St. Vincent’s “Searchlight” newspaper has described as “disgraceful and sickening” reports that St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris, is among Caribbean politicians alleged to have been bribed by British investor Peter Virdee
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Vincentian historian and author, Dr. Adrian Fraser in a recent weekly opinion noted that Asot Michael, the Trade and Investment Minister of Antigua and Barbuda had resigned amid allegations that he had received bribes from Virdee, who was an investor in a 1,000-acre development in Barbuda and also in solar power plant projects.
Dr. Fraser further noted that the conversation was secretly recorded by German Law Enforcement during which Virdee alleged that Minister Michael had demanded $2 million as his personal payment, and a car for his mother, for putting them in touch with other Caribbean politicians and whatever else he had agreed to do for them.
“One other politician that was identified was PM Harris of St. Kitts/Nevis,” (who it is alleged) “was to get a £2,000 watch and was to be taken to lunch; the investors seeking to get him to make a commitment, seemingly for a project in St. Kitts. As is to be expected, both politicians denied the allegations,” said Dr. Fraser.
“In denying his involvement, he stated that Antigua and Barbuda and his government had always been of foremost importance to him. PM Harris claimed that the matter referred to, started in 2014, in a period that preceded his government and that they had not entered into any agreement with the parties mentioned, which precisely was the concern of Virdee and his partner,” wrote Dr. Fraser, retired head of the UWI Open Campus in St. Vincent.
“What does this disgraceful and sickening behaviour say about our state of affairs? Politicians asking for watches, motor car and million dollars! The details are still coming out, but this should not only be a wake-up call, but also a powerful lesson,” Dr. Fraser said, noting that the Caribbean is a part of the global community, but Caribbean politicians are small fish swimming in big waters.
“Investors have obviously done their research. They come to the region, often driven by sinister motives and are ready to play ball. There is a jungle out there. Our politicians know that, but we still think we are living in an age of innocence. When investors delay paying their workers, there might indeed be method in their madness,” said Dr. Fraser, who added: “This story focuses on Antigua/Barbuda and St. Kitts/ Nevis, but it has a Caribbean smell. We need to wake up and smell the coffee!”
There have been mounting calls for the resignation of Prime Minister Harris but he has publicly stated he is not going anywhere.