Sunil Gehani
Sunil Gehani | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 12, 1974 Mumbai, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Other names | Sunny |
| Citizenship | India |
| Alma mater | National College- Bandra, Mumbai |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Organization | |
| Title | Founder |
Sunil Gehani, popularly known as Sunny, is an Indian-origin businessperson who also serves as Special Envoy - Economic Affairs (foreign investments, trade & commerce) Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis. He owns and operates multiple business ventures across the hospitality, duty-free retail, nightlife entertainment, real estate development, wellness, and consumer sectors, with operations spanning across Caribbean nations and India.[1][2]
Through his immigration consultancy company, Global Link, Gehani markets the government-approved Citizenship by Investment program for Saint Kitts and Nevis to international investors, supporting the local government's efforts to attract foreign investment.[3][4]
Early Life
Sunil Gehani, aka Sunny, was born and grew up in Mumbai, India. He finished his schooling at Guru Nanak School-Sion, Mumbai. His father was a physician, and his mother was a homemaker. Sunil also attended National College—Bandra.
Success In the Liquor Business and More
Early career and legal victory
In 1998, Gehani relocated to Saint Martin and established a tobacco vending machine business. He expanded into duty-free retail, opening a tobacco shop in 2002 and a liquor store in 2003. By 2005, his operations grew to include the regional trading and distribution of these commodities.
In 2010, Gehani was involved in a legal dispute with the multinational beverage company Diageo regarding his business practices. In 2011,[5] the court in The Hague ruled in Gehani's favor, affirming the legitimacy of his commercial operations and imported products.[6][7][8]
Business ventures and hospitality
Gehani's current business interests are centered in Saint Kitts and Nevis. His retail holdings include duty-free outlets at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, the Port Zante cruise terminal, and the Marriott Hotel. He is the owner of the locally produced "The Big Cane Rum" and the Buddha Lounge, a restaurant and shisha venue in Frigate Bay. He owns an all suites hotel in prime location and is opening a 5 star luxury brand soon[9][10]
Wellness and recognition
Gehani is expanding into the wellness industry with "Holi Herb," a medical cannabis brand for the Indian market, and a specialized longevity supplement line.[11] In November 2024, SKN Times named him one of the "45 Remarkable and Influential Men in Saint Kitts and Nevis" in recognition of his contributions to the local economy.[12][13][14][15]
Personal life
Gehani is married to Dimple Gidwani, an entrepreneur in the luxury wellness and hospitality sectors. Gidwani founded the Beauty Inside Out salon and spa and is scheduled to begin development on a five-star hotel franchise in 2026.
Gehani is also active in the cryptocurrency sector and is known within the crypto community. He has been associated with prominent figures in the space, including Roger Ver, often referred to as “Bitcoin Jesus.”
Becoming Global Citizen
- Gehani is an active figure within the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean and has participated in several high-level diplomatic and economic forums.
- Netherlands (2022): On April 6, 2022, Gehani attended a state event in The Hague marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Netherlands. The ceremony was presided over by the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, alongside King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima.
- Washington D.C. (2025): In April 2025, Gehani participated in an economic summit following the World Bank Spring Meetings. The event, hosted by Ambassador Paolo Zampolli at Rose House, included international dignitaries and a Saint Kitts and Nevis delegation led by Prime Minister Terrance Drew. During the summit, Gehani engaged with diplomats and financial heads to discuss strategies for attracting foreign direct investment to the Federation.
Opening of High Commission in New Delhi
The inauguration ceremony on April 7, 2026, was hosted by High Commissioner Gurdip Dev Bath.[16] Attendees included the Saint Kitts and Nevis Minister of Foreign Affairs, Denzil Douglas, and India's Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, along with members of the international diplomatic corps.[17]
Sunil Gehani, Special Envoy Foreign Investment, Trade, and , was present as attended as a guest for the official opening ceremony. The mission's opening is intended to facilitate increased cooperation between the two nations in the areas of trade and global engagement.[18]
The delegation, which included Gehani and his spouse Dimple Gidwani, met with S. Jaishankar during the inaugural proceedings.
Philanthropy
Being a resident for so long, Sunny has very good political connections with the local government leaders in the islands. He has always been in the forefront in helping the local communities.
