Epstein Acquires Great Saint James Island in the U.S. Virgin Islands

In 1993, Jeffrey Epstein acquired Great Saint James island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, adding to his existing island holdings that included the adjacent Little Saint James. Together, the two islands represented a significant private complex in the Caribbean.

Great Saint James, larger than Little Saint James at approximately 165 acres, saw some development under Epstein’s ownership but was less intensively used than Little Saint James. Following Epstein’s death, both islands were included in the estate proceedings. Great Saint James was sold separately as part of the estate’s settlement obligations.

The USVI acquisition was part of Epstein’s broader strategy of establishing a domicile in a U.S. territory that offered significant tax advantages through the Economic Development Commission program.