it, it gets Dave off the hook with the SFO l, so it really is a win win situation for him.He gets away with all our money as well as justice. The problem we all have is the greedy FA who will sign as they are owed money in commissions all he has to do is to get half of the investors to sign (half?) and it will be game over for us. We need to group together and hold public meetings and inform the local/national newspapers and go to the MP’s for support.
It is NOT TICK TOCK IT IS NOW tick tick tick BOOOOMM!!
I aint signing sweet fa … SD is on amber and heading green by the end of the week…. unless that little runt answers the questions from HIG – simple – Answer or face the ticking clock – I am not waiting another week longer
It looks like T.S. Eliot had it wrong……..it ends with a BOOOOMM
(not a whimper)
All of this fuss – what are you talking about I have never been banned from a forum in my life!
Your a fantasist like your dead sisters story is!
Posted your qualifications or your comments on the newspaper report?
Last Chance! Still whinging but doing nothing still?
You should treat yourself to a trip to Durham and chat shit with crozier!
Your a pair of window lickers!
Pressed you are such a low life know nothing – You have no clue what anyone is doing let alone me or my circumstances – You just come on here and annoy like a little child… a feeble little keyboard warrior that has no life or no friends so you get your kicks from forums – Saddo. go Fcuk yourself before your identity is known otherwise it will be you who is watching over his shoulder trust me you tool.
LC – oh good I have annoyed your whiney arse again! Your sooooo tough hahaha! You know a lot about me but don’t even know me! I love the threat especially from a big soft shite like you! The only reason people would look over their sholder worrying about you is because you would be trying to slip your cheesy little pecker up therein arse!
LC – Sholder ??? says it all you nonce – You do not annoy me at all – I walk all over little boys like you sunshine… you have no idea. – Carry on because you are not an investor and nobody will give you the time of day now – jog on now go and do your homework…. There are some real wankers in here
@Pressed to Impress
You sad sad individual, do you get aroused by being nasty to women?
Your little pecker must by sore now, better leave it alone 😉
LC – another victory to me! Wound up again! You believe your own hype! Who you think you are miss ball breaker? You all mouth over the web no action!
My peckers fine – were you expecting a come back? Ask your mother to spit if you want my cum back!
@Pressed to impress.
The wonderful thing is when this all comes out you will be exposed very publicly who you are…… you can try and squirm your way out of that….. meanwhile, please carry on thinking your cleaver…… a special surprise awaits you, very soon
girls, girls, please! it’s time to put your handbags down
I see the disgusting Harlequin trolls have brought this thread down to their base level.
The tone does seem to have reached an all time low, though the odd comment does make me laugh!
@FDNRM, if you’re online, did you get your cheque the other week?
As long as everybody is exposed and names are published then none of us can have any complaints about that can we? Publishing some names and not others would surely show some victimisation? Only a woman with a fictional dead sister would think otherwise? Apart from abuthing else who would be interested in our childish behaviour except us who are participating?
What’s all the fuss – I am in South Sheilds one day this week which is close to Durham – I could call in for the surprise?
See you then!
Pressed – you have not wound me up at all – takes more than childish skanky northerner like you, I thought I saw you on that TV doc skint the other night !! Its so you – so back to the real people with HP interests, not wasting any more post on children
@Last Change
Unless you are female you wont get bullied by Pressed to Impress AKA whatsthefuss
Anon/ LC – Its genderless on here dear! Why doesn’t anybody sriticise Anon RU for his obscene attack on FDNRM!
LC – what a snobby thing to say, I’m sure you were born with a silver spoon and spoiled to death! I have met some of the nices people ever who don’t have money! What a dimwit comment to make!
Anyway lets continue to disrupt the thread – Your turn now!
@Pressed to impress.
Why are you not posting now? Dave told you off for being a little bit over the top has he? Have you been a naughty boy?
Leaky Arse in the Bunker – I am posting on here you clown!
What’s it got to do with Ames? I’m the same as you, not employed by him!
@Anon 8,20, I don’t think Anon RU would like to be classed as aHP troll. Or are your comments just selective?
@Pressed to impress
Northern Skank HP Troll scum
Just in case the Harlequin rapid response squad get on to TA immediately – latest review – looks as if the resort is falling apart as well as the company.
“We stayed at this resort for a week in May and were extremely disappointed. At a push its almost 4* but nowhere near the 5* luxury resort it claims to be. We have been to many resorts in the Carribean and this is by far the worst we have been to.
We were kept waiting at least an hour and a half at the airport whilst customs painstakingly slow,processed everyone. Next a tortuous long drive to the hotel. Not the hotels fault but still an unpleasant experience after nearly 20 hours traveling.
The staff at all times were extremely friendly and helpful and provided drinks and cold towels on our arrival.
The rooms however are spacious but far from luxurious, my bathrobe had clearly been worn by the previous occupant and was stained and smelt. Towels also stained and tatty. Not a single Moulton and Brown product in sight, shower ran cold. Air con struggles and the overhead fan sounds like a helicopter in the room.
The rooms are gloomy as it is not possible to open the shutters as they are straight onto the main thoroughfare and lack any privacy.
Only three restaurants and only two open at a time, we were advised to book all our restaurants when we arrived, who wants to do that on holiday?, no flexibility either, we were only offered a 6.30 or 9.30 time for dinner .The Bay and Jacks restaurant has continuously booming Reggae so not at all relaxing. No Trader Vics as advertised.The menu at The Bay never changes and is very limited.The breakfast buffet was average and served in a gloomy, tired area.Lots of fruit on display but none prepared, one chef to do it for you but as smoothies are on offer these seem to take about 15 mins to prepare so a long wait ensues.
The place resembles a mini modern housing estate ,souless and completely lacks any atmosphere. The place is clearly struggling as large boarded areas hide partially finished but deserted accommodation falling apart. The abandoned half finished Apartment block covered in rusting scaffolding is a total eyesore .
The beach is tiny and unattractive and can be walked in about three minutes.
The whole hotel although relatively new is already showing signs of wear and many areas are very shabby and tatty.
The only plus is the friendly staff and the weather!”
Anonymous – oooh your so hurtful! I quite like northerners – what’s your prejudice? Having said that your right there are a couple of skanky ones that visit the board.
BBaywatch – did it give you a little stiffy seeing that bad review? Do you get some kind of perverted pleasure from it?
Just as there are bullshitters/ agitators like me on here I’m sure there’s bullshitters TA.
It’s funny how the good (yet obviously fictional) reviews on TA are to be believed, but if someone writes anything negative about BB THEY are the bullshitters…..obviously.
The Harlequin skunkworks employ the same kind of tactics on TA as well, derailing threads by introducing obscene/aggressive language etc. Says a lot about the company that it obviously condones these tactics and boorish behaviour. As some of it seems to come from investors one can only hope that the demise of HP will keep these louts away from The Caribbean.
@BBaywatch.
I think your safe the uneducated one aka Pressed to Impress, could not afford it, Blackpool is more his aspiration ( no offence Blackpool)
@BBaywatch, well when the new airport is open thats two of the complaints knocked off then.
So you think the HP “skunk works” (you really watch too many FBI films,) only apply to HP posters. I suggest you go back through the threads and read Anon RU little dities, or do you approve of his “skunk works” language?
Anon – I love Blackpool now and again as I love a bit of rough!
As for holidays I prefer mustique, I would never criticise people from not having alot of money. alot of good honest people work hard for minimum wage!
You have shown yourself up an uneducated dimwit without any help from me!
So all you investors out there who can’t afford their mortgage because you have no money, because there are no interest payments, this idiot now classed you as scum!!
Or Macau with your mate Nick?
Interestingly, the Ames family seem to like Mustique as well. Put “Ames” and “Mustique” into Google and a BFP link will come up on top.
I wonder if Pressed met them there?
What’s keeping the appropriate authorities from acting? Is this more left wing pandering? The same lefty socialist bullsh*t that has every illegal immigrant stealing from our welfare system? Whatdoes this guy have to do to be challenged? What kind of a joke has our country become? Where’s the SFO?
@Pressed to Depress.
What do you do with your time whatsthefuss when you are not posting profanities for David, you Dyslexic baffon
Argyle International back in the news again –
http://www.iwnsvg.com/2013/06/03/parliament-to-debate-208-million-in-loans-for-argyle-airport-oppositionleader/
It does appear that there is still a huge shortfall in funding to complete the project and that although the government has proposals to deal with this (which of course is to be expected) there is a difference between the intention and the ability to execute.
Sale of Crown Land to fund the work has been mentioned before and I had anticipated that this would once again fall on Bequia, so was rather surprised to see that it will be Canouan instead. Canouan does of course already have an international airport, but despite this (according to some an international airport immediately confers complete success on any hotel within a taxi ride) the resorts on Canouan have had a somewhat checkered history. Raffles Group gave up on it – they were the second or was it the third to try – but the present owners (who also own Sandy Lane I believe) do seem to be having better luck ( I’m sure that Mr Lars can update us on this) so perhaps this is indicative of how long it takes to establish a new resort – even with an international airport and a Fazio designed championship quality golf course?
@Baywatch there is a growing unease in St Vincent about the Argyle project. Most educated folks and those in the construction business there feel that it will not be finished in 2014. But more like 2016…….if at all!
Mr A will surely blame the inevitable collapse and failure of BB on the delay in Argyle’s completion.
@Yatinkiteasy – so I gather, friends in SVG (who also happen to be pilots) are far from convinced that the cross wind issue has been satisfactorily resolved either.
And if visitors think the drive from the current airport to BB is bad, wait till they add the road and distance from Argyle to it. It will however still beat BgI or St Lucia connections , even when Harlequin Air is operational (never)
Carrols New White Teeth – Its amazing how you pick up on somebody’s spelling, which is irrelevant to this mess incidentally, but are unable to spell “Baffoon”
Now that’s funny!!
CNWT – I am clergyman the rest of the week when I’m not posting! Nosey prick!
It sure ain’t “High Church”
@Pressed to impress.
Yes, sure you are they have a certain leaning towards been a queer don’t they 😉
@What’s the fuss
Why have you changed your name, to Pressed to Impress? you seem very quite Dave got your tongue ( up his arse )
RO- IO – Your so masterful, I’m a troll as well as Whatsthefuss! Dave has more than one supporter.
I think your a bit twisted because your father never said he loved you, well apart from when he crept into your room and buggered you!
CNWT – Want to roleplay being a choir boy to RO, I’m sure you have had a few anal gapes!
Keep it coming!!!
Im disrupting the blog, KEEP FEEDING THE TROLLS!
buffoon!
FGS!
@WTF,AKA Pressed to impress.
Yes this is what I am saying, however, you are too much on a nonce to confirm it.
Spineless slob
Let the HP trolls and supporters write all the smut and garbage they want…Harlequin is now an exposed failure for all to see.Nasty insults and porn comments will not change that fact.
RO- IO – KEEP FEEDING THE TROLL WITH INSULTS I LOVE IT!!
And your clearly to numb to understand what I was saying by your reply, I’m surprised you acknowledge your intimate relationship with your father! Well stepfather you never knew your real one I hear!
KEEP THE INSULTS COMING YOU DIMWIT I LOVE IT!!
Yes ignore it. Does you mother know 😉
Yankinoneoff – This forum is not aimed at resolving anything is it!!! Its for idiots like us to trade insults and wind each other up!
Roy – where are you I’m missing you gay boy! Come back you mincer I need to troll!
BFP Please wrap up this ridiculous post and comments!
@Yat – Sad to say but you’re right. I would much rather be
reading the pros/cons of Argyle Intl Aprt and how if it ever gets
a major Canadian/British/American trunk airline to schedule
flights and what this would also mean for the already depleted
tourist industry in Barbados. In my mind BB will never be a viable
resort , just one really good tropical storm and most of it would
wash away.
THIS IDEA I REALLY LIKE….
All,
Investor Led Restructure
The current position with Harlequin is a sleepwalk to a messy end. The Ames led restructure with Eleven Capital could be a work of genius. However, it will not receive the overwhelming support required due to the complexity, suspicion that assets are being “cleaned” before being stripped and the fact that for many, it will not solve the fundamental problem that the advice to enter the investment was unsuitable.
Informal discussions with HIG have been a mixed bag. Some times things go smoothly, sometimes not. The 34 questions are still unanswered and the assurance on asset disposal is worryingly outstanding.
Investors need to take matters into their own hands.
Basic Proposal
The basic proposal is that an investor trust would be established to hold the rights of all consenting investors. This trust would own a holding company which would in turn own the assets of Harlequin. This would create a safe haven for the assets.
The investors as a group have no experience in running hotels or developing property in the Caribbean. However, approaches have been received by hotel management businesses and development companies who would be contracted to undertake the work.
The practicality is that once the assets are ring fenced, they will be able to be developed and sold. They will be sold from a position of strength, rather than weakness. An orderly wind down will be the primary objective. As part of that approach there is nothing to stop interested investors acquiring units at Buccament Bay. The other developments would need to be assessed for viability. If they cannot or will not work, they should be stopped. No point throwing good money after bad.
Ames Family
The acquiescence of the Ames family is the key to any investor bid. They would need to transfer their equity and given a motivating reason to do so. HIG have communicated with Ames, Eleven Capital and Baker Clarke setting out a start point and inviting a response.
The Ames family have done very well out of Harlequin. They may feel it is morally time to move to one side.
The Alternatives
The alternatives are :-
(a) The Eleven Capital restructure – HIG does not believe that sufficient investor support will be obtained in the timescale needed. The plan itself if not the issue. It is the timescale of the FCA permission, the need to obtain almost uniform support and the nerves about Ames family equity involvement in the future.
(b) Some form of liquidation – Eleven Capital have already painted the picture of a 10p in the £1 return. What we do know is that this option is the most likely if no restructure takes place.
(c) An investor led restructure – This stands more chance of working as investors are likely to support their own mutual interests.
Bid Vehicle
Investor support will be needed. HIG feel the support exists. However, the first thing which will be needed is to establish an investor bid vehicle and to undertake a due diligence process. The key issues are :_
Will the current Harlequin senior management allow this process ?
What will the terms of the Ames exit be ?
If the process is frustrated by the current Harlequin senior management then the chances of a successful resolution are very bleak. We have asked Mr Ames to return to us (with his advisers) promptly to start the process. If he ignores HIG then it will show contempt for investors. It will also more or less guarantee the outcome Mr Ames (and Eleven Capital) are at pains to seek to avoid.
Timescale
HIG have emailed Mr Ames noting their interest and asking for permission to prepare a bid vehicle and undertake due diligence.
The HIG team will seek to engage and agree terms as soon as possible. This will not be possible without understanding the current position of Harlequin. It may be that HIG feel nothing can be done. If so, this would be reported to investors.
The next stage is for any deal to be explained to investors . Investor views will canvassed. If the deal is supported then the formal documents to make the deal happen will be issued to both Harlequin and investors.
A deadline to complete the deal will be issued to all parties. Investor Meetings to explain the structure will be set up with the help of Harlequin.
Within the investor population we have people from accounting, legal, architectural, engineering backgrounds etc. We have the intellectual capital to pull this together.
Finance
Only when HIG have “seen the books” and understood what the immediate needs are can we understand what finance will be needed.
Remember, investors will approach financiers with unencumbered assets and without the current debt disputes. This makes the proposal significantly more attractive than the Eleven Capital proposal.
Conclusion
Investors need to be proactive and make a deal happen. If not, the alternative is as set out by Eleven Capital in their note last week.
It may be that the Ames Family would prefer some form of liquidation procedure (as set out by Eleven Capital) rather than hand over the investor assets to the investors. Time will tell. Mr Ames has the perfect opportunity to act in the interests of investors – will he take it ?
We will report back as soon as we have a response, but certainly by close on the 11th June 2013.
HIG
Mmmm let me think.!!!!!
Leave it to the Ames family to hide and protect our assets, or have a fully transparent process with investor input, ran by people who are honest with a vested interest in making it work, not filling their own pockets!!!!
Very difficult that!
Get ride of all the Harlequin scum management and legal team, that’s just saved millions.
I have no knowledge of building a resort, but for £400 MILLION for a few shacks! and a beach that washes away, come on.
Mind you Dan’s little property empire back in Essex would be worth a few quid.
@ Carols new white teeth
In amongst all of the talk of due diligence etc I’ve yet to see any indication that anyone is investigating the viability of the actual product – ie the resort at BB and Hotel Blu, which is are only assets. Has anyone who knows anything about tourism and running hotels been contracted to advise? If not it looks as if any ‘rescue’ plan is yet another rehash of the original flawed model.
There are still some who seem to believe that once the airport is operational BB cannot fail and that SVG will replace Barbados etc as the leading tourism destination in the Caribbean. They just will not let go of the grand vision and fantasy that Ames created.
Such ignorance is dangerous.
Regarding the new airport this opinion piece should be essential reading. It is only one mans opinion (not me) but it contains very pertinent points.
http://www.iwnsvg.com/2013/06/03/ten-400-seater-jets-a-day-at-argyle-possible/
We are seasoned, scarred, experienced, resort developers – Portugal (5), Gambia (1), Caribbean (2). We do not, repeat, DO NOT, touch greenfield sites at present. Neither do any of our colleagues and competitors. There are so many struggling resorts around that we can pick them off, upgrade them for very little capital expenditure, manage them better and enhance the yield. Why have the hassle of a build out? Hence Merricks, St Lucia, Dominican Republic have no value to us or anyone else in the real world. If Mr Ames owns the freehold interest in and has consent on all of these (oh yeah?) then our opinion is good luck to HIG. BB has little or no value – all the units are allegedly owned by “investors” so the only value is in the facilites and consented freehold land. But they can’t complete as good old DA hasn’t come up with their mortgages. And they are all gagged so can’t go to the press for fear of losing their deposits.
HIG – Rescue plan? – you are going nowhere – it is hot air. £300m spunked to date – now what? You will find nothing if you try to sieze the assets, it’s all gone, Do you really think Dave is stupid enough to leave any assets for you to sequestre? He’s about ten steps ahead of you
There was never any chance of institutional funding being provided for developments since KSF went bust and the other major lender in the area, Deutsche Bank (if you know what you are talking about you will know the relevance), pulled out. There is no plan on earth that will rescue this situation – investors – you are all sunk. Do not put any more money in! Trust in God, pray, do what you want. Your money has gone. Get over it. Fools and their money never had greater relevance. Engage an International lawyer, sieze all the assets in the Caribbean and then see what you have. Very little of any value sadly.
And my reason for this post?
I went to an early agents meeting to check out the “competition”
I played along as an interested agent
I was disgusted by the greed of agents and IFA’s who realised they could earn 33% of any investment made by their clients. YES – Investors – your friendly IFA knicked 33% of your deposit – LOL
I was shouted down by Harlequins “Network Director” when I pointed out that their claim of 95% occupancy in Y1 was complete fantasy. The reality is 35% – 40% in Y1. As they’ve found out with the recession it’s now nearer 25% and BB is haemorraging.
I was shouted down by the “Network Director” when I pointed out that there was no development finance available in the Caribbean from any lender so they could not build out any of the resorts as their “reserves” had been paid out to agents and marketing (and keeping the now defunct HMSSE Ltd going) .
I was shouted down when I pointed out that the model depended on Dave producing mortgages for everyone when no institution would lend in the Caribbean – so no completions, no cash back to investors, no bank rolling future developments. .
Is the Network Director now going to let the FCA take control of the extensive BTL portfolio she accumulated on the back of the commission from foolish, misguided, investors? That’s investors money you are living off “Network Director”. I noticed your perky little weekly success stories stopped around mid Jan. Did you see the writing on the wall and do a runner? Have you disclosed your ill gotten gains to the SFO yet? Are they reading this? Are you going to put your hands up and liquidate your BTL portfolio and hand it over to beleaguered investors?
Step forward Katherine Manderfield, nee Wooller and give the investors back some of their money.
Oh – one small point – we looked at a site in the west of St V in 2008, but with no International Airport it did not stack. There are some posts on here by some very clued up resort consultants who know that and have proved it. The investors in BB were mugged off on day 1, there was never any chance of enough transfers by light aircraft to make this resort work.
When we told the locals that Harlequin were going to develop in BB they fell off their chairs laughing as the area has a FRA (Flood Risk Assessment) of 10 i.e.every ten years it floods – totally – everything is washed away. In the UK, despite an appalling record of building in flood plains by our home grown developers, this site would never secure consent. Investors – you have put your faith, your trust and your money in a company that was aware of this from Day 1. Good luck to you all!
And we own a consented site in a beautiful location on a fabulous safe vibrant tranquil island with a large international airport and we’re going to have to sit on it for five years as we can’t see it stacking if we build it out! But then, we respect investors and we do not want to sully our reputation and take any risks with their money.
@Algarvee. Perhaps you would like to debate the impact of the new airport with BBaywatch who is of the opinion that an international airport will have no impact on the success of BB. So who is the expert on this one then?
@algarvec – thank you….I always learn something new. I was not
familiar with FRA’s (Flood Risk Assessments) but it is so patently
obvious when visiting the actual sight that its a bit scary. I visited over
of period of 6 years (2007-2012) and the back road (still unpaved) to
the two condo buildings was always muddy. And I mean big time muddy.
copied from a very earlier the thread.
You do have some valid comments but I will clarify some of your comments Ridgeview construction of Barbados started the project on B.B. Ridgeview had on site a team of staff capable of carrying out any project in the world and finishing on time and quality assured. All our construction managers on site have worked on far bigger projects around the world all our foreman had previously worked on Canouan beach resort working to high standards most of our artisans had previously worked on Canouan with myself.We had a quality assurance scheme based on Costain Construction Q.A. gates system briefly the system is no operation can proceed until it has been signed of as complete and built to spec. Records of the Q.A.system whilst Ridgeview were on site I still have access to. The planning officer of Barbados visited the site to check the quality as we were to also build in Barbados his comments were as follows it is the best run site he has seen for along time and the quality of workmanship is excellent.
To clarify risk of flood B.B. is built on a flood plain when Ridgeview started the project we did realise this and changed the original design of the foundations from strip footings as shown on the drawings to a raft foundation Barbados engineers designed the revised design we then determined the 25 year flood level and raised the terrace levels by one meter. The only risk of flood I would worry about would be from the ocean as the beach front cabanas were built 4meters over the flood line towards the ocean as instructed by the developer so that he could squeeze another two cabanas in much to my disgust this can and should be checked.The apartment blocks were constructed by Cellate/Ice construction not Ridgeview construction I do agree Cellate Ice did not have the experienced staff on site.Ridgeview left the site two years ago you have seen the site as of today not a lot as been achieved and it has cost the developer a lot of money Colin you must have worked on the site after Ridgeview left and ICE construction then carried on any queries from anyone on re B.B. I will give you an honest answer I do hope the project finishes as I still have many friends in S.V. who would love to work on B.B.
