Demanding Payment from Christophe Harbour, Not the Government.

The People’s Action Movement (PAM) has launched a scathing attack on the current St. Kitts and Nevis Labour administration, accusing them of inaction and a lack of transparency regarding the sale of the Christophe Harbour Marina. PAM insists that it was the previous Team Unity government, spearheaded by then-Deputy Prime Minister Shawn Richards, that took decisive action to recover millions of dollars owed to the nation by Christophe Harbour. They highlight their forceful approach, which included disconnecting power to Christophe Harbour’s administrative building until a substantial portion of the debt was settled. This aggressive tactic, PAM argues, stands in stark contrast to the current government’s perceived passivity in pursuing outstanding debts from the same entity. The press release serves as a direct challenge to the Labour administration’s narrative and seeks to reclaim credit for addressing the Christophe Harbour debt issue.

PAM emphasizes the concrete steps taken by the Richards-led Ministry of Public Infrastructure to recoup the EC $2.8 million owed to SKELEC, the national electricity company. They detail the decision to cut off power to Christophe Harbour’s administrative offices, a move they justify by arguing that it was unfair to allow a major debtor to continue operating as usual while ordinary citizens faced consequences for unpaid bills. This decisive action, according to PAM, resulted in a significant victory: Christophe Harbour transferred three parcels of land, valued at over USD $4.5 million, to settle the debt, a sum significantly exceeding the initial amount owed. PAM presents this as evidence of their commitment to holding debtors accountable, regardless of their prominence or influence.

The press release further underscores the contrast between the Team Unity government’s assertive approach and the current administration’s apparent silence. PAM questions why other institutions, including Social Security, the SIDF, and the National Bank, which are also owed substantial sums by Christophe Harbour, have not been similarly compensated. They argue that the Labour government’s inaction suggests a double standard, where smaller debtors face legal repercussions while larger entities are seemingly allowed to operate without consequence. This, according to PAM, raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to protecting the financial interests of the nation and its institutions.

Further escalating their criticism, PAM condemns the secrecy surrounding the recent sale of the Christophe Harbour Marina for USD $25 million. They point out that the sale to Safe Harbour Marina LLC was conducted without a public auction, consultation, or any clear accounting of outstanding debts. Even members of parliament, they claim, were informed of the deal only through a press release, highlighting the lack of transparency in the process. This clandestine approach, PAM argues, fuels suspicion and undermines public trust in the government’s handling of public assets. They demand a full accounting of the sale and the remaining debts owed to various national institutions.

PAM directly rebuts claims that former Prime Minister Timothy Harris was solely responsible for reclaiming the SKELEC debt, emphasizing that it was a collective effort involving the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the SKELEC board. They portray this as a testament to the Team Unity government’s collaborative approach to governance, a stark contrast, they allege, to the current administration’s more centralized decision-making. This subtle jab suggests a breakdown in collaborative governance under the current Labour leadership, furthering their critique of the government’s operational style.

In closing, PAM reiterates its commitment to transparency, accountability, and justice, positioning themselves as the true defenders of taxpayer interests. They contrast their decisive action in reclaiming the SKELEC debt with the current government’s perceived inaction on other outstanding debts. The press release concludes with a powerful message: PAM acted when it mattered, and they will continue to fight for the interests of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, implicitly criticizing the current government’s perceived failure to do the same. This strong stance aims to resonate with voters concerned about government transparency and accountability, framing PAM as the more responsible stewards of public funds.