Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has issued a forceful condemnation of what he has labelled a “calculated and malicious” extortion attempt targeting the Government and its internationally recognised Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme.
During The Roundtable on 13th May, Prime Minister Drew revealed that individuals connected to MSR Media, along with local accomplices, demanded between USD $40 million and $100 million to prevent the release of a defamatory video intended to discredit the CBI Programme.
“People came to my office asking for 40 to 100 million dollars for that video not to be released,” Dr. Drew stated. “I told them no. That is extortion. That is blackmail, and [that video] is going to be filled with lies.”
The Prime Minister firmly stated that no taxpayer money would be used to appease such threats, underscoring his administration’s refusal to capitulate to coercion. “You’re not going to get one cent out of me,” he declared. “This is a serious, serious matter. This is extortion of a state, of a country.”
Dr. Drew confirmed that he has instructed the Attorney General to pursue all available legal avenues and disclosed that the Government has engaged a globally respected international law firm to manage the situation. He alleged that MSR Media, formerly active in film production in the Federation, is orchestrating the attack and has recruited nationals to support its campaign.
“No one has the right to walk into the Prime Minister’s Office to blackmail or extort because you want to bring out a nasty, malicious video to attack our country,” said Dr. Drew. “This will not be allowed to stand.”
The Prime Minister’s declaration comes amid heightened efforts by the Government to enhance transparency and credibility within the CBI sector. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to good governance and pledged to defend the integrity of the nation against external and internal sabotage.
“This is something that I will fight and fight to the end,” he asserted. “The precedent must not be set in St. Kitts and Nevis that people can walk into the Prime Minister’s Office and make such demands.”
The message containing the blackmail threat has since been forwarded to the office of the Attorney General.
The Government of St Kitts and Nevis has given a clear committment to uphold the rule of law and has signalled that justice will be pursued without compromise.
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