In a meeting with the Directors, Chairman, and Members of the Board of the Social Security Scheme, Prime Minister Browne unveiled a plan aimed at bolstering the sustainability of the nation’s pension fund.

The discussion centered on consolidating bond obligations owed to Social Security and leveraging the Jolly Beach property as a lucrative investment vehicle.

Prime Minister Browne emphasized the strategic value of the Jolly Beach Hotel, a key asset in the government’s economic vision.

Following an investment of approximately USD $5 million in refurbishments, the resort has experienced a remarkable turnaround, now driving consistent profits and generating substantial tax revenues estimated between $3.5 million and $4 million from ABST and head taxes.

With 35,000 guests welcomed recently, the hotel’s resurgence underscores its potential to contribute significantly to the economy.

The Prime Minister outlined a transformative approach that will see the resort fully renovated and expanded, positioning it as a revenue-generating asset for the Social Security Board.

This initiative promises long-term capital appreciation and steady income streams from operations, including the potential sale of rooms under the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP).

Projections indicate gross sales of USD $100 million through the CIP, yielding net proceeds of around USD $75 million—representing an impressive 200% return on initial investment and offering an anticipated 15% to 20% annual return.

Browne argued that these returns far surpass traditional bonds or treasury instruments, dramatically enhancing Social Security’s annual portfolio yield, which is crucial for the building of reserves and the long-term sustainability of pensions.

Importantly, the investment is structured to ensure that Social Security retains title to the asset, providing a safety net: if the resort underperforms, the Board can recover capital through real estate sales.

Buyers of CIP-purchased rooms will keep ownership, but the units will remain in the rental pool, continuously generating revenue.

Browne characterized this strategy as low-risk and high-return, with minimal exposure compared to traditional government debt.

The Cabinet, alongside Directors and Board Members, engaged in spirited discussions and reached a consensus on the necessity of this path to sustain the Social Security Scheme. The Directors affirmed their support for measures that enhance value and assure financial stability.

Reiterating the government’s commitment, the Prime Minister assured that the objective is to sustain Social Security without increasing the pension age or contribution rates while maximizing value from underutilized national assets. The government also pledges to engage collaboratively with Social Security leadership to finalize the structural plans.