Dear Mike,
I would like to address you directly in order to raise a serious problem, from which and by now, apparently, I am the only one displeased and concerned of a widespread issue. I must emphasize that this is not the first time that I have discussed this issue with GP management, as guarantors of the security of this housing complex, above and beyond of a tourist location, but as investors and owners of "Eco Village Asucillo" houses.
However, as I said, I really want to address this directly with you first since I recognize your personal passion and motivation to deliver your legacy here in Latin America. I can appreciate your vision with the communities you have personally built which is a testament to my respect for you. I can understand this, because I know full well from the work I am involved with and my personal legacy as well from an automotive OEM supplier, college professor to now a NATO space agency and military contractor.
That is why the following points are of vital importance for my decision making:
1.- Solar Systems Failure: Unfortunately, this message comes to you due to lack of response and solution in regards to my email to Peter, yourself, Sebastian, and Valeria on 8-28-2024 in the matter of solar system safety and correction, specifically on the occasion of the serious damage suffered by the solar energy system and the fire that occurred in house EVA 07. I am convinced and I can assure that these systems are inadequate for the environment and dangerous, even though Gran Pacifica representation OK'd the system and Solaris OK'd the installation of the system.
That said, we will have to address home shortcomings and dangers which have been brewing for some time, and hopefully resolve this before it escalates. Currently, there has been no repercussions for middle managements actions which I fear has become a mindset here in Gran Pacifica. This I fear has also worked its way into ECI as a whole.
I am concerned not only about the failures of the solar energy system that have been installed, but also about the lack of concrete actions to solve them. In my particular case, I reported that I returned to my home in EVA at 7am the next day of 8-28-2024, the back of the house was billowing with smoke. Upon opening the doors, fire erupted from the Inverter causing me to have to put it out, as well as open up the front of the inverter to make sure the fire was out, as well as to document the fire since this is now a safety issue on the homes. Clear evidence of bugs and a short circuit causing failure, and fire when the sun came up.
I am still waiting for some real compensatory action to address this problem and the inconvenience caused by not being able to sleep in my own home, having paid the full price for it, and having to sleep several nights in my own vehicle for relief due to heat. This can be corroborated by Robert in EVA 69 who I found out as of 9/9/2024, has hired a separate professional to advise him on the installed system in his EVA, which was changed several times by GP, including adding a new battery bank to meet proper safety standards and proper run time (IP66 outdoor devices), yet there are no resolutions to current matters.

