Bowen: Government Defaulting on Rent Owed to Social Security
Opposition MP says unpaid rents worsening pension fund’s financial crisis
United Progressive Party (UPP) MP Sherfield Bowen has accused the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) administration of failing to pay rent on several government-occupied buildings owned by the Social Security Board, adding to the fund’s growing financial strain.
Speaking at a UPP townhall meeting on Monday night, Bowen said Social Security’s income should be supported by contributions, investments, and rental income from its properties — but the government is allegedly not holding up its end of the bargain.
“Social Security has a number of properties. Most of them are used by the government… These rental incomes — they are not paid,” Bowen told the audience at Freedom House. “This is taking Social Security money, use it, don’t care, and don’t pay.”
He listed several buildings reportedly under government occupancy, including the Treasury Building, offices on High Street and Long Street, and facilities at the Navy Base. According to Bowen, non-payment of rent is depriving Social Security of crucial income it needs to meet its obligations to pensioners, the sick, and the vulnerable.
The outspoken MP, who is also an attorney, framed the issue as part of a broader pattern of neglect by the ABLP government. He warned that ongoing shortfalls in Social Security’s revenue — including unpaid contributions and failure to service a $330 million bond — threaten the long-term viability of the pension system.
“This income, as well as the income from the bond, is supposed to supplement the contributions,” Bowen said. “Don’t forget — government doesn’t pay their contributions either.”
The government has not yet responded publicly to Bowen’s claims. However, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has previously defended the administration’s handling of Social Security, insisting that recent investments are aimed at making the fund more financially sustainable.
Bowen countered that the real issue lies in chronic underpayment and mismanagement by successive ABLP governments — a legacy, he says, that continues to endanger the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
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But, but, but didn’t Prime Minister Gaston Browne opine to the hardworking citizens of Antigua & Barbuda that we are now an ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE?
The Most Honourable of honourably UPP men, Sherfield Bowen has just burst that particular bubble 🫧 once again. Top man! 👍🏾
The ABLP have been misleading Antiguans for 11 years now, and they continue with their insulting and veiled CHARIENTISM towards us to this very day …
A mere 5 years for human life ???,
JUSTICE FOR TESSA BARTHLEY!!
OPEN BACK THE CASE
JUSTICE FOR TESSA BARTHLEY!!!
OPEN BACK THE CASE
JUSTICE FOR TESSA BARTHLEY!!!
OPEN BACK THE CASE
JUSTICE FOR TESSA BARTHLEY!!!!
OPEN BACK THE CASE
JUSTICE FOR TESSA BARTHLEY!!!!
OPEN BACK THE CASE
JUSTICE FOR TESSA BARTHLEY!!!!!
OPEN BACK THE CASE
JUSTICE FOR TESSA BARTHLEY!!!!!
OPEN BACK THE CASE
JUSTICE FOR TESSA BARTHLEY!!!!!
OPEN BACK THE CASE
JUSTICE FOR TESSA BARTHLEY!!!!
OPEN BACK THE CASE
They heard what sounded like a firecracker. Shortly thereafter, Constable Charles went towards his vehicle which was parked in the vicinity of Bowen’s office. He saw Bowen sitting on the steps of the building which housed his office. He saw Ms. Barthley lying on the ground not far from his motor car.
Blood oozing out her neck. Gunshot residue
POW! POW!
Emergency Medical Services were there attending to Ms. Barthley. There was blood on her neck. The detectives spoke with Bowen. He handed over to Sergeant Edwards a black PIETRO BERETTA .25 PISTOL which contained 8 rounds of ammunition. The police recovered a spent shell and other items from the scene of the incident. Bowen was detained.
a black PIETRO BERETTA .25 PISTOL
a black PIETRO BERETTA .25 PISTOL
a black PIETRO BERETTA .25 PISTOL
a black PIETRO BERETTA .25 PISTOL
a black PIETRO BERETTA .25 PISTOL
a black PIETRO BERETTA .25 PISTOL
a black PIETRO BERETTA .25 PISTOL
a black PIETRO BERETTA .25 PISTOL
a black PIETRO BERETTA .25 PISTOL
a black PIETRO BERETTA .25 PISTOL
a black PIETRO BERETTA .25 PISTOL
a black PIETRO BERETTA .25 PISTOL
a black PIETRO BERETTA .25 PISTOL
a black PIETRO BERETTA .25 PISTOL
a black PIETRO BERETTA .25 PISTOL
a black PIETRO BERETTA .25 PISTOL
a black PIETRO BERETTA .25 PISTOL
a black PIETRO BERETTA .25 PISTOL
a black PIETRO BERETTA .25 PISTOL
a black PIETRO BERETTA .25 PISTOL
The RED LICKSPITLERS never have anything constructive to contribute what a set sorry creatures, I even believe they hate themselves