Regards
Algarvec/Anon 7:21
Thank you both for bringing intelligence back to this thread. It was
becoming so puerile that it was painful to read. Now if 100 posts later this
afternoon we will have experienced a winning trifecta.
Algarvee – you must have been really bored to be bothered writing a fairy story that must have taken all evening!
There’s a lot easier ways of trolling than that you know!
BB prices dropped by 30 % from one week ago for exact travel dates…..inflated and professionally written TA reviews are obviously not driving enough business at “list” prices.
I predict that. 50 % or higher discounts will be offered soon as desperation sets in .
Anonymous – interesting post, brought some reality and sense to the postings again.
Have you seen any development going ahead on any Caribbean island recently and if so do you know provided the development funding? We have one development going on over here on island but the developer is self funding – they couldn’t get any institutional funding. They are big hitters, if they can’t get it then it’s not available. However, it might help HIG if you know of anyone out there lending.
As what you constructed at BB is sound it’s a starting point for any “rescue plan” if any money is left (which I sadly doubt) and a QS would need to advise on the ICE work. Hopefully someone credible was overseeing that and genuinely signed it off.
I have possibly lost the plot but the original (and very flawed model) depended on 70% mortgages being provided to pay off the investor’s loans on their deposits and provide Harlequin with the finance to pay back their construction loan. But there are no mortgages, so what is the exit route for any institution providing development funding to build the units out? Without a guaranteed exit route no one will lend. I assume that’s why very few (if any?) completions have taken place at BB?
Unfortunately the other reality for investors is that even if development funding could be secured and all the units finished off to an acceptable standard, if mortgages can be sourced to pay the loans back and the development funding repaid, the whole Caribbean is struggling for occupancy! No one is immune. So how the hell do you get the occupancy up quickly enough to get to positive cash flow? And who is going to bank roll the void period before then which may be three or four years?
My earlier rant was due to my credibility being questioned three years ago – no more of that then Roy, point taken. Can we keep this to positive contributions to try to help investors who somehow in the first instance need a coordinated approach to try to secure all the assets left. Do not go for winding up – there will be nothing left for you; and do you all still think that “negotiating” with the person who has already taken £300m off you and created this mess is wise? Work together, find out what is left, where it is, and get your hands on it, then engage an independent resort specialist to prepare a report (no Roy, not me, I am too jaundiced about this fiasco to be objective) of what could be done with what you have, then make an informed decision.
A jolly good one this.
All,
Our clients who hold Statutory Demands appear to have been targeted to offer them the opportunity to complete. It appears that the Harlequin machine is whirring at full speed trying to generate further completion monies. We have advised all our clients to reject any such approach. You may ask why ?
Why you need to exercise strict caution if you are considering completing
1. The land holding company Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited has one piece of land registered to it. It does have other pieces of land which have not been formally registered. Our lawyers in SVG tell us that until a piece of land is registered it does not have the same degree of legal protection.
The letter enclosed told us in February 2013 that only one parcel of land is owned. Land Title Letter – click on the link
When we checked no sub division of the land has occured. We cannot find one single piece of evidence to confirm to us that any investor has obtained formal legal title to any land. We are happy to be corrected and will publish any evidence of sub division if we obtain it.
Harlequin – if you can show us a sub division of title registered in the name of an investor, we will publish it immediately.
2. If you do not have legal title and you hand over money you take further significant risk. Do not part with a penny until you have the transfer of legal title completed.
3. The current company structure will be re-organised in the near future. Any investor with any sense would wait and see what happens first. It is better to be certain.
4. Who are you being asked to pay money to ? Only one company has title to Buccament Bay.
5. Remember, without a land law right (eg title), you will only have a contractual right. A contractual right would be defeated in the event of Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited being placed into a liquidation proceedure like Harlequin Management Services (South East) Limited.
Use Independent Lawyers in SVG
We can recommend lawyers who are independent in SVG. We use Williams & Williams. Their letter give you their contact details.
What we find flabbergasting is that the same people who promised “Guaranteed Mortgages”, monies held separately etc are still on the phone trying to raise further monies. These people are acting without morals as they know that investors who hand over monies without title have no security.
Escrow Account
Properly instructed, Regulatory Legal Solicitors is prepared to hold any monies in escrow pending proof of land title. We are prepared to act as a safe haven as we feel this both appropriate and sensible.
Advice on Completion
If you would like to discuss any completion “proposal” made by Harlequin please contact us. Do not under any circumstances sign anything.
Conclusion
The Harlequin machine needs to focus on a re-structure. Whether it be Harlequin or Investor led this needs to be the priority. The only priority.
Regulatory Legal Solicitors
It’s over Ames, and well you know it, piss off and hope you don’t go to jail.
Nb to staff, how long do you think you have left? how is the job market for scheming scum in Basildon…… Uncle Dave has not protected you has he?
😉 there is a God after all!!!
Well Dave, lets face it you made a right balls up, its time to stand aside and salvage what little credibility you have left.
If you don’t it’s impossible for you to recover for this even in your little world!
Just go you have failed and nobody wants you or your family involved – so go away!
I wonder how Dave enjoyed his little trip to SVG this week? is Ralf still you mate? Are your sure, things are not always what they seem.
There are dark forces at work here, and Ames has no idea or control over them, the Bilderburg Group is nothing compared to us.
Roy – I’m now looking for a nice low stress job when Harlequin closes, I have made sufficient cash from the healthy commissions that I’m only wanting part time too.
Infidel impostor ROWTCMS.
Good will chase you assets too 😉
Dear investors and agents,
As you are aware from our recent updates, Harlequin is endeavouring to restructure the business for the benefit of all parties – a considerable undertaking that requires time and sure-footed actions to ensure the best outcome. The key aims of the process are securing the futures of Harlequin and its investors, accelerating development and meeting obligations to creditors. We sincerely appreciate the patience and support the overwhelming majority of you have demonstrated during this period.
Unfortunately, whilst this critical and intricate work takes place, the Gareth Fatchett/R Legal sideshow has raged on. Mr Fatchett has repeated his proposal to take control of Harlequin (using only his minority of investor clients), which we believe is unrealistic and could result in the vast majority of investors losing their money.
Whilst the idea is ill-conceived and unrealistic in practice, the underlying threat that R Legal’s proposed course of action poses to Harlequin and our investors could have very serious consequences at a time when Harlequin is communicating with potential financiers.
We are witnessing the escalation of an erratic campaign that has seen Mr Fatchett claim false prominence in our restructuring process and pleading for cool heads and a cooperative approach, whilst forcefully spreading negative PR in the media and being as disruptive as possible to Harlequin. He continues to speak with members of the press, websites and other media to spread his propaganda which, in many cases is inaccurate and misleading. An example of this appears in a recent statement he made which he sent out to his online supporters where he stated in relation to title at Buccament Bay:
“When we checked no subdivision of land has occurred”
This is false. The registered land at Buccament Bay on which the completed properties have been built has indeed been sub-divided and a copy of the official plan to show this is attached. What Mr Fatchett fails to appreciate is the fact that title has been sub-divided by the Chief Land Surveyor of St Vincent and each purchaser will register the sub-divided plot with the new title number on completion. In other words, when a purchaser completes and receives the property, it is registered under the new title number for that sub-divided piece of land. This demonstrates a lack of understanding of the conveyancing procedure in St Vincent from a firm that is suggesting that you hand over monies for it to hold in escrow.
R Legal has also suggested that Harlequin Management Services (South East) Limited has been placed into a “liquidation procedure”. Again, this is not true. The company is in administration which is entirely different from a liquidation procedure.
A main gripe of Mr Fatchett’s has been Harlequin not answering a list of questions he provided on behalf of his group. Please understand that Harlequin seeks to be as open and transparent as possible with its investors, but many of the questions simply cannot and should not be answered. This is partly due to their commercial sensitivity and Harlequin’s desire to focus on the restructuring process but another factor is Mr Fatchett’s plainly hostile intent. Some of the questions are also irrelevant.
Harlequin is seeking the best outcome for all investors, but our main concern has to lie with the overwhelming majority of supportive investors who want the business to succeed and a future return on their investment; we do not want a minority with a loud mouthpiece to damage the interests of the majority.
We understand that a growing group of investors have identified the threat and are uniting against the harm he has caused and still seeks to cause to their investments.
Harlequin’s focus remains, as it should be, on restructuring the business so it can complete its projects and create more award-winning resorts.
Kind regards,
Harlequin
Well lots owed in back commission, so don’t give me that crap. What’s your PT job kissing arse
LLMIB – if you were actually an employee of harlequin where are your scruples? You have been doing what Ames has, living off investors deposits! dimwit!
I never claimed to be an employee of harlequin I’m an IFA with my commission fully paid up!
Since when have Harlequin employees (or the Ames family) had scruples?
Thieving scum all of them!
@LMITB. I’m surprised you have made no comment about the BB block diagram signed off by the Lands and Surveys Dept SVG on thev15th May. You did know about this didn’t you? Perhaps not then. This clearly shows the number of Cabanas as 113 plus the apartment block.
These Friday night mails from Ames are a joke !! Total garbage.. Its all Ego and more wait – trust me and anti Fatchet content…. Not interested .. Your a con man… He will never answer the questions so we know where this will all end up now
All,
Harlequin Update
We are disappointed, but not entirely surprised at the latest Friday release by Harlequin.
After taking £400m from investors and promising “guaranteed mortgages”, on time completion dates etc you should expect scrutiny. Regulatory Legal acts for and HIG represents a large proportion of investors. Our objective is a fair outcome. A fair outcome will not happen if pressure is not applied to Harlequin in this process.
Restructure / Due Diligence / 34 Questions
The Eleven Capital re-structure will require Financial Conduct Authority permission (amongst other things). FCA permission will take months. In that time, Harlequin is going to be in limbo.
HIG have been invited to make an offer by David Ames on behalf of investors. Clearly to do that, due diligence would need to be undertaken. An investor led offer would not be limited to RL clients or HIG members. It would be negotiated and then offered to all investors. To suggest that a minority want to take Harlequin over is plain wrong.
The reality appears to be that Harlequin do not want anyone to look into their books. The 34 Questions posed by HIG to David Ames remain unanswered. The excuse is that they are commercially sensitive. Have a look for yourselves at the Questions again. They are searching, but they only ask what any investor should be entitled to know. HIG Questions – 18th April 2013 – please click on the link
Re-Financing
A re-financing by normal mainstream lenders requires the company structure to be in order. The main asset holder Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited is not in order as at the 4th June 2013. Our lawyers in the Caribbean reported to us on the 5th June 2013 as follows :-
“The company is in default of its obligations under the companies act in that.
Annual returns for 2012 are outstanding
Financial statements for the period April 30th 2007- April 30th 2008 and April 30th 20011 to April 30th 2012 are outstanding.
Please find attached the certificate of status dated the 4th June 2013. ”
HPSVG – Certificate of Status – please click on the link
If we did not undertake these investigations, then investors would not understand the position. It is no surprise that Harlequin do not like it. After all, £400m has been collected from investors during a period in which the Harlequin companies were in default of their filing obligations in the Caribbean.
Land Title
The sub division plan simply lists the properties on the 11 acres of land owned by HPSVG.
The more pertinent question is how many of these properties have been transferred to investors ?
We suspect none. May be Harlequin next Friday could produce copies of completed transfers and provide us evidence. We are more than happy to stand corrected.
Harlequin Management Services (South East) LImited “HMSSE”
To suggest that the administration of HMSSE is not an insolvency procedure is plain wrong. Administration is governed under the Insolvency Act 1986. The clue is in the title. The Notice of Intention to appoint provides the reason for the procedure. HMSSE – Notice to Appoint
Investors
The suggestion that RL damage investments by acting for our own clients and assisting HIG is frankly silly. The damage to investments has come from :-
(a) high commissions and management charges applied to investor receipts
(b) chaotic building project management
(c) inadequate financial governance (with two auditors resigning)
(d) promises of “Guaranteed Mortgages” which appear not to exist
Conclusion
The Harlequin update is another “it is not our fault” PR exercise. Frankly, it is the fault of Harlequin. They have received the £400m. They obligated themselves to build across the Caribbean.
RL will keep on prosecuting the case of it’s clients.
HIG will keep on seeking a fair resolution for all investors.
Regulatory Legal Solicitors
@Roy Orbison Wants to Cook my Sock
We know who you are Roy, AKA whatsthe fuss etc, so don’t be a silly billy.
whatsthefuss is not an IFA, so, decide who or what you with to be today, don’t forget to use your spell check 😉
Let me introduce myself…….
My name has changed to an appropriate one!
If you actually read the RL update it is clear to anyone with even the most pro Harlequin Trolls its over.
Even the paid trolls must be getting a little worried, because they won’t be getting paid!!
HP and especially the Teflon Dwarf, need to hand it over, or suffer the consequences of all the combined strength of the regulatory bodies and the wrath of investors.
When the time is right, they will all be galvanized and take HP and the family to financial ruin.
HP staff, don’t stick your neck out for him, he will ‘shaft’ you when your no longer needed.
Yastinkiteasy
Slagging off beautifulBuccament Bay will not stop the rapid decline of tourism in Barbados. It will not stop the rapid escalation of the crime rate in Barbados. It will do nothing to counteract the rudeness shown by some Bajans to tourists. Just to remind you, with extracts from another thread, these are the major reasons why the outlook for Barbados tourism is so bleak.
“I am not coming back to Barbados after 31 years of yearly visits”
” Knock, knock, who’s there? Not me, you dumb f**k. I’ll go to another island to spend my money. Congrat’s Barbados, you have become a banana republic”
” My wife and I had been going to settle in Barbados but after everything that has happened in recent times, we have changed our minds. Thankfully, there are many other nice places on earth. It will be Spain, Malta, Thailand or any other island in the Caribbean”
” We went into a shop in Swan Street last year. Both assistants were lying down and didn’t even bother to get up or serve us”
“Don’t expect money and love coming to your crime polluted island in the future….. Harassment causes hatred. Why don’t you just lock the bastards away? Barbados is now mouse dead to the tourists and absolutely unimportant, so why bother. Bye bye , useless island”
” There have been serious attacks on foreign visitors, including armed robbery and sexual assault as well as opportunist theft of wallets, handbags and jewellry and personal possessions. Firearms and other weapons have been used in some of these attacks. Victims of sexual assault have criticised the Barbados authoritie’s response including the level of support received”
” Barbados has developed into a no-go banana republic…….Barbados is not important anymore and all and nobody abroad will care. When the violent locals are about to die out, a new tribe might set foot and make it a good place again. Until that happens, I will warn everybody not to set foot on that bloodstained island”
Yastinkiteasy,you say you are off to the DR for a holiday. Whats wrong with Barbados? Are you frightened of getting pistol whipped on your own beaches or of being mugged bythe Bascobel Toll Gang or MS/13? Is it unsafe using an ATM, knowing you will most likely be relieved of your withdrawal and may get knifed or shot in the process?
Are you going to the DR because homosexuality is not a crime there? Are you going there as there isconsiderably less chance to contact HIV? (Cases of HIV are 50% higher in Barbados than the rest of the Caribbean. True? ) Hiv cannot be eliminated with a DEET spray.
Is it true that the St Lawrence Gap has been renamed “Crack Alley”?
Is it true that the only profitable enterprises in Barbados are those supplying 8’x 4′ plywood panels to the hotel industry/
When visiting Barbados, there are much more important concerns than a few mosquitoes. You cannot eliminate your problems with a DEET spray. I would rather be bitten by a mosquito than by a bullet.
Yastinkiteasy, you are a prime contributor in destroying your economy. All you do is to spend your time trying to rubbish the one developer who is trying to turn your near defunct tourism industry around.
One day, someone will take it upon themselves to contact the world’s press and TV stations ( maybe even Panorama) and get them to run features on the sad decline of Barbados into a no-go area. What will happen then to those brothers and sisters of yours who try to live a decent life? The problems faced by investors and developers will amount to nothing compared with those of your island community. And you stand idly by! It really will be curtains. Tick, tock.
B Baywatch
What a strange individual you are! Anyone can see the recent Trip Advisor review you have referred to is a collation of the few complaints arising from previous posts. A poor review such as this sticks out like a sore thumb amongst the multitude of excellent ones. Many of the terms used copy those negatives used before almost word for word. This concoction was probably in response to Trip Advisor awarding beautiful Buccament Bay a Certificate of Excellence.
as for you not wishing for ” louts” to visit the Caribbean, it would appear you have far, far more than your fair share already. ( see above)
This thread has once again deteriorated withh much crude comment, probably in response to the increased number of poor quality, misleading, factually incorrect posts put on by you and Yastinkiteasy.
Fatchett Does Not Represent Me
Yes Yastinkiteasy did say he was going to nick the hoarding from around H Hotel. See his post May 30th 11.55
Didn’t Trip Advisor take down a load of reviews a while ago because they were all fake ie written by IFAs, investors, and employees of Harlequin? I see one of the recent positive reviews gushed on about the Acting/Singing academy oblivious to the fact that the actors have packed up and gone home. It’s still being advertised but is not going to be open in June, September and October. How disappointing for the kiddies. Trader Vics is also advertised as open. Tsk tsk.
It is so obvious that many are stage managed.
LLMIB – I am quite well acedemically qualified so have no reason to work for a fraud – oh hold neither do you your pretending to! Why don’t we compare all our qualifications against Croziers? If your into spelling so much try watching countdown rather than pretend your somebody your not! You also have a fetish for usernames too – I change mine whenever I like to suit what’s going on on the forum – I never realised it was a necessity to keep your same username forever? Nobhead!
Earlier on in the week you weren’t even aware Dave was away for a week!
Presumably Harlequin will not be proceeding “apace” with Merricks and the h Hotel, then? All because of the terrible crime problems in Barbados, not because they spent the £400 million of investors money on themselves, aircraft, Carter Ruck, £1 million PR events……
Meanwhile, in crime free St Vincent:
http://i-witness-news.com/2013/05/20/svg-records-6th-murder-since-april-29/
[For those interested in the facts the murder rate in Barbados per 100,000 population is 11.3, in St Vincent it is 22.9 (Source: UNODC)]
@harlisucess
Since I got scammed by Ames I am having cash flow problems. I need a job how much will I earn if I do your job. I am very good at lying and creating propaganda solutions for all different levels of victims. Please help.
Oh yes if any SFO or FCA officer is reading this. You are too slow, get on with it.
@Roy Orbison Wants to Cook my Sock or should I say whatsthefuss, intheknow etc etc
Once you resort to profanities it is viewed by those who have more IQ of a a snail, you have lost the argument.
I assume you will start your illiterate rambling on me now?
@whatthefuss
What’s up been told off by Dave?
Have you finally decided you have been conned out of your money too? or has he not paid you? Join the club
Tut tut what a shame, could not have happened to a nicer person 😉 especially as you have been so kind and supportive of people.
I just received this email which I think should have gone to Dumb Dumber and Lobotomised:
Dear Mr Dumb Dumber and Lobotomised
I am writing in respect of your application to take over the role of PR apologist for the Harlequin group of companies.
I am sorry to inform you that the post is currently occupied by Mr Harlisuccess who is ably assisted by a team of internet trolls.
While we can see that there are some shortcomings in Mr Harlisucess’s work (vis no-one believes a word he writes), because he is a mate of Mr Ames we will not be looking to replace him.
Thank you for your interest in the position.
We are currently recruiting pressure sales people (those from a share fraud boiler-room background would be considered suitable) and for a personal getaway driver for a senior member of staff. If you are interested in either of those positions, please apply to Harlequin through the normal channels
Yours sincerely
PS Please note that whether or not you have a Police Certificate of Character is important in relation to these positions. If you have one, you will not be considered.
@ SAD Roy Orbison Wants to Cook my Sock
Just for you
@Hardlysuccessatallwithharlequin your lame attempt to booster Harlequins success as a developer by trashing Barbados and by calling me a prime contributor to destroying the Barbados economy is not only pathetically feeble, but quite laughable . Come on now your desperation is showing.
I’m enjoying a real 5 star resort in Punta Cana, attending a Wedding of a family member. They tell me over here that nothing has been started at any of the two resorts in DR that Harlequin has been selling for years. Then again, I’m sure you know that already.
Don’t worry all my fans, you really do seem obsessed by me and when not me FDNRM.
All is well and why would you think my friendship with Mr Ames would be under strain? We have never been closer!
All is fine have not been posting as I was doing a lecture at Northumberland University on Diplomacy!
All you meaningless people who don’t know me but love to throw insults please carry on disrupting the thread – you are fulfilling my role as a troll!
Please keep feeding the troll!
I’m in a caravan park in Yarmouth. Could BBaywatch tell me if there has been any recent trip advisor postings I should know about? Also will the future plans for Norwich airport effect the number of visitors to the caravan site.
@icy4wya, thank you for your comment. I feel my credibility has increased due to your personnel recommendation.
I have decided on a more appropriate alter ego, ‘The Equaliser
Anyway, regarding the investor led take over – this is how is see it working…. Or not.
· Ames puts the SVG company into liquidation, simply put because it can not pay its debts when they fall due = insolvent.
· ‘investors’ buy it for a nominal fee and take on the liabilities of the ‘investors’ but not the other debts – these will be victims of this Ames scheme / scam
· ‘investors’ run the company after doing due diligence on it, it could be it’s that damaged it’s just not a viable option – but until ‘Teflon Dwarf’ lets people look its only guess work.
· ‘investors’ get rid of the debt and ‘dead wood’ legal team, Ames family, hangers on and general Harlequin riff raff – the cost saving on this alone will be huge.
· ‘Investors’ get updates, and a open book policy regarding their investment.
Look at the alternative, Mr One man band accountant, Mr Cannon, director, or sales manager with several names and positions on linkedin combined with twice bankrupt Ames who cocked it up with £400million, who won’t produce accounts, lies, bullies people, currently being investigated by pretty much anyone and everyone.
Not difficult is it?
@Roy Orbison Wants to Cook my Sock AKA whatsthefuss, intheknow
So, dumbo you have admitted you have a job as a Troll,
I hope your wife and family are proud of you. You seem to have been very inactive since Dave told you off for going OTT – or you scared now?
I am assuming you have a wife or is Dave your bum chum
Ames out anyone in!!!!!!!!!!!!
