Little St James Island: A History of Controversy and Future Luxury Resort Plans
Once the private refuge of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, Little St James Island in the US Virgin Islands is undergoing a transformation with plans to become a luxury resort.
Alex Carter
- 2024-01-05
- Updated 10:25 AM ET
(NewsNibs) - Little St James, a 75-acre island once owned by Jeffrey Epstein, was sold in May 2023 with an eye towards redevelopment. Known for its exquisite natural features including coral reefs, inlets, and forested groves, the island also carries a dark legacy. Evidence and testimony have revealed that Epstein and his associates used the island to abuse victims, benefiting from its seclusion to evade law enforcement. Following Epstein's death in 2019 and Ghislaine Maxwell's conviction on sex trafficking charges, the island's future is turning towards luxury hospitality.
Transformation and Legal Settlements
Epstein, who bought the island for under $8 million in 1998, introduced extensive changes to the property, including the addition of a mansion, roads, and leisure facilities. The estate has settled with the US Virgin Islands for $105 million and half the proceeds from the island's sale following legal disputes and accusations that financiers like JPMorgan Chase facilitated Epstein's illegal activities. They settled with the territory for $75 million. Future plans suggest a 25-room luxury resort by the end of 2025, aiming to wipe clean the isle's notorious past.
Infrastructure and Notoriety
Over the years, Epstein entertained many prominent guests on the island, which was equipped with extensive amenities such as a desalination system, swimming pools, and a mysterious striped "temple." Local lore and international speculation have been rife about the nature of Epstein's activities, with numerous allegations of trafficking and abuse marring the island's reputation. This has inadvertently led to a rise in so-called morbid tourism since his death.
The Reshaping of Little St James
As the island transitions from a private haven once shrouded in secrecy to a prospective beacon for luxury tourism, questions linger about the ethical implications and the memories of past abuses. Despite this, the planned transformation signals a new chapter for Little St James, one focused on leisure and open to the world, a stark contrast to its concealed and controversial history.
