St Kitts and Nevis to initiate investigation into CBI Programme’s irregularities linked to previous govt

As the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew envisions transparency of the Citizenship by Investment Programme, and supports a probe for the irregularities that were made during the previous government. The Director of Public Prosecution’s Office has Announced to launch this formal investigation that might have implications for the corporations like Caribbean Galaxy and Former CEO Les Khan. 

Outlining the investigation process it was stated that the Director of Public Prosecution’s Office (DPPO) will ensure to conduct a fair and transparent investigation into the matter. They also emphasized the support that they have received from the current administration to conduct a detailed, unbiased and fair inquiry induced into the proceedings. 

The current administration under the guidance of PM Drew ensured assistance from the government, which in turn will be a huge benefit for DPPO in conducting a smooth, effective and efficient inspection. This investigation will play a huge role in prevailing the truth that when, where and how the irregularities were made in the CBI Programme under the charge of the previous government. 

And, ensuring the detailed probing of the matter, the DPPO will also be appointing a Special Prosecutor from a foreign jurisdiction who will take up the charge of the investigation. The special prosecutor will be assisted by a team consisting of some outside investigators with the inclusion of at least one local investigator. 

The local investigator to be appointed by the Director of Public Prosecution’s Office should hold the committee’s utmost confidence. The DPPO is looking for an individual who can provide them with the best local insight in order to ensure the impartial and smooth running of the operation. 

Following the major announcement made by Director of Public Prosecution’s Office regarding the investigation, PM Terrance Drew addressed the situation and supported the initiative undertaken by the DPPO team. 

The Prime Minister, Dr Terrance Drew stated that he is completely in favor of this decision and ensured to assist the DPPO in any manner. 

“After enacting crucial CBI reforms in St. Kitts and Nevis, and addressing underselling of citizenships as illegal, our Administration has made several efforts that resulted in the signing of Memorandum of Agreement among the five members of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States which offer CBI programmes,” noted PM Terrance Drew. 

After addressing the problem of underselling citizenship, the administration shifted their focus to holding those accountable who are responsible for the misuse of the provisions of the Citizenship by Investment Programme of St Kitts and Nevis. 

These irregularities have been made even before the enactment of such reforms. During the prevalence of the previous government, it has been reported several times that individuals have tried to make inappropriate usage of the provisions of the Citizenship by Investment Programme by underselling a major sum of applications. 

And all these applications were assumed to have been sold during the leadership of the previous government and due to which several key players such as former CIU CEO Les Khan, and the Caribbean Galaxy are likely to be the highlighted targets of this investigation.  

This underselling of the citizenship has raised several concerns about the transparency and accountability of the CBI Programme.  Therefore, a decision was made to sign the historic Memorandum of Association (MOA) to set up a minimum investment threshold to avoid any such future mishap. 

The Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew outlined that the CBI Programme is a vital asset for the citizens of the country. He noted that his administration is concerned about the future of the CBI Programme of St Kitts and Nevis, an economic essential for the country. 

 Therefore, this investigation would be of profound significance in curbing any such situations in future and protecting the integrity of the programme.