Attorney General’s Office Allegedly Used to Favor Ritz-Carlton Investors Under Drew Administration

A controversy is brewing in St. Kitts and Nevis, centered on the Friars Bay beachfront and the future of several locally owned beach bars. The government, led by Prime Minister Terrance Drew, has issued an ultimatum to three establishments – The Shipwreck Bar, The Godfather Bar, and The Discovery Bar – demanding their closure and removal by August 30, 2025. This aggressive action, spearheaded by the Attorney General’s Office, cites alleged violations of the National Conservation and Environment Protection Act, the Business and Occupations Act, and the Unincorporated Business Tax Act. The government contends that the bars are operating illegally on Crown land without proper permits and authorizations.

The affected businesses, however, are not accepting this decree without a fight. Represented by attorney O’Grenville Browne, they maintain that the government’s interpretation of the law is selective and prejudiced, targeting them unfairly. These bars, deeply ingrained in the island’s tourism landscape, have operated for decades, contributing to the local economy and becoming beloved destinations for both residents and tourists. Shipwreck, in particular, enjoys international recognition for its authentic, rustic charm, embodying the relaxed atmosphere that draws many visitors to St. Kitts. Their sudden forced closure, they argue, would not only be a devastating blow to their livelihoods but also a significant loss to the island’s unique cultural identity.

Fueling the growing public outcry is the timing of this government action. Concurrent with the escalating pressure on these local businesses are persistent rumors of a planned Ritz-Carlton development at Friars Bay. This coincidence has led many to suspect that the government’s motivation is not rooted in conservation or law enforcement but rather in clearing the way for a lucrative foreign investment. Critics argue that the administration is prioritizing the interests of international developers over those of its own citizens, sacrificing long-standing local businesses to pave the way for a luxury resort. This perceived favoritism towards foreign investors is further amplifying the resentment and distrust towards Prime Minister Drew’s government.

The opposition and local business advocates are denouncing this move as an abuse of power, characterizing it as “governance by intimidation.” They accuse the government of weaponizing the Attorney General’s Office to bully small businesses into submission, sacrificing them for the benefit of foreign investors. This heavy-handed approach, critics argue, sets a dangerous precedent, demonstrating a willingness to disregard the rights and livelihoods of local entrepreneurs in pursuit of external investment. The escalating tension underscores a deeper conflict between preserving the island’s authentic character and embracing large-scale foreign development.

The impending deadline of August 30th looms large, intensifying the pressure on all parties involved. The bar owners, resolute in their resistance, are prepared to challenge the government’s directive, asserting their right to operate and demanding transparency in the decision-making process. They argue that the public deserves to know the true reasons behind the government’s actions and the potential benefits, if any, that will accrue to the island as a result of their businesses being shuttered. The outcome of this standoff has far-reaching implications, extending beyond the fate of these individual businesses. It is a litmus test for the government’s commitment to its citizens versus its pursuit of foreign investment.

This brewing conflict transcends a simple land dispute; it represents a crucial turning point for St. Kitts and Nevis. The central question revolves around the balance between economic development and the preservation of local culture and livelihoods. Will the island’s unique character, embodied by these long-standing businesses, be erased to make way for international tourism chains? Or will the government reconsider its approach, recognizing the value of local enterprise and finding a way to reconcile development with the preservation of its cultural heritage? The coming days will determine not only the future of Friars Bay but also the direction of St. Kitts and Nevis’ economic and cultural development, setting a precedent for future interactions between local businesses and foreign investment on the island.