By Robert Andre Emmanuel
Former Deputy Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis Sam Condor has dismissed the controversy surrounding the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Governor’s residence as “a storm in a teacup”, following a week of scrutiny over the EC$22 million project.
During an Observer AM interview yesterday, Condor, who also served as St Kitts and Nevis Ambassador to the United Nations, strongly defended both the institution and ECCB Governor Timothy Antoine amid growing regional criticism over the multi-million-dollar undertaking.
“I really am very unhappy with the characterization presented by [Dr Ralph] Gonsalves. I think that Prime Minister Gonsalves is trying to create a crisis that does not exist,” Condor said, directly challenging the St Vincent and Grenadines Prime Minister’s February 17 letter which described the residence as an “absolute scandal”.
The nearly completed 10,000-square-foot property has become a flashpoint of controversy after its cost reportedly ballooned from an initial EC$7 million budget.
Prime Minister Gonsalves has called for Antoine’s termination, citing “over-the-top, unacceptable extravagance”.
Condor outlined the ECCB’s governance structure, emphasizing collective responsibility for the project’s approval and execution.
He noted that every Member State participates in decisions through either the ECCB Monetary Council or the Board of Directors.
“In the Eastern Caribbean currency there is a rule of unanimity. You cannot pass anything without the approval of everyone. Every country has veto powers,” he explained. “The Minister of Finance of St Vincent was sitting at the table, and he could veto anything.”
This reference to Camillo Gonsalves — Prime Minister Gonsalves’ son who serves as Finance Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines — underscored Condor’s position that the elder Gonsalves’ outrage appears to be selective given his country’s representation in the decision-making process.
Some regional observers have suggested that the St Vincent and the Grenadines PM could be angling to block a third successive term for the ECCB Governor, whose term ends in February 2026.
Condor aligned his assessment with Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who currently chairs the Monetary Council and has acknowledged they were “caught flat-footed” by cost overruns.
“Prime Minister Browne said it clearly. He said issues will be dealt with and be resolved and no need for anyone’s resignation,” Condor stated. “There’s no evidence that the governor has committed any wrongdoing.”
Condor repeatedly referred to the ECCB’s institutional importance, noting its historical success in maintaining economic stability.
He characterized Governor Antoine as an exceptionally dedicated public servant who has been more engaged with the general public than previous governors.
“The people here in St Kitts have been very impressed by his stewardship over the past nine years,” Condor added.
While acknowledging that the cost increase from EC$7 million to EC$22 million requires an explanation, Condor maintained that proper reporting mechanisms rather than leadership changes would address the situation.
“Going from 7 million to 22 million is a matter of great concern,” he conceded. “As Prime Minister Browne said, it’s going to be resolved. The public will be given the proper explanation about how we got to this situation.”
The ECCB has not issued a comprehensive statement on the matter, maintaining “no comment at this time”, while Governor Antoine, a Grenadian who has held the position since 2016, has remained silent on the allegations.
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