APRIL 02nd, 2005
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Who really owns Mt. Hartman?
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A company controlled by controversial American investor, Ekram J. Miller is still claiming that it is the legal owner of the lands at Mt. Hartman, the site of a proposed multi-million dollar hotel and golf course project.

This information is contained in a threatening letter sent to GRENADA TODAY by a Virginia-based law firm in the United States purporting to represent Miller.

The firm of Miles & Stockbridge also sought to blame the Keith Mitchell-led ruling New National Party (NNP) government for the failure of Miller's Intercontinental Commerce Grenada (ICG) to get the Mt. Hartman project off the ground.

It said: "....This project experienced problems because Grenada's credit rating deteriorated during the course of the project and Grenada became unable to provide a government guarantee that met the requirements of Fortis Bank.

"As a result, the bank ceased funding the loan, which has stalled the project and caused ICG to incur substantial monetary losses. Nevertheless, legal title to the land for the project is still owned by ICG", it added.

Last November, a British high court ordered the Miller-backed company and the Mitchell government to pay over 15 million E.C dollars in compensation to a Belgium bank for not repaying monies owed to it in connection with the hotel project.

Following is the full text of the letter from Miller's lawyer:

MILES & STOCKBRIDGE P.C.
1751 Pinnacle Drive,
Suite 500, McLean,
VA 22 102-3833

March 28, 2005

Re:Mt. Hartman/Hogg Island Dear Sir/Madam:

Please be advised that this firm serves as legal counsel in the United States to Intercontinental Commerce Grenada ("ICG") and its president, Mr. E.J. Miller. This letter is being written to correct the numerous false statements and inaccuracies contained in the article entitled "NDC plans to retake Mt. Hartman" which appeared in the February 19th, 2005 edition of Grenada Today.

At the outset, your readers should know that ICG spent over US$2,000,000 of its own resources in the master-planning phase of this project. The funds advanced by Fortis Bank in the approximate amount of US$4, 500,000 were paid directly by the bank to Besix Company, the Belgian contractor for the project.

We understand that those funds were paid for services rendered by Besix. No bank funds were paid to IGC or to Mr. Miller. The suggestion in your article to the contrary is simply false.

Let me repeat, Mr. Miller in his personal capacity has received no funds or other pecuniary benefit on account of this project. In fact, there is no contract or other agreement between Mr. Miller and Grenada in respect of this project.

Moreover, the amount of the judgment you reported is grossly misstated. We understand that the amount of the judgment rendered for Fortis Bank was approximately US$5, 500,000, not the $16.3 million that you reported.

In addition, the judgment was against the Government of Grenada and ICG. Contrary to your article, Mr. Miller was not named as a judgment debtor.

The fact of the matter is that this project experienced problems because Grenada's credit rating deteriorated during the course of the project and Grenada became unable to provide a government guarantee that met the requirements of Fortis Bank.

As a result, the bank ceased funding the loan, which has stalled the project and caused ICG to incur substantial monetary losses. Nevertheless, legal title to the land for the project is still owned by ICG, which remains ready, willing and able to cooperate with the Government of Grenada to see that the Fortis Bank judgment is paid and that Grenada is exonerated from any losses.

We must insist that you immediately cease and desist your disparagement of Mr. Miller's name, reputation and character. Mr. Miller has at all times acted in an honest and responsible matter in connection with this project and ICG remains committed to bringing the project to a successful conclusion.

Should you chose to continue your personal attacks against Mr. Miller, he will have no choice but to enforce his rights in an appropriate court of law. Please govern your actions accordingly.

We ask that you publish the information contained in this letter in an upcoming issue of Grenada Today in order to inform your readers of the true situation concerning this project.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
John E. Prominski, Jr.

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