ABOUT GRUPO MARIANA

As Green projects move rapidly to the forefront of the luxury development industry, investors are allocating their funds in increasingly large quantities to such developments. Through the Audubon Program, tens of thousands of acres of habitat have been created and protected, millions of gallons of water have been conserved, and thousands of threatened and endangered species have been assisted.

Seaside Mariana Oceanfront Community is proud to be working toward the Signature Certified Member of Audubon International Designation. Audubon International focuses on crucial areas such as Sustainable Resource Management, Greenspace and Corridors Management and Energy efficient Building Design. Greenspace and corridor management is the preservation of the forested zones, native grassland areas and rivers and streams that are crucial to sustainability.

Building Design is the consideration of all areas of construction and building including incorporation of energy efficient designs, appliances, lighting, heating and cooling, ventilation, building materials and water use. It also involves using local materials whenever possible, while still meeting and exceeding first world standards of luxury.

David Westerberg
Tacoma, WA

"I decided to invest in Nicaragua because I saw it as a great opportunity to get into the market early on. I’m really excited about getting in on the ground floor of Seaside Mariana which is going to be the flagship project and already has the involvement of Jack Nicklaus and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. I am really excited about the management program KemperSports is going to offer so that I don’t have to manage it myself."

Sandra Winfrey
Glen Allen, VA

"One of the things I learned about Nicaragua that I didn’t know before going was that they are experiencing an incredible advancement in tourism, exports and development. And when I actually saw Seaside Mariana in person and spent time on the beach the property just sold itself. The views were fantastic. Seeing is believing!"
 
Brian Putze
Glen Allen, VA

"It was incredible to actually see the Seaside Mariana project site in person and spend time on the beach.  Something I found on the internet was true!"
 
Sarah Luu
Sunnyvale, CA

"I have been looking to invest in international real estate for 2 or 3 years now and I chose to buy in Seaside Mariana as my first international investment.  I would recommend everyone come down and check out Nicaragua for themselves because every time people hear Nicaragua they think we’re crazy.  Before I came down here, people thought I was crazy.  But in reality, it’s very safe, the people are very friendly and you guys at Maverick are great!  Seaside Mariana is also very impressive.  Before going there in person I didn’t realize how close the condo buildings actually are to the beach!"
 

David Kellenberger
Lafayette, LA

"One of the things I learned when I went to Nicaragua for the first time in 2011 is that the government really encourages foreign investment and is particularly supportive of the Seaside Mariana project. It was very valuable for me to interact with the other owners and investors that are buying property at Seaside Mariana and it was particularly validating that so many of them are sophisticated real estate professionals."

Norman and Claire Davies
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

We made a very happy discovery when we decided to look into retiring in Nicaragua. We found out that it was a land blessed with an awe-inspiring landscape, and limitless potential. But the greatest discovery was  the welcoming spirit and innate dignity of the Nicaraguans themselves. These are the people who will be our neighbors in years to come, and this is why we were particularly attracted to Grupo Mariana and their Fundación Grupo Mariana.  Through their “5% for Futures” program, they are committed to the enrichment of the larger community around them. We decided that we wanted to know more, and this was the first step toward realizing our own dreams for the future.

Our experience with Grupo Mariana has been consistently positive. Although they are in the midst of creating a brand-new community in Nicaragua, everyone involved has been available to address the needs of investors at every level. Our many questions have always been answered quickly and undivided attention given to our concerns. Kevin Fleming, the Chairman of Grupo Mariana, has been unfailingly responsive and helpful, and has created a unique culture for the whole organization;  our contacts with everyone involved in this exciting project have been consistently characterized by warmth, humanity and respect, giving truth to the concept that we have not just made a superb investment, but have made lasting human connections. The road ahead is looking very bright—and warm-- in Nicaragua, and we have never regretted our decision to purchase property and plan our future in Seaside Mariana.

