St Kitts and Nevis uncovers illegal marriage ring

By Shanieka Smith

Staff Writer

#StKittsandNevis, December 23, 2022 – A ‘ring’ involving illegal marriages with a possible link to human trafficking has been exposed by the authorities in St Kitts and Nevis.  Prime Minister, Dr. Terrance Drew announced in Parliament that members of the Spanish community are obtaining their citizenship and voting rights through this ring.

Drew explained that while some marriages are genuine, many only do it for the money. Once they are married, these individuals fly to the country where they receive their certificate of citizenship and are paid a sum of money to be included in the voter’s list.  The Prime Minister revealed that many divorces and remarry repeatedly to receive more money.

“I went to a meeting with the [Spanish] Community and they have legitimate concerns, which we have to address because, as was said, we cannot treat people less than human; but at the same time, every country must have rules, laws and regulations as I said to them,” Drew said.

He told Parliament that “It’s a whole ring where we were even being questioned to be part of human trafficking. Madam Speaker, people have to be responsible for these things. Our country was going down the drain.”