2.- Lack of Follow-up to the Problem - Reputational Concern: We have had this discussion before, I believe there is a direct disconnect between you and some of your middle management. Nothing seems to be taken seriously until it reaches upper management, and this mentality of ignoring, and passing the buck, still needs to be corrected. Clearly, there is a communication breakdown in management, and do not want to make this a matter of public discourse, but if my concerns are not adequately addressed, not only as a home owner, but as an investor, that seems to be the only discourse available.
I understand that some people did not believe my professional recommendations regarding my experience and vast knowledge of electronics, but I believe Gran Pacifica and ECI are giving testimony of someone with real qualifications versus teams that have little experience, training, education or understanding of what it takes to properly design and integrate electrical / electronic systems. (read: proper systems and correct implementation).
I say this being an authority in my long standing as a professional and entrepreneur, as well as the work I am involved in and also for my legacy. I have taught engineering at the college level, I have created my own business to produce electronic components as an OEM automotive supplier, successfully integrated and engineered 500 million dollar electrical / electronic systems in assembly lines, and now I am the CEO of the only company in the world that solves a pressing aerospace electronics problem that the largest space agencies in the world have not overcome since the 1980s. My company's intellectual property is now the global aerospace standard for all space craft, in all NATO countries. I know I am not a high priority asset, but I am fairly certain I am a person of interest since I am the only person in the world who has access to information concerning my RCS technology. That said, I am certainly a global leader in electrical / electronic design in various industries.
This leads me to the current situation. My name is on inspecting the solar systems, and issuing warnings about critical flaws. I was informed Gran Pacifica would be taking measures to resolve these issues such as screens and conformal coatings to keep out bugs and control the issue, as well as Gran Pacifica holding Solaris liable for wiring deficiencies with the possibility of pursuit in court for damages. After returning to Gran Pacifica, and seeing no action has been taken to resolve these issues, I have given adequate time to address important safety concerns, but have seen no action being taken, and no response to a pressing issue, so in good faith to being part of this community as an investor and home owner, and with my company ethics, reputation on the line, and understanding of the issues deeply, I must unfortunately take the stance with concerned action and make a formal complaint on the matter. We both have legacies involved in the matter, and I have large corporations and agencies to appease in regards to safety concerns and liabilities. My home almost went up in fire with me in it, others are also in these homes, and have rented these homes which present a pressing and dangerous risk. Most recently as of this writing, am now aware of other systems which have burnt up before mine, as well as other purchasers hiring professionals who have mirrored my safety concerns of under engineered solar systems.
3.- Professional Recommendations: As an investor I personally shared my experience with you and Moises and recommended making a serious study for qualification on such a large project... What was it Moises said Mike? "I didn't know what I was talking about". I was hoping the ECI management team would have experience and organized resolutions, or hired qualified technicians to look at, and control the incident, but the current result: an unmitigated disaster. But now, it is not just about me, the situation is a larger and problematic community issue, as what was being installed was doubled down on after warning. From my understanding several failed systems, which are all improper, and which all have several other glaring issues, including loose connections, fire hazards, broken panels, incorrect protections, etc.
But…Why on this planet earth would the management of a company, not heed the warning of an investor who is qualified in the field of engineering?... simply ignore sound advice on the matter. But the better question is, what is ECI's and Gran Pacifica's motive to ignore sound advice? It terrifies me to think of what other reasons, not associated with a lack of professional ability, we may have to face in the future. What’s up here? It would seem people don't like being told they are wrong, and are incapable of hearing sound advice from a "gringo" advising them “Hey, lets fix this before it gets really bad”. This is gross negligence and poor managerial decision making.
4.- Tip of the iceberg: This is part of the anomalies, along with various other household shortcommings, that were brewing over time and that could have been effectively avoided previously, as I established in a report delivered to Gran Pacifica at the beginning of May 2024, before the fires, regarding the incorrect installation of electronic devices that constitute a safety problem. Everything I mentioned above is documented with the help of photographs that I was able to take when I was trying to verify the operation of the failed system.
Itsel claimed Solaris would not honor warranty, and I am not going to discuss and start pointing fingers between Gran Pacifica and Solaris, or any other particular company related to the topic of solar energy systems that has been contracted by Gran Pacifica. Whoever made the call on installing these made the improper call, but I have suspicions as to who this issue lays squarely on since quotations from solar companies include harsh operating environment equipment.
This, along with other issues such as exterior walls which are not sealed and allowing water intrusion in the home, interior paint used on the outside of the home now peeling and creating mold inside and outside the home, cracks on the stairs raising further safety concerns, mold development in the roof, lack of grey water system as advertised and lack of green roof as advertised are brewing matters of safety, failed delivery, and reliability. These, along with the fire hazards, are increasingly larger matters of concern as time is displaying additional flaws.
