PM Drew Overlooks Nevis Equity Concerns in National Address, Ignoring World Bank Report.

The simmering political tension between St. Kitts and Nevis has reached a boiling point, fueled by Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew’s conspicuous silence on the World Bank’s Fair Share Report. This report, commissioned to address the long-standing dispute over revenue distribution between the two islands, was completed in February 2025 but remains shrouded in secrecy, withheld from both the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) and the public. This lack of transparency has ignited accusations of political maneuvering and broken promises, casting a shadow over Drew’s administration and raising serious doubts about his commitment to inter-island equity.

The Fair Share issue, a contentious topic revolving around Nevis’ perceived inadequate portion of national revenues, particularly from the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, was the catalyst for the downfall of the previous Team Unity government. Nevis Premier Mark Brantley, a key figure in that political upheaval, has expressed profound disappointment and frustration at Drew’s failure to share the report or even acknowledge its existence. This perceived betrayal has resonated deeply with Nevisians, who feel disregarded and marginalized by the central government in Basseterre. The ongoing silence amplifies the sense of injustice and fuels suspicions that Drew exploited the Fair Share issue to gain power, only to abandon it once his political objectives were achieved.

The World Bank report was initially lauded as a crucial step towards resolving the revenue distribution impasse and fostering a more equitable partnership between the two islands. It was seen as a beacon of hope, promising a data-driven approach to address the historical grievances and financial imbalances. However, the report’s suppression has transformed it into a symbol of broken trust and unfulfilled promises. The NIA, left in the dark about the report’s findings and recommendations, is unable to engage in meaningful discussions or plan for its future financial stability. This deliberate withholding of information has not only exacerbated existing tensions but also undermined the very foundation of the federation, built on the principles of cooperation and mutual respect.

The Prime Minister’s recent national address further inflamed the situation. While highlighting progress in various sectors, including health, infrastructure, and digital governance, Drew completely omitted any mention of the Fair Share Report. This glaring omission, coupled with his administration’s continued promotion of the “Sustainable Island State Agenda,” has been met with widespread condemnation. Critics argue that the concept of sustainability is inherently flawed when one half of the federation is systematically excluded from crucial financial decisions and denied access to information vital to its economic well-being. The Prime Minister’s silence speaks volumes, raising concerns about his true intentions and commitment to a genuinely equitable partnership.

The growing discontent in Nevis is palpable. The initial optimism surrounding Drew’s administration has given way to skepticism and disillusionment. Three years into his tenure, the lack of progress on the Fair Share issue, coupled with the secrecy surrounding the World Bank report, has eroded public trust. The Prime Minister’s pronouncements of unity and progress ring hollow against the backdrop of inaction and perceived neglect. Nevisians, once hopeful for a more equitable future, now feel betrayed and marginalized. The unresolved Fair Share crisis poses a significant threat to the stability of the federation and casts a long shadow over the Prime Minister’s credibility.

The ongoing silence from the Prime Minister’s office is deafening, and the people of Nevis are no longer accepting excuses. The Fair Share issue remains a festering wound, threatening to further divide the two islands. The Prime Minister’s failure to address this critical matter has not only undermined his credibility but also jeopardized the very foundation of the federation. The demand for transparency and equitable revenue sharing is growing louder, and the Prime Minister can no longer afford to ignore the legitimate concerns of the Nevisian people. The future of the federation hinges on his willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue and demonstrate a genuine commitment to resolving this long-standing dispute.