St Kitts and Nevis: PM responds to High Court links

Prime Minister Timothy Harris has said that integrity has been “maintained to the highest standards” since he took office after his name was mentioned in a UK High Court case.

Last week a number of Caribbean officials were cited at the London court hearing of property tycoon Peter Virdee, who has been accused of bribing high-ranking members of government in the region.

He and his co-accused deny any wrongdoing.

In a statement released through the government’s information service, the Harris robustly defended himself, “emphatically and unequivocally” denying any involvement since becoming prime minister.

“The judgment references a period of time beginning in 2014. Prime Minister Harris cannot speak to what may have occurred prior to his assumption of office of the Prime Minister on February 18, 2015,” it read.

“Prime Minister Harris confirms that the Team Unity Government has not entered into any agreements with the parties referenced in the article.”

It added that Harris and his government are “committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the reputation of the federation at the local, regional and international levels.

“Protecting and serving the interests of the people of St Kitts and Nevis is the foundation of how Team Unity governs this nation.”

It is understood that Harris has spoken to senior legal advisors about the matter, and any action regarding the story – which was first published by the UK’s Daily Mail – will be announced some time in the future.