Gina Chong (Owner)
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

I was truly fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit Nicaragua in October 2010.  From the moment I stepped off the plane in Managua, I was overwhelmed by the kindness and warm hospitality from Kevin Fleming, Chairman of Grupo Mariana, and his friendly staff.  As a owner and a photographer, I had the rare and amazing opportunity to visit the many beautiful sights and sounds of Nicaragua, and photograph its many cultural and physical landscapes.  The highlight of the trip was when we visited the development site, Seaside Mariana, where I was able to photograph the landscape from above in a helicopter.  I am absolutely amazed at the sheer scale of the project and am so excited to witness the positive and lasting impacts that it will have on the local communities.  I am truly glad to be a part of this exciting development and I’m looking forward to my next trip to Nicaragua.

Wilf Weinkauf (Owner)
Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada

Seeing as I am not going to be at your ground breaking next week March 16,-20, 2011, I would like to thank you for making my purchase at Isla Mariana a  pleasant experience. I had a great time with you when I was visiting Nicaragua and I really respect what you are doing with your projects. You are a very good and honest developer and I wish you all the best. If there is anything I can help you with in the future please let me know.

Michael J. Maher (Owner)
Philadelphia, PA

Grupo Mariana has encountered and overcome the most difficult economic times of our generation.  A project of this magnitude, less fundamentally sound, under average leadership would have surely failed.  With strategic partners, like Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Nicklaus Design, an investment in Grupo Mariana is not only sound, but one that will provide a substantial return on investment for years to come.  Kevin Fleming’s unfailing leadership, constant communication, and drive to succeed is the catalyst that makes Grupo Mariana the premier investment, development, and destination in Central America.

Zayad Ali (Owner)
London, England

“I’ve purchased land and properties abroad number of times. But, the most annoying thing I’ve found is the customer service, getting a response to my queries and getting past the language barrier. Having dealt with Grupo Mariana and my purchase at Seaside Mariana, all I have is praise for them. They have dealt in a professional and swift manner and would highly recommend them to anyone wishing to purchase on their developments.”

Howard Lee (Owner)
San Francisco, California

I was an electronic technologist by trade. Never dreamed of the ownership or investment in “Hawaii” like landscape. After I heard from professional property Investment, I realized “Nicaragua” represents an opportunity, which I missed. The multinational company I worked for had lots of former colleagues invested In Costa Rica. They had great deal about 15 years ago.
The deal I had represents a great opportunity and return. I committed the funding and purchase after some research. I heard about the use of 401K for Investment. The process to setup the account with equity trust is simple and easy. The paperwork is very easy. No hassle. It is highly recommended to folks who have 401K’s. Finally, I paid a visit to Nicaragua and witnessed and experienced the beautiful view, ocean and weather. I wish I had a house there so that I do not have to return to US. It is so fantastic. I am looking forward to live there. Give me the Infrastructure that is my expectation of Kevin’s Nicaragua Developments”

Bob Crowe (Owner)
La Jolla, California

We first met Kevin Fleming on my first trip to Nicaragua while I was researching several developments for possible investment including his “Isla Mariana”. While Kevin was showing us this property we found him to be straight forward and honest in his representations.
Upon being contacted by Kevin about a new development, now called Seaside Mariana, we indicated interest and made a trip to Nicaragua to investigate the possibilities. For over 30 years I have been involved in developing real estate projects in Southern California and am aware of their complexities and pitfalls. From the start we were impressed with the property and in particular Kevin’s approach to securing and developing the project. Because of our trust in Kevin and his well-planned approach to the development we decided to become investors and as the plans evolved and improved took the opportunity to increase our investments.
With Kevin’s guidance of the project and surrounding himself with professionals like Jack Nicklaus and the Nicaraguan law firm of Taboada & Asociados, this has become the premiere development of Nicaragua.

Jeff Rau (Owner)
Seattle, Washington

I was introduced to Kevin Fleming in the summer of 2007. Kevin was my main contact with the development and gave me all the pertinent information to make an educated investment in the community. The detailed information, photos, renderings and articles I received over the next few months were tremendous. You can definitely see the passion Kevin expresses for the community.

He would take my calls anytime and discuss the opportunities. He also showed a lot of patience with me, as my decision process was not very brisk. As time passed and I gathered more information on Seaside Mariana, I knew I had made a great decision. I can’t express enough how positive I feel about future opportunities with the development.

