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By Loshaun Dixon
Premier Mark Brantley said has not received formal documentation regarding Nevis’ share of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) proceeds.
“The last time I met with him (Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew), which was about three weeks ago, he indicated to me that the report had been obtained – I think he has since said so publicly – and that he was asking his Ministry of Finance and his technocrats to do an analysis on that report.”
“I have not seen the report as yet. I have said to him that I need a copy of the report, so that my team in Nevis can also do their analysis to determine what it is that this World Bank report says. But as I stand here today, I have not yet seen a copy of the report that the prime minister says is available. So it is not that I have abandoned at all the quest for Nevis to get a fair share of whatever is available, and not just money, but opportunity.”
Speaking at a recent press briefing, Brantley explained that while the concept of a “fair share” stems from the Charlestown Accord, he has not received formal documentation on the matter. “I have not seen a report. Nobody has shared a report with me,” Brantley said.
The Premier noted that the Charlestown Accord, which was signed by former leaders of the People’s Labour Party (PLP), the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM), and the People’s Action Movement (PAM), outlined that Nevis would receive a share of CBI proceeds based on its population. However, he clarified that there was no binding agreement with the current St Kitts-Nevis Labour Party administration.
“I can’t go and tell Prime Minister Drew, ‘You have reneged on your commitment,’ because I don’t know that Prime Minister Drew has ever made any commitment,” Brantley said. “I have not seen a document that says, ‘Here’s what Nevis should receive.’”
Brantley added that under the previous administration of Dr Timothy Harris, Nevis received only interim payments of $2 million monthly, which later increased to $4 million, even as the CBI programme generated hundreds of millions annually.
The Premier also mentioned that Prime Minister Drew has shown willingness to share resources, noting that Nevis has received 25% of funds from friendly governments, totalling almost US$2 million. These funds were utilised for infrastructure projects, including improvements to Pinney’s Beach and the Cultural Village.
Brantley explained that the phrase “fair share” became widely used after he popularised it, though he stressed the need to understand its original context. He pointed to the Charlestown Accord, an agreement signed by Timothy Harris (PLP), Vance Amory (then CCM leader), and Shawn Richards (PAM) when forming the Team Unity government in 2015. He noted that while he was not a signatory, he drafted the agreement, which played a critical role in Timothy Harris becoming Prime Minister, despite the PLP winning only one seat.
Brantley criticised Harris for later disregarding the agreement. He drew a parallel to Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, suggesting Harris turned his back on those who helped him rise to power.
Brantley reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing not just financial equity, but also opportunities for Nevisians on the national stage. “It’s not just about money but about ensuring Nevisians have opportunities, including key international representation.”
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