Petition against Conflict of Interest and Corruption in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA)

There is compelling evidence that an Iraqi citizen was given permission by the Nevis Island Administration to purchase approximately ten (10) acres of crown land at Pot Works Estate, St. James’ Parish, Nevis. In accordance with financial regulations and practice, as stipulated by the Financial Administration Act, all moneys of the NIA should be deposited in the Consolidated Fund and not in private or personal accounts. However, there is evidence that an amount of US$1,500,000.00 for the purchase of the said lands was sent to Octagon Consultants and Services Limited, a company owned by Premier Vance Amory and his wife Verni Lee Amory. This is a glaring example of conflict of interest and corruption on the part of the Premier and his entire NIA Cabinet which discussed and approved the price and sale of the said lands.

We, the undersigned, strongly condemn these blatant unethical and improper actions of the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) led Nevis Island Administration and call for an urgent resolution to arrest this troubling situation through ensuring the following actions.

1. That fair and transparent land policies for the people of Nevis be strictly adhered to at all times!

2. That the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) immediately launches an investigation into this matter in order to protect the reputation of the Financial Sector and to ensure that good governance prevails in Nevis and the Federation.

3. That the entire NIA Cabinet resigns with immediate effect because of its involvement with and support of this nefarious transaction.

4. That an investigation be conducted into the operations of First Fidelity Trust Ltd during the period 2002 – 2006, and the purported involvement of a member of the NIA Cabinet.

"In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends"

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr III