SKN in the Spotlight as UK Film Scandal Unfolds

Now hear this — St Kitts and Nevis name get call up in a big UK newspaper story after British tax officials start digging into a set of films linked to one producer, Alan Latham. Turns out, one of them — Christmas in Paradise, starring Elizabeth Hurley and Kelsey Grammer — was filmed right here in Nevis.

The movie, remember, was part of a deal to shine a light on the Federation, showing off the beauty of Nevis and promoting the twin islands to the world. But now back in London, the production companies behind it catching serious heat over how they handled millions in taxpayer funding.

Reports say the UK’s HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and liquidators are investigating more than £20 million in missing film investments tied to Latham’s companies. Some of the same films even applied for £16 million in British film tax credits — money meant to support the UK film industry.

Here at home, people remembering the excitement when the stars touched down, the hotels booked out, and the cameras rolled across Charlestown and Pinney’s Beach. But now the question being asked is: what really came out of it for St Kitts and Nevis?

To be clear, there’s no claim of wrongdoing by anyone in the Federation — no shade on the people or partners who made the filming happen. But the story has put SKN in the frame, reminding everyone how global productions can bring both glamour and headaches.

As British officials keep digging, folks here saying it’s a lesson: if you’re putting SKN’s name in the credits, it better be for the right reasons.