Panic, as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos visits Caribbean nation; PM Reuben Meade issues 'Thank God he is ...' statement

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and fiancee Lauren Sanchez's recent visit to the Caribbean island of Montserrat aboard his $500 million superyacht, "Koru," reportedly sparked alarm among locals who feared the billionaire was scouting land for purchase. According to a report in Daily Mail, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's visit on January 6, part of a Caribbean tour that also included St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Barts, prompted a town hall meeting and forced the Prime Minister to address the community's concerns.

Locals worried that the world's second-richest man, worth $250 billion, was in Montserrat for business. These concerns were amplified at a United Alliance town hall meeting where Bezos' presence was a key topic. One community member expressed apprehension about the mogul's intentions.
Bezos's "Koru," a 417-foot, three-masted sailing yacht built in the Netherlands in 2021, drew considerable attention, with residents sharing photos and videos of the vessel on social media. While some worried about land acquisition, others saw the visit as a potential opportunity for the island, suggesting Bezos could be asked for assistance with local projects like the port or hospital. Some residents also hoped the visit would boost tourism.

Prime Minister Reuben Meade, 70, attempted to quell these fears, clarifying that Bezos was visiting as a tourist. "He came here as a tourist," Meade stated, emphasizing the separation between Bezos's personal and business activities. He further explained that Bezos couldn't purchase land without government approval, requiring an "alien land holding license," ensuring transparency in any potential business dealings. "They can't do anything unless they register a business or seek a license to do business. We will know what is happening when the time is right," Meade reassured the public. He emphasized respecting Bezos's privacy during his visit.
'We're not going to nosy in a person's business. He comes here. He comes here as a tourist. He spends money in Montserrat. Thank God he's spending some money in Montserrat,' Meade said.
Montserrat is widely known as 'The Emerald Isle of the Caribbean'
Montserrat, known as "The Emerald Isle of the Caribbean," boasts a population of approximately 4,386. Despite its beauty and growing tourism sector, parts of the island remain uninhabitable due to past volcanic activity, including the now-buried capital, Plymouth. The island is also known for its Irish heritage and annual St. Patrick’s Festival.