Antigua Awaits ECCB Board’s Decision Before Commenting on Governor’s ‘Palace’ Controversy
The Antigua and Barbuda government is waiting for the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Board of Directors to meet before making any formal statement regarding the reported $22 million residence for the ECCB Governor, according to Chief of Staff Ambassador Lionel Hurst.
Hurst, stated, “Antigua and Barbuda has not yet made any remarks regarding the house. We think that we would much rather wait for the board to meet and for the board to make a joint pronouncement.”
During Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Hurst acknowledged concerns raised by St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who has been outspoken in his criticism of what he described as an excessive and lavish property. However, Antigua and Barbuda has opted to withhold comment until the ECCB leadership discusses the matter collectively.
Dr. Gonsalves recently sent a letter to Prime Minister Gaston Browne questioning the justification for the multi-million-dollar property, arguing that such an expenditure may not be appropriate for a temporary post. He likened the situation to a past controversy regarding the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s official residence, which was also criticized for being overly extravagant.
Silence from Antigua and Other Leaders
While Gonsalves has publicly voiced his disapproval, Antigua and Barbuda has yet to take a stance on the matter. When asked whether other regional heads of government have expressed similar concerns, Hurst stated that he was unaware of any additional formal objections but noted that the issue is expected to be addressed at an upcoming meeting of regional finance ministers.
Awaiting an Official Response
With Antigua’s government remaining silent for now, attention turns to the ECCB Board’s upcoming discussions and whether they will lead to a public statement or potential policy changes. As scrutiny over the expenditure grows, the region awaits further clarity on the justification for the costly residence and whether other Caribbean leaders will align with Gonsalves’ stance or support the ECCB’s decision.
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Why does the Central Bank Governor need such an extravagant residence? Priorities should be on economic stability.
This is why transparency matters. Citizens should know how their money is being spent.
If Antigua is waiting on the ECCB Board, does that mean they don’t have a say in the decision?
With all the economic struggles people face, a multimillion-dollar mansion sends the wrong message.
I hope they provide a cost-benefit analysis. If the ‘palace’ has long-term economic value, they should explain it.
Our PM can’t afford for anyone to ask how much he is spending on his own house.
This project highlights the very reason why oversight is important and critical in these agencies. An oversight organ would make sure that the programs are working in a cost effective and efficient manner whilst fulfilling their mission. They would ensure executive compliance and legislative intent, and investigate waste and fraud. We cannot underestimate the importance and effectiveness of proper and independent oversight bodies in government and in every public sector entity. We are gonna hear territorial governments scream and wail about the lack of oversight in this governor’s mansion project that allowed for this massive expenditure. But it is the same shaky and weak situation they all have in their own backyard. This is a massive and an unforgivable failure of the Board. We have to quit the habit of putting “rats to watch cheese.”
The monetary council approved the construction of this home years ago. Construction was halted due to Covid. Inflationary pressures caused the cost overruns.
There is something called downsizing, is there a monetary policy by the ECCB to accept cost overruns regardless of the amount, in other words just finish the project money is not a problem. Some clarity must be given to the citizens of the OECS as to the ownership of this institution called the ECCU. The silence by most leaders is to say the least embarrassing.
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