Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has issued a statement a debunking statements made by former Ambassador, Mr. Ian “Patches” Liburd, alleging that PM Drew’s son, Terrance Drew Jr., is paid at least EC $10000 a month for his role as the Ambassador of SKNRA.
Mr. Liburd’s said during his Oct. 3rd 2024 “Straight Talk” program, the Prime Minister “appointed as Ambassador of Robotics, we cannot confirmed he is paid, someone told us this 16 year old is paid $10000…we have confirmed though, that he is Ambassador of Robotics, whatever the hell that means.”
PM Drew said in his statement, “as both the father of Terrance Drew Jr. (“TJ”) and the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, I vehemently denounce the baseless, scandalous, and defamatory allegations. Mr. Liburd’s reckless claims—that I am abusing my office as Prime Minister and Minister of Finance by misusing government funds to finance overseas trips for my family—are completely false.”
He added “let me be clear: TJ holds no government-appointed position, nor does he receive any form of financial remuneration, let alone the absurd sum of $10,000 per month, as irresponsibly alleged by Mr. Liburd and others.” PM Drew’s comments came as the claims were peddled on Oct. 25th.
Terrance Drew Jr. was appointed Ambassador for the St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Team and the St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association (SKNRA) in September 2023 and according to the SKNRA’s Facebook, because of his “dedication and passion for advancing technology and education in our community.” SKNRA is a Non-Profit organization aiming to bring together young people to develop their creativity and problem-solving skills.
PM Drew mentioned that “this libelous attack on my son is a new low even for Mr. Ian ‘Patches’ Liburd.” He called on Mr. Liburd to retract the statements and publicly apologize to his son. However, if he opts not to, “we, TJ’s parents, will pursue every available legal option to defend his name and ensure that Mr. Liburd and those who republish these falsehoods are held fully accountable for the damage caused by their irresponsible and malicious actions”, the Prime Minister said.
