Gilbert Bigio, a prominent billionaire in Haiti known for his extensive business ventures, passed away at the age of 91 on Tuesday. Bigio was recognized as one of the wealthiest individuals in the country, having built a significant business empire that included sectors such as port construction, agriculture, and energy.
Bigio’s legacy is complex, as his business practices drew scrutiny over the years. Experts have reported he employed various financial strategies to shield his wealth from taxation, utilizing shell companies that may have impeded economic growth in Haiti. In 2022, Canada imposed sanctions on him for reportedly supporting armed gangs within the country.
Despite his close connections to Haiti, Bigio spent part of his life residing in the exclusive village of Indian Creek, near Miami Beach. This area is sometimes referred to as the “Billionaire Bunker” due to its high concentration of wealthy individuals who maintain a low public profile.
### Business Background and Legal Troubles
Bigio founded the GB Group in 1972, a conglomerate that became a significant player in the Haitian economy, providing resources such as construction supplies and fuel. Recently, the company was rebranded as BGO and now operates 13 subsidiaries across various industries, employing over 5,000 individuals. Notable among its projects is Port Lafito, Haiti’s private container terminal and free-trade zone.
In 2021, Bigio’s financial dealings came to light through the Pandora Papers, which exposed the hidden offshore accounts utilized by him and other wealthy elites. An analysis indicated that Haiti’s limited capacity to enforce tax regulations hindered economic stability, contributing to the nation’s ongoing poverty challenges. The International Monetary Fund has established connections between the practices of such elites and increasing income inequality in Haiti.
Bigio’s wealth also allowed him to acquire assets from notorious figures, including the purchase of Jeffrey Epstein’s Mercedes-Maybach. After a successful career, he retired as CEO of the GB Group in 2018 and largely withdrew from public life, splitting his time between residences in Key Biscayne and the Dominican Republic.
A chapel service to remember Gilbert Bigio will be held at Levitt Weinstein Memorial Chapels and Cemeteries at Beth David in Hollywood on Thursday at noon.
### Why It Matters
Gilbert Bigio’s death marks the end of an era for one of Haiti’s most influential business figures. His life and legacy highlight the intricate relationship between wealth, governance, and economic disparity in Haiti, raising questions about the role of elite individuals in shaping the nation’s future.