I’m in real estate sales and feel I model myself very consistently with Kevin. Not pushy but available anytime to share information and have a passion for a great product. I can’t wait to visit Nicaragua in the near future and hope to build a vacation get-a-way to use forever. I would highly recommend this community to anyone looking for an opportunity in real estate. Hopefully some of my friends will purchase, as this will definitely be a place to gather for incredible weather, culture, views and a lifestyle anyone would be envious of.

Carmencita Jocson (Owner)
San Francisco, California

I have been working with Grupo Mariana for over 4 years now and I continue to enjoy doing business with Kevin Fleming. This is validated with progressive investment that is now nearing the most accumulated number of properties in one investment project.

Kevin Fleming has created a development that every homeowner dreams about – luxurious with top-of-the line amenities and reputable vendors. This translates to increased property values and continued appreciation. They are visionary and work with professionals who are known in each area of the project including Jack Nicklaus who has designed the upcoming and most prestigious golf resort in the country.

The first time I met Kevin in Los Angeles, I felt comfortable doing business with him, along with my investors. Kevin is flexible and opens to new ideas or suggestions. Aside from being a business partner, I’ll look forward to becoming one of the proud homeowners building my dream house in Seaside Mariana.

Bernadette Brown (Owner)
Ireland

‘I have found the experience of dealing with Seaside Mariana to have been a very painless one. Every effort was made to ensure that all and any questions I had were answered promptly and honestly.

Even though I am very far away from Nicaragua, thanks to all the e-mails, documents, photographs etc. that I have received from both Kevin and Rob I feel like I have been there and that I will be revisiting it in the future rather than going there for the very first time. I am very excited about the future of Seaside Marianna and am delighted to be a part, albeit a small part, of that future.’
 
Eric Ames (Owner)
Seattle, Washington

“Working with Grupo Mariana was a great experience. This was my first foreign real estate investment, and they were very understanding of all my questions and concerns. Thanks to the experience I had with them I have already started on another investment project in Nicaragua. I look forward to many future endeavors with the team at Grupo Mariana, and can’t wait to be laying on beach at my home in Seaside Mariana.”

Darrell Bushnell (Owner)
Granada, Nicaragua

Amy and I discovered Isla Mariana and subsequently, Seaside Mariana, quite by accident as is often the case in Nicaragua. We had decided to move to Nicaragua from the USA and we were in the country making our final plans for the move. Why Nicaragua and in just a few words? We’ve traveled extensively around the world and liked Nicaragua. It is very affordable, has opportunities for entrepreneurs, and is different enough to be exciting yet the people are warm and genuinely likable. You can find any climate here from warm, sandy beaches to cool mountain regions where coffee is grown to large pastoral valleys with cattle farms. You can reinvent yourself here.

We met a gentleman at a hotel in Managua while having breakfast and he indicated he was meeting a Canadian fellow to see his development, Isla Mariana. We asked if we could tag along. The fellow turned out to be Kevin Fleming and we liked Isla Mariana so much that we decided to buy one of the larger lots. We enjoyed our day with Kevin learning more of the vision he had for his company, Grupo Mariana. Later, he informed us of the new project, Seaside Mariana, which was just moving beyond the conception stage at that time.

We very much wanted to be part of Seaside Mariana not because the beaches are beautiful and the sunsets spectacular since those requisites are quite common on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua. It was the detail of the plans not only for the development of the project but also for a continuous integration into this country that is necessary for someone to call it their home and not just their investment. Still, all of this simply laid the foundation for our decision to be part of Seaside Mariana.

The final decision to go with Seaside Mariana was simply because we enjoyed working with Kevin and his team at Grupo Mariana. Most of our working relationship was with Kevin and his Executive Vice President, Rosario Arana. Over the past six months questions were answered, details clarified, updates received and financial hurdles were cleared. When Kevin was not available, Rosario would step in and get it done.

We’ve enjoyed w working with  Grupo Mariana and look forward to a prosperous future for all of us. And look forward to a prosperous future for all of us.

