Harris Condemns Drew for Unfulfilled Promises and Concealment Regarding Christophe Harbour Development

Dr. Timothy Harris, leader of the People’s Labour Party (PLP) in St. Kitts and Nevis, launched a scathing attack on the current administration regarding the Christophe Harbour development project, a venture initially touted as a transformative economic engine for the twin-island nation. In a passionate national address, Harris accused the government of complicity in what he termed a “grand betrayal of the people,” highlighting the unfulfilled promises and lack of transparency surrounding the project, which is nearing the end of its 20-year agreement in 2025.

The core of Harris’s argument revolves around the stark contrast between the developers’ initial commitments and the current reality. He reminded citizens of the grand vision presented two decades prior: a US$17 billion investment that would fuel economic growth and prosperity. However, according to Harris, this promise has remained largely unfulfilled. He emphasized the developers’ pledge to self-fund the project’s infrastructure, contrasting it with their subsequent borrowing of millions from the National Bank, leaving behind substantial arrears exceeding EC $49 million. Furthermore, he pointed to the meager EC $2.7 million reportedly recouped from the sale of the project, raising serious questions about the handling of the entire venture.

A significant portion of Harris’s criticism targeted the incumbent Drew administration’s perceived inaction and lack of transparency regarding the project’s current status. He condemned their “deafening silence” on critical aspects, including the details of the purchase agreement with Safe Harbor Marinas, the final sale value, and any concessions granted to the new owners. This lack of public disclosure, Harris argued, constitutes a failure of governance and portrays a government operating in secrecy, hiding crucial information from the public it serves.

The PLP leader vowed to pursue full accountability should his party assume power. He promised a relentless investigation into the Christophe Harbour project, aiming to recover every dollar owed to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis or reclaim the assets involved. This commitment underscores the gravity of the situation, framing the issue not just as a broken promise but as a potential case of mismanagement and a disservice to the nation’s economic interests.

Harris’s address serves as a potent indictment of the perceived failures surrounding the Christophe Harbour project. He paints a picture of a development that has fallen far short of its initial promise, leaving behind a trail of financial questions and a sense of betrayal among the citizenry. His emphasis on the government’s lack of transparency further fuels public distrust, raising concerns about the handling of public funds and the potential for undue influence or mismanagement.

The implications of this unfolding controversy are significant for the political and economic future of St. Kitts and Nevis. The unresolved questions surrounding the Christophe Harbour project have the potential to cast a long shadow over the current administration and influence the upcoming elections. The public’s demand for answers, amplified by Harris’s forceful pronouncements, could become a pivotal issue in the political landscape, shaping public discourse and influencing voter decisions. The ultimate resolution of this matter, including the recovery of any misappropriated funds or the reclamation of assets, will be a key test of governance and accountability in the twin-island nation.