BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - AFTER addressing one issue surrounding the Federation's passport, another has arisen; this time with connection to terrorism.
The Ministry of National Security has deactivated the travel document for two individuals who were placed on an international terrorism watch list.
In a media statement issued today (Sept. 14), the Ministry explained that it had taken action to disable the passports of two citizens, Khaled Awad and Walid Awad, on account of news reports that “the Government of the United Arab Emirates has named them on a recent terrorist watch list”.
According to the Ministry, the documents were issued in 2014 and 2015.
This is the second incident in recent months where the Federation’s passport has come under the microscope.
In fact, the country had drawn international criticism after notorious Nigerian fraudster, Ramon ‘Hushpuppi’ Abbas pleaded guilty to money laundering.
He revealed in court documents that US$50,000 was paid for him to obtain a St. Kitts and Nevis passport.
Since that revelation, Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. Timothy Harris confirmed that he ordered the Police Force to conduct an investigation into the matter.
With the Awads being St. Kitts and Nevis citizens, the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively engaging the Government of the United Arab Emirates to ascertain the details relating to the inclusion of the two on the watch list.
“These details will inform further action by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis. St. Kitts and Nevis continues to be fully committed in its support of all efforts to eradicate terrorist activities in all its forms globally.
“As a responsible member of the international community, St. Kitts and Nevis will continue to cooperate with every country and entity to suppress terrorist activities. The Government of the United Arab Emirates can be assured of the fullest cooperation of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed.