Out with the short one!!!!!!!!!!!
Its simple, the Ames family must go and the senior management, then he wont be able to pay whatsthefuss and FDNRM
Whats the Fuss = snitch for Dave Ames
He knows he has been caught out and is spinning like a top ! Will he help Dave out this week ?
Dave will cast him aside like if he has no more use. How sad to be used in that way.
@ The Equaliser!
Your cunning plan has a number of flaws.
1. There are many SVG companies (see my post 13th May 7.06 pm) and it is not clear which of them owns what, or owes what. If I was Mr Ames I would be building up losses in one company so I could jettison it and hang on to everything else – exactly as he did with HMSSE. The Administrator from the UK is possibly the most likely cause of any liquidation in SVG but again, who knows which company owes the money to the UK? Buccament Bay resort may survive this process, at least until its mounting losses catch up with it.
2. So if you get through stage 1, “investors buy it for a nominal fee”. Well investors could buy it, but it would be at the best price the liquidator could get for it which might not be that high, but might also not be nominal. The investors would have to raise money to do this. Do they have the ability to do this? Would they have the stomach for it? If they do, they are taking on the obligation to run the resort, pay the wages etc. Its a big undertaking and a huge step from being arms-length investors in a financial product. And are you seriously saying that you would advise buying it without knowing what its financial position is?
3. “Take on the liabilities of the investors”. All investors, or just the ones who opt to put in more money to fund the purchase? The latter, I guess, which is sensible, but leaves a whole bunch of people who don’t have the funds to invest with next to nothing from the liquidation..
Don’t get me wrong, I am no exponent of the alternative spelled out in your penultimate paragraph, I just don’t agree with your final statement; I think its fiendishly difficult.
It ALL goes back to Square One…………
First – Get rid of Ames by whatever legal means possible
2nd – Do NOTHING until a total forensic audit is completed.
(No one at this time knows what the total financial picture is, with
the possible exception of Ames….and even that is doubtful)
Any rescue effort absolutely requires knowing what it is you are rescuing
What did you think I was doing on here if I wasn’t trolling you numbnut!!
I never said I wasn’t an agitator!
Dave Ames tell me off? Dave has no input into what is said on here as far as I am aware!! Secondly how can Dave tell me off? I’m not answerable or controlled by DA!
Whats the fuss = snitch / grass / patsy – What has WTF got to grass on DA about? Grass to who?
What you talking about I’m lost!
@Roy Orbison wants to Cook my Sock AKA WTF & Intheknoow etc etc
When in a hole stop digging, your other personality WTF just does not understand when its time to shut up, are you are simply too dumb to understand?
Are you still having a tantrum after being banned from the blog ? shame didums you can say something rude and nasty now? please do us all and yourself a favor and go away.
Equaliser! – I am certainly not WTF, although I do know him, he has stopped using the blog at Gareth Fatchetts request!! And you morons thin its DA that asked him not to blog!!
I thought it was Erica Broughton was the snitch, giving out personal messages and identifying peoples identities against their user names?? This was what Paul Walton has said anyway!
So how does the make WTF a snitch if he was the one snitched on?
The Ames cartel simply must go, They can no longer carry on, its actually embarrassing to watch them scurry round like rats. Have a little dignity and leave nobody wants you or trusts you.
You will be bankrupt for the third time very soon. You have failed.
Roy Orbison wants to Cook my Sock AKA WTF. Intheknow etc
Your the same person, don’t be silly. Nobody else writes with sooooooo many errors as you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Who said WTF is a he? You need to stop, and do so now.
Poor Smelling – Back on the GCSE marking nonsense again are we, multiple people multiple times have discussed spelling is irrelevant on here and 1or 2 people have also said they are dyslexic and are self conscious so you idiot keep thinking it has any relevance!
You don’t know WTF and I can tell this by some of your naïve comments!
So tell me why he is a grass please??
Equaliser – So rather that whine and whinge on this pointless forum, why don’t you do something productive to rectify things?
The words clueless moaner springs to mind!
@Roy Orbison wants to Cook my Sock
That’s why I mentioned the spelling, because you have under your various reincarnations.
Its you that has the hang up nobody else, is it a sore point? Why did Ames pick someone with such a condition to blog for him?
Just go away snitch 😉
@Roy Orbison wants to Cook my Sock
You have no idea what I have done, but don’t worry about me I am covered from all angles.
So you think! There’s no such thing, your heads full of magic if you think you can get out unscathed!!! I’m not worrying I think your funny!
Poor Smelling – Wrong on every count, I have no issue with anyones spelling, its trivial.
Secondly I troll for my own amusement David Ames has never asked me to post anything, nor would I if he asked!
Oh now I’m a snitch as well as WTF, is this playground stuff to accompany your spelling fetish?
So who have I told tales on now!!!! See how pathetic that sounds?
What the Fuss is a snitch. Be careful with him.
Pretends to be an investor and then spies for Ames.
We will be revealing him this week as such. He has a decision to make. Will he bottle it ?
TWC – I know for a fact that WTF is an investor so your information is a crock!
What can he snitch about and to who?
Wasn’t Broughton said to be the snitch earlier this week, exposing peoples personal details?
I’m going to email him directly as your a liar!
@ The Wigan Club
Roy Orbison wants to Cook my Sock aka WTF intheknow.
Like all snitches, liars and bullies he will bottle it………but what’s he bottling???
Poor spelling is important, but you are just uneducated and out of your league, so go back to you benefits and stop pretending to be something or someone else.
Poor Smelling Countdown Fan – Another snob who thinks that people who are on benefits are only scroungers or workshy people!
You sound like you go to the Tory Party Conferences!!
Only valid part of the crap that was written is what the snitches bit is about, what does he know to snitch about that’s relevant to anything?
@AOTF, whoever takes over at HP will still be paying me. Believe me.
FDNRM – I normally agree with your approach to matters on here but in this instance I must question your last statement.
If the rescue plan fails the business will be liquidated then there is nothing and nobody to make you a payment!
Sorry I’m referring to any investor led rescue.
fdnrm-
Touche’ mon ami…you seem to be well ahead of the pack. Let’s just
count the ways:
a – You went on a Caribbean cruise last summer paid for by a relative
and managed to visit BB when Kingstown was a port of call. However were
miffed that you had to pay for your lunch. What a callous way for BB
to treat t a property owner with provable title.
b – You drove to the law offices of Garrett to prove to him that you indeed
held such a title but were so pinched for funds that you demanded and
accepted 100 quid gas money.
c – You have made demands of BFP to start a new tread because it
was becoming to difficult while sitting on the loo scrolling down hundreds
and hundreds of entries on your cherished “life-support” i-pad.
d – You are currently enjoying a well-earned holiday at a caravan
park, (really high class that….its seems to shout loud and clear
the term trailer trash) yet with hundreds, maybe thousands losing
their homes and retirement incomes you and you alone rise above
the teeming masses and shall continue to prosper.
Mon ami, has it dawned on you just how truly loathesome you
have made yourself appear?
FDNRM and WTF aka Roy the sweaty sock
They have been promised something by Teflon Dave and are daft enough to believe it 😉
If, any rescue plan is implemented why do some people believe they will get any priority treatment is so amusing!
FDNRM – seems more like jealousy that you have had a far better return than anyone else!
Anyone who doesn’t put themselves first is a fool!
Another idiot snob posting too, probably the same clown, knocking people who have a caravan rather than holiday overseas because they aren’t flush with cash!
@Fatchett does not represent me.
June 9, 2013 at 6:27 pm
@AOTF, whoever takes over at HP will still be paying me. Believe me.
What a silly statement, Ames has not paid you recently has he? your in it with the rest of us – no special cases
Equaliser – from the people I see speaking on here I don’t think the investors are capable of taking over the assets and running a successful business. There’s not a single business brain on here with the relevant knowledge that’s needed! Although I do accept Harlequin couldn’t have done a lot worse!
Can somebody explain to me please the comments regarding WTF being a grass, being a fake investor,spying for Ames/ losing his bottle – I don’t know what it is all about!
@ Neil @ Harlequin 🙂
When you do your report for Dave and the old hag, be sure to mention the unrest in the office and how he must leave, no one trusts stumpy, and don’t want a 3rd time bankrupt running the show with his family!
Come on Neil, you know its over don’t you? How will your CV look as the manager of BS and Lies?
LLMIB – why don’t you tell him yourself? Neil may be communications manager but not yours! If your so disgusted with Ames why don’t you leave and tell him why?
Having read RL latest update they seem to be progressing things in the background. So am I right in thinking that the individuals who would run the trust have already been identified and are progressing things with RL?
@Roy Orbison Wants to Cook my Sock
You are correct, I would never have a ‘holiday’ in a caravan its just not for me.
And, yes, those on benefits can find a job if they got on their bike – why have all these Eastern Europeans got a jobs? The work shy shy on benefits should be stopped.
I vote for BFP
Poor Smelling – well you go and get on with whatever turns you on and leave others to do what they like. Caravaning isn’t for me but why knock those that do like it?
Not all people are on benefits for the reasons you state, some are disabled , some have fallen ill. I hope you never fall on hard times.
What’s the colour of the sky in the perfect world you live in!
@ Roy Orbison Wants to Cook my Sock
I did not knock it, but its not for me. How come you are being nice now WTF? BTW does Dave promise you things, or pay per blog entry?
Sad sicko, get a job and a life
rowtcms
Pardonne moi, mon ami, it was I, Hercule Poirot, who posted as
anonymous a 7:40 not Poor Spelling. Zut alors……..
Poor Smelling – I don’t know if WTF is being nice all I know is he isn’t posting at RL request? As for me I post my mind for free and not what I’m asked to post!
As for a job I have a very successful business that employs highly qualified individuals who are also paid well – life is good!
@Anon 7.40. This is where you will look really stupid. If you are going to stalk some one make sure your facts are correct.
1)My cruise was in THE WINTER, and paid for by my Mother in Law, as she had been seriously ill and now lives with us. It was in the form of a thank you. That OK with you?
2)I drove to Fatchetts office, in my 8 year old car, to prove who I was. I didn’t have to but I was fed up of being called a liar. It was in the investor groups interest that they realized the truth. I didnt demand, but there was no reason why I should be out of pocket. Agree with that?
3)You really need to get a sense of humor. For some reason the length of this thread is slowing down my computer and i pad. An I pad I bought 2 years ago. There was no “demand” Others have suggested exactly the same thing about a new thread.
4)I was at a caravan for 2 days, again a light hearted comment. The reason I was in Yarmouth was to look for a new house, having to down size due to my economic situation. I have just taken a job paying £7 yes £7 an hour. Would you like to come and work with me?
So Mon Ami, I really dont give a shit whether people think I am loathesome one bit.
You think I am prospering? Do you think I am “rising above the teeming masses?”
Next time you want to post a list of really stupid comments, I suggest you just think on about what distress YOU may be causing.. .
*The above post was posted through Google, hence the old 36 ID
fdnrm –
Golly gee guy, get a grip. You might find that posters on here might be
a bit more understanding if you would stop your incessant cant of
“I’ve got mine and you don’t have yours….na, na, na, nah! Sorry to
here about your dire straights but hang in there champ because no
matter (according to you) what happens you are covered. The only thing
that could make that a reality is that you belong to one of the original
Garifuna farming families that actually own the vast majority of the
land. Oh well this entire Harlequin fiasco has also been unbelievable.
Good luck with the new job.
I too am struggling with that point. Running a resort requires a well oiled machine run by an entity with some serious experience and the ability to fill the rooms. Quickly. Very quickly. Harlequin’s original resort operator partner (forget who they were) had that machine in place and could possibly have got BB off the ground (if the airport had opened). They disappeared very quickly and all of a sudden it was that well know and very experienced Hotel & Resort Operator “Harlequin” who were going to run the resort. Not a recipe for success for a new Resort on an island with no direct International flights.
The $64,000 question now is “Who is going to operate the resort properly and drive the occupancy rate up?” In my experience, if you have no operator in place (and unfortunately now quite often even with one in place) no one will lend any money to complete the units.
If investors don’t sort this now and secure some form of commitment from a competent international operator there seems very little point in trying to mount a “rescue plan”. And Dave and co under your various guises, please don’t pipe up and suggest you and your gang should operate BB, you should not be trusted to run a sweetie stall at a village fete.
Operator licenses are horrifically difficult to negotiate but if you get a successful operator (like Six Senses – and NO, I do not have shares in them) investors have a small chance of seeing some value out of their investments. Just Google their profile and get some idea of how good BB could be if it were under the umbrella of an operator like that. I suggest investors/HIG/GF etc start searching for a partner as similar as possible to the original Spanish Resort Operator with an extensive network of travel agents to drive bookings and possibly some experience in bulk movement of passengers around islands. Get that in place, get the legal majority of investors on board needed to act, get your hands on the asset and you have something to play with. Restructuring with DA in charge seems a slightly flawed option but it’s not my money so it’s easy for me to sit here in the sun and be objective.
While I am on the subject the fact I had to pay for lunch at BB WAS A JOKE. The same as IT PISSED DOWN WITH RAIN.
Perhaps, Anon, you think that I consider that as an investor I can controll the weather also?
@Short Legs,you may think its silly, but I know differently.
Misty Fayed
Although I agree with a lot you are saying and absolutely, Dave Ames should run the candy shop in jail rather than be at a village fete, you do not seem to have too much experience in the hospitality industry. The first mistake Ames made was to hire Oasis, your “well experienced Spanish operator” and they made sure to take him to the cleaners without giving anything in return so please, educate yourself before writing fancy ideas on to this blog. Hiring experienced hoteliers was a good idea but asking them to lie and follow his Ponzi scheme operation obviously would not keep decent people around. Hence, see where BB is right now…
Mr Lars, #73, #100, yatinkiteasy, st georges dragon, ginger-girl,
kp (coded) please weigh-in………it would also be nice if the PM of
SVG (and his wonderfully talented wife) would weigh in. This entire
mess cannot be wrapped-up. No one knows what the hell is
going on. Correction…..the political mess is beyond belief.
Neil @ Harlequin – Dave toyboy bum chum
Please ask Aimless, how the totally independent website for investors in doing 😉 seem to have gone all embarrassed on that one. OK, lets try a couple more:
The 34 questions?
The finance offer?
Proof of completions?
Last weeks court case in SVG?
Shipley’s report?
Occupancy rates at BB?
Investors mortgage payments?
Accounts?
Looks like you are trying to line up Mr Fatchips, for your inevitable demise?
How is one man band accountant doing and Mr Director / Manager of Eleven Capital? have they come to the conclusion its like trying to nail a jelly to the wall yet?
Rats leaving a sinking ship……;)
Sorry Dave, forgot, ‘commercially sensitive’ what a load of bollocks.!!
Your history, but has the penny dropped yet?
@ Roy Orbison Wants to Cook my Sock…… AKA WTF and intheknow
It of course, depends on what one defines professional and being well paid does it not?
It seems like you always what to try and prove something? And what ‘professional’ line of business do you claim to be in?
Even you new name and being more polite, your still coming over as a uneducated and desperate, why? That does somewhat confuse me.
Have you been told off again by Ames? or not been paid by him?
Poor Smelling -my line of business is no business of yours but you must know the kind of thing that is a profession?
Told off – you think this is school again? What I have to say is not anybody’s concern including Dave Ames?
Desperate – for what exactly?
Paid by DA??? Does that happen to anybody?
Just got an email off Whatsthefuss- Looks like he has held his bottle despite what’s been stated on here and told it all – having said that who wouldn’t correct lies if they were told about them?
@Roy AKA whats the fuss intheknow
I don’t think because of you lack of education fit into any of the following,
A professional is a person who is engaged in a certain activity, or occupation, for gain or compensation as means of livelihood; such as a permanent career, not as an amateur or pastime. The traditional professions were doctors, engineers, lawyers, architects and commissioned military officers. Today, the term is applied to nurses, accountants, educators, scientists, technology experts, social workers, artists, librarians (information professionals) and many more.
However, prostitution is classed as one of the oldest professions there is, so are you Ames play thing?
@Anonymous.
What the Dickens are you babbling on about? whatsthefuss is very very sheepish at the moment – has he forgotten how to post on his own 😉
He is not as inportant as he thinks he is with Ames – ask him has he got title yet 🙂 – he could prove it like FDNRM can’t!!!!
Poor Spelling – if you were aware of what was going on then you would know what the babbling is about!
As for WTF Gareth Fatchett not Dave Anes has asked him to keep off the blogs for now!
Also, your BS and obsessive questions to Roy is only feeding the troll so why don’t you stop your childish posts oh educated one!!
@Anonymous – I definitely do not have as much hospitality experience as you, having seen your previous posts, but I have CapExed projects with WATG as master planners, a variety of operators such as Interstate Marriot, Starwood and Hilton, SMG as sports facility positioning, IDB and BANIF providing development funding and Deloittes handling the accounting so have a bit of an idea what I’m about. I was not attesting to Oasis’s provenance, merely pointing out as you did that resort operators will take virgin resort owners like Harlequin/HIG to the cleaners but in many cases that evil has to be balanced with the benefit of the development funding they attract. I agree, Oasis probably did take down Dave’s pants and then did a runner as soon as 90%+ occupancy rates were mentioned but at least with a credible operator on board there was some chance of securing development funding. If you own the land outright and have consent you can either develop out a project with stage payments by HNW/discretionary buyers or secure development funding and repay that when the units are sold; in the Harlequin model through the provision of 70% mortgages. However, there never were going to be mortgages despite DA promises to the contrary and without that exit route no one would provide development funding. Harlequin had enough money through the doors to build BB out in stages and scale up the real estate as occupancy rates grew but as they are now seeking a “refinance” then the £300m has clearly all gone.
You have the experience – if you were heading up this rescue plan what would you suggest needs to be done by investors and what could they realistically aim to achieve?
Where does the money come from to finish the resort?
If they do get it who is going to manage the development?
Who is going to operate the resort?
How do you get visitors to the resort?
Surely anyone trying to rescue this situation needs to know where they are going to be at the end of the process before they set off?
http://www.itv.com/news/wales/2013-06-10/the-ferret-07-06-13/
More bull from the fat little toad face on ITV now, its 4 mins into the program
@Anonymous
June 10, 2013 at 9:20 am aka whatsthefuss, intheknow, Roys sweaty sock.
Don’t be so obtuse.
Poor Smelling – the anonymous post wasn’t mine you moron!
Ames even lies to the FT, what a tw*t
http://www.ftadviser.com/2013/06/10/ifa-industry/companies-and-people/if-i-was-a-conman-i-d-have-gone-years-ago-GWfXqTSKdwv5orNwAMqoPJ/article-3.html
@Roy Orbison wants to Cook my Sock
Silly Roy, are are all not as slow witted as you. The same phrases, same old same old, take me back to the intheknow days; only now, you pretend to know whatsthefuss. Grow up.
To lie you need a good memory .;)
@Mrs Ames new teeth, you seem to be under the impression that the FTadvisor has something to do with the FT (Financial Times)
@fdnrm.
I stand corrected, in all the excitement and LOL I missed ‘advisor’ off.
Anyhow, does not change the fact its all bloody rubbish and lies does it?
Poor Spelling – don’t worry I’m still here and well and observing in the background and doing my own thing.
You seem to have identity issues with the posters I see!
Now lets see how long it takes for the insults to start.
Are you staying as WTF now? Just so I know 😉 and is this the new nice WTF or the old nasty one?
I’m always nice – it’s just that Gareth asked me not to post , last Thursday I think it was”
Mrs Ames new teeth, thank you so much for the link. That article is priceless!
Ames comes across as, well, himself (a thick, bumbling liar) and I love the way they quote him word for word to emphasise his standard of eloquence and ability to communicate about, and understand, the financial complexities of multi-hundred-million dollar international development schemes.
Clever journalism there. They manage to raise every ludicrous issue surrounding Harlequin, and wrap it up in Essex flavoured icing so Davy boy doesn’t throw his toys out of the pram and beg Carter Ruck for some no-win-no-fee work.
Incidentally, Davy says he’s spent all money on development. How many units at BB? 137? Roughly £3m per unit? Jeez, we really are talking luxury 5*+. Shame it didn’t stretch to full aircon (not to mention the plastic glasses!).
@FDNRM
FTAdvisor is owned and run by The Financial Times Ltd.
@FNRM
More precisely, FTAdviser are owned and run by The Financial Times Ltd.
The article itself is quite entertaining. Presuming the sections in italics are genuine quotes from DA they do make you choke on your supper.
For example: “What people don’t appreciate is every penny that we take from investors, other than the money we take to pay the commissions of the agent in bringing the business, has been spent to develop and build hotels in the Caribbean.”
So no big dividends being taken by family shareholders then?
And then again: “Overnight we lost all of our income through no fault of our own. We were building at that time and were working on four or five resorts, so things were going great up until then. That contributed to putting us where we are today and we are not out of that situation yet.”
How do we understand the phrase, “things were going great until [January 2013]”? The term “great” might suggest that Harlequin had met the greater part of its obligations to investors as promised in the various brochures published between 2007 and 2009. How many of the promises set out in those brochures had been met by January 2013? Would you care to enlighten us on that on FDNRM?
Or the fact the family still take an outrageous monthly salary despite sacking staff ! The legal team and other senior management being vastly over paid ( wonder why?) 😉
It’s over Dave and Co.
If things were going so swimmingly until this January then DA might
like to answer the question why both Krauss-Manning and Procure-It-
Direct walked off the job in both St Vincent and Barbados with a week
of each other last July 2012.
And why two accountants resigned sequentially, stating they could not verify the accounts.
Ames really does think all investors are as thick as he is.
A lot of spam appearing on the site all of a sudden. If I was cynical, I’d suspect Harlequin and their (amateur) dirty tricks again!
@Anonymous
That’s easy, its was not Dave’s fault, its the Irish Court cas & gareth Fatcheeks 😉
@ Neil, make sure you tell Ames he made a complete prick of himself in the FT interview, did you not advise him against that? you, must have seem that coming?
How are all the empty desks?
BREAKING NEWS!
Matt Ames has managed to sell off enough bits of Buccement Bay to buy some nice new cold towels, so it’s all Okey 🙂 don’t worry
HIG Offer to transfer Harlequin assets to an Investor Trust / NewCo
On the 9th June 2013 it was confirmed to HIG that David Ames had requested an offer from HIG.
HIG wish to make an investor based offer for the assets. Currently, unreasonable barriers are being put up to prevent a detailed bid from being formulated. Eleven Capital want investors to be able to put up £20m in finance pledges before they will be entertained. Eleven Capital forget that investors have already given £400m to Harlequin.
