Statement by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis

May 3^rd, 2017

The May 3^rd, 2017 AM Edition of Carib Update’s News Break reported that Chinese diplomatic officials are claiming that the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is harbouring a Chinese national who is on Interpol’s Wanted List and that the Government of the People’s Republic of China has had no cooperation from the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis on this matter.

The Chinese citizen referred to in the report by Ms. Oslyn Crosby was granted St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship some four years ago in September 2013.  Accordingly, as a citizen, he is entitled by virtue of the Constitution of St. Kitts and Nevis to due process as is any other citizen.  The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is deeply concerned that the news story reported that undercover Chinese police officials interviewed the child of the alleged fugitive in St. Kitts in the absence of the parents.

It is important to note that the Government of the People’s Republic of China has made no formal request to the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis in respect to this matter. 

The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is cognizant that there is an established legal framework for dealing with the return of fugitives, and the extradition of any citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis therefore must be done in accordance with the law.  St. Kitts and Nevis has no extradition arrangement with China. 

Information has come to the Government’s attention in relation to this matter, and the relevant agencies are carrying out investigations with a view to ascertaining whether there has been any breach of the laws of St. Kitts and Nevis.  

The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis will comply with its obligations as a responsible member of the international community.

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