Prime Minister Raises Additional Concerns Regarding Previous Christophe Harbour Transactions

On June 8, 2025, Prime Minister Terrance Drew of Saint Kitts and Nevis revealed new evidence of potentially corrupt dealings orchestrated by his predecessor, former Prime Minister Timothy Harris, in connection with the Christophe Harbour development project. The evidence, in the form of an email exchange from December 2017, exposed a clandestine agreement being forged between Harris and the developer, Buddy Darby, that bypassed established protocols of transparency and accountability, raising serious concerns about the potential misuse of national assets for private gain. This revelation served to validate long-held public suspicions surrounding the management of the Christophe Harbour project under the Harris administration, suggesting that decisions were driven by private interests rather than the welfare of the nation.

The December 2017 email, authored by the then-Chairman of the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF), detailed the framework of the secretive deal being pursued by Harris and Darby. The SIDF, a public entity responsible for managing funds derived from the sale of sugar lands, appears to have been instrumental in facilitating this arrangement. The email explicitly highlights the circumvention of established procedures and the potential exposure of the Federation’s assets to exploitation by private interests acting under the protection of Harris’s political office. This correspondence paints a picture of an administration operating outside the bounds of proper governance, prioritizing private arrangements over public interest.

The revelation of this email exchange underscores the lack of transparency and accountability that characterized the Harris administration’s handling of the Christophe Harbour project. The absence of parliamentary oversight and public disclosure regarding these dealings suggests a deliberate effort to conceal the true nature of the arrangements from public scrutiny. This raises serious questions about the extent to which Harris and his associates may have benefited personally from these transactions, and the potential detriment to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Prime Minister Drew’s disclosure of this previously concealed correspondence serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government. The apparent ease with which Harris and Darby were able to circumvent established procedures highlights the vulnerability of national assets to exploitation when proper oversight mechanisms are lacking. This case underscores the need for robust systems of checks and balances to prevent such abuses of power and ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of the public.

The current administration, under Prime Minister Drew, has pledged a commitment to transparency and accountability, aiming to rectify the perceived shortcomings of the previous government. The public disclosure of this email correspondence and the ongoing investigation into the Christophe Harbour dealings are indicative of this commitment. By bringing these matters to light, Prime Minister Drew aims to restore public trust and ensure that future development projects are managed with integrity and transparency.

The Christophe Harbour controversy serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for corruption and misuse of public resources in the absence of strong governance structures. The revelations surrounding this project highlight the need for vigilant oversight, ethical leadership, and a commitment to transparency in all government dealings. By holding those responsible accountable and implementing measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future, the government of St. Kitts and Nevis can work towards restoring public confidence and ensuring that the nation’s resources are used for the benefit of all its citizens.