The Eleven Capital pre-condition will leave investors with the Ames option only. HIG do not see this being supported.
Outline
Any offer will be based around investor assets being protected whilst a managed wind down of the Harlequin business is achieved.
The bid team is being assembled as part of the bid document.
Investor interests will be held in an investor trust which 100% owns an operating company. Where this structure is situated will depend on the tax and legal advice we receive.
HIG will seek to appoint an operating company to run the viable Harlequin resorts. There are some very knowledgeable resort operating companies who we feel would be interested in this matter. The added benefit to some of these businesses is that they have a developed travel agency network to attract occupancy to the resorts.
HIG will seek to appoint agents to sell the assets of Harlequin which are deemed non-core to maximise return to investors. Most investors know that some of the projects are not viable.
HIG will require financing in the short term / medium term. The amount of financing will depend very much on the current state of the finances at Harlequin. Until the books are open for HIG (and their professional advisers) , the amount in question will be unknown. Depending on the amounts involved, there will either be a return to investors (to raise the monies) or a negotiation with a lender to fund against the resort assets held by the investors. The HIG proposal would be very much more attractive to financiers as it would involve investors being supportive.
HIG could ask investors to assist in the financing of the investor led Harlequin. Investors are more likely to back themselves than an Ames led vehicle.
A Harlequin with “happy” investors will be more likely to obtain external finance to supplement any investor finance. We do not know the size of the funding hole as yet as we have not been allowed to undertake due diligence. We will campaign hard for the right to bid on a level playing field.
HIG will not offer to pay David Ames, his family or his entourage any money. The HIG view is that after £400m has been spent they have not delivered. Non delivery is not a trigger point for reward. It is likely that our approach will lead to any investor bid being rejected. Any external party bid requires investor support. We do not see any investor support for a deal where the Ames family are rewarded for the non-delivery of the projects.
HIG has 1100 members and represents a significant chunk of the investor population. If HIG could meet with all investors it has no doubt that it would be overwhelmingly supported in an investor led bid.
HIG simply asks that David Ames and his advisers allows investor access to the same information as the commercial entities who are currently involved in the process. This is not currently the case and is a blatant attempt to ensure that the only bids considered are ones which benefit David Ames and his family.
The HIG bid will not require FCA approval and will therefore be deliverable within sensible timescales
HIG will prepare a bid and openly publish it to investors.
Conclusion
Bluntly, any of the 3rd party financiers need investors to be “onside” . Preventing investors from being part of the process will not achieve this. We have warned Mr Ames of this, but he seems bent of trying to sell you all the idea of giving him another go.
If David Ames believes he can sell a deal which continues to involve the Ames family, then he is in line for a rude awakening. If he further believes he will be paid handsomely for the mess we currently find ourselves in then he needs to think again.
We hope that Eleven Capital and Mr Ames reflect what is in the best interests of investors and do the right thing.
HIG
Visit Regulatory Legal Solicitors at: http://harlequininvestorgroup.co.uk/?xg_source=msg_
So now Gareth Fatchett wants to put the lunatics in charge of the asylum! You lot think you can self manage your way out of this mess?
Yes. Better than that little shit!
Cut out all the dead wood ESPECIALLY THE AMES FAMILY
Shafted – John – Can you or any investors that you know, offer any expertise?
So in the FT – Ames wants to get back selling again – Mug – Try building – I dont understand how he thinks he can keep on selling – Where ? All he is selling is space. He also blames the FSA warning for this mess – AGAIN all that was holding the company together was sipp sales.. It was already a mess before then with people not getting interest paid, broken contracts etc etc – Full of F*****g lies
Anonymous – come on then, say you had the backing of all the investors – what would you do?
This is like watching an explosion in very slow motion. Harlequin ( in all its various forms) will find it very difficult if not impossible to survive and the famous rescue plan is not going to work. People should remember that the partially completed BB is but a very small part of the overall Harlequin sales made in Dominican Republic, St Lucia, and Barbados, over the past six years or so, and where nothing has been built , and where full planning permission was not even granted when sales were made.
If anyone believes what DA said in the FT interview, they should also consider that he stated 10 months ago in an H newsletter, that they were then in the process of providing investors with legal title to their units at BB!
I did not make this up…..it is in their Sept 2012 newsletter, a copy of which I have in case it disappears as have most of their previous newsletters.
It appears that as of now, no one has received legal title. Of course, this is someone else’s fault.
Click to access casemanagement3rdto6thjune2013masterpearlettalanns.pdf
or just google “harlequin court order st vincent jun 3” open the link and scroll down to all the actions by the rogues trying to create bad press for harlequin
Well wisher – Bad Press – Ames has created more bad press himself without any help from so called rogues !! To many lies and broken promises – He is a walking disaster
WHAT IF???
Ames did a pre-pack liquidation and stuffed all the investors? hid his involvement with off shore companies and trusts?
Want a little bet? that’s what’s coming?
Interesting that Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited – the defendant – is not represented by a lawyer in the St. Vincent court case, presumably because it can’t afford the fees.
It couldn’t possibly anything to do with that bag of money that went missing in Uncle R’s office.
I doubt that anything is impossible with Harlequin, especially the pre -pack, with no doubt Mr Cannon being the ‘fund manager’ and Ames hidden away, or kept on in a ‘consultancy’ role – but it will be him pulling the strings.
I really do hope that the Ames family all suffer in some way, like us investors have but worse.
I think Cancer or heart attack for the little fat one and the rest of the scum all get banged up.
You all need to get real
1: £400 million and very little to show, plus not even sure who owns the land
2: HIG …people who couldnt/were not smart enough to see it was never gonna work, now are going to mount a rescue package, which includes being a builder, resort developer and then a tourist resort operator…not sure which would be the bigger scam on this one
3: SFO, FCS and a whole host of others watching, to do a pre pack you still need a firm of administrators and they need to be licenced. They will all be aware of the press associated with HP/Da so will follow the rules to the letter….assuming they want to get involved
4: no investor is gonna want to go anywhere near this, as as more and more info trickles out why get involved with something tainted…As per earlier posts what about the flood risk issue, when will the airport ever get completed and then will the masses want to go to BB and there are no other resorts….Will BB ever be viable …to provide 5* does have some high costs, but are there enough rooms built to have enough guests to make BB cover the runing costs.
It simply dont add up whichever way this goes, other than at best a flawed and failed high risk scheme, or a out and out scam…you make your mind up, but I will keep it simple
It realy is game over for HP/DA and you unfortunate investors
flame me, blag me, but just stop and think about things, not what you want, but reallity
Last Chance – trust you realised that that was tongue in cheek, – it’s never Harlequin’s fault according to Mr Ames, it’s the bad press, ICE, investors not completing etc – if only they’d hand over the £30m in completion money on BB all would be well. Never in the history of resort development was so much money owed to so many by so few (sorry Winston). LOL
AMES MUST BE UNHAPPY NOW 😉
http://www.ifaonline.co.uk/ifaonline/news/2274097/harlequin-investor-group-offers-to-transfer-assets-to-a-trust
@whatsthefuss.
You are being very calm these days, no one to bully? or are you taking spelling lessons?
Poor Spelling – told you at least 3 times that I have not posted for a week at the request of Gareth Fatchett, been reading the blog though!
I’m sorry to disappoint, but Roy isn’t me!
I would love to know who you are accusing of bullying, would appear you are trying to provoke – is that bullying??
Anonymous – just read your post on expertise if a trustee rescue plan happens!
Don’t worry as the intelligence in all areas necessary is possessed by poor spelling – there is nothing they don’t know by the looks of things!
What they don’t know isn’t worth knowing!
Anyway I have to refrain from posting so I’m leaving!
I have not paid any attention to this forum for quite some time as it seemed like a meaningless effort to advise the investors how to proceed with their investment on this forum. I live in St Vincent and the Grenadines and is fully involved in the hospitality business and know the ins and outs of operation and I know how difficult it is to succeed in any venture. To even consider a rescue package and give the same guy who pocketed 400 million over 8 years , a new chance to rectify the mess is just an unbelievable thought.
It is unheard of that any developer in the Caribbean ever had such a huge amount of interest free funds available to start up a resort business and only succeeded to build the few units completed at BB.
To all investors, you must be more knowledgeable of investing in Caribbean and to understand what obstacles there might be ahead , do not fall into a trap of a rescue plan designed in UK and do not give any more money to present management.
BB is The only resort which can be of significant future value in Ames scheme in the near future. Unfortunately it is not completed as of todays date. It might be a successful investment in the future but only with a new structure and leadership .When Ames claims that the value is 200 million dollars, it is a joke. The truth is probably a commercial value of 25 to 30 Million US$ as of todays date and in todays resort market and in a sunny day.
The only way out of your poor investment is to change the present investment structure by taking control, change the way it is set up, forget about ownership of individual properties. Open up your eyes and start to think outside the box. There is a future but not with the present management, all failed commitments,promises and all the negative press it attracts. You as the investors are the best ambassadors for your investment but the longer you wait the less chance you have to save your investment.
Take control, own a small part of a big venture, appoint a strong team and restructure your own rescue plan together with people who knows the region.
You will have a lot of support in the region once you take control.This is final advise to all investors, never mind if you have invested in Brazil, DR, St Lucia or Barbados, focus on where the assets are and where the potential income is. Forget about the past and focus on the future.
Time is up for some serious action. HIG if you have 1100 investors, what are you waiting for?
Mr Lars
@Mr Lars, we may well contact you if the deal comes off,would it be a conflict of interest for you?
DWTSWIA – are you putting together the investor rescue plan? Are you involved?
If Ames were to do one of these pre-pack liquidations, he would be hunted down and nobody would be able to protect him or his extended family.
By definition he will have had ‘dirty money’ and these types of people will not be using Mr Fatchett. I am merely making a statement, that’s how its seems to work on the TV anyhow 😉
Even Ames, with his supreme arrogance must think this is a possibility? Why would someone potentially put his family at risk – when they all have had more that enough money out of this scam is beyond me?
A&FJHTAT – there will be plenty of talking but nobody will back it up plenty of bullshitters!
If DA did think somebody was a risk to him don’t you think he has the cash and contacts to get at them first?
@Anonymous
I have no idea I am only referring to what I see on the TV or read. Are you now implying Mr Ames would hire a ‘hitman’ to ‘get at them first’
My question, you fail to answer before getting all ‘gung ho’ is why would he put his family in this predicament? He is an incompetent businessman not
Al Capone!! please !
Is it true he is having an affair with Madame Gonsalves?
Just asking…………..
The fraud victims that used dirty money will have already sent debt collectors and been refunded. Hence the present level of security. When I say debt collectors, I mean the kind that have intimate knowledge of his families movements and tend to have a roll of duck tape to hand !
Although even with his security he is going to be looking over his shoulder for the rest of his life 🙂
Ames comments these people!
http://www.iexpats.com/harlequin-investors-reject-rescue-plan/
@Anon.
Mr Ghent, so I believe has not worked for Ames for several months, I have no reason to doubt this information.
Better late than never I suppose, in rejecting the HP ‘rescue’ plan the investors do at last seem to be showing some resistance to Ames salesmanship. Considering that the sum of HP’s achievements has been to take a very large sum of money and reduce it to about 10% of its original value this must rate as one of the bigger losses in property development.
As ever Mr Lars on the ground experience tells, but even if the investor group do manage to wrestle control away from the Ames’ how many can afford to wait for years before seeing even their capital restored, let alone any profit being produced? Unfortunately the way that the funding has been structured will see some investors insolvent long before they are back in the black.
It’s been a mess from the beginning and it doesn’t look like there is much hope for the future with any of the current thinking, I was joking when I said it before but maybe De Comrade stepping in and exercising his Marxist principles might be the best outcome for SVG?
@BBaywatch.so you think that BB is only worth £30m?
Anon – Dave Ames has never had any serious threats made against him by investors, the security issue came from threats from O’Halloran.
In think you have been watching the Sopranos Box set again!
@fdnrm no its actually prob worth a lot less than that
it will only be worth what someone will pay for it and I doubt anybody will be iinterest let alone pay 30million
What happens if Harlequin stop bankrolling BB resort?
By the time it’s a derelict mosquito-infested swamp covered in creepers it won’t be worth very much at all. Without regular maintenance the fabric of the buildings will deteriorate very quickly in tropical conditions. You should see what happens in a month during the wet season.
And if the staff are no longer staying in FDNRM’s villa/unit he’ll lose out even more. Anyone want title on a pile of breeze blocks and terracotta tiles?
Given the Gray/Klotzbach prediction investors should be checking GOES 14 daily (unfortunately GOES13 “GOES EAST” is down at the moment). There is a tropical wave heading towards the islands at this very moment but this one does not look as if it has potential for development.
With BB having a rather short FRA any major system development has potential for some nasty consequences.
What is a hotel worth? Almond Beach Village in Barbados is a 395 room hotel with 10 pools, right on the beach. Direct flights from the UK etc.
Loss-making for a few years, but with strong bidding from Sandals and local hoteliers and developers.
The rumoured price is $100 million; unclear if this is US$ or BDS$. If the latter that’s US$50 million.
What does that make 113 rooms at Buccament bay worth, with no direct flights? Maybe US$30 million could be right.
Whatsthefuss is a snitch,don’t tell him anything, he will grass you up
S 221 Insolvency Act 1986 gives the English High Court jurisdiction to wind up an unregistered (i.e. foreign) company where there is sufficient connection with the United Kingdom (and the Court is satisfied that there is no other, more appropriate, jurisdiction for the winding up to take place) and there will be a reasonable benefit to the creditors from the winding up in the jurisdiction. There is no requirement that the company must have assets in the jurisdiction (Re: Okeanos Maritime Corporation [1987] 3 BCC 160). A foreign company can be wound up even though it has ceased trading and had no assets in this country merely because the employees in the jurisdiction might obtain payments from the Redundancy Fund (Re: Eloc Electro Optiek and Communicatie BV [1981] 2 A11 ER 1111).
The court has a general power under s 221 (5) (c) to issue a winding up order where it is just & equitable to do so.
I think there is ample evidence that all of the Harlequin companies are controlled in the UK, so the High Court could appoint liquidators under UK law. That, however, all depends on someone actually making a winding-up petition.
A pre-pack could be a possibility, but any UK insolvency practitioner will know that the spotlight is on them; I doubt whether anyone would be daft enough to go along with any kind of “dodgy” deal.
The more worrying possibility is if a liquidator from the Caribbean became involved. If they are from one of the large international firms such as KPMG, then they will behave properly. I’d not be so sanguine about a small firm though.
Pre-packs are alien to the Dominican Republic (the law on insolvent companies was last updated in 1956 and is focussed on liquidation). St Lucia has, I think, an odd mix of English and French law. SVG’s company law is reasonably current (1994), but I have no idea if pre-packs exist there.
Read more: http://harlequininvestors.boards.net/thread/33/latest-news?page=48#ixzz2W0rl0ywU
@SGD maybe it is worth $30million….but almond is not awash with peeps rushing to flash their cash, BB will only be worth what someone will offer to buy it
Assuming that a fair market price is $30 million US and that the
purchaser would have clean and clear title without any encumbrance
(that means unfortunately the investors) I have an open question for
100 – Algarvec – Mr Lars …..who seemingly are the Caribbean
resorts pros………
What profit does a resort have to return to amortize a $30 million debt
in say 20 years. Another way to look at it what does each room have
to generate free and clear to pay that down? Remember the best
guestamate says there are 187 rooms
@St GD so are you saying direct flights and the opening of the new airport will make a difference to the prospects of BB? Read that BBaywatch? Increased uplift = increased value.
Boots must have been offered some exclusive deal for mosquito repellent!
http://harlequinhotelsandresorts.wordpress.com/2013/04/29/win-a-7-night-trip-to-paradise-with-boots-uk-only/
@FDNRM
Do you accept that you were wrong when you tried to claim that there is no connection between FTAdviser and the Financial Times?
@FDNRM,
you have been very slow to comment are you OK? what do you thing about the investor led takeover?
“direct flights and the opening of the new airport will make a difference to the prospects of BB?”
if it was that simple why has it taken over 22 years for the Canouan Resort to become fully established ( and gone through 3 or is it 4 owners)? – and that is with an international airport and an award winning fully established golf course.
If/when Argyle opens it isn’t going to change BB’s prospects overnight – best stick to things that you understand, like caravan parks etc.
@whatsthefuss.
What’s the ‘special’ deal you got? What did you have to do for it? It’s not nothing of a sexual nature I hope? 😉
@ A real investor the bbots off does say “ONE lucky person can enjoy a….” I wonder if that means its only open to DA to win, as you would need to billy no mates to want to go to BB on your own
Unless for a mere $30million donation to HP a second person can travel with you :-0)
@beggars Belief, just stating a fact. “You seem to be under the impression that FT advisor is owned by the FT” Where did I try to claim it was not?
@Simple Simon. It won’t get off the ground. It does not have a mandate from ALL investors so won’t fly.
@BBaywatch. SGD. comments not mine. If you are going to make silly comments at least direct them at the correct poster.
Anonymous – not sure where you get 187 rooms from but if you are flat lining the repayments at $1.5m pa over 20 years you have to generate a total of $30m of net profit (so $8021.4 per room pa),
If you assume 10% interest on the money the annual repayments are $3.525m pa so you have to generate a total $70.5m of net profit ($18,850 per room pa).
Come on then, what’s the catch? Did I read your question wrongly?
WTFaTSLD – I haven’t been treated differently to anybody else as far as I am aware! Even if I was treated different isn’t it Everyman for himself? Shouldn’t we try and negotiate the best deal we can for ourselves? As for sexual favours – don’t judge me by your standards.
Anonymous – and you know as well as I do that BB is a non runner as a financial proposition even if $30m is available to take it over. It’s a pipe dream. You can do serious damage in the London property market with $30m, why put it into a lame duck resort?
@whatsthefuss.
Now, now, that’s not true, you claimed on the ‘Erica’ blog to have known Ames for about 10 years and you invested lots of cash, you claim to speak with him all the time… then turn on him?? What’s next get back in bed with him 😉 metaphorically speaking of course!
@FDNRM
“You seem to be under the impression…” is a turn of phrase that people only use when making a claim that someone is mistaken. You know that full well but just can’t bring yourself to admit you were wrong.
algarvec
Maybe I posed the question wrongly. But am I correct that assuming
100% occupancy 365/12 each room would have to generate $51.65
net/net pure profit over and above all other operating expensives of
an “all-inclusive 5-Star” resort. It sounds improbable to me. And that is
assuming that there are indeed 187 bookable rooms.
Yes, spot on if you have to service the debt.
@ FDNRM June 12, 2013 at 4:56 pm
I am not going to get dragged into the debate on whether or not the new airport will make a difference to occupancy, partly because I don’t believe Buccament Bay will live to see it happen. My post was about what a hotel in a neighbouring island looks as if it may be selling for. I leave it to speak for itself.
@ FDNRM June 12, 2013 at 6:00 pm
I believe you must be confusing me with Simple Simon as I didn’t post anything for you to take issue with. I do agree, though, with your comment “If you are going to make silly comments at least direct them at the correct poster.”
@BB you can interpret a turn of phrase whichever way you want. If that is all you have to get hung up about carry on.
Wtfatsld – your right I do speak to Dave Ames two or three times a week and have invested what I consider a lot of cash – I haven’t turned on him at all and will try and support him in trying to resolve the situation if I could help. Things between me and Dave have not changed.
@FDNRM
Well, if you really did know that FTadviser was linked to the Financial Times the only other interpretation of your use of that phraseology is that you deliberately set out to deceive.
And that just about sums up all your posts.
@fdnrm
Yo, Dude! How’s the new job going? Notice that you are posting
a lot less. Also a tad less belligerent.
@whatsthefuss
“Things between me and Dave have not changed.”
Yes we know. He is still a fraudster and you are still a gullible victim. People like you and Fdnrm with your superior intellects and communication skills to be blunt are the best victims. Your pride blinds you to the obvious to the point you will take sides with the offender defending him and blaming others for the loss of funds. It is the support of investors like you that he is using to create the end excuse of incompetent/naive business man. I want to puke when I hear “if I was a con man I would have done a runner in 2008” when it is the opposite it is because he is a con man that he didn’t.
Basically dumbass you got robbed.
@anon 9.25 the job is crap, but I have no choice. Too tired to get into petty arguments.perhaps I should take in ironing, that seems to allow plenty of free time. I understand that crozier has gone back to her tribe of 13 followers and asked for another £6k each to continue the court action. No surprise there if its true.
All sorts of items being sold off at Merricks….tiles, toilets, pool pump etc…. A “white lady “is handling the cash only sale according to a St Philip neighbor.
Harlequin has not had the balls to declare the project cancelled, but selling off expensive imported building materials and fixtures sort of gives the impression that this gig is up for good,
@Yat
Does’nt that technically make DA a felon in BGI. Importing material
and then selling it for cash. I don’t think any duty was ever paid.
Does BGI have an extradition treaty with SVG (citizens?).
The noose tightens………
He will no doubt claim that he did not know about it and maybe he does not.
It’s not clear who is in charge .
Not sure if there is anyone representing Harlequin now in Barbados.
David Campion, who ran the h-Studio, Harlequin’s in-house design, project management and cost arm, popped up launching his new company, Argo, the other day. You can see it here: http://www.argo-ds.com/#
Questions are being asked about how Campion, a non-Bajan, can have obtained a work permit to allow him to do this
There is also speculation about whether the name Argo is inspired by the recent film or by his experiences at Harlequin. It could be both as there are distinct similarities – people set up a phony company which pretends to be doing something it is not; they go to a foreign country and get away with the pretence but end up fleeing the country with people chasing after them.
@SGD
Is it just coincidence that Argo and Krauss-Manning are now located in
the same building? Could it be some rear-flank activity?
@ Anonymous
Harlequin was based in Hythe House before they moved to their last office, presumably to get extra space for the expanding hdstudio. Hythe House is occupied and possibly owned by ACI (engineers). ACI has been working for Harlequin on Merricks since the early days and at one time ACI, Harlequin and Krauss-Manning were all in the building.
Oh what a tangled web………
It all sounds somewhat internecine, like the Bourbons/Borbons
@SGD, re Argo, don’t forget they finished up being the heros, the people chasing them were the real bad guys. Perhaps DA will finish up with an award?
Anon – why are you so concerned about my situation? Just look after your own and mind your own business. I can’t understand why you have nothing better to do with your life than worry what I am, or doing, or speaking to etc.
