A century ago, the United States quietly acquired a Caribbean paradise from Denmark: the Virgin Islands. The 1917 purchase, for $25 million, seemed a straightforward land deal, yet it contained a hidden clause with implications echoing to the present day.
That treaty wasn’t simply about sun-drenched beaches and tropical trade routes. It included a crucial concession – the US formally recognized Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland. A seemingly minor detail at the time, it now fuels debate as strategic interests in the Arctic intensify.
The Virgin Islands themselves comprise roughly 50 islands, with St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas being the most well-known. But nestled among them is a smaller island, Little St. James, a name now synonymous with scandal and abuse.
In 1998, Jeffrey Epstein purchased Little St. James for the equivalent of $12.3 million. Later, he added Great St. James to his portfolio in 2016 for $22 million. He chillingly described the islands as “perfect” due to their isolation, a seclusion that tragically facilitated horrific crimes.
The attorney-general of the US Virgin Islands later characterized Little St. James as a “perfect hideaway and haven” for the exploitation of young women, a place where unspeakable acts of abuse unfolded shielded from scrutiny.
The historical transaction is now being re-examined as the US once again considers acquiring territory – this time, Greenland. Some argue the 1917 deal was a strategic misstep, allowing Denmark to leverage American desires for the Virgin Islands to maintain control of a strategically vital landmass.
The current interest in Greenland isn’t new. The US first attempted to purchase the massive island in 1846 and again in 1946, offering the equivalent of £970 million during the height of the Cold War. These attempts were rebuffed, but the desire for control persisted.
During the Cold War, a discreet agreement allowed the US to establish Thule Air Base, now Pituffik Space Base, in a remote corner of Greenland. This base, staffed by 150 personnel, serves as a crucial early warning system for ballistic missile attacks.
Beyond its military significance, Greenland is a treasure trove of rare earth minerals. It contains 31 of the 34 materials Europe deems “critical,” including cobalt, nickel, copper, titanium-vanadium, gold, platinum, and diamonds. These resources are essential for modern technologies like batteries and electric vehicles.
The potential for oil and gas reserves further adds to Greenland’s allure. As geopolitical tensions rise and the Arctic becomes increasingly accessible, the strategic and economic importance of Greenland is undeniable, prompting renewed calls to secure its future – and reassessing the legacy of a deal made over a century ago.
