Egyptian billionaire: I found the (Greek) island I want to buy for refugees

[Turborama]

Source: CNN Money

An Egyptian billionaire's offer to buy an island for refugees is closer to becoming reality. Naguib Sawiris, one of the region's wealthiest men, said he has identified two privately owned Greek islands that would be well-suited for the project.

"We have corresponded with their owners and expressed our interest to go into negotiation with them," Sawiris said in a statement. His idea to create a safe haven for the refugees was first branded as ridiculous by some, but Sawiris said he has received "tons of expressions of interest" from potential donors.

"I'll make a small port or marina for the boats to land there. I'll employ the people to build their own homes, their schools, a hospital, a university, a hotel," he said, adding he could employ between 100,000 and 200,000 refugees.

Sawiris, the chief executive of telecom group Orascom TMT, said he would name the place "Aylan Island," in the memory of the Syrian toddler Aylan Kurdi, who drowned earlier this month trying to reach Europe with his family.


Read more: http://www.local12.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/Egyptian-billionaire-I-found-the-island-I-want-to-buy-for-refugees-206972.shtml

[jalan48]

1. I guess this is how "Trickle Down" deals with modern crises.

[truthisfreedom]

2. Pretty incredible.

[Codeine]

8. Literally. As in "lacks credibility."

Or maybe "strains credulity" works better.

[Renew Deal]

3. Wealthy opportunist wants to get his hands on prime Greek real estate.

[mainer]

4. It's an interesting idea. A haven where they can take refuge.

Why not?

[Codeine]

9. An utter lack or infrastructure?

What plans are there for sanitation and human waste removal? Where will water and electricity come from? You need an existing infrastructure to tie into.

[mainer]

12. In a way, it's like a mini-Israel

Influx of refugees who go on to build their own infrastructure.

[maxsolomon]

5. Unless it's Crete

He's going to need a bigger Island.

An absurd non-solution.

[Taitertots]

6. Or he could spend his billions trying to solve the problems that cause the refugees to leave

[PSPS]

7. Ridiculous idea from yet another under-taxed billionaire. Reminds me of this...

The pertinent part starts at 0:50

[Marrah_G]

10. At least someone is trying to think of a new solution to the problem

Can he pull it off? would it even work? I don't know. I do applaud him for trying to do something.

[Turborama]

11. Me too. n/t