You need to get a grip of your life
@ whatsthefuss.
Did you get your special deal today 😉 for being a good boy?
@WTF you should know by now that any positive views are treated with derision by the pack. Some people have such sad lives.
Wtfatsld – yes thank you I did, are you envious of me?
WTF. Aaaww bless. I really hope the money you have lost is not a life changing amount. The point is to stop any more gullible idiots that didn’t pay in full making another stupid mistake by giving the scammer any more money. Why are you on here? To protect your “investment” ? Errm wait a minute you have parted with a lot of cash and got nothing to show for it not even a contract worth the paper it is printed on. Starting to figure out you have been bent over and shafted yet.
I assume like me you have been to bb. Remember laying on the beach or at side of the pool. How many guests were there? Now try and imagine 1000+ guests. No it doesn’t and never was gonna work. Why because it is a show resort, bait in a fraud.
Anon – you clearly have no idea of what my situation is because your posting is a million miles away from reality!
For some sick perverted reason it would appear that you hope that I have lost a lot of cash – bit sad really.
I have never been to bb and who says that that was where I invested? You don’t know as much as you think!
Wtf
You need to read more carefully.
I really hope the money you have lost is not a life changing amount.
I know personally victims that have lost everything to this scumbag that you are in communication with 2 or 3 times a week.
Scam at bb would point to that all of it is ……!!
Why do you post on here?
Anon – I know what you wrote and you were being sarcastic.
Who do you think you are expecting answers from me? The reason you post is to try and be a pest to me and your failing?
What scam are you referring to that involves me?
I was being genuine. I really do hope you can afford the loss.
Sorry I forgot, you are way too superior to me to answer any questions from me.
I already explained why I post on here certainly not to be a pain to you.
What scam ? £400million taken . Name 1 investor that has made a profit.
I didn’t put the scam together if that’s what it turns out to be so why ask me my opinion?
Anyway, back on topic.
Would any of the RL clients / HIG group mind answering the following as I must confess, I’m somewhat confused at the proposal to take control of Harlequin rather than just wind it up as quickly as possible before anymore money is lost.
1. Supposing Ames agrees to hand over the company to you, what do you intend to do with the company then? Let’s suppose there are 2,000 investors, and BB has 137 units operating at 40% occupancy. That is the only ‘revenue’ now being generated by Harlequin. Any of you, or your legal representatives, know how much profit BB is generating?
2. Let’s suppose of those 2,000 investors, 1,000 want to take over the company, the others don’t want to. Will those who don’t want to carry on (with investors and RL running the show) be given refunds?
3. Will all those who funded through re-mortgage receive mortgage interest payments, or will they need to fund them themselves?
4. How much do you estimate will be required to complete BB, how will you fund that, and what does the business plan look like in terms of the profit the resort will generate? How have you worked out what that profit will generate?
5. Let’s say maximum 137 of 2,000 investors have completed units, how do you plan to complete other investors’ units on other resorts (this would include completing the planning processes, appointing and paying designers and builders) and completing any planning obligations (e.g.civil infrastructure works, such as roads, utilities upgrades including fresh water provisions).
6. How do you plan to resolve the current statutory demands in place and in the pipeline in the Caribbean, UK and elsewhere?
7. How do you intend to cover professional fees for your newly formed operation following takeover (including management of development strategy, planning, accountancy and their disbursements and expenses)?
8. Are you expecting Ames to hand over the company without a pay off? Since that’s unlikely, how much do you expect that pay off to be, and how do you intend to fund that?
9. For those SIPP investors who have invested their pensions into Harlequin, other than the max 137 who invested in BB units, how long are you advising before they will see a return and their pension will start to grow again?
10. Have you any serious interest from funds/investors (aware of all the facts prior to DD) willing to invest in the scheme should you take it over from Harlequin?
11. In the absence of any disclosure from Harlequin, despite your incredible patience with them and misplaced trust, on what do you base your assessment to advise fellow investors and clients to propose a takeover of the company? Does this include any knowledge of the accounts across the Harlequin group; land/asset ownership; company & director ownership and group company set-up (including those under international jurisdiction); group liabilities to creditors, suppliers, investors with expired contracts, and legal liabilities?
I’m sure there are many more questions I could come up with for RL and HIG as to why they are advising (more-or-less unilaterally) clients to consider taking over Harlequin. In particular, I know nothing about the travel industry, and having only holidayed in the Caribbean twice, but there are experts who have commented here previously in that respect.
But I am at an absolute loss as to why this ludicrous suggestion has been put forward by so called professional representatives. All this is going to do is accelerate the dwindling of any asset / cash reserves that may still be left in Harlequin.
It’s very likely no investor will get anything like all of their money back from HP. The quicker they take decisive action to finish it (some will already be doing that), the better for all of them. The longer they carry on trying to plaster over the cracks, the less there is in the pot. There is now NO revenue generation in this company. Those who invested using advice from IFAs and SIPP investors have alternative recourse. And those with surplus cash elsewhere (or a number of you willing to group together for class action) can sue Ames, his family and Harlequin employees for fraud.
Forget going for a hostile takeover and attempting to become successful developers, investment fund managers and travel industry experts all of a sudden. You’ll make as big a cock up of that as Ames has. He started with £400m don’t forget. You’ll start with more or less nothing.
@ Anonymouse
While I have every sympathy for the Harlequin investors I agree with everything you say. There is no way that amateurs (sorry but that’s what the investors are) will be able to make a go of a hotel development in (to them) hostile territory, let alone carefully wind down the rest of the resorts and sell them off at the same time.
My view is that the investors would be best served by adopting an aggressive stance and taking down the whole of the Harlequin group as soon as possible. The thrust should be to get the courts in the UK to place all the overseas companies into administration in the UK and deal with them together.
It may only return 10p in the £ but at least it is something.
@ST George’s Dragon – you are probably correct in that normally the most prudent way for creditors and investors to take control is to appoint a liquidator over each of the companies who then has investigatory powers and custody of the companies’ bank accounts and other assets. @thegreatarchitect one is almost certainly better served by appointing a liquidator FROM the Caribbean. Of course there are no name rascals in any country in any line of business but there are a few brand name companies with sophisticated pan-regional experience in distressed hotel and property situations who have decades of experience of the very particular problems associated with distressed matters in the region and important liaison and knowledge of the local politics and customs. This local knowledge and international skill set is invaluable in locating and deriving value for creditors and investors. People like John J Greenwood at Baker Tilly have been doing this for years all over the Caribbean
Anonymouse/ SGD – do you think we are all stupid people? Your comments based on us all beings a skill – less bunch of idiots?
I am aware of the key individuals who will lead the recovery plan for the investors and they have alot more professional skills/ qualifications than the idiots who have bled the company to the point of liquidation. Wait for the bid plan and don’t be so condescending to the highly qualified group of individuals behind the bid! You sound like your hoping the bid fails?
@Anonymous June 14, 2013 at 5:39 am
Have patience, nameless experts waiting in the wings – that does sound rather like yet another HP press release. Call me a cynic but I wouldn’t trust the judgement or competency of anyone who invested in HP regardless of their ‘professional skills/ qualifications’. It was obvious from the beginning that this scheme was fatally flawed and was always going to end badly and if they couldn’t see it then how can they now lead a recovery plan?
@ whatsthefuss.’I speak to Dave Ames 3 times a week’
So tell me, are you on the side of investors or your bum chum Dave? You claim to be ‘Pro’ investors but that’s just bull S**T- you are nothing but a sniveling nonce.
Man up and stop stirring things up, so when you speak to Dave what does he tell you, all is great and its all Fatshits fault?
@Whatsthefuss.
What was the outcome of The case as you are ‘in the know’ 😉
Wtfahsld – personal insults are making you look infantile incase you hadn’t realised. As for who’s side I am on I am not on anybody’s side, it’s not about sides is it? It’s about looking after your own interest isn’t it?
All this fuss – yes I know the outcome. Ask Nikki Crozier she will make it public on the other forum and Erica can put a scrolling banner up!
BBaywatch – what a moronic thing to say! Whilst I would agree that there are alot of idiots on here, you being one of them, these are not the people who will head up the investor group!
Secondly the big issue with Harlequin is the bad advice given to investors by IFA not DD by the investor! The IFA was paid to do the DD by the investor!
Talking of Crozier, can anyone confirm or deny that she has gone back to her 13 followers for more funds?
If investors were stupid enough to hand over a load of cash to ANYONE promoting an unregulated, unprotected get-rich-scheme such as that promoted by Harlequin then they are idiots. God forbid enough people warned all you investors in the beginning. Ames took advantage of all of you and your gullibility and greed. If you are now contemplating handing over more money to try and keep this doomed project afloat and turn it round then you are naive and deserve to lose your shirt.
Oh and by the way, Harlequin have failed to file their 2012 accounts in SVG as they are legally obliged to do and the company may be struck off.
“The IFA was paid to do the DD by the investor!”
and excellent value for money they were too – at the rates of commission they charged! Trebles all round! hic
BB – the investors were not aware of the rates of commission, theses were paid by Harlequin. If we had known then yes we could have made the judgement they were too high but we were not given this information you dickhead.
@ Anonymous June 14, 2013 at 5:39 am
I am sorry that you have taken offence at my comment.
I am afraid, though, that I do believe it will be a tall order for any group of people, even with the best professional help, to do what HIG plans to do.
That’s just my personal view.
I wish you all the luck in the world and I am certainly not hoping the bid fails.
@whatsthefuss.if you knew the outcome of the case from your mate Dave – you would be shouting – as usual you are full of sh*t.
Now, you have been banned from the Erica forum ( by members voting you off) you must now try and disrupt the blog with all you puerile comments.
I doubt you are an actual investor, just someone who does what toad face tells you. Tos**r.
All,
Land Title
Following our update last week, we have been working on the land title of the Harlequin projects.
Our research tells us that not one single investor has obtained legal title for land. Our lawyers in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines double checked this for us. They can find no other legal owner.
We are happy to be corrected and will publish any evidence of an investor receiving title.
Why does this make a difference ?
The only security for investors would be their land being duly registered in their name.
Anyone with a contract would be in a vunerable situation in the situation of an insolvency. Eg – they would become unsecured creditors. eg have no protection.
If you have handed over monies to “complete” already – make sure you register your land in your name immediately.
If you intend to “complete” – hand over no monies until your lawyer in SVG has confirmed title.
Missed Completions
We continue to file Statutory Demands for investor demanding return of their monies plus 10%.
These demands are a sensible step as they would need to be cleared to enable a re-structure to go ahead.
Therefore, if you simply want your money back and you hold a contract where the completion date has gone, this is the correct course of action for you.
If you are in this position please email or contact Martyn Anderson – 01384 426400 or martyn.anderson@regulatorylegal.co.uk .
Next Focus
Our research team is going to look at the “Guaranteed” Mortgages. The majority of investor only invested because they were told that “guaranteed” finance was available.
Our initial research suggests that no finance has ever been made available. Maybe conclusion is wrong ? If you have any evidence of the “guaranteed” finance then please be in contact with us.
Please contact Phil Haslam – 01384 426400 or phil.haslam@regulatorylegal.co.uk
Regulatory Legal Solicitors
All of this fuss – calm down dear! Your going to have a thrombosis!
Again tho you cannot resist the childish insults! What is it that you feel the need to bother me all the time?
I was banned from the forum by Erica, the members voted not to reinstate me, so get it right! Less than 20 people were interested inthe debate, so not a big issue to worry about! In fact at one stage Erica offered to reinstate me if I so wished but didn’t!
You pestering me is disrupting the blog you will see?
For clarity Harlequin have never asked me to blog anything on here, it’s a figment of your imagination!
All this Fuss – incidentally I am we’ll aware of what went on in the court case yesterday I was informed mid afternoon.
I do not think its my place to say the outcome on a forum.
Incidentally you promised me a nasty surprise which was coming my way, I have been worrying now for 2 weeks (not) where’s the prezzie?
All this Fuss = All talk no trousers!
Lmfoa
With minimal training any old Tom, Dick or Harry could be a Harlequin agent and there were adverts on many of the unregulated so-called ‘independent’ financial advisors’ websites touting for agents. It was done on a similar basis to multi-level marketing operations. The due diligence was easily available and was there for all to see but many of you couldn’t see any further than the thousands of pounds you thought you were going to make for the least amount of effort.
And I doubt if many of think about the local people who have really been shafted.
That’s what happened ask whatsthefuss
Icu4wotur – that’s why you fit in so well with the rest of us – your the same!
@icu4wotur Why don’t you do it? Go on do it!
I went for a seven night stay
At a resort named Buccament Bay
The mosquitoes were swarming
The sanitation most alarming
And the rain washed the beach away.
IFA said to invest with Ames:
“He’s backed by some really big names”
No resorts were completed
Harlequin lies were repeated
SFO, please relinquish the pain.
@Anon 7.55 no time soon. SFO has a long way to go yet.
FDNRM, I don’t class you as the font of all knowledge. In fact, I think you’re an uninformed idiot; merely an Ames spokesperson.
I’ve sworn to myself to go easy on FDNRM since he is now putting
in an honest (I assume) eight hours. But, really, “F” loosen up. No one
knows how far the SFO has to go. Who knows what headline we may
wake up to tomorrow. Its a bit “cat and mouse” and DA is not the cat.
ps – good job A-mouse
@Anon 8.04, it’s a good job I don’t consider your opinion of any relevance then.
@Anonymouse – ‘good job A-mouse’ …pun totally unintended
You too Anonymous 8:20pm 🙂 Assuming you are the poet that inspired me!
@icu4wotur. You sad git. Get a life. Do you get off on other people’s problems?
Matt Ames found guilty of fraud;
Whilst his parents in court, abroad!
Connections abound,
Ames crooks all round,
God help investors; O’ Lord!
@anonymouse
Browning or Kipling we’re not……
but I’d rather be browned than kippled…O’Lord!
I try to think of apt words
To describe this, fraud; it’s absurd!
That all I can think,
Is Ponzi and stink
Ames’ bum does squeak, have you heard?
FDNRM is over the moon;
Fucked arse as red as baboon!
A true Ames defender,
Mercenary bender,
His world will come crashing down soon!
Fat Carole in emails will bitch,
And lately her fanny does itch,
In Brentford, there’s hush;
The fatbird has thrush
Yet all staff are starting to snitch …
Dave sobbed with head in his hands,
The effort he’d made with white sands,
House wine with nice labels,
Plastic glasses and tables,
Investors had ruined his plans.
@ A-Mouse
You’re good, you’re really good…..I’m on my second Cutty Sark so will
wind up for the night.
I’m drained of inspiration now, Anon 10:13, so come join me tomorrow and contribute to the Epic. You know you can.
Icu4watur – your not aware of my circumstances and if I have any money at risk so why assume?
When I came to a settlement I signed a NDA and I, unlike somez, abide by it!
Let down by the law from the start,
Investors began to lose heart,
“Where is my resort”
Dave Ames’ retort?
We’re in this together, TAKE PART!
Harlequin needed more dosh.
Press disclosure of progress awash.
Litigation ensued;
Expired contracts renewed.
Carter Ruck’s renumeration was “posh”.
Dave’s empire and assets excelled,
His knowledge and contacts’ list swelled.
“My god, this is easy,
Let’s sell in Zambezi!”
The “sales director’s” eyes and gut welled.
“I support you in full”, said Wooller;
“My account will only get fuller.”
“Where the fuck is Zambezi?
Can we rip off clients easy?”
Staff’s involvement will only become clearer.
With apologies to Anonymouse … There once was a project called Merricks that looked too good to be true
Just pay a deposit and by Dave, we will built it for you.
Several years have gone by, and two show huts have I
Plus a guard hut don’t forget… This is a posh resort , my pet.
Swimming pool , no water, black tanks is what you get.
100% financing I know is an attraction
but just in case, bring cash to complete , cause it gives me an erection.
All very cleaver stuff and a welcomed relief to the normal drivel spewed out.
Seems like Reg legal have proved beyond doubt that NOBODY has had title to BB = what do you say FDNRM?
Don’t you think its time to help yourself, if you actually are who you say? an investor?
does anyone know abut last weeks court case and the result?
whatsthefuss is full of shit
Anon – how can I be full of shit about the court case? I have refused to give any details about it!!
Moron
@whatsthefuss
because you say your Ames mate, get banned from a forum for being abusive, the go back on as someone else – very pathetic – what’s with the obsession with it? did Dave have a go about it, because you could not kick up a fuss!!
@Karma is coming after you. You moron. I have never claimed to have title! Instead of putting up stupid, unresearched comments, if you have to post then post something that makes sense. Idiot!
@FDNRM.
Your the idiot handing over all the money thinking you got title! And got sweet fanny adams. still happy with HP are we? 😉 IDIOT ME?
@KiCAY. No I was fully aware what I was getting for my money and I have no complaints. Idiot you? Oh yes.
Anonymous – I’m glad to see that pestering me all the time is filling in a sadempty void in your life!
As for the Harlequin blog I haven’t posted since 15 may 2013 and was banned for call ing Erica a cow on the 16 May 2013.
I haven’t posted since because I can’t get access, if you can get back on by changing your name it’s not much of a ban.
Anyway it’s none of your business unless you are an administrator of the site – are you? I think you may be?
Here’s an idea Einstein, why don’t you let me back on and then you will know what I’m posting and you can stop guessing if I’m somebody else!!
For the 4th time, you must be thick because you can’t take it in, nobody has asked me to post and nobody has any control of what I write.
wtf…and nobody cares either.
Fatchett does not represent me.
June 15, 2013 at 12:10 pm
@Karma is coming after you. You moron. I have never claimed to have title!
but in reply to Yatinkiteasy
May 27, 2013 at 12:14 pm
Why does no one believe that FDNRM (aka 36) is an investor when he has legal title to his beautiful villa(without kitchen) at BB? – edit
Fatchett does not represent me.
May 27, 2013 at 12:51 pm
@Yatinkeasy, I agree with you, why anyone would disbelieve me is crazy. I appreciate your vote of confidence.
I think that most reasonable people would read that as implying that the poster ‘Fatchett does not represent me’ is acknowledging that the statement made by Yatinkiteasy “he has legal title to his beautiful villa” is correct. Would I be wrong in suggesting that a number of posts by ‘Fatchett does not represent me’ have implied that he does have title? – I think not.
Perhaps so that there is no further confusion we could have a clear and unequivocal statement that the person posting as ‘Fatchett does not represent me’ does not have title to any land or other property at Buccament Bay SVG?
Re: fdnrm
If memory serves I was under the impression that -36- became
fdnrm when he drove to the RL offices to show Fatchett his “title”.
He was also given 100 pounds for his trouble. Why any of this
matters God only knows but it was of major importance to him that he
show someone his “title”.
Oh my. Have people been handing over completion monies without clean legal title being transferred?!
Surely no competent conveyancing solicitor would allow a client to hand over money on that basis.
To hand over the full purchase price of a unit without legal title would be foolish in the extreme. Please tell me this hasn’t actually happened. I must be mistaken.
@beggars belief..you don’t understand that FDNRM has a special relationship with Ames……he reported previously that he had sat down with Ames and sorted everything out… Never mind he has title to nothing! It boggles the mind.
Thinking this through I would suggest that actually conferring legal title to hundreds of investors would make the resort an univestable prospect in terms of attracting third party funding.
So the only alternative would be to offer a service contract to investors that guarantees a certain ROI. This could be a worthless document because in the event that the contracting company collapses, the contract falls over too and the investor is left with nothing.
Is there a middle way that HP are using that I haven’t thought of?
Looks like Ames will try transferring the assets in some sort of pre-pack dodgy deal if you ask me.
Giving title would cock it up. Plus what fool would hand over more cash, your just handing it over to pay his legal fees!!!
He needs your cash to carry on setting up his little pre-pack scam 😉
This is why the HIG option is not so crazy, the asset is with the investors
Anonymous – But you care as your previous posts demonstrate. If you don’t car why spend so much time corresponding. In fact you care far too much which is plainly neither normal or healthy!!
Practice what you preach and don’t reply please.
@whatsthefuss,
Hello old chap! not much more to do on this dreadful rainy day. Have you now stopped being horrible to people? Could you ask Dave if he is planning a pre-pack scam please; we would love to know.
Have you any pro Harlequin stories FDNRM seems too exhausted these days, or maybe he has finally decided he has been well and truly conned by the little fat toad and his wife with a itch!!!
Where do you stand on this point, conned or happy? )
I am not unhappy because I have a special deal with Dave Ames, providing I keep on disrupting forums and keeping people off track. This can involve, but not limited to, pretending to be all sorts of people!!
HITS _ I have never been terrible to people, its just that people do not like it if you question them or disagree. I think if you read the posts going back that its me who has had the most insults? Lucky I love them!
As for asking Dave about a Pre-Pack, I have no need to as I see how hard he is working to get to a solution for the investors. If you don’t believe me, maybe you should give him a call and raise your concerns?
Whatsthepusss – Good for you if you have a special deal, everyone should look after themselves however they can, I have no knowledge of anyone having a special deal so well done to you. As far as I am aware though I think its quite common on blogs for people to change names and not against blog rules, so at least you don’t need to worry about breaking any rules.
It would really be fascinating to me if any of the “troops on the ground”
in BGI and SVG would weigh-in on the political ramifications of the entire
Harlequin mess. Governments have fallen for much less tawdry and
obvious financial schemes/scams. I fully believe that Barbados will suffer/is suffering financially from this. I can remember a time in the Bahamas
when nothing could be built unless it was 100% pre-financed. A bank
could not issue a letter of credit or send a bank draft without the
appropriate government approval number. No speculative schemes
were tolerated. It seemed to work well. Foreign suppliers were paid, local
workers were paid and the projects were completed. It is obvious that
existing laws in Barbados have been violated and what does the nation
have to show for it but two ghastly unfinished eye sores and uncollected
taxes. This does not even begin to include the dozen or so highly
talented and skilled local professionals that devoted a year or two (HD-Studio) to a dead-end effort. Switching to SVG – the government is
something of a basket case – Marxist leaning but seemingly in bed with
the worst form of out-law capitalism i.e. Harlequin. The simple economic
truth is that the hidden cost of getting any major airline to service
the new airport will cost the government per seat almost as much
as a room at Buccament Bay. It does’nt sound like too good of a deal.
@Anon 3.30. You pathetic cretin. If you are going to post some sort of insulting comment at least get your facts right. Now be a good person, trawl through 2000 past posts and lets see if you can spot your rather basic mistake. I’m off to bed but will log on about 9 in the morning. Lets see if you can get it right by then.
