‘We want that chapter behind us’

A quiet coastal town in South Africa, Jeffreys Bay, has found itself connected once again to one of the darkest scandals of the 21st century. Cathy and Miles Alexander, a couple from Paradise Beach, have spent nearly two decades under the public microscope after working on Jeffrey Epstein’s notorious private island, Little Saint James, in the US Virgin Islands.

Speaking to IOL from their home, the Alexanders said they simply want to move on. “It’s been almost a decade since we left,” Cathy said. “We never saw anything suspicious, and we want that chapter behind us.”

Running the island like a hotel

The couple moved to Epstein’s island in 1999 after being offered what they believed was an exciting employment opportunity. Miles was appointed managing director, and Cathy handled housekeeping. “It sounded very exciting at the time,” Cathy said. “Our experience there was like running a hotel. We had good working relationships with Epstein and Maxwell. We never had problems.”

The Alexanders lived just 50 metres from Epstein’s residence and say they managed day-to-day operations, from guest logistics to meal preferences. Miles said their responsibilities never extended beyond operational oversight. “We followed instructions, ensured guests were comfortable, and maintained privacy protocols. That was our job,” he said.

Allegations and public scrutiny

The couple’s names resurfaced this week after a new batch of previously sealed documents was released as part of ongoing civil litigation linked to Epstein’s trafficking network. Among the files were claims from a survivor that the Alexanders were complicit in abuses on the island allegations the couple strongly denies.

Miles responded firmly: “I can categorically say that didn’t happen. We never saw underage people on the island. If we had, we would have left immediately.” Cathy added: “There’s a lot of sensationalism out there. We only know what we witnessed.”

Social media reactions to the revelations have been mixed. Some commentators criticised the couple, referencing past media reports that suggested they had observed irregularities. Others have called for careful scrutiny of the documents, noting that the Alexanders were largely responsible for administrative management, not oversight of Epstein’s guests.

Living in the shadow of Epstein

Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender and trafficker, died in 2019 while awaiting trial. His close associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was sentenced in 2022 to 20 years for sex trafficking. Documents released recently also mention high-profile names, including former South African president Jacob Zuma.

The Alexanders said most allegations concern events that occurred after they left the island in 2007. “Most of what they are talking about happened after we had gone,” Miles said. “We never experienced any of that.”

The couple has maintained a low profile since returning to South Africa. Attempts to involve them in legal proceedings, including a civil case against JPMorgan Chase, never materialised. “We were never subpoenaed in the end,” Miles said.

Reflections on media and history

Looking back, the Alexanders express frustration at how media coverage has shaped public perception. “The press has hounded us,” Cathy said. “We had no control over the narrative.” Miles added: “It’s been 20 years. We only want to speak to what we personally witnessed. Everything else is speculation.”

Despite the controversy, they remain clear about their personal experiences. “Our role was operational,” Miles said. “Nothing untoward ever happened in our presence. We just want to close this chapter and move forward.”

{Source: IOL}

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