ML (Owner)
The Netherlands

“I have visited Nicaragua only twice, but already feel very much at home in the country. I have been following international real estate developments for some years now, and I visited Nicaragua in 2006 with a view to taking my first plunge into this market. I saw several developments on my first visit and was about to go ahead with one of them, when Seaside Mariana was brought to my attention.

I was immediately impressed with Kevin Fleming’s responsiveness and openness to my comments and questions (some of which were very detailed). Since making my investment in Seaside Mariana in October 2006, I have been further impressed by the regularity, detail and transparency of the Progress Reports to date - and more recently by the annual meeting in Managua at which I was allowed full access to all the contractors and was fascinated by being able to participate in/observe various hands-on contractors’ meetings.

As each week and month have gone by, I have become more and more comfortable and pleased with my investment and with the professional and thorough manner in which  Grupo Mariana generally, and Kevin specifically, seem to be approaching all aspects of this significant project, including the apparent high quality of the contractors they are engaging.

Yessica Cai (Owner)
San Francisco, California

The first time I heard about Seaside Mariana was through a great friend CJ, who bought an ocean lot in Isla Mariana. Not only was she happy with the purchase, she was particularly impressed by the developer - Kevin Fleming and urged me to check out his new project together.

At that time, I wasn’t concerned about the natural beauty and quality coastline of the property (this property is also highly recommended by International Living); I was more focused on the management and financial sustainability of the project on such grand scale. We met with Kevin and his partners for the first time in Los Angeles in June. We had a detail and candid discussion about the project, and they shared their wonderful vision with us.

Throughout the meeting, Kevin was very open about the cost and financing of the purchase, and subsequent building of infrastructures. He came across as a true professional. The end of the meeting convinced me that Kevin had thought this through and knew what he was doing. Having been an investment banker for a long time, I have come to realize that no matter how good a product looked or how promising a project sounded; it all evolves around the deal of the captain. His vision, leadership, determination, and commitment are keys to success. Kevin passed all the tests with a flying color.

We didn’t meet again until September when Kevin stopped by San Francisco on a promotional tour for Seaside Mariana. His tremendous efforts and capital commitments have translated into measurable results. The progresses he has made in the past three months were remarkable. I was extremely impressed that he was able to bypass the three-year waiting list and have Jack Nicklaus on board to design the golf course! All the great news didn’t come as a surprise as Kevin keeps a superb communication line with all his investors. His frequent e-mail updates allowed us to follow the project closely.

Soon CJ and I, with our syndicate will be the proud owners of a significant number of lots in Seaside Mariana. We will be building homes, be it a vacation home or a retirement home. One thing is for sure - Seaside Mariana is going to be the place where we call HOME in Central America. Whoever is reading this, we hope that you will share our vision and join us to build a great community together!

Fran Gullo (Owner)
Miami, Florida

I am writing to express my thanks for making my purchase in your development, Seaside Mariana, such a pleasant experience.
I have been researching property in Latin America for about five years now. My intent was primarily for investment purposes, but becoming at least a part-time resident was always a possibility. I started focusing on Central America, and eventually narrowed my search to Nicaragua based on the extreme afford ability of their beachfront property.

I visited Nicaragua earlier this year to see firsthand some of the developments going up on the Pacific coast but none of them really seemed to be the right fit for me. Then I read about Seaside Mariana, your plans for developing the property, and the investor packages, and I knew this was the place for me. But equally as important for me has been the confidence and trust that I have developed in you through my purchasing experience. Throughout the process you were helpful and encouraging. Even when I experienced several weeks of unnecessary delays at the hands of my investment company you never once pressured me or made me feel that I would lose my opportunity due to circumstances beyond my control. In addition, your attorney, Carlos Taboada, is one of the most polite and courteous people I have ever had the pleasure of doing business with.

When I was able to meet the two of you on a layover in Miami you inspired such confidence in me with your ambitious plans for the property, and the speed at which you are accomplishing them, that I knew without a doubt that I had made the right decision. Especially comforting was your confidence in the future of the country given the present political situation. For the first time in months I stopped losing sleep over whether I was making the right decision or not. Now I spend time debating over which lots I’ll sell and which lots I’ll build on!

I am very excited over the future of Seaside Mariana and look forward to many fabulous sunsets and warm nights on my own beachfront property in your beautiful country.
 
