BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE war of words within the Team Unity Government over Nevis’ ‘fair share’ of the Citizenship by Investment proceeds have seen Deputy Prime Minister Shawn Richards adding his voice to the mix.
That topic took center stage at the People’s Action Movement’s (PAM) Convention earlier this month, when Nevis’s Premier and Leader of the Concerned Citizens Movement chided Prime Minister Timothy Harris for not sticking to the promise made in the Charlestown Accord.
In a statement on Wednesday (Mar.23), DPM Richards explained that he was made aware of “considerable efforts made by Premier Mark Brantley and the dialogue for over four years between the Hon. Prime Minister and the Hon. Premier on this matter”.
The Premier, on numerous occasions, had pleaded and begged for what is described as a fair share of the CBI proceeds.
At a recent edition of his ‘On the Mark’ programme, the Premier noted that the sum of $45 million Nevis received was interim amounts agreed upon, but was still far below the equitable share.
“I am also aware that some spade to the NIA [Nevis Island Administration] from the CBI proceeds initially $30 million per year and now currently $45 million per year were interim sums agreed between the Prime Minister and successive Premiers of Nevis pending the fulfillment of the promise made in the Charlestown Accord,” noted Richards.
Dr. Harris, at his party’s press conference, suggested that they would seek expert advice on the way forward when it comes to the equitable share of the proceeds.
Richards however noted that the People’s Action Movement supports the call by Premier Brantley, citing Paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of the Accord which speaks to the equitable share.
Richards said: “Having been apprised of the various engagements on this matter, and the failure thus far to find resolution, I am led to the inescapable conclusion that there has been no genuine effort to resolve this over the years, and that our Team Unity Government has failed in its promise to the CCM and to the beloved people of Nevis.”
The DPM reminded that despite all of the figures added up that were given to Nevis, the overall sum of revenues received were never disclosed by the Prime Minister.
That, among other issues, has caused a friction within the Government that recently came to light.
It is expected that Prime Minister Harris would address the matter this weekend at his party’s national convention.
