Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has publicly denounced French film producer Philippe Martinez as a convicted fraudster with alleged intentions to extort the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Speaking earlier today (Wednesday) on The Round Table, Dr. Drew accused Martinez of seeking to enrich himself at the Federation’s expense and dismissed the businessman’s allegations against his administration as “false and absurd.”
Dr. Drew outlined a timeline of Martinez’s involvement in the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, highlighting significant lapses in the due diligence process under the previous administration.
Martinez, who joined the programme in May 2022, was approved during the tenure of former Prime Minister Timothy Harris. The Prime Minister detailed findings from a report conducted under his administration’s continued diligence measures. The report highlighted Martinez’s criminal record, including a conviction for fraud that resulted in a five-year prison sentence. Dr. Drew stated that such an oversight under the previous government undermined the integrity of the programme, a cornerstone of the country’s economic strategy.
Dr. Drew also revealed an alarming attempt by Martinez to extort the government. According to the Prime Minister, Martinez demanded between $40 million and $100 million to “make the issue go away.” This demand was allegedly made during a meeting in the Prime Minister’s office, with Martinez threatening to use legal and media channels to pressure the government into compliance.
“How can someone show up and demand $40 to $100 million from the Treasury to settle a case brought by a convicted fraudster who should never have been in the programme in the first place?” Dr. Drew questioned.
Martinez’s media appearances, including his own productions, have propagated claims that the current administration is complicit in wrongdoing related to the CBI programme. Dr. Drew categorically rejected these allegations, labelling them “blatantly false” and “absurd.”
“My administration has taken decisive action to address past issues with the CBI programme, including introducing tough new measures to ensure transparency and accountability. We are the ones who have made underselling a criminal offence, ensuring that those involved face serious consequences for fraudulent activities,” the Prime Minister underscored.
Addressing the broader challenges of the CBI programme, Dr. Drew reiterated his administration’s commitment to reform and transparency. He noted that addressing the flaws inherited from the previous administration has been one of the most difficult tasks of his tenure, but he emphasised the necessity of taking tough measures to protect the programme’s integrity.