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In a dramatic turn of events, Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Terrance Drew, during his highly-anticipated Roundtable press conference, declared that Philippe Martinez, the man he appointed as the sole Public Benefactor of St. Kitts and Nevis’ Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program Public Benefit Option, has a “checkered past” and is a convicted fraudster.

PM Drew’s revelations come on the heels of Martinez’s scathing Monday podcast, in which the CBI figure publicly labeled the Prime Minister a liar. This accusation appears to have prompted Drew to break his silence on Martinez’s controversial history, which has been public knowledge for some time and a source of mounting criticism from citizens and political opponents.

The Shakedown Allegation

In a shocking admission, PM Drew revealed that an individual visited his office offering to withdraw the RICO case involving the government for a staggering sum between $40 and $100 million. Drew insinuated that this offer was part of a broader attempt by Martinez to “shakedown” the government. However, the Prime Minister did not elaborate on how Martinez, despite his “checkered past,” was appointed to such a pivotal position in the nation’s CBI program.

Ignoring the Warnings

Critics have long questioned Martinez’s role in the CBI program, with media reports and concerned citizens urging PM Drew to sever ties with the controversial figure. Despite these warnings, Drew continued to support Martinez, only now shifting his stance after coming under fire in the wake of Martinez’s damning allegations.

A Crisis of Credibility

PM Drew’s abrupt pivot raises troubling questions about his administration’s judgment and transparency. How was a man with a known criminal history able to ascend to such a critical position under the Prime Minister’s leadership? And why did Drew ignore repeated calls to address these concerns until his credibility was publicly challenged?

Fallout and Public Backlash

This explosive exchange between PM Drew and Martinez has cast a shadow over the administration’s handling of the CBI program and its governance practices. As the saga unfolds, citizens are demanding accountability and clarity, particularly regarding how such appointments are made and how the program will be safeguarded against future scandals.

The fallout from these revelations is far from over, and the Drew administration faces mounting pressure to address the deeper implications of this crisis, both for the CBI program and the reputation of St. Kitts and Nevis on the global stage.