YIDA Zone owner Yida Zhang shot in Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda: The owner of YIDA Special Economic Zone, Yida Zhang, was shot twice in the chest and ribcage at the company’s compound at Crabbs Peninsula on Sunday afternoon.

The police are actively pursuing the suspected shooter, who apparently broke into the property shortly after 4:00 pm on August 9 and fired shots near a warehouse before escaping.

Zhang was taken to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre for emergency medical treatment. Doctors said that his condition is now stable.

There have been rumors that the shooting may have been linked to the several thefts that took place at the compound in recent weeks. Police have not issued any official statements confirming or denying these claims.

Zhang is a Chinese businessman and the leading investor of YIDA Special Economic Zone. YIDA, also known as ABSEZ (Antigua and Barbuda Special Economic Zone), is an enormous and highly controversial 1,600-acre project situated in northeast Antigua.

It was created after signing an agreement in 2014 between Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda and Yida Zhang. This zone is created as an investment venture in Antigua and Barbuda, and is designed to have commercial and industrial activities.

The project was initially presented as a $2 billion economic revolution to make Antigua an “economic powerhouse” in the region. Its blueprint included: luxury hotels and casinos (including a canceled Hard Rock project).

It also featured over 1,300 residential units and a 27-hole golf course; heavy industry zones such as steel manufacturing and ceramic tiles production; Mega-infrastructure like an offshore medical university, an independent bank, and marine port.

The police are still investigating the shooting, while working to identify and arrest the person responsible. There is no known motive behind the incident as of now.