Further making matters more concerning are lack of access to investor books, clearly dodging personal agreements for stock exchange for land in GP, and lack of investor response to pressing questions. I have pictures of available land before and after request for exchange, emails from others stating lots were available as well as after images showcasing lots even past Santa Barbera 16 (Bretts lot) which were then recalled after I made request for stock exchange as promised in that area, which raises questions as to the claims these lots were plans for a Bella Phase 2 as stated, or are simply means of targeting me personally.
To finish, I really don't want to raise further alarm bells, but I have a now 84 page document outlining several concerns with the systems, and homes, which I have been documenting with photos, emails, and all correspondence dating back approximately 2 to 3 years.
Privately shared link to one additional concern over and above 84 page document.
https://youtube.com/shorts/h_xHT_C5Gp4?feature=share
5.- Resolution: I like you Mike, and respect you tremendously as a business man. One only has to look around to see and appreciate that, but this whole situation is a contradiction to what I know is your willingness to work hard and deliver the best homes, overcome problems, which I highly respect, and I was honored to be able to contribute some help. Unfortunately I have seen and heard concerning things that are in direct contradiction to both of our companies vision of being part of something that includes values, quality and success.
As you are aware, the surfer mentality in Gran Pacifica is "We don't want Gran Pacifica to grow. We like it how it is." I have been trying hard to piece things together, and it is becoming increasingly obvious that much of Gran Pacifica management seemingly feels the same way, they are happy with Gran Pacifica as it was, and the added headache of expansion seems to be added stress and headache they do not want.
I can understand this, and with the challenges of finding people with the same vision as yourself, but now understand why they are working together, along with other important reasons. This is why I am sure that we are at a junction with some extenuating circumstances between us, so you understand that as committed as I felt to this project, and in good faith resolutions would be made, I must continue with something that does not hinder my vision of doing business, because I believe that there are opportunities in Nicaragua, but not in the direction in which the local management is focusing it.
My business legacy, and your business legacy have clear overlap, and extenuating circumstances, and I prefer not to make any of this a matter of public discourse. All that said, I hope you understand why this is an escalated matter for me. I believe it is best for both of us to separate ways amicably, and with a degree of mutual respect.
I am searching for an amicable resolution, there is no reason for our business' and visions to clash, but at this time it means it is best to part ways business wise and hope this doesn't mean bad blood, and is OK with you? I really thought hard what is best for us both.
As a parting in good faith, I am sure I can help assist in helping to quell or resolve current issues, and provide the document for your engineers to review, or perhaps channels to diminish losses. I am still not certain as to why Valeria did not take my offer to deliver proper solar systems for $12,000, which is a half to a forth the cost of existing systems... But I am sure there are good reasons internally.
I have had a couple of meetings and obtained at least two opinions on the case from lawyers for the most fair and least headache for us both. I do not want to escalate to a legal issue at this time, because as I have previously mentioned, I want to handle it directly with you, since, to my disappointment, I see this as the only way to divest and separate on commercial terms for our mutual good.
6.- Divestment: With the growing amount of pressing issues in EVA, as well as separating on commercial terms means a loss of time and money for me, a cost that I will assume without claiming, as long as we do not disagree on the following points:
1) Reimbursement for:
a) The total value paid by me for the EVA 07, upgrades, valued at $128,900 - $39,000 investor credit = $89,900 (original value purchase price);
b) 1 UTP cable upgrade paid to ECI $650.00;
c) 2 Upgrade ceramic tile to porcelain tile and river stone for shower. Includes removing existing tiles. $1,595.00;
d) 3 Nicaraguan cedar wood for kitchen cabinets and bathroom sinks. Natural finish $6,270.00;
e) 4 Upgraded washer / dryer combination unit $1970.00;
f) 5 Cooking range backsplash tile $40.00;
g) 6 Upgraded Bedroom closet set, bed, and upper level bar $2150.00;
h) 7 Custom blinds $550.00;
i) I will absorb taxes, HOA fees, and home maintenance fees if conditions are agreed to.
HOME TOTAL LESS INVESTOR DISCOUNT $103,125.00

2) The reimbursement of: the two teenage teak plots that are to be partially harvested in 2025; $15,192 x 2 lots for $30,384.00

3) The outstanding amounts owed for the work contracted for Gran Pacifica;

a) Diagnosis of EVA #69, less interest charges for non payment if agreed upon $3349.50;

b) Diagnosis of Bella #11, less interest charges for non payment if agreed upon $275.00;

4) The value return of the shares owned as an ECI investor: 200,000 shares at $2.25 each for $450,000

5) Current associated legal fees, inconvenience and rental fees for home during this incident, will be absorbed by myself if these conditions are met currently.

TOTAL DIVESTMENT VALUE OF $587,133.50.

7.- Collateral: I will see in my future if I still decide to build on my second lot, separate from the community, but I can already tell you that I feel this will also create certain friction and I see this as a problem moving forward.
Believe me, I have analyzed several ways out of this problem, but this is the only way I see that this will not get worse to the point where I am associated with internal gossip issues, engineering oversights and external influences. This is the most reliable, least expensive, and least unbalancing route for all parties involved.

Please advise me on or before October 3, 2024.

Best regards,
Mark Lepore