Taylor Collings (Owner)
Seattle, Washington

I first became acquainted with Isla Mariana at the International Living Investment Seminar in Managua, Nicaragua, late January, 2006. Isla Mariana Development presented at this seminar and also had an information booth during the 3-day seminar.

Knowing that International Living performs significant due diligence before allowing any development to present at their conferences, I felt comfortable introducing myself to Kevin Fleming and his charming wife, Maria at the seminar. What struck me the most about Kevin was his disarming nature and genuine enthusiasm over the future of Isla Mariana.
Kevin was straight forward that this was his first development and a large portion of revenue for lot/villa sales would go into the project to make it a real ‘show piece’. Additionally, Kevin never pushed me or any others to make a quick decision on purchasing at Isla Mariana. Rather they offered to share full details of the project, including infrastructure, time lines and most important, the fact that all of them planned to build for themselves at Isla Mariana.

Kevin took my son and me to the site the following day. As there were yet no dwellings on the development, we used neighbors home to change for a swim and enjoyed one of the nicest beaches nature can provide.
Subsequently we purchased two beachfront lots. Kevin has throughout the process, conducted themselves in the most professional manner with documentation delivered on a timely basis. I am particularly pleased that Kevin resides in Nicaragua and ultimately his partners will be residing in Nicaragua on a full time basis.

Finally, I have had the opportunity to spend more time with Kevin subsequent to our purchase and not only developed a solid friendship with them but stay current with the progress at Isla Mariana. I am confident that everything they say they will accomplish at Isla Mariana and the projected time lines will come to pass. This is one development I am secure in knowing will become a premier beach community on Nicaragua’s pacific gold coast.

Naureen Islam (Owner)
Calgary, Alberta

About one year ago, I met with a coworker, Irwin (Kevin’s dad) for coffee when he mentioned that his son was moving to Nicaragua to begin development of beach front property. He advised that this would be an excellent and profitable investment. Initially, we were skeptical and uncertain about the idea for several reasons; we were unfamiliar with Nicaragua, did not speak Spanish, unsure about the stability of the country and had no prior experience with foreign property investment. We decided to seek advise from close friends, family and coworkers, unfortunately they reiterated our same concerns.

We were fortunate enough to get the opportunity to meet with Kevin in Edmonton where he shared his vision for Isla Mariana. His passion and determination for the project was admirable and he was able to answer many of our questions. After further research and many more questions that Kevin responded to honestly and promptly, we bought our own piece of paradise.
Our experience purchasing a property from Kevin from start to finish was enjoyable and made easy with Kevin’s help. We now look forward to building and seeing Kevin and Maria’s vision come to life!

George Paras (Owner)
Cape May, New Jersey

Buying property with Grupo Mariana and Kevin Fleming was a pleasure. He was willing to work with us regarding getting the money to him and never put any pressure on us. We bought our 3 lots sight unseen and never had any doubts that it was a great investment.

We live on the southern tip on New Jersey and are only 4 miles to the beach. Isla Mariana is somewhat similar to what we are use to however like properties in New Jersey are selling for millions of dollars.
(no exaggeration).

My wife and I finally took the trip to Nicaragua in January to see what we purchased. We loved what we saw. Kevin was such a great host, that he took 3 days out of his busy day to show us Leon, Granada and of course Isla Mariana. We were impressed with everything.

As far as Isla Mariana, it is pure beachfront with good surfing waves but not rough. The water temp close to 82 degrees. The boat trip on the estuary that Kevin planned for us was wonderful. The fishing has to be great since we constantly saw the fish jumping out of the water. The estuary has direct access to the ocean a short 15-minute boat ride.

We are now on the list to buy one of the villas or town homes. I feel that these will be another great investment and also a perfect way to retire.
As far as the political climate and safety. Of course it is a concern to all. However, the country has come a long way from the 80’s and I feel that whomever is elected in November will want to continue the journey forward. The people of Nicaragua will not want to look back. Everyone we spoke to felt this way. Everyone I speak to in the states asks me if it was safe. My response to them is that Philadelphia had 21 murders in the first 21 days in 2006. No matter where we went I did not at all feel in harms way.

