"Prison Project worth EC $3 billion (US $1.1b) is biggest scam in St Kitts and Nevis history," say developers

The fuss over the construction of an ultra-luxury prison in St Kitts and Nevis is not getting over. The government is under allegations of corruption and fraud over building a prison costing the country EC $3 billion (US $1.1 billion). 

In order to understand the details, the Middle Eastern Times asked for developers’ responses on this matter. Over 20 individuals responded/commented and provided statements expressing their viewpoint on the construction of an expensive prison in the country or in other words biggest scam in St Kitts and Nevis history. We will be publishing public views in a series of articles.

One of the individuals, while talking about the construction of the $3 billion prison project, stated that “it is the biggest ever fraud” which is taking place in St Kitts and Nevis’ history. 

The developer stated that a prison can be constructed in less than EC $45 million, but EC $3 billion prison project shows how huge the level of corruption and scam is taking place in St Kitts and Nevis by a person holding the highest government chair in the country, “According to my estimates, if the government actually wanted to construct the high-quality prison, it would have cost no more than 300 citizenship applications but giving away over 5,500 applications is absolutely shocking for us.”

Another developer, showing his concerns about the prison project, stated all agents and developers have a similar voice as the People’s Action Movement (PAM) and Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM). They all are seeking greater transparency in the Citizenship by Investment Programme, especially the Prison project scheduled to be constructed by Caribbean Galaxy led by Ying Jin.

“I feel it is not just PAM or CCM; all of us, the developers and even the agents dealing with the citizenship by investment programme feel that there is a lack of transparency as far as the prison project is concerned,” the person added on the condition of anonymity.

A developer based in Dubai stated that the government’s blindfolding on the undercut of citizenship prices is halting all the development projects in St Kitts and Nevis; the Chinese company is trying to create a monopoly on St Kitts and Nevis citizenship.

“We are scared, the government is misusing its power, there is no word from the Prime Minister why such an expensive prison is under construction and why they are jeopardizing the reputation of citizenship by investment programme,” the Dubai based developer stated in an email response to Middle Eastern Times. 

While some developers emphasized that a comprehensive investigation must be launched to examine why more than 5500 citizenship by investment applications are being granted to Caribbean Galaxy Real Estate Corporation. 

“The government approved 5500 citizenship by investment programme applications to Caribbean Galaxy Real Estate, the value of which is equivalent to EC $3 billion, but even a massive prison can be constructed by granting only 250 applications, costing around EC $40 million or even less.” 

It is notable that Prime Minister the Honourable Dr Timothy Harris is playing a big gamble by not giving up the Ministry of Finance. The reason behind it is that PM is somehow afraid of giving up the ministry as it would expose major scams, including the Prison scam in St Kitts and Nevis.

“Elections are coming in St Kitts and Nevis, and we are hopeful that the new Finance Minister will immediately halt the Prison project and revoke all citizenships granted to the individuals who have obtained economic citizenship. There must be an appropriate action to control the exploitation of the citizenship programme,” said another developer based in Dubai. 

As Middle Eastern Times exposed that PM Timothy Harris will be generating over the US $55 million from this project for his personal wealth. The money belonged to the people of St Kitts and Nevis. 

“People of St Kitts and Nevis are very vulnerable and sensitive in terms of trusting someone; PM Harris is earning loads of money with a billion-dollar scam and giving an orange t-shirt to his supporters. I ask people of St Kitts and Nevis today, do you think an orange t-shirt is worth the US $55 million? Don’t you think we as people of St Kitts and Nevis deserve better?” said the developer in St Kitts and Nevis. 

All the developers and agents are now taking a stand against the government of St Kitts and Nevis for its misuse of power, lack of transparency and for defaming the citizenship by investment programme. As per these individuals, who responded to the Middle Eastern Times, Prime Minister Timothy Harris is gambling to secure himself from something. The individuals stated that the Prime Minister is ready to give up his position as the “PM”; however, he is scared of handing over the Finance Ministry.