@ BBaywatch. An extremely well thought out and well structured post. Unfortunately your previous attempts to enter into dialog and meaningful conversation have been both insulting and distasteful, so regards to your question you know where you can shove it. Now if your mate “award winning journalist Jon Austin” was to ask me. Oh wait a minute no awards this year? Perhaps he could investigate the Haven caravan park in Yarmouth.
I will have a go at describing the position in Barbados.
Government will keep its head down and hope not to get involved. There have been no accusations of bribery by Harlequin in Barbados that I have seen. The Harlequin situation is seen as being a foreign issue and the voters are not really interested in things like that, so neither is Government. There have been a few half-hearted accusations about Government’s failure to do due diligence on Harlequin but that does not seem to have much purchase.
The papers have covered Harlequin a few times but it has mostly been from the “local firm owed money” angle with a secondary “foreigners about to lose money” slant. While there is some concern about the impact on tourism as a result of Harlequin stopping work on the projects, it is seen as a minor issue compared with higher profile projects like Four Seasons and the general malaise in the existing industry.
Government and voters are much more caught up in the economic woes of the country, the decline in tourist arrivals and the perceived inertia of the Government about doing more or less anything.
As to the “dozen or so highly talented and skilled local professionals that devoted a year or two (HD-Studio) to a dead-end effort”, do I detect a note of personal involvement? The view in Barbados, amongst those who have a view (which is few and restricted to the tourism, construction and development sectors) is that anyone who worked for Harlequin needed their head testing. There were enough rumours about what was going on, and Barbados is a small enough place for everyone to have heard them. I don’t believe the ordinary staff are considered with anything other than a degree of sympathy – after all, there are not that many jobs around so it was probably work for Harlequin, or don’t. For the senior guys, though, there is no such sympathy as there has to be a suspicion that they knew exactly what was happening and were part of the team keeping the scam going. Rightly or wrongly, I think they will find that their time with Harlequin will affect their employment prospects in Barbados.
Finally, it has not been in the press here but I think Bajans would be supportive of the stance that the late Prime Minister David Thompson took in relation to veiled threats issued by Harlequin as evidenced by the following email from Mr Ames and the late Prime Minister’s reply:
“Dear Prime Minister,
As I have been saying to you, the delay being caused by your country’s delay in processing the planning approval for Merricks is causing bad press for your country as well as Harlequin. I enclose a copy of an article written in the Investor’s Chronicle, which is part of the Financial Times in London, that has just appeared and, as you can see, Merricks and Barbados are being highlighted in a bad way.
As I told you when we met, this will get worse and I feel that if we do not resolve this issue in a very short while, all our investors will be withdrawing all their funds from your country. Please be aware that if this happens, I will be defending my position and my Company’s interest in this matter, which will only do more damage to your country and will make it difficult for further investment from other parties to invest in Barbados, as it is a small world and you will find it harder for inward investment if this type of bad publicity continues.
[Snip]
Kind regards
Dave Ames
Regards,
Carol Ames”
…and the reply:
“[Snip]
I wish you to let Mr Ames know that I do not stand for nonsense from foreign investors. Barbados welcomes them but not at any price, not under any threat and not by duress. Perhaps the difference between me and some who held this job before me is that I was born in London – very much understand the British culture – and I am not a novice at reading between the lines of that email.
Barbados is not yet embroiled in his financial scheme except that the property on which the houses are to be built – and for which no TCP permission has been granted – is in Barbados. I will not hesitate to defend our country’s honour and I propose to start to do so based on the email you passed to me.
David Thompson”
So back in September 2009, it looks as though Government could see not everything was as it should be.
Anon@7.52 – There will be policy change in one or two of the affected islands, such as ensuring any sales made on any development must escrow the funds and keep those same escrowed funds on the island where the sales were made. There are going to be more stringent background checks on the developers. There are also many other proposals coming from the private sector working with the public sector to ensure such problems like this do not arise again. The problem is that islands can be so keen on development and inward investment, and it can help a party politically to be seen to attract investment, that unscrupulous developers get a helping hand when they should not be entertained. There are many examples of this, with Harlequin being the biggest embarrassment to date for all affected islands, particularly as they were well warned back in 2006.
@ Anon73
While they may be great ideas, and they have certainly been mentioned in Barbados, I have heard nothing which would indicate that anything along those lines is actually going to be enacted.
SGD
Anon73
Thank you both. There is still intelligent thought on this site. I am so
absolutely tired of FDNRM/Whatsthefull/Whatsthepuss et al posting
trivial nonsense that has nothing to do with the Islands, which I believe
is what BFP is all about. (As a side comment…shame on the local press except for I-Witness-News)
@Anon 10.19 are you the Anon of 3.30? Perhaps you could think of a more original ID? Sorry you feel so tired about people posting on here. Why not ask people not to post uninformed comments, such as Anon 3.30? You could always just log onto the topic you find interesting, if that is not too difficult?
@SGD,
Informative post here and the other blog.
One point that’s not mentioned much; Dave Ames state of mind. He is getting more forgetful and irrational. Even those closest role their eyes, with his latest Sky advertising feature!
All that does is get people to search on google and get all the bad PR – a true masterstroke from Deluded Dave.
He is becoming more and more erratic; losing the trust of the very few people who have not already stabbed him in the back, whilst of course pretending to be one of his trusted few – think there is only Matt who is on the same wave length as him…… and he is in court for fraud!
@ Anon 3.30 still going through the old posts to find how you made an idiot of yourself? Wakey wakey it’s daytime!
@ Dave Ames, why not just leave? Whats the point anymore? its over
.
You are no doubt affecting your health and families happiness – so just leave you and your family are not wanted by investors.
Not being nasty now, but go with a little dignity before it take off you?
fair point?
I did hear Mr Ames say in the meetings that if we the purchasers wanted him to go he would, so what exactly is he waiting for? oh yeah I know the answer to that a nice little pre pack?
@ anonymous
He would be in count for the rest of his life if he done a pre-pack and he is knocking on a bit now.
@Empty desk
That’s by far the most sensible post for a long time, if it goes wrong then he actually can genuinely have someone to blame!!
Why he hangs on like a lost puppy is anyone’s guess???
The majority have not asked him to go as far as I know? How are we able to determine what the 3500 want rather than just the panicking 1100?
Well Why not get a external body to arrange a poll?
Lets give everyone all the details and lets vote!
And next time your kissing his backside ask him when he is going to pay back his interest free loan that he took without asking??
So can we take this number as being accurate? There are 4,600 “investors” then? That answers one of the 34 questions, or at least part of one.
Anonymous – do you have a telephone? Pick it up and ask him yourself , what am I your PA?
Is that a question that Shpleys will be asking?
@WTF spot on. There is a silent majority.
@SGD how does 3500 become 4600? 3500 is the figure.
@ FDNRM & WTF
Sorry my mistake, when WTF said it was not possible to know what the 3500 want, I took that to mean there were 3500 unknowns and 1100 HIGs.
So to clarify, we do know what the 1100 want but we don’t know what the 2400 want.
Unfortunately, this is not politics, where the rules are such that Cameron governs the UK because just under 24% of the population voted for his party. Harlequin is a private company, in which the shareholders, the Ames family, are not bound to do anything the “investors” want.
The numbers work like this then:
3500 investors
1100 want their money back or control of the assets
1 man and his wife say no
1 investor could pull the rug from under the whole thing with a well timed and thought out court action
Its a funny old world.
@whatsthefuss.
When are you going to man up and either stay with Ames or investors?
@SGD – my bet that’s how it will end and you have given me an idea to do it!!!!!
@FDNRM.
Got yourself a new mate have you called WTF, be careful, he is a snake that one……and not a very cleaver one either.
He may have got that figure from ‘special uncle Dave’ who, feeds him little tit bits so he can spread the BS.
A true low life bottom feeder.
June 16, 2013 at 4:36 pm
@HardlysuccessatBB
Don’t Stop The Carnival
Plastic containers for drinks
Not 5 star methinks
No Trader Vic’s as advertised, but that’s nothing new
Can’t open for 30 guests ….too few.
Managers have fled, not paid , it is said.
Will have to join the queue.
There is not enough spray
To keep the damn mossies away
And the beach that was black.
Is trying to come back.
Investors were told
Returns? As good as gold!
What have they got?
Diddly squat!
No income to share
The cash is not there.
Not to mention legal title
No one yet has received
Except one lucky fachet
Who writes from his toilet.
Marina, there is none
Galleon got bun
Harlequin Air?Not there.
My Beautiful Buccament Bay
Come quick before it fades away.
WTG – I’m now officially bored of answering this question, I am not on anybodys side except my own – I intend to keep it that way!
Poor Spelling – another pointless post designed to inflame based on no knowledge of the facts or knowledge of me! I do not profess to be a genius, do you? The figure I was quoting was given by Gareth Fatchett not David Ames, I have never discussed investor number with him, they are of no interest to me?
I would prefer if Poor Spelling would not correspond with me in the future as the meaningless posts have reached an all time special level of boring and are repetitive – have some dignity and grow up please.
Yat – Pretty good actually. May I make a suggestion –
Why not “rap” it on Youtube with a steel drum background
and for Side-B you could get Willie + Rib Bone to do something
Sort of a counter-point to the Sky-TV Ad campaign (at least one
hell of a lot cheaper)
@SGD you might find that more than 1100 would take their money back but do not see the RL/Crozier route as the way forward. You only have to go on Erica’s forum to see the type of crackpot ideas that are about.
FDNRM
HIG will ask investors to back them and they will be the preferred choice. No doubt on that.
However, Ames knows where everything is etc.
No compromise will mean liquidation. That is more than likely as HIG and Ames are miles apart.
My condolences to Marcus’s family (see new lead post).
Everyone posting on this Harlequin thread, whether connected with Barbados or not, should be grateful to the man who was editor in chief of BFP.
He made it possible for a discussion to be had about something which had been “Carter Rucked” out of existence in the UK.
RIP Marcus.
AMEN
@whatsthefuss.
I know who you are and what you have been asked to do, so carry on you are just getting deeper into something you will regret.
Still posting under your mate’s name of the Erica blog are we? You sad moronic cretin – don’t like to be told what and what you can not do, especially by a woman 😉
You snitch
@ Fatchett does not represent me.& WTF
So if toad face won’t give me my money back, just like my contract states, I use the law to put HP into administration – who is wrong in your distorted view of the world??
That’s what I will be doing …….
@Equaliser, so you want your money back. If you put the company into administration how much money will you get back then? Just be warned by the farce of Coventry football club. The company which owned the club put it into administration and now own the club again with no debt. Good plan or what.
You all seem to be ignoring THE FRAUD. The Ames family helped themselves to loans, huge bonuses, big fat wage cheques and as shareholders huge dividends. They also paid commission to anyone who connived with them in selling this scam. That’s where you money has gone. He’s got you just where he wants you – arguing amongst yourselves in the most pathetic way. It’s called ‘divide and rule’ a tactic that breaks up existing power structures and prevents smaller power groups from connecting with each other thereby weakening the aggrieved parties.
You are going round and round in circles and have achieved very little in the time space you had available. The money has gone. You have been had. Lied to. Take advantage of. Robbed. And all you do is throw witless insults at each other.
The Return of Yorkipoo – it’s obvious that you are posting under various names as your now just repeating yourself and using the same language.
I haven’t been asked to do anything, as for the threats and knowing me, instead of hiding here anonymously make direct contact. The funny thing is you think I have no idea who you are but your making it so obvious.
Why are you bringing genders into this when I never have?I haven’t been on the blog since 15 May as you all know at the bunker. Seems like your frightened of alternative views.
As for snitching you don’t know what your talking about, you just sound childish” comments like that are playground stuff.
Your posts are pointless and of no interest to anybody but you so it may be best you just drift off
The Equaliser – good luck because even the ones with stat demands can’t get refunds – if only it was so easy!
@What the fuss
Why do you not tell the truth about who you are? and what you are doing?
http://www.fca.org.uk/news/investments-made-through-harlequin-group
How many more warnings do people need ?
@Erica,
WFT = Richard the Snitch. He gave evidence for David Ames’s hearing last week against the investors.
Although he does claim to be an investor. There are those on your board who think he is not an investor at all.
He will have been offered something from David Ames to agitate. How sad !
The above is obviously not me.
Obviously not. It was too well written.
Any comment from FDNRM or WTF on the latest FCA announcement? Or is this another generic change of the FCA rules like the other Harlequin announcements?
Repeated on the front page of FT Advisor – http://www.ftadviser.com and on The Echo site – http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/10489655.Harlequin_Property_investors_warned_before_parting_with_more_cash/ and IFA Online http://www.ifaonline.co.uk/ifaonline/news/2275313/fca-issues-warning-on-harlequin-investments
The very fact that this is being picked up and publicised by so many separate news feeds who are posting alerts suggests that HP’s credibility has reached new lows. With no discernible progress on rescue plans has the point of no return (and no returns of investors cash)been reached?
What FCA announcement?
Latest news alert published today by the Financial Conduct Authority:
http://www.fca.org.uk/news/investments-made-through-harlequin-group
“If you are considering investing in the Harlequin group, we urge you to proceed with caution. Ensure that you fully understand the risks involved with the investment. We recommend that you contact an appropriately qualified financial adviser and obtain legal advice from lawyers in the country where the property is located before proceeding with an investment in a company in the Harlequin group…”
NOT LOOKING GOOD IS IT?
More new…..Insolvency news now
http://www.insolvencynews.com/article/15402/corporate/fca-issues-harlequin-caution-note
It’s not looked good since the day after I signed my contracts in 2007!
And more in Daves back yard……
http://www.basildonrecorder.co.uk/news/10489655.Harlequin_Property_investors_warned_before_parting_with_more_cash/
All these nasty people Dave all wrong about you!
http://www.moneymarketing.co.uk/regulation/fca-warns-investors-over-paying-more-to-harlequin/1072898.article
All one big conspiracy against you 😉 fancy you only had 400 million.
http://www.ftadviser.com/2013/06/17/regulation/regulators/harlequin-fca-call-for-investor-caution-common-sense-GwkLEklebjPBBLRqzf1z4M/article.html
City wire in on it now!!!
http://citywire.co.uk/new-model-adviser/fca-urges-would-be-harlequin-investors-to-seek-financial-advice/a685941
You are really being targeted by all this negative unfounded press!!!
http://www.ifaonline.co.uk/ifaonline/news/2275313/fca-issues-warning-on-harlequin-investments
Sid – your black humour in the face of adversity shows great strength. Made me laugh (then feel guilty for doing so).
Fancy them baddies at Reg Legal giving such decent advice out, damm the beggars!
All,
The Financial Conduct Authority have issued a new alert on Harlequin Property. Please read below or click on the link. http://www.fca.org.uk/news/investments-made-through-harlequin-group
We repeat our guidance to investors :-
1. Do not part with any monies until the various regulatory investigations are complete (eg SFO / Essex Police).
2. Do not utilise unregulated agents to explain complex legal and financial planning issues. They offer no investor protection and are not skilled to provide such advice.
Without putting too finer point on it, after £400m invested, it appears that no single investor has received title to their property. We have received nothing from Harlequin to correct the research we have done.
The bottom line is that giving any more money to Harlequin at present would be foolhardy. The situation is way too risky at present.
“New information on investments made through Harlequin group of companies
Published: Today
Investors considering paying money to any of the companies in the Harlequin group of companies are urged to do so with caution. We explain more if you have, or are, considering investing.
The Harlequin group of companies are engaged in the development and distribution of overseas property investments and resorts.
On 18 January 2013, we issued an alert to financial advisers about investments in overseas properties bought through Harlequin Property. Since this, important developments have taken place:
On 5 March 2013, the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) announced that it, together with Essex Police, was looking into complaints in relation to the Harlequin group. Investors who have invested in specific resorts are asked to contact the SFO. See a complete list of the resorts and how to contact the SFO.
On 23 April 2013, Harlequin Property filed to enter administration. On 3 May 2013, Anthony Peter Davidson and Stephen Blandford Ryman, of Shipleys LLP, were appointed joint administrators of Harlequin Property. Contact the administrators if you have any questions about this.
On 13 May 2013, Harlequin Hotels & Resorts approached investors to say that Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited is working with SIPP and SSAS providers on the completion of built properties at Buccament Bay Resort. It invites investors who are in a position to fund the balance outstanding of their investments or wish to relocate their investment from another Harlequin resort to the Buccament Bay Resort, to contact Harlequin Hotels & Resorts.
Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited is not regulated by FCA and it is not a company incorporated in the UK. Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited is based in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
What investors should do
If you are considering investing in the Harlequin group, we urge you to proceed with caution. Ensure that you fully understand the risks involved with the investment. We recommend that you contact an appropriately qualified financial adviser and obtain legal advice from lawyers in the country where the property is located before proceeding with an investment in a company in the Harlequin group.
Our previous alert to financial advisers
Harlequin Property is the trading name of Harlequin Management Services (South East) Limited. Harlequin Property is a UK-based overseas property sales agent that is not regulated by the FCA and is now in administration. The alert explained to financial advisers our expectations where they recommend consumers to invest in overseas properties purchased through Harlequin Property. The alert also explained what advisers need to do before recommending a consumer to invest in these properties.”
You heard what he said…..he has never taken a penny out of HP, and who are we to disbelieve him?
The big houses and sports cars could easily have been paid for in other ways. We mustn’t just assume that simply because he can’t justify where £400m has gone that he has taken any of it. I’m sure he’s looking everywhere to try and find where he put all those bulging suitcases. And he’s advertising on Nick Junior now so it won’t be long before we all reap the rewards. You’ll see….won’t he FDNRM?
You are all picking on poor Dave, he has an award winning resort and its all the fault of that Irish builder, and negative press!! nothing to do with him being a total moron. Leave him alone….
The Harlequin apologists would have it believed that ‘unconcerned’ investors outnumber those seeking redress by over 2:1, but as the consensus of opinion with advisory bodies and informed commentators continues to highlight warnings one would have to think that those ‘unconcerned’ investors are either blinkered or incredibly naive – then again they did buy into it in the first place!
The sense that there is an unstoppable momentum growing is palpable (as Harold Macmillan famously put it “events dear boy, events”) or in the words of the old joke –
Don’t force anything mechanical
Never have sex with anything vegetable
and don’t f*** about with the inevitable.
I don’t know how Mr Ames stands re the first two prohibitions but he seems to be desperately close to the third.
@Sid, what he actually said, was that he never took a penny from the Caribbean! however, nothing was said about the £860,000 dividend paid to The fat little Mrs Ames and £120k per year for him and the kiddies, excluding dividends of course! from HMSSE Ltd ( in administration)
How else did Dan get his property portfolio…… coming after that next Danny boy ;)…… back to the post office for you!!!!!!
Your all facing a nasty end 😉
@BBaywatch….
Well he must have have sex with his wife and she is a right old sprout!!
Hi SL, long time no speak. I hope you’re well.
Personally I’m getting to a point now where I will almost happily lose my investment as long as the whole sorry farce comes to a close but I do want to see them all behind bars. He’ll still be blaming the Irish builders when they drag him to his cell!
BBaywatch – my only concern is that some of those who don’t know about it could be those without access to the internet (elderly or low IQ).
I do hope the FCA (formerly FSA) have taken the trouble to issue warnings to Harlequin Investors who’ve been asked to hand over cash to complete rather than just issue a statement on their own (FCA) website. After all, many decent, mostly regulated, IFA’s had warned the FSA about Harlequin since 2006. I think the FSA will have more to answer for than they realise. Or maybe they do realise.
Why are Harlequin allowed to potentially enter into completion agreements with clients when there are ongoing investigations by police and government bodies??
It’s a jungle out there.
@Sid,
Yes I am fine and dandy! looks like this whole sorry mess is coming to an end soon. I rather like the idea of the investor group anything will be better that that short arsed old sprout shagger!
Sorry ‘The Apprentice’ bit it did make me titter to myself 😉
If Ames take any cash of people at this late stage, would that be fraud? can anyone confirm?
@Anon RU, As you quite rightly say, “ongoing investigations”. No one has been charged, no case has been proved and it could all be dropped. So anyone is allowed to continue their business until told they cannot any more. The SFO investigation has a long way to go yet before any decision will be taken.
@BBaywatch, good to see your mate “award winning (although not this year) journalist” Jon Austin cutting and pasting another excellent article.
FDNRM – have you handed over any more cash to Harlequin this year?
Now I see that others are posting in my name again for mischief. The last post was not from me but saying that, it was that lame that I don’t expect anybody thought I posted it anyway!
@Fatchett does not represent me.
Come on is that the best you can do?
In the UK under the 1986 Insolvency Act it is an offence to continue to trade knowing the company cannot meet it’s debts (hence Carol trotting off down to the High Court with HMSSE to save her and Dave joining Matt) but who knows wtf goes on in the Caribbean.
Funniest post of the day? Harlequins official statement in response to the FCA announcement – “it is an exciting time with investors now receiving a tangible product for their money.” read and weep people, read and weep.
The sort of excitement I can do without thanks Dave…
I thought the funniest part was buried within Harlequin’s statement in the FT Advisor article “… the award winning Buccament Bay …”.
Well I suppose when they get a letter from the insolvency practitioner that could be construed as tangible!!!! sad but true……..
@Dave Ames, Sorry Dave I have had enough trying to defend all this crap and pretending to be an investor – I will send my final invoice.
@What the fuss, Make sure he pays you your £895. plus V.A.T per six hours!
Does anyone know how far Crozier got with her freezing order?
@erica, please don’t clog up this forum with pointless rubbish. You have your own forum for that.
Erica how are you I hope you are well?
The comment above by WTF about the invoice is not me. It’s the moron who keeps posting in my name.
Bet you can’t wait for Wednesday??
@What the fuss
What is happening on Wednesday?? I am all excited now so tell me??
You know more about me than I do! Oh is it is it that Mr Ames is going to honour the contract he has with my husband?
Erica – apologies I thought you were aware? Am sure you are and are just not saying! Not long until Wednesday – can’t see it’s what you have wished for I think you may have burnt a few bridges to get that!
When are you letting me back on the forum? What’s the duration of my ban?
@ Erica, you obviously decided to ignore my request. This thread has over 2000 posts now and BFP has limited server space and I suspect bandwidth. You are clogging up the forum with stupid you tube clips of Genisis. Not only does it show a poor taste in music but shows poor judgement.
Oooh Fatchick’s a BFP moderator now is he?
It looks like it. He sure did’nt last a week at his new 10 quid/hour
job. Wonder what happened ????