Ted Cole (Owner)
Calgary, Alberta

What I can tell you about my experience with Grupo Mariana is that I find Kevin Fleming a forthright and trustworthy person. His Canadian roots and ethics prevail. I have found Kevin true to his word and that you need not be nervous about shipping monies to a strange land and wonder if you could be being deceived. I am a multiple property owner and have had good experiences with Grupo Mariana.

I have visited the land and have seen the progress that has been made to improve the access road and clear the lots. I have gone swimming in the ocean. It is like bath water and the beach is unencumbered by rocks or other outcropping. The beach is a very long and shallow slope to the ocean floor where the waves break. You can go out a few hundred feet from shore before the water is over your head. There are virtually no local inhabitants for many kilometers. I find the land a peaceful paradise.
When the project completes, I believe it shall set the benchmark for large expansion and confidence in Grupo Mariana, which, in turn will bolster the pricing of this and future projects along the Ocean. The afford ability is exceptional in comparison to the world market for Ocean front property. I am personally hoping to build and have a beach home before the rainy season. I hope to see you there!

Fred Sloan (Owner)
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Fortunately, I answered an e-mail from a friend that said “ there still is ocean front property available in the world”. One week later I had put a deposit on it.

What appeared to me, to be one of the most beautiful pieces of property in the world? After consulting with two other purchasers, both whom have actually visited the development I decide to go ahead with my purchase not having seen the property.

My opinion of this property has even been elevated. Kevin and Maria have been great to deal with and respond immediately to all requests.
Their vision and dedication to this development is very impressive, to say the least, and I personally see this as becoming one of the most sought after and popular resorts in all of Latin America in the very near future. I am excited and proud to be an owner in this spectacular ocean front property.

Raul Calvet (Calvet & Associates)
Managua, Nicaragua

I’m pleased to report a series of meetings and presentations have transpired recently that will serve to enhance investment in Nicaragua and enhance the reputation of our country within the international community. The government has been an active participant in these meetings, which are designed to bolster investor confidence and ensure that free market principles and private property laws are strictly adhered to.

Immediately after the 2007 elections, I promoted a meeting and took 120 investors who work with our organization to meet with the new administration. We asked the president directly what his policy objectives were going to be. We expressed concern about the possibility of a return to the way things were handled in the 1980’s. We were surprised and pleased to find that a completely different mentality existed. Significant time has passed from the days when they were a revolutionary government. Now they are a democratically elected government, and their mentality is not the same.  

The Sandinistas have been members of the parliament for the last 20 years. So it’s a completely different situation in Nicaragua. The government assured all the investors that their policy was going to be to promote and foster private investment in order to bring wealth to the country through the creation of jobs and better distribution of taxes. They stressed that everybody should pay taxes and that taxes should be fair. There should be no corruption on the government side in the distribution of these monies.

Government Meetings

The government meetings we are having are part of a very important program that was agreed on between the administration and the most important economic groups of Central America. The purpose is to ensure that all the economic measures this government is taking are in accordance with the best practices of the free market economy. It is vital to reassure investors that their private property investments are secure. 

Accordingly, the government agreed to create at least five teams based on the five most important areas of the economy. Each team contains five members of the private sector and five members of government. The five members of the government are either five ministers, or five members of cabinet at the highest level.

I was nominated to be one of the five representatives from the private sector representing investment and tourism. We have been meeting with the five members from the government for the past two and a half months deciding what will be the best course of action for this government in regards to our area. We have been very productive. Our aim is to ensure that there is a firm understanding of how to incentivize investment and give total respect to private property.

It is important to understand that the engine of the economy is the free market—with a twist. This government plans to focus on, and we all agree that it is necessary, to be very much aware of the economic situation of the majority of the population, which is poor. Our aim is to ensure that new projects and new enterprises take that into consideration in their investment programs.

It could be thorough direct donations to the community, or it could be through health care, or contributing with roads, or electricity and many other areas. In other words, the goal is not to come and invest and be insulated from the wider community, but to integrate with the community so the benefits of development influence everybody. 

