Astaphan Criticizes Drew Administration’s Handling of Christophe Harbour Controversy

Former St. Kitts and Nevis government minister Dwyer Astaphan has launched a fierce critique of the current administration’s handling of the Christophe Harbour Marina sale, accusing Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew’s government of obfuscation, incompetence, and potential complicity in concealing the full truth surrounding the EC$25 million in supposedly recovered public funds. Astaphan’s blistering commentary, delivered via his podcast, challenges the government’s claims of “closure and clarity,” arguing that the public deserves full transparency and accountability regarding the financial dealings surrounding the marina. He decries a culture of protecting the wealthy and well-connected, demanding justice for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Central to Astaphan’s argument is the questionable distribution of the EC$25 million. He questions the EC$4.5 million paid to Social Security, demanding to know if this represents the entirety of Christophe Harbour’s debt to the institution and, if not, why the company was allowed to accumulate such arrears without legal repercussions. He suggests the possibility of preferential treatment and protection for the company, raising the crucial question of who might have been shielding them from prosecution. Astaphan further criticizes the government’s failure to address the broader scope of Christophe Harbour’s debts, which he claims extend beyond public institutions to include substantial sums owed to local private sector businesses. He condemns the government’s silence on this matter, arguing that these businesses deserve protection and inclusion in settlement negotiations, not abandonment to financial ruin.

Astaphan’s investigation into the financial intricacies of the marina sale uncovers what he describes as a “disastrous and disrespectful” loan deal involving a US$16 million loan from the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF) in 2013 to “Christophe Harbour Lending Company,” an entity that now appears to be defunct. He highlights several troubling aspects of the loan, including its governance under U.S. federal arbitration law rather than St. Kitts-Nevis law, its security by a promissory note instead of a mortgage, and the allocation of funds to repay Bank of America loans instead of local development projects. He further questions the opaque lending chain involving SIDF, Christophe Harbour Lending, and KHT Holdings, raising concerns about corporate transparency. The EC$5.7 million payment subsequently received by SIDF is also scrutinized, with Astaphan questioning its nature – whether it constituted repayment, revenue sharing, or a partial refund – and demanding clarity on whether further sums are owed to SIDF and, by extension, to the public.

The issue of stamp duty also comes under Astaphan’s scrutiny. He questions the EC$3.6 million reportedly paid, raising the possibility of undervaluation of the marina and questioning whether independent valuation experts were consulted or if the government merely accepted the developer’s figures. He accuses the government of prioritizing confidentiality over public interest, arguing that transparency should always prevail. Astaphan’s questions paint a picture of potential revenue loss for the nation due to shrouded dealings and lack of proper valuation. He suspects that confidentiality clauses are being used to shield the truth from the public.

Astaphan’s concluding remarks deliver a scathing indictment of both past and present administrations. He argues that previous leaders have disqualified themselves and challenges the current government to choose between redemption and disgrace, urging them to prioritize the nation’s interests. He calls upon the public and media to be more vigilant, demanding accountability and an end to complacency. He emphasizes the importance of relentless questioning until true clarity and closure are achieved. His call to action encourages the public and media to demand answers and hold those responsible accountable.

The reverberations of Astaphan’s commentary have reignited the national debate surrounding the Christophe Harbour Marina sale, prompting several pressing questions: Why haven’t those responsible for years of unpaid debts been held accountable? Why were violations of Social Security and tax laws not prosecuted? Why is there still no comprehensive accounting of the marina’s sale price? And why are private creditors being left to fend for themselves? With millions of dollars still unaccounted for and public institutions allegedly receiving only partial payments towards their debts, the people of St. Kitts and Nevis are demanding concrete answers, not carefully crafted rhetoric. Astaphan’s warning serves as a stark reminder of the fundamental responsibility of government to protect its citizens, not powerful interests, and underscores the need for leaders who prioritize service over self-enrichment. The SKN Times has pledged to continue its investigation into the Christophe Harbour financial scandal, pursuing answers, accountability, and ultimately, justice for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.