@ FDNRM
“……“award winning (although not this year) journalist” Jon Austin cutting and pasting another excellent article.”
Maybe he learned his trade from the social media staff at Harlequin and their Tripadvisor posts. So many cold towels.
‘@What the fuss, Why do you not tell everyone here why you are paid so much money per six hours? I have not got a clue about Wednesday but as usual you do?
@fdnrm Did I see you in London last week?
@ Erica, if you read this thread you would know I would be nowhere near London.
@Anon £7.
Erica – which invoice are you referring to? Is it a specific invoice or the charge out rates that my company charge? You will need to be clearer for me to answer that please.
Another person just jumping on the HP bashing bandwagon!, the list is too long to go into
http://www.international-adviser.com/news/products/uk-regulator-issues-further-warning-over-harlequin
All the way back in March
Lonely puppy
March 9, 2013 at 11:26 am
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?
yorkiepoo is really
March 9, 2013 at 11:06 am
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?
Woooooooooooooooooo hang on…..cowboy!!!!!
This has been mentioned before, the yorkipoo, intheknow, whatsthefuss, connection.
But now it actually someone called Richard Ingram -and this was highlighted back in March?
The $64,000 question is…….. who is Richard Ingram? And why is whatsthefuss being so Pro Harlequin, when its obvious he has been cheated like all the others by Ames.
Too much for me to comprehend, what a tangled web we weave…….
WTG/ TGAOTC – why is everybody always so interested in finding out who people’s true identities are on this blog? The blog is anonymous to everybody unless we are all now going to post in our own names? I’m happy if this is the way forward for everybody.
I keep on saying, and have said it so many times previously I feel like I’m repeating myself daily – I am neither pro or anti harlequin. I have said before I am really disappointed in what has been delivered by harlequin in terms of volume, but I also believe we should give some support to harlequin and the resort until the rescue plan is either proven not to work or the HIG option is preferable to the investors.
I think some are looking for a conspiracy that doesn’t exist.
I am in the same position as all of us in fact probably worse because I am a cash investor.
I think you need to get a grip on reality and see that I am not paid by harlequin I post my opinions as I see them and its just the approach I have chosen to take.
@What the fuss, If you are not paid by Harlequin then who does pay you for what you do for Harlequin?. I know exactly what you do, where you do it,and I have all your I.P Addresses and I know exactly where they go back to,So why do you not tell everyone the truth before I do?
Erica – what is it that I do that you think I get reimbursed for by Harlequin?
Also what is the invoice you referred to earlier?
I’m confused!
@What the fuss, I am saving your occupation for the tabloids!
I never referred to a invoice only what your rates our.
Come on Erica, is he a rent boy! spill the beans 😉
Erica – I really don’t know what this is about. I make no secret of my business, it’s legal, it pays taxes, it has a good reputation, lots of repeat clients, but it has never been commissioned by Harlequin.
As for rates these are competitive commercial rates for the industry and work is always won in competition.
I am not sure where you saw the rate of £895 plus VAT but if you let me know I will clarify.
I will be surprised if anybody can be bothered reading about what my company does, it’s all pretty routine, above board and legal.
I have no idea why you are launching a witch hunt against me?
@ Erica, come on…….
WTF , says it’s all above board…. so why you having a go if he is just doing a job? You should not say you will ‘expose’ him if he is just a guy doing a decent job and paying taxes? bit nasty that is?
Ok maybe a Gigolo?
@What the fuss,
http://privatedetective-warrington.co.uk/?kw=private%20investigators%20warrington&adID=5669
Real Investor – thanks for the support, I’m not used to it!
Your bang right she is just trying to make things personal for her own twisted reasons.
Erica – why have you posted that link?
@whatsthefuss
Easy stop to all this…. confirm or deny the allegation you are not a Private Investigator, working from Warrington.
Other people have had lots of insults for not doing the same. I do recall you were one of them asking questions of Nikki Crozier professional qualifications? Am I correct?
So, Ames has hired a Private Detective to find out if Carole is having an affair?
The list of things he choses to spend investor funds on just gets more and more incredible!
I refrer to my last post below:
The Great Architect, of the Caribbean
June 18, 2013 at 8:53 am
Woooooooooooooooooo hang on…..cowboy!!!!!
This has been mentioned before, the yorkipoo, intheknow, whatsthefuss, connection.
But now it actually someone called Richard Ingram -and this was highlighted back in March?
The $64,000 question is…….. who is Richard Ingram? And why is whatsthefuss being so Pro Harlequin, when its obvious he has been cheated like all the others by Ames.
Too much for me to comprehend, what a tangled web we weave…….
A caveat:
So, yorkipoo, intheknow, whatsthefuss AKA Richard Ingram is actually a PI working from Warrington!! I can’t cope and will now go to bed!!!!
What’s going on in the World!
Not “private’ anymore though!
@whatsthefuss and all your other names.
Can you clear this up so we can move on? Are you a PI? Yes or no, if you are, you must still be learning the ropes to be found out like this!!!!
I was not aware that Erica was accusing me of being a PI – I saw her post a link but no accusation?
Erica do you think I am a PI observing you for Harlequin? Is that what your saying?
This if true, could be a very nasty trick by Ames, are we saying that a PI has been hired to do what? disrupt forums? Well WTF certainly does that, spy on people – that’s going a bit far…. Infiltrate investors groups yes that’s possible….. an Ames type of trick.
The only real way is for whatsthefuss to answer the questions, is it not? Or put some proof to back up this allegation? Erica?
Fair point? answers or proof?
@whatsthefuss.
No I am..asking you the question so why not answer it?
Just for Richard….
LLMITB – I want to be clear what Erica is saying before answering, at present she has put a post up but not said why.
Why don’t you go and ask Dave yourself if you are who you say you are.
You need to get a grip, it’s real life this not Jackson Brodie!
@wtf
“but I also believe we should give some support to harlequin and the resort until the rescue plan is either proven not to work or the HIG option is preferable to the investors.”
Says it all really.
If you are a PI you must be the dumbest in the world if you haven’t figured out this is a scam.
@whatsthefuss
That’s no answer, bit daft. Who are you I think is the question.
Ames would just lie if it were true, but you not saying anything makes you look like you are hiding something?
Who is Jackson Bridie?
I have located PI WTF in Warrington suburbs!
His contact number is 01942 740075, give him a call and ask if he works for Harlequin!
Anon – getting out of your depth, mismanagement, greed is not the same as setting up a scam daft lad.
Because leaky. How can he admit he is an investor and believes in the “rescue plan”, and be a PI. Only ignorant or brain dead investors still believe Ames.
WTF, What about lies and deception in order to convince investors to hand over their cash? That’s fraud isn’t it?
WTF Because you have been outed you decide to put Erica’s number on the internet? Unbelievable!
@Wtf
Mmmm mismanagement and greed.
I think you will find Ames had no problem managing agents greed to sell the scam and take money without investors knowledge.
How do you mismanage not filing accounts. Silly boy.
Anon – I do not believe in a rescue plan because I have yet to see one. The reason for waiting to see the proposal is so that Harlequin didn’t say that we didn’t give them the opportunity. Even a dimwit like you can see the benefit of that.
Anonymouse – was you lied to by Harlequin or an IFA – do who committed the crime?
I have neither put Ericas phone number on the blog as she has never given me her number or been caught doing anything!
Keep looking but there’s no dirt to be dished on me!
Anon – I have never said anything but this thing is a mess. Read my posts before posting you cretin.
@WTF, I bought a holiday home from a seemingly nice chap in Essex some years ago, but to date he has not delivered on any of his promises. I’m beginning to suspect he is a liar and may have conned me but am struggling to ‘get any dirt’ on him. How much would you charge to follow him around a bit?
Sorry if I seem to be rubbing salt in an old wound; but for those of you who were taken and have not seen it I just have to share this 2010 post I stumbled on at Youtube
The only bit that is true is when it mentions a Unique 100% Finance Model. It certainly is unique…..I’ve never seen one like it!
@whatsthefuss.
There is nothing on Richard Ingram, that’s the whole point! Who are you and what do you do?
Wtfatsld – the reason you can’t find any information is because there’s nothing to know!
I’m just an investor with a different opinion to yours!
What’s your First and Surname?
@whatsthefuss.
Either you are ‘Spy PI’ working for Ames or not. You never been one to hide under your bushel so I thing you are ……. a Twat.
@wtf, I know it’s difficult but try and ignor the morons on here. They are just wind up merchants. More You tube rubbish. I know you are genuine, I was told by a third party. So just ignor and let’s work on the bigger picture.
“I know you are genuine, I was told by a third party. So just ignor and let’s work on the bigger picture.”
So funny. Do you morons think anybody thinks you are genuine. And no fatshit showing a bit of paper from your paymaster didn’t hack it.
Your “wait and see every thing may be ok” is aimed at appeasing ignorant investors that still believe Ames crap. You are just as guilty as him. Thieving scum.
@And one harlequin stooge says to another stooge
Well put, outed another turd
what a pair of idiots you are Loony Tunes & Harlequin Stooge.
Don’t get so childish when others disagree with you!
How pathetic
@Aohsstas and lt. Yawns at the predicable response. Crawl back into the Wigan bunker.
Investor Update Meetings on the 3rd & 4th July 2013 – Warrington & Basildon again.
The restructure !
The Meetings should be fun as he cannot pull it off without near 100% investor support.
I work at Buccament Bay, a lots of talk about the money running out and what will happen to us?
We just keep being told its all the press fault and we ok.
That’s all we talk about…… what if the travel firms stop sendin people here…..what if Mr Ames really is a bad man….
Can anyone give us any hope?
@ Bill Bailey
Where has this information come from? More BS…. only an official offer of funding will do, or hand over to investors.
Leave……….
Dave don’t put yourself and family through anymore embarrassment
TC – it’s a bit of a waiting game I’m afraid, as nobody knows what money Harlequin have, where that money is, what they’re doing with it, and how much of it there is left. Also, nobody knows how long it will be before some legal action or other freezes the group assets.
All I would say is that given the staff’s excellent reputation, a new owner of BB is bound to take you all on. Ready made, ready trained, local and highly regarded.
Hang in there and best of luck.
following is a very honest opinion of the Argyle Airport project in St Vincent. The Airport is supposed to bring thousands of visitors to St Vincent when it opens in 2014. Anyone who knows the island, like I do over the past 40 years, can see that this was a F……..uped idea from the start. There is a lot of money involved in its construction, therefore a lot of “commissions” earned by certain politicians . As the writer points out, the option of more fully utilizing the Canaun airport for large jets, and extending the existing runway in St Vincent into the sea was a much cheaper alternative.
If it is thought that such a ridiculously expensive airport is justified by the BB development down in mosquito creek that person is not mentally stable.
http://www.iwnsvg.com/2013/06/17/canouan-and-e-t-joshua-airports-were-all-we-needed/
There once was a conman named Ames
Whose business went up in flames
The Queen was not amused
And poor Dave was refused
A knighthood by the Court of St James
@tubal cain…I acknowledge the correctness of your post, but I am sure you will be ok as the members of the community you are a member of will support you all as best they can
@tubal cain…
Unfortunately BB is certain to go belly-up. As a Vincentian I think
you would be first-in-line to recover whatever is your due from
whatever assets remain. If I were you I would try to get all the
employees that you know to document whatever they feel they are owed.
I am not a lawyer, but if you have a running account of what is owed
you, it certainly can’t hurt. Start formulating a Plan-B.
Good luck my friend!
If anyone is interested in tracking assets and where the money might have gone (allegedly), here is an interesting article – Thailand!
http://www.andrew-drummond.com/2013/06/harlequins-missing-millions-try-looking.html
@sg’sd
My God! Man, how much more do the true believers need?
Denial, denial, denial!
@Tubal Cain…who is the manager now? Is it Matt charged with million GBP fraud in the UK?
Are you being paid on time…these are important things to know…what is the occupancy like these days?
Do you know that you are probably the only All Inclusive hotel in the world that guests have to sign for every drink?Management does not trust you…a big shame, since staff are always highly praised on Trip Advisor.
Daily Telegraph on the case:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/investing/10125897/FCA-warns-Sipp-property-investors-on-firms-luxury-resorts.html
Apologies if this comes up twice, I posted it a few hours ago but it got lost in the ether.
Thailand, the zombie harlequin connection that won’t stay buried. There is an interesting join the dots exercise for someone in authority if they do a little background research.
Testing, one, two……….testing, one, two
@Richard Ingham AKA whatsthefuss aka yorkipoo aka intheknow aka maybe a PI ( but not a good one)
Why don’t you stop being such a coward and manup are you a PI and a Ames mole or not? You know its not going to be left alone until the truth come out…..and people are looking.
You were nasty to Crozier so, tell be big boy who or what are you?
@wtf, don’t rise to the stupid questions. I took a drive to Fatchetts, showed them proof of who I was and idiots on here still don’t deliver me.
A Dave Ames,
So, with your next lot of investors meeting you are going to stand there and say what?
How about,:
1. your freezing that’s happening
2. Thailand 😉 & Dubai properties 😉
3. the finance that’s not happening
4. the building that’s not happening
5 the SFO that is happening
6. the bad press that’s happening
7 starting the payments again, that’s not happening
8. court cases against you that’s happening
9. your redundancies that’s happening
10.you and your families salaries, that’s happening
11. any completions 😉
12 . Any accounts!
13 answered any HIG questions yet?
I could go on but even you in your deluded state must believe you have totally *ucked it up? Your family must cringe for you when you stand there blabbing on – you are such a incompetent little man.
We don’t want to hear about the F***king Irish case, or the accountants or how its not your fault.
Ames just F**k off!
@FDNRM.
Don’t believe you.
Your such a hypocrite, you too Gave Crozier a bad time too, but its OK for whatthefuss, to bully lie, and generally cause trouble because he like you he is a sad deluded fool….. who is possibly be checked a few quid by Ames each month so he can go to a caravan site , like you.
You make me puke.
@ WTF, = slimy mole, what did Dave say?
@MSLDWA. Your right I gave Crozier a hard time. She had every chance to deny that she was Dixon but refused. I make you puke? RESULT!
@ Ames –
We wait……. Yuh wufless Auntieman
We keepin happy 🙂
@FDNRM
So has @Richard Ingham AKA whatsthefuss aka yorkipoo aka intheknow aka maybe a PI ( but not a good one)
Every chance to explain if he is is a mole appointed by Ames (the little shit)
ps what do you think about your investment in Thailand 😉 You can not be so stupid?
Whether Dozier is Dixon (or Dancer, Dasher, Prancer or Blixon)
who the hell cares. This is about the criminal activity of
David Ames. I sense attention deficit disorder or worse.
@mSLdWA. I have not invested in Thailand. What makes you think I have?
@169. I care, afraid of the truth?
The court order was posted on Erica’s site today. Why did Dave voluntarily to freeze his assets ?
Why is he using this Richard Ingham chap ? What’s that about ?
@fdnrm
You have indirectly, because Ames took your cash and bought some stuff for himself……Thailand and Dubai
And your still happy dumbo, your new name…. Your money has gone. Is Ames paying £7 per hour for this shit?
@WTF… any comments?
@Fid
According to Erica he is a private investigator ! He keeps dancing around the direct questions as to whether he is or not.
There will never be a “rescue” with all the current legal cases.
Who would lend money to Harlequin in all seriousness ?
Where is Frank Cannon when you need him ?
Surely he can suss Ingham out ?
Is he actually FDNRM ? eg one person with many names ?
I am not Richard Ingham. I am a free man.
I am not a free man. I am Richard Ingham.
And so it goes………
It almost like being an Episcopalian…believe in
everything but God.
Can I be Richard Freeman? That’s a great name for a PI.
@ Siibbo
Well he claims to be an investor 😉 but, has special ‘relations’ with chubby little Ames ( the nature of this ‘relationship’ I don’t think is sexual)
He is just simply an Ames mole, and gets something in return……. but what???
Anyway, he posts under so many names, Yorkipoo, intheknow, whatsthefuss etc etc He was giving everyone on the forum so much hassle he was barred!!
He than started a nasty personal attack on Erica & Nikki Crozier from CPC – very nasty it got……indeed.
He ‘may’ have got back on the forum under his mates name and is starting the same old same old again.
He also has been accused of being a rather incompetent PI, but he won’t confirm or refute this ‘allegation’ – so GUILTY!!!
He seems to work out of the Warrington area by all accounts?????
I must go and eat or I will be getting the 3 rd degree for missing dinner!!
What are we all going to do with our lives once HP has gone belly up and we have all accepted how very, very f@cking stupid and naive we’ve all been? I’m gonna miss you guys. Especially the incredible humour of FDNRM and WTF. Those two are real comedy geniuses the way they pretend everything is ok and will all work out in the end. It’s absolute gold, you can’t write this stuff!…..you can…..they do! Thanks guys.
Richard Ingram is a bit of an secret man, or maybe a man with secrets! I will impart what I know – very little indeed…… I have my trusted brothers having a dig around and shall keep you updated
Ok so now everyone knows who i am. I may as well come clean.
I have been having an affair with Davey boy Ames and i have just found out that he and Fdnrm have been having an affair behind my back.
He had promised me we would run away together and start a new life in the Caribbean but things are not looking good now.
Fdnrm you are welcome to him, he is a compulsive liar and con man.
I knew something was going between you two!! he also told me i was his special boy and we would run off together in the sunset.
He is just a lying fat, ugly, little cretin and i hope he gets whats coming to him.
@RIchard Ingham
How could you go off with Dave behind my back ?
There once was a para-legal named Crozier
Who possessed a mysterious dossier
FDNRM was her accuser
But swore not to abuser
With his obsession for identity exposure.
There was once a woman called Dixon
Who was a bit of a Spanish Vixon
She went on the run
From her place in the sun
And reappeared as a legal person
To quote BBaywatch, Wigan skunk works are into overtime. The above at 6.49 and 7.40 are obviously not me.
Not bad in an hour and three minutes
Crikey….and I just sort of complimented the not you you.
Just got back on the blog for the first time today, it’s amazing how your imagination is running overtime, all this nonsense about working for Ames, getting paid by Ames etc etc all without a grain of truth.
I see people are digging to get information on me, apart from being very private, you need to get my name correct first!
The reason I have refrained from commenting on the PI because I don’t know exactly what I was accused of? Erica has put a link on the blog to a PI in Warrington, what does that mean? Is she accusing me? Is she saying one is following me?
If Erica is clear of what she is accusing me of then I will answer in full!
Closer to the truth is she’s a crazy bitch!
The Harlequin investors clearly need professional assistance with their problems. I may have found just the firm to help. It is a private detective and investigation service based in Warrington.
I quote a section from their from their website http://www.warrington-private-investigators.co.uk/ (or cached as it was not on-line when I tried). Their services include:
“Financial
Our team consists of well trained financial investigators who specialise in fraudulent transfers of either a personal or business nature. Our private investigation specialists are trained in retrieving funds and searching for and finding hidden assets. We deal with bankruptcy, fraud, embezzlement, identity theft and money laundering. Should you require a financial inquiry which involves misconduct, dispute resolution, due diligence, asset recovery, or litigation, we have the skill, background and professionalism that makes a substantial difference.
Our financial investigators will analyse records and provide you with a detailed summery (sic) that will be presented in a way that is acceptable in court proceedings. Please call our Warrington office for further information.
We can help you get what is rightfully yours if you have been mislead (sic) or have had money stolen and we are also able to hunt down assets that have been well hidden. Call our private investigator team in the Warrington (sic) for more information.
So if you find yourself or your company in need of financial investigation to resolve issues or disputes, please give us a call. We are happy to help, whatever your situation and are the best in the Warrington (sic) for this service.”
I suggest someone gives them a call as soon as possible. They may have valuable information they can contribute. You may need to provide spelling and grammatical assistance.
Now I have just got banned from her blog!
Simon/ Dave
As explained yesterday I am willing to answer the questions you asked on a without prejudice basis until we get a drafted statement that we are both agreeable to.
Firstly you need to be aware that since February I have been trying to get close to Erica/ Crozier/ Walton/ Fatchett and have had to say what they wanted to hear so I was taken into the inner sanctum, I ahve managed to do this and Dave is aware I did this to find out what they were doing behind the scenesso there is no facts in the actual content of any messages/ blogs I have posted they were purely for effect.
Firstly I can confirm I am registered on the Harlequin Forum as Whatsthefuss.
It does seem odd that everyone clearly understands the accusation except you WTF.
@Boaz
I think we need to be cautious, not to jump to the wrong concussions, but its safe to say finance will be very difficult.
@Badlydrawnsaint, aks whatsthefuss, yoorkipoo, intheknow, Richard Ingram the PI – much to long this name.!
Well, your grammatical errors and poor spellings are like a fingerprint to the eye of the teacher.
Tut tut.
Poor Spelling – had to have a good chuckle at your last post!! Lmfao
The fact is I have only posted once the others are postings are rubbish posted by the Windsor Road, Ashton in Makerfield scum bunker. You stupid bastard have given me a good laugh this morning.
I think Erica needs psyciatric help all kinds off rubbish going on in her head and she now believes its reality!
Erica your a nut job – do you think your that important to have a PI put on you? Your not important you sad oaf!
@Badlydrawnsaint, aks whatsthefuss, yoorkipoo, intheknow, Richard Ingram the PI – much to long this name.!
Whats Lmfao? Is that PI language 😉
Don’t be too rude it simply not called for.
So to be clear are we saying that we have found a PI in Warrington Area who has been identified as Richard Ingham and has been identified carring out surveillance on Erica?
Poor Spelling – before you pick up on people’s spelling/ grammar, you don’t know the difference between to and too?
@whatsthefuss.
Indeed I do.
English grammar is far too complicated for me.
There is no need to shout.
Two comments for you,
I have to admit i don’t know what day it is sometimes, thats why i use multiple user names and my spellings a bit daft.
I was trying to deflect negative comments about Davey boy Ames, but now Ive had enough of him.
He couldn’t organize a piss up in a brewery let alone get you all out of this mess.
@PS
Brilliant comeback !
oops the last comment was from me! its the confusion again, again!!
Little point posting here if people are going to pretend they are me, your doing a good job of disrupting the site anyway!
PS – glad to see somebody explained to, too and too, now you just need help with commas and full stops!
You are = you’re …..a verb
Your …..a possessive pronoun
Anon – but I don’t care about spelling and grammar on a blog, it’s not a letter writing competition here!
You are doing a good job for me trashing up the site so any relevant comments get lost in it all!!
Thanks!!