Investor Presentation Meetings

I have also been involved in a series of presentation meetings throughout the United States and abroad. Besides marketing and meeting with potential buyers, the important aspect of these meetings is that we are bringing the reality of Nicaragua to the international market. Our contribution to the country is not only in the infrastructure, but also in placing Nicaragua in a better market position regarding international competition.

Nicaragua does have a tourism institute and an investment promotion agency. Those are the two institutions responsible for promotion. But they do not have a budget that is sufficient to cover the work. I have worked in this business for many years and I know that a sustained campaign in the United States to promote a country will cost no less than 70 to 100 million dollars, if one is to create a lasting impact. There is no sense having one advertisement in Times Magazine and another advertisement six months from now. It is similarly ineffective to have one TV spot now and another one two years from now. If there is no consistency, if there’s no targeting, no continuity, money is being wasted. And Nicaragua does not have that kind of money.

So that is the importance of the presentation meetings we have been holding. On a personal level we are going from group to group, letting people know exactly what is happening in Nicaragua and what opportunities are available for investors. And then the international consumer begins to know the reality of the country. It’s a reality that is not widely available in the news media. People have to actually come to Nicaragua to see what is happening with their own eyes.   

It always happens. When people come here the first thing they say is, “I never knew Nicaragua was like this.”  That means there is a truth that is not being transmitted. And that is one of the things this program seeks to address.  There are other people and other projects doing this type of work as well, and it’s creating a momentum for Nicaragua that is growing. It’s exponential. Twenty-two people in a meeting today will turn to others and then you’ll have forty-four people, and so on.

For example, a Canadian experience comes to mind. I have worked with another company that I own that has at least 60,000 Canadians in my charter programs. Those Canadians have spoken to at least another 300,000 people who now know Nicaragua favorably through that program. There are a lot of positive things happening in Nicaragua simultaneously. That gives added security to anyone investing as a first time investor or developer, or someone just buying a condo or villa. You know that your villa is secure and that you will be able to see the value increasing every year.

Seaside Mariana Oceanfront Community

One project that I have worked with extensively is Seaside Mariana founded by Mr. Kevin Fleming, Chairman of Grupo Mariana S.A.  We have been accompanying the board of directors in their negotiations with Nicklaus Design and Kemper Sports management, with Land Design and ESA, two of the best architecture and design companies in the US. We have been there for the major decisions from the moment of purchase to the decisions on vision, concept and design. We have also assisted technically with environmental studies for the proper permits and the geological risk analysis and geological surveys. But most of all, our involvement is on the strategic side.

It is very satisfying to work with a project that wants to go that extra mile. What I have found in Kevin Fleming is that for him and for his team members, it’s not all about the money. Seaside Mariana is helping to put into place programs that put a considerable amount of profit back into the community—back into the employees, back into the project itself and to the original investors who believed in him and his vision. They are setting trends and elevating the standards for Nicaragua. I have also been impressed with the strict adherence to legalities demonstrated by Seaside Mariana. They have spent a lot of money to be as legal as possible. This is the first time I have seen a project go through the Securities and Exchange Commission registration process. This is the very first Nicaraguan project to go through the extensive requirement process for the SEC and the Canadian Legal Disclosure process. They have spent a lot of time and money adhering to these strict regulations. Seaside Mariana has also gone through the process of a creating very sound membership programs and very sound Homeowner’s Association documents and CC&R’s, with the very best lawyers in the industry, Saxon Gilmore in Boca Raton, Florida. 

All these factors serve to demonstrate how serious Seaside Mariana is about investment. And it will definitely set a high standard in Nicaragua. Seaside Mariana is setting a precedent. The next projects that come along, if they want to have that level of pride, will have to do the same. The market will be the best judge. I think Seaside Mariana has done a great service for investors, for the Nicaraguan people and for the standards of the country.

Participating in a project like this from the very beginning is extremely satisfying. In the future I will be proud to say that I was one of the creators of this project. Nicaragua benefits immensely from having numerous development projects. Each project brings tourists and investors to the country. This allows the international community to see firsthand what Nicaragua is really about. It enhances our reputation through word of mouth, which is vital.