During Hurricane Irma in 2017, Sunny helped about 1500 stranded Indians in the Island Nation.[19][20][21] At the time of distress, he provided food and shelter to the locals who were severely impacted due to nature's fury. He helped raise $50,000 to pay for a vessel to rescue the stranded Indians from St. Maarten.[22][23][24][25][26]
In 2011, he presented a car to the local police commissioner to help fight crime and violence. His efforts were appreciated by then Prime Minister Dr. Denzil L. Douglas.[27] Sunny was also a Rotarian when he used to live in St. Maarten with the Rotary Mid Isle Club.[28][29][30][31][32]
Gallery
Sunny in New Delhi, India with the official delegation invited by the government of India to further strength ties between the two countries. The meeting was held between the foreign ministers of St. Kitts & Nevis Hon. Dr Douglas and India’s Foreign Affairs minister Hon. S. Jaishankar
References
- ↑ "Sunil Gehani". Mid-Day.Com. Mid-Day.Com. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
- ↑ "File:Sunil Gehani In St Lucia, as IMA – St. Kitts President.jpeg". Wikipedia. 6 October 2023. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ↑ ANI (2023-05-31). "Global Link Authorized by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis to Market Citizenship Program Internationally". ThePrint. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
- ↑ "Global Link Authorized by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis to Market Citizenship Program Internationally". UNI India. 2023-05-31. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
- ↑ Gehani, Sunil (18 March 2008). "Battle Continues Over Sale of Parallel Imported Liquor" (PDF). The Daily Herald. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- ↑ Diageo Brands B.V, Diageo North America Inc. "Retailers win appeal over sale of decoded products". dutchcaribbeanlegalportal.com. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- ↑ Gehani, Sunil (25 July 2008). "Government Not Aware of Ruling~wanted to prohibit importer from reselling merchandise On Decoded Products" (PDF). The Daily Herald. The Daily Herald. The Daily Herald. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- ↑ "Global Link Authorized by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis to Market Citizenship Program Internationally". United News of India. 2023-06-05. Retrieved 2026-05-27.
- ↑ "The Big Cane". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
- ↑ Team, Times Bulletin (31 March 2022). "The Big Cane". The Big Cane. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
- ↑ Desk, Web (9 September 2017). "Indian Embassy tells 1,500 hurricane-hit Indian families in Caribbean to 'go to hell'". ARY NEWS. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ↑ Desk, Web (9 September 2017). "Indian Embassy tells 1,500 hurricane-hit Indian families in Caribbean to 'go to hell'". ARY NEWS. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ↑ Desk, Web (9 September 2017). "Indian Embassy tells 1,500 hurricane-hit Indian families in Caribbean to 'go to hell'". ARY NEWS. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ↑ Desk, Web (9 September 2017). "Indian Embassy tells 1,500 hurricane-hit Indian families in Caribbean to 'go to hell'". ARY NEWS. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ↑ Desk, Web (9 September 2017). "Indian Embassy tells 1,500 hurricane-hit Indian families in Caribbean to 'go to hell'". ARY NEWS. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ↑ "St Kitts & Nevis opens High Commission in India, deepening bilateral ties". The Tribune (India). April 15, 2026. Retrieved May 1, 2026.
- ↑ "St Kitts & Nevis opens high commission in India". ANI News. April 15, 2026. Retrieved May 1, 2026.
- ↑ "St Kitts and Nevis opens High Commission in India". Mid-Day. April 15, 2026. Retrieved May 1, 2026.
- ↑ Gehani, Sunil; Venezuela, Indian Embassy in; Shahani, Seema; Swaraj, Sushma (9 September 2017). "Indian Embassy tells 1,500 hurricane-hit Indian families in Caribbean to 'go to hell'". arynews.tv. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- ↑ Gehani, Sunil. "Sunil Helping Stranded Indian During Irma Hurricane". Little India. Little India. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
- ↑ Gehani, Sunil; Shahani, Seema (11 September 2011). "Hurricane Irma: St. Kitts Indian Community Reaches Out To Stranded Indians At St Maarten". Mid-Day. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- ↑ Gehani, Sunil (11 Sep 2017). "Raised 50000$". Mid Day. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
- ↑ Gehani, Sunil. "Hurricane Irma". TimesCaribbeanOnline. No. Sep 12 2017. TimesCaribbeanOnline. TimesCaribbeanOnline. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
- ↑ "After Passengers Accused KLM Airlines Of Discrimination Against Indian Travellers, 5 Indians Finally Allowed To Board Rescheduled Flight". Free Press Journal. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ↑ "Sunny Gehani News". ANI News. Retrieved 2026-05-27.
- ↑ "Celebrating Excellence: SKN Times Honors 45 Remarkable and Influential Men in St. Kitts and Nevis for International Men's Day 2024". Times Caribbean Online. 2024-11-19. Retrieved 2026-05-27.
- ↑ Gehani, Sunil; Douglas, Denzil; G. Walwyn, Celvin. "Police receive more gifts from business community". sknvibes.com. Suelika N. Creque. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- ↑ Gehani, Sunil; “The Doctor”, Beenie Man (7 September 2011). "Digicel co-sponsors upcoming Beenie Man Concert". SKNVibes.com. Digicel, Press Release. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- ↑ Gehani, Sunil. "Zero Tolerance To Crime" (PDF). No. Nov 24 2011. the daily herald. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
- ↑ "Global Link Authorized by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis to Market Citizenship Program Internationally". timescaribbeanonline.com. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ↑ "Immigration Consulting Firm Owned by Sunny". Globallink International - Your Link to Second Citizenship. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
- ↑ "Global Link Authorized by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis to Market Citizenship Program Internationally". ThePrint. ANI. 2023-06-05. Retrieved 2026-05-27.
External Links
- Sunil Gehani on Wikipedia
- Sunil Gehani on Facebook
- Sunil Gehani on Instagram
- Police receive more gifts from business community - SKNVibes
- Angry business owners at Port Zante meet with ... - SKNVibes
- Sunil Gehani's Profile on Della Leaders Club
- BuddhaBar St. Kitts
- Philanthropy – Helping Chris Gayle for good cause
- St. Kitts Approved Immigration Business