The Wigan bunker trolls are working overtime today. Obviously nothing on You tube today.
The only relevant comments are those on proceeding to
indict DA and the completion of a full forensic audit of
all Harlequin assets/debts. No one is solving anything
until those two events occur.
You’r welcome!!
I do enjoy when people are correcting other people’s grammar and balls it up themselves. It’s all to, too, two funny for me.
Sid, that’s down to you being a sad bastard! At least you have got a laugh out of your wasted investment!
Always a silver lining!
Who said anything about a wasted investment? How do you know I don’t have the same arrangement as FDNRM?
And you’re right about silver linings….every cloud and all that eh?
Richard Ingham – very secretive person, very difficult to locate!
Uniqwin (UK) Ltd
Unit 8
Centre 21
Bridge Lane
Warrington
WA1 4AW
If you have the same arrangement as FDNRM your just delaying the inevitable!
If your happy with the same deal as FDNRM why do you cry like a girl on here?
Is Fdnrm’s payments continued??
Do I cry like a girl? And who said I had the same arrangement as FDNRM?
Sid – did I not say if?
Would you want the same deal as FDNRM? Think of all those envious people you would have calling you names!
Meanwhile, back at the plot –
http://www.ftadviser.com/2013/06/20/ifa-industry/companies-and-people/advisers-received-up-to-commission-on-harlequin-sales-e2bI8YdLHWUGc5cF8JCBqI/article.html
more news about the huge commissions trousered by agents with their MLM style ‘downlines’ – corrupt from beginning to end.
For those of you that are wondering why Dave hasn’t been nicked yet you just have to be patient, It could take a while yet.
The SFO and Essex police know that he’s a crook but they have to gather enough evidence to arrest him or it could throw the whole thing into jeopardy.
They will probably have to wait until Ames goes into administration or does a runner because a court case would be too risky and costly.
The safest option would be to sit it out and wait until the inevitable collapse and then he will feel the full force of the law.
It doesn’t give us investors much chance of recouping our deposits but unfortunately this is how its probably going to be, at least we know that the little runt will get his payback.
Ha ha, hilarious, Harlequin still lying to the bitter end! I am looking at an official agent’s agreement sent to me by Katherine Wooller as she was then, stating that a flat 10% commission would be paid by cheque at the beginning of the following month if by the 15th of the previous month I’d submitted a signed reservation form, an invoice from me, a customer signed copy of the contract and Harlequin had received the 30% deposit. Unless I’ve developed cognitive function impairment that’s not the same as the 9% Harlequin are alleging in their response above. Resorts I could sell were stated were Merricks, BB, Marquis, Las Canas and two Rivers. I never joined up as I knew this was a Ponzi scheme from day 1. What’s the old adage? “How do you know he’s lying? Because his lips are moving”.
9%? 10%? Try 16% for some.
Sorry this is lost on me?
Richard Ingham – very secretive person, very difficult to locate!
Uniqwin (UK) Ltd
Unit 8
Centre 21
Bridge Lane
Warrington
WA1 4AW
Are we saying this is where he works or what?
Poor Spelling – better ask Erica she has all the evidence, IP addresses, records of surveillance etc
Why on earth would anyone want to spy on Erica. Unless it was to see if she was subcontracting the ironing? Perhaps it’s the tax people? Case for the SFO? Is Warrington the centre of the UK ironing business?
FDNRM – fact of the matter nobody is interested in what Erica is doing. She’s full of her own self importance, when in fact all she is is no more than an idiot with a big mouth, believing her own rubbish,
She has a high opinion of herself maybe she’s been sniffing the dry cleaning fluid and given herself brain damage!
WTF @ 11:37…”you are doing a good job for me trashing up the site
so any relevant comments get lost in it all!! ”
WTF @ 7:11…point made
I say again two things:
(1) Bring DA to justice
(2) Forensically audit ALL Harlequin assets/liabilities
Those are the comments that count and don’t muck up the site
Richard Ingham / Ingram has an office based in Warrington on a Sole Trader Basis. The Company is known as Private detective-warrington.co.uk
The registered office is in Slutchers Lane, Warrington
I.P. Address 62.24.128.239
Let me understand this.
Richard Ingham is a private investigator working for Ames from an office in Warrington. He lives in York. That is not a convenient commute.
Maybe he logs in to the server in Warrington ? Hence the static IP.
Is Richard Ingham a real investor ? The whole thing is bizarre if so.
A few things you need to know about Mr Ingham.
1. He gave evidence for Ames last week.
2. He tried to drop Crozier and Fatchett in it. Neat solution as it takes out the two biggest Ames protagonists.
3. He is not a PI. He is however reporting back to Ames.
4. He has been offered a special deal to report back.
5. The Warrington bit is a red herring.
He could be the nicest person on the planet. However, the simple fact is that he gave evidence of Ames.
I suspect the thought that it would damage the investors in the case did not cross his mind.
In my mind he is a scab. A strike breaker. Which side are you on boy etc ?
This is all too good!
The company is wrong, my business is not sole trader status it’s a limited liability partnership, the profession is wrong, the address implied is a property I own but don’t reside at, so in all a load of rubbish.
The Wigan Bunker needs to do some proper due diligence before publishing information!
The only truth is that I did give evidence at court but the reason why is twisted.
Erica/ Chris/ crozier made an incorrect statement about me in court, I wrote a statement to correct this misunderstanding!
Do I not have the right to correct something that is said about me that’s incorrect?
I feel I have to tell you all I have someone taking screen shots of all of the posts.
I have had the Police visit me on several occasions and I have and will continue to give them information with regards to slanderous comments made about me.
FDNRM – When you accused me of posting last night you should get your facts right because I actually had the police here taking information as for today some of us have to work for a living.
We do not have to share the same views live with it!
@wtf
You have every right to correct something. Why give a statement for Dave ?
That doesn’t look good as you are being accused of reporting information to him.
The information is either right or wrong. How come they think you use a computer in Warrington if you live in Yorkshire ?
Makes no sense.
@goodwood grove
If you are being hassled you should go to the police.
@WTF
If you are hassling, then you will end up with the police knocking your door.
If you are both investors, why not work together ? After all, unless I am missing something you both have rubbish investments ?
Erica I hope you are taking screen shots because nobody has taken more abuse and had wrong information said about them than me – the main culprits being you and your daughter.
You dragged me into a court case that had nothing to do with me through bare face lies, you banned me from your forum so I could not get access to my private messages to defend myself.
Then when I defend the lies you told about me to the court you twist it that I did it for Ames. Well no I did it for me, I cannot accept you submitting lies to the court and then twisting it when I defend myself.
So don’t talk to me about harassment – you ate one sick twisted woman and soon enough people will see you for what you are.
Eric’s – seeing how you want to play this out in public why don’t you do something?
Why don’t you publish your statement that you gave to the court that was lies about me and show everybody what you said.
Then I will publish my reply defending myself against your lies and then everyone can see what a sick individual you are and why I had no choice making a reply to the accusation.
You really need some mental help and stop feeding people on here your propaganda and lies
It is funny how defensive you have become……Leave me alone and leave this to the Police
Erica – of course I am going to defend myself who wouldn’t? You have lied about me in court, breached my privacy on your blog, when I defended myself in court you posted I was a snitch, you have accused me of being a PI, you have incorrectly posted personal information about me but luckily got it wrong!
You are seriously sick, I haven’t told people the truth they just hear your lies, you are loosing credibility.
Post the accusation about me you made to the court and then expected me not to defend.
The police will soon realise your a paranoid crank.
You put yourself in the spotlight to get shot down, if anyone disagrees with you on your forum you censor them so it’s a slanted representation and you confuse a difference of opinion to harassment,
You need to grow up!
Looks like there’s alot more to this Erica/ WTF situation than we were all privy to.
Seems like we may have been over critical of WTF, I have been uneasy about Ericas slanted views for some time.
I honestly believe Erica has lost a grip of reality.
So come on Erica publish your statement, how you can tell lies about somebody and when they defend themselves twist it so it seems it was a lie about you or to support Ames is unbelievable!
Richard, You have a copy of the statement you post it up if you want to be in contempt of court I do not have a problem with you doing that.
Now leave me alone lets all of us go to the Police to sort this out okay
Erica – email me directly with the details of who you are dealing with at the police and I will gladly make contact.
Why disagreements on blogs are a police matter is beyond me – waste of police time and public taxes springs to mind?
Erica , you are being called an agent provocateur. Quel noir!
And simply too, too,too ridiculous for words.
Meanwhile back at Buccament ???
Police? Erica says she is taking screen shots of slanderous comments and involving the police? This must be another figment of Ericas imagination as slander is not a criminal offence!
Saving screenshots is a pain. Why not just save the page?
Go: File/Save As
@If you not for us, you agin
All most odd. I actually agree with your points maybe, the Warrington IP is a contact or something like that, even a proxy server?
The facts do seems to suggest that Mr Ingham has had some form of financial inducement to report back and watch Ames back? Otherwise, why would he be so defensive and supportive?
No smoke without fire aka Money
Mr Ames.
Each day you read more negative things about yourself and Harlequin. You spend all your time in litigation rather that building resorts. People don’t like you, or your family.
You have a history of business incompetence, so why carry on? Your family surly cringe when you open your mouth with more idiotic piffle.
Let me make this simple so you understand.
Leave, go, you are not wanted, failed again. If you have any parents stop shaming their name.
Go now with dignity, whilst you can.
@whatsthefuss
All this has got me confused and it don’t take much!
Richard Ingram aka whatsthefuss and Co.
Is apparently an investor, maybe offered a ‘special deal’ to feed information back to Ames and disrupt forums etc. I can sort of go along with that logic and it ‘feels’ Harlequin like.
The PI bit, spying on Erica, is a bit of a stretch of the imagination why would he be bothered with the ‘intel’ unless he is thinking of doing some sort of Ponzi ironing scheme 😉
However, if Erica believes that to be true the best thing is to contact the Police – that’s what they are there for.
But, and it is a big but ( not butt 😉 ) There is something to link Ames with this and he has offered some financial inducement that would not be viewed very favorably – I think the press would love that!!!
Am I correct in saying Ames had to give valuations in by yesterday regarding his freezing order?
Just to make it 100% clear to everybody so there’s no confusion, I am not a PI, I have never met Erica, seen her or spoken to her, I have never been asked by Harlequin to post on a blog or disrupt it, I have never been paid any money by Harlequin, I am an investor, I am in the same predicament as everyone else.
How much clearer to you conspiracy theorists can I be??
Richard Ingham……….. need to be cautious.
There seems to be very little information about a LLP in and around the Yorkshire area…… in fact ….. he is somewhat of a mystery …… absolutely nothing……….very strange indeed.
Whilst I may or may not reside in Yorkshire it doesn’t mean my company is based there!
There are thousands of limited liability partnerships in Yorkshire.
I see my clarification has been wasted.
@whatsthefuss.
You clarified nothing, there are no LLP’s with a Richard Ingram – explain that!!
I thought it was Ingham, not Ingram
Any relative;)
ailed Solicitor ‘Betrayed Grieving Clients’
Police who investigated a solicitor jailed for six years after stealing more than £1 million from the estates of dead clients today described his crimes as a “betrayal of trust of staggering proportions”.
John Ingham, 60, was jailed at Leeds Crown Court yesterday after admitting 19 counts of theft from accounts held by his firm in Otley, West Yorkshire.
My fault INGHAM……
l’affaire se corse
So is now implied that WTF is posting from the nick? This is just plain stupid.
il ne fait
je deviens très fatigué de toute l’absurdité
Not sure why I’m bothering to reply to this as its no business of anybody as the issue was if I was a PI.
I said that my company was a LLP registered not that I am LLP.
There’s some sad people digging for dirt that isn’t there – stop worrying about me and worry about yourselves.
I stated my situation clearly early today
Hi WTF, did I see you in Basildon the other day wearing a mac and a trilby hat? I couldn’t see that much of you, just what I could see through the eye holes you had cut out of your newspaper.
Honest officer I’m a P.I….! Thats the excuse he gives when he gets caught in the bushes being a nonce case!
@whatsthefuss aks Richard Ingham of Yorkshire area….
By not saying what your company does you are making this worse, so please say of people will dig til they find shit
@Richard Ingham
This is ‘a’ Richard Ingham
http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/richard-ingham/2a/8a9/387
But, nothing of substance in the Yorkshire area, so maybe you have cloned someone?
Glad to see people treating the accusation with the contempt deserved.
You must be sicker than a nonce if you would peep on Erica/ Steph!
@ Richard Ingham………getting warmer? 🙂 or hot!
This is in Leeds …………. an LLP
http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/richard-ingham/15/104/590
So is being a PI your real job or is this just your ‘cover’ very few connections…… not impressed!
So Richard! what favors have you done lately for your chubby little lover Dave? any spying activities or are you just the low life grass we all expect?
IS RICHARD INGRAM A PI OR NOT? THE ANSWER 😉
There is one way for sure to end this debacle regarding Richard Ingram, without a shadow of a doubt…..100%
In the court affidavit, its my understanding that you have to state your name, address and profession ?
So, lets assume Mr Ingham does not wish to commit perjury, it would be a fair question to ask the following….
‘Did you put your profession as private investigator on the court documents and is the part address mentioned on this blog your address?’
Then we can all move on to more pressing concerns.
That really sounds like a good idea to me?
Loony Tunes – still cold but geographically warmer – my business is irrelevant? What’s your job?
Fake FDNRM – your boring now recycling your poor jibes you need to get an imagination or script writer
Who cares about Richard Ingram. If this much interest was shown about Crozier/Dixon then I could understand it. This has all come about because of Erica’s paranoia. Just let it drop, unless it is in the Wigan bunkers interest to keep it going.
Erica’s forum seems to have gone down. Have the hackers been hacked?
@WTF, frigging fake Fdnrm. How pathetic are the Wigan bunker attempts to disrupt this forum?
Anonymous – at last somebody with some common sense with a valid question.
Yes you are right as part of the court case I had to prepare an affidavit to a High Court judge and have it signed as correct by my solicitor.
On that affridavit I did have to provide my name, address and profession.
The affridavit confirms my address to be in Yorkshire and my profession was clearly not a Private Investigator or anything similar.
How better to verify I am not a PI than a solicitor and a Hogh Court judge, if I lied it would have been purjury.
The oddes thing about all this is that Erica Broughton has a copy of this affridavit, so why is she telling untruths about something she knows is wrong!
Very odd don’t we all think?
@whatsthefuss.
If that it true, even I stand corrected.
You would not be so silly as to purger yourself. Fairs fair and all that.
I accept you are not a PI on this basis.
We only have is word for that as the statement was not read out was it?
@ Erica.
Have you seen this document WTF refers to? If so, why do you still think he is a Private Ivestigator?
I find WTF a veru nasty piece of work, but if he signed an affidavit stating his profession who are you to question a High Counts Judge – unless he has committed a rather silly offence!
Would you be so kind to explain this?
I do not and have not got any of the court documents why would I?
Do not contact me again do not email me like last night from Warrington or I will post up every IP Address that you have used and the messages like get rid of all the evidence you have on Mr Simon Terry,You are a freak! Why Gareth lets you be part of the H.I.G is beyond me and I will not even go there over Mr Ghent being part of the H.I.G also.
Now go to the police if you feel harassed as I have done you will find that will save them time and money coming looking for you!
LEAVE ME ALONE……………
IF YOU HAVE A COPY POST IT UP I DO NOT HAVE A COPY all I have is a copy of the court judgement which is a public document you say you have never met me or my daughter and then calls us names how grown up are you you are a freak.
I had lots of people contact me as to why I was not on the HIG I didnt tell them it was because of you! You are like Harlequin you are not my type of person and to think I tried to help you when you have done nothing but lied you are not a “real” purchaser now go away and crawl back under your stone with your pals from Harlequin
Erica please don’t lie anymore the document was made availible just as yours was to me.
When people ask why your not part of the HIG try telling the truth again please by replying “I was not invited because I cannot be trusted” don’t make out you refused
C’MON BIG MAN POST IT ALL UP……..I DO NOT HAVE A COPY
ask your mate Mr Terry if I would have a copy………….it would be illegal fool.
Now leave me alone this is called harassment and witness intimidation by the Police another thing to ask your mate about….lets all wait and see what happens next!
@WTF/ Erica. Can either of you tell this forum what this court case was about? What has Simon Terry got to do with this? If you cannot enlighten this forum then take this spat somewhere else please. Erica, stop talking about the police all the time. If you are going to call them in then just do it and put this rubbish to bed. Please.
Erica you got a copy issued as an allegation was made about you by me in court. Stop asking daft because it clears up the PI issue – nothing illegal about that.
Secondly my solicitor was Mr Thomas Salter not Simon Terry.
Lastly your not a witness because there’s no trial.
Stop looking like a fool please.
You tried to rubbish me in public and it’s all gone wrong dear!
Thought you were good with dirty washing didn’t you!!!
None of the evidence was used in court so anything you have said about me I do not know about…………. ask your mates at Harlequin fool.
you are all completely mental, no doubt about it, what about the real issues that need discussing
No wonder Ames & Co were able to con you all out of so much money. I reckon you must be Friday Night entertainment at Harlequin. You have spouted a load of illiterate drivel on here completely ignoring the real issues. All this innuendo helps no one. Take it to your room for God’s sake.
“… it is a tale, Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying
nothing…” Wm Shakespeare
@mental as anything………you asked the germane question
@WTF if what you say is correct, that Erica’s accusations have been proved wrong, then she should appologise and drop this sorry mess. Come on Erica, have you been proved right or wrong?
This is directed to anyone with knowledge of the SVG legal system.
If memory serves (and there are now over 10,000 posts in all things
Harlequin on BFP) were’nt five American investors in BB awarded their
investments back by the High Court of St Vincent and Harlequin stalled
saying the monetary figures were incorrect. Anyway can the Americans
now initiate a suit for recovery in a U.S. court against Ames personally
and have him extradited to the U.S. Far fetched, maybe, but this
entire mess already stretches the imagination. ???
@WHAT THE FUSS, Even you must know agree that that is a double standard you wanted me to post it on here(I have not got it so cannot) but you want to send it to your one mate on here and we are all supposed to take poor FDNRM’s word for it, some mate you are put him straight in the firing line, publish it and be dammed man!
@ WTF. Tomorrow I will post on here a mobile number which I use occasionally. It is not my usual number, Paul Walton has contacted me on it, so there is no point on any other s trying to send junk on it or trying to phone me. Send me a txt with your e mail and I will send you an e mail. Not to early tomorrow as big rugby game to watch!
Idiot reread my post I never said for FDNRM to post it up get some balls and do it yourself freak!!!
I think something else is going on here that none of us are privy
to, except for a couple. Either Erica/WTF what does it have to do
with Harlequin? Will it help with an ultimate resolution? Or is it as
it seemingly appears to be a personal vendetta?
I think you’re right Anon. It all seems to be well of track.
WTF, are you saying that Fatchett gave Erica consideration but deemed her too much of a liability to be part of HIG, but considered Ghent to be a safe bet?
So let’s get this straight. One person who is paid by Harlequin to represent them on this blog is going to check the credentials of the other person who is also paid by Harlequin to represent them on this blog. That should work then (that was irony, by the way).
Throw into the equation that the checker is the person who went to RL with proof of title to their unit at Buccament Bay; proof which was subsequently found to be incorrect, as no-one has title yet.
What a barrel of eels.
Aha! It now seems that the reason for the constant, ad infinitum,
on and on and on, bleating about Nikki/Dixon/Crozier is some kind
of proactive initiative against her legal proceedings. IT WON’T WORK
A CRIME HAS BEEN COMMITTED AND NO MATTER HOW LONG
HARLEQUIN TRIES TO DRAG THIS OUT JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL.
@stGD. I suggest if you are going to post some sort of summary then you get your facts right. Your comments regarding me are so inaccurate! Also I am not “paid” by HP to represent them. Thank you.
@ FDNRM
As a result of your persuasive arguments I have finally seen the light!
I admit that I live in a deluded world. In my delusions I thought Harlequin had taken £400 million of money from 5100 investors and built just over 100 units in a loss-making hotel while spending the rest on things like dividends for the Ames family and possibly property in Thailand.
In my deluded state, I believed that people were paid to post aggressive and insulting posts on websites in order to distract people from the truth.
I now realise that that is completely false and I will be joining you and WTF in paying homage to Mr Ames, the Dear Leader and Saviour of the Caribbean tourism industry (except Barbados because the crime is so bad).
@SGD, you are an idiot. You have your facts wrong,and you cannot admit it so you post some drivel, even those facts are incorrect. Let me help you, 3500 investors, 135 units, However well done in admitting you understand that I am not paid by DA to post on here. Admit you were wrong about my visit to Fatchett?.
There’s many a crook or a bent solicitor who have presented an affidavit to a court of law. It doesn’t mean the content is the whole truth though!
WTF you and your Harlequin mates have just shown yourselves up for what you are – lying manipulative scum. You are only here to create trouble and discredit Crozier, HIG, et al and above all Erica because she is a thorn in Ames’ side and refused to be threatened and bullied by him. You have whined and bitched about it for days on end repeating the same old same old. You’re getting boring now.
Meanwhile Harlequin is in administration, the police and government bodies are investigating, the assets have been frozen, workers haven’t been paid, resorts didn’t get built and £400 million quid is unaccounted for.
@ FDNRM
In my world of delusions the 5100 number came to me in a dream about a fictional figure called Katharine Manderfield who I imagined was a Director of Harlequin and who had a LinkedIn page which gave that figure.
I now realise that I need professional help as I still cannot shake off the delusion that you and your mate(s) are being paid by Harlequin.
I think I need help from The Dear Leader and Saviour of the Caribbean Tourism Industry to make me well again.
The delusions keep coming back.
I have this weird idea that Pat Cash is going to Buccament Bay to run a tennis academy in August and has therefore not caught up with the Harlequin SFO investigation, FCA alerts etc:
http://harlequinhotelsandresorts.wordpress.com/2013/06/21/buccament-bay-resort-pat-cash-launches-tennis-academy-smartphone-app/
Please ask The Dear Leader and Saviour of the Caribbean Tourism Industry to save me from these delusions.
wtf you really are a class act…..the Caribbean is fortunate
that you never will live there.
It’s you’re NOT your. FFS! Get it right will you, it make me teeth itch.
WTF, I don’t believe you!
You sure don’t like being crossed by a woman do you?
Hi Folks…
We’re closing down this discussion thread because it’s way too full and slow. We direct you to the new one…
What is happening with Harlequin – Dave Ames? Class… discuss!