St Kitts-Nevis scandal: PM and opposition continue blame game

The prime minister of St Kitts and Nevis has addressed the nation to once again deny claims that his government is harbouring "economic citizens" from China.

He again called for Harris to stand down.

Initially the Harris government claimed there had been no formal approach from the Chinese authorities, before turning their attention to former prime minister Denzil Douglas, who was in charge when St Kitts and Nevis citizenship was granted to the pair in 2013.

"In my capacity as the prime minister of this country I wish to make it clear that I reject in the strongest terms the allegation that my government is harbouring any fugitives in our country," said Harris.

"I categorically deny as well the assertion that my government is somehow failing to cooperate with a request with any country as mandated by law. I state further that no evidence has been provided to law enforcement or otherwise that any public official has been offered or has received any money for protection in this matter.

"These assertions are a malicious fabrication calculated to tarnish the hard won reputation of our beloved country."

According to the prime minister, his government only heard about the matter when it was "informally" raised by "one of our OECS neighbours which has diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China."

Facts and lies

Last week, with the government giving no formal response to the allegations, Douglas exclusively told WIC News that the prime minister needed to take action.

And at the weekend he called for Harris to resign.

Further pressure came yesterday when former People's Labour Party chairman Douglas Wattley accused the prime minister of “trumpeting the corruption” inside government.

But Harris has responded with force, saying earlier this week that his predecessor was aware that Interpol wanted to question Ren Biao.

And last night the prime minister described his version of events.

"On 26 May 2014, USNCB Interpol Washington issued what is known as a red notice for the two individuals in question. On the face of the red notice it is clearly stated that it was circulated to the media including the internet.

"The Red Notice is a request to locate and provisionally arrest an individual pending extradition in accordance with the national laws. This red notice stated: 'Please apply provisional arrest in conformity with national laws and applicable bi-lateral and multi-lateral treaties'.

"On 22 July 2014, the Interpol Office in Washington DC advised the authorities in St Kitts that the individuals in question were traveling to St Kitts and gave details of travel times and flight numbers showing that the individuals were to arrive into St Kitts on British Airways Flight 2157 at 3.40pm via Antigua. The authorities were asked to take action.

"My fellow citizens and residents, it is significant to note that at all material times the Prime Minister and Minister of National Security then, was Dr Denzil Douglas."

He added that Douglas was fully informed about the Interpol red notice by the federation's police but that "absolutely no action was taken".

"This fellow citizens and residents is the sordid legacy of Denzil Douglas that continues to plague our beloved country."

Speaking to WIC News last night, Douglas stood by his remarks.

"Timothy Harris has no proof. His own Attorney General said there was no red flag at all raised when he reviewed the file on the application for citizenship. These are the words of the current Attorney General.

"His radio interview this week was ridiculous. This was his first major statement on what is a critical matter. He is simply using this to have a blast at the Labour Party.

"Throughout all of this we have seen that Timothy Harris does not act like a prime minister should."

WIC News has reached out to Attorney General Vincent Byron for comment.