Prime Minister’s Advisor Intervenes, Averting Protest Action.

The Drew administration in St. Kitts and Nevis finds itself embroiled in yet another controversy surrounding its perceived favoritism towards foreign investors at the expense of local businesses. The latest incident involves St. Kitts Marine Works (SKMW), a long-standing local marine company owned by Regiwell Francis. SKMW alleges the government owes it over EC$10 million for completed work, while simultaneously pressuring the company to vacate its New Guinea boatyard location. This pressure, according to Francis, includes threats of eviction and coercion to drop legal claims against the government. Adding to the controversy is the suspicion that the government intends to hand over the prime New Guinea property to Nigerian developers for a commercial dock and pier project. This has led to accusations that the government is deliberately undermining a successful local business to appease foreign interests.

The situation escalated to the brink of public protest, with SKMW owner Regiwell Francis organizing a demonstration outside Government Headquarters. The protest, intended to highlight the government’s alleged mistreatment of SKMW and its broader pattern of prioritizing foreign investment, was temporarily averted through a last-minute intervention by Prime Minister Drew’s special advisor, Austin Edinborough. Edinborough negotiated a short reprieve, postponing the protest until September 26th, pending the outcome of further negotiations. While the immediate crisis was defused, the underlying tensions and public perception of the government remain deeply problematic. The incident has fueled accusations of a pattern of disregard for local businesses in favor of foreign investment, bringing existing grievances to the forefront and placing the Drew administration under intense public scrutiny.

The SKMW case echoes previous controversies surrounding the government’s dealings with foreign investors. Critics point to several instances, including land deals at Christophe Harbour, the demolition of beach bars at Friars Bay, disputes over the Ritz-Carlton project, and the controversial Nevis SEZ “private city” project, as evidence of a recurring pattern. In each of these cases, local stakeholders felt marginalized, displaced, or ignored while foreign investors appeared to receive preferential treatment. These incidents have fostered a growing narrative that the Drew government prioritizes foreign capital over the interests of its own citizens, leading to widespread resentment and distrust.

The core issue for SKMW, as articulated by Francis, is not just the outstanding payment but also the perceived attempt to force the company off its land. He alleges pressure to abandon legitimate legal claims in exchange for the possibility of retaining the property. This has resonated with many Kittitians and Nevisians who see the SKMW case as symbolic of a larger struggle against the displacement of local businesses and the erosion of their economic opportunities. The sentiment expressed by one supporter, that this fight is “about whether Kittitians and Nevisians have any future in their own land,” encapsulates the deep anxiety and frustration felt by many within the community.

The timing of this latest controversy couldn’t be worse for the Drew administration, which is already grappling with a number of challenges, including scandals, rising crime rates, and economic stagnation. The SKMW incident has amplified existing public discontent and provided further ammunition for critics. The government’s perceived disregard for local businesses in favor of foreign investment has become a focal point of public anger. Many citizens express a sense of betrayal, feeling that their government is prioritizing short-term economic gains from foreign investors over the long-term well-being of its own people and the sustainable development of local industries.

The temporary postponement of the protest provides a brief window for negotiation and a chance for the government to address the concerns raised by SKMW and the wider community. However, the September 26th deadline looms large, and the potential for renewed protests remains a significant threat. If negotiations fail, the Drew administration risks facing a very public display of discontent, which could further erode public trust and exacerbate existing political tensions. The outcome of this standoff will likely have significant implications, not just for SKMW, but for the future direction of development in St. Kitts and Nevis and the relationship between the government and its citizens. The central question remains: will the government prioritize the interests of its own people or continue down a path perceived as favoring foreign investors at the expense of local businesses and community well-being?