Citizen Criticizes PM Browne’s Remarks on Sandals, Warns of Economic Consequences
I see that you have a lot of coverage on the government and Sandals. I also came across Mr. Bosquet’s article, which I found quite thought-provoking, so I wanted to share my views and analysis as well. This is a humble citizen’s review.
It’s easy to distract people sometimes. I asked myself, where did this attack on Sandals come from? The only thing I could think of is that the Prime Minister’s attack is a distraction. When I saw today’s story of him criticizing APUA and the director of public works, it confirmed my suspicion.
Open your eyes, people. Gaston Browne has made promises after promises to citizens, pledging salary increases even though roads are in poor condition, people are facing utility disconnections, and the cost of living is sky-high.
So I wonder, where is he going to find the money to fulfill these promises? I don’t believe he can. He’s made commitments he can’t keep, and now he’s looking for someone to blame. Soon, it might be Sandals in the spotlight, blamed for everything.
Every time Gaston is under political pressure, he finds a scapegoat, and Sandals is an easy target—we’ve seen this before. Who will be next? Why stop at Sandals? What about Royalton or Tradewinds?
Has anyone thought about what would happen if Sandals shut down its hotel and left? I wonder what the workers are saying because, as they say, you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. When it’s gone, too late will be the cry. Gaston seems intent on driving Sandals away, and we should be wary if he gets his wish.
Your humble servant,
Mikey Joseph
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What nonsense. Too many of these so-called investors are taking us for a ride. Many of them just create jobs, and usually not fair paying jobs. If anyone owes taxes, they should feel the full brunt of the law, especially those who have enjoyed years of tax free concessions. Not paying taxes is a criminal matter. It is even worse in this case, where the ABST is collected from the consumers on behalf of the government and then withheld. I would wish that the government get off their butt’s and go after all the employers who are deducting Social Security, Medical Benefits and Education Levy from employees and not paying it in. That is even more criminal. The entire staff at these institutions who are supposed to be enforcing that these payments are paid in, are not doing their job and poor people are suffering as a result. When you get sick or retire and go to Medical Benefits or Social Security is when you find out that your employer has not been making your payments.
it was HAROLD EDMOUND LOVELL who allowed Sandals to HOODWINK him into keeping our ABST $$$$ instead of paying it into the Treasury!!!!
what a stupid, wicked fella!!!! Wicked sunshine govenrment #NatDemAgain
@Watchdog. Stop lying or, get informed. It was Lester Bird who agreed for Sandals to keep the Head tax, which preceded the ABST. When UPP successfully implemented the ABST, which ABLP opposed, Sandals negotiated a concession for the Head Tax that Lester Bird and Gaston gave to them. Now, where are the millions negotiated from the Data Tan’s project?
We have got Nada! Care to talk about that. Then he doubled down with the give away of land down by the Halls. Again, not a cent from those “masterful” negotiations by Gaston. So speak about those and at least be happy that Lovell negotiated for Sandals to keep some, rather than Gaston who let them go with all- now and forever.
@ ZACKIE…I am at a loss to understand why you are defending SANDALS for NOT paying the taxes collected from Their Guests into Antigua and Barbuda Treasury. Zackie how can you explain ? Only shows that you are not in this real world.
Zackie and BRIXTONIAN are haters of Gaston Browne and Antigua and Barbuda. Hope you Guys will wake up and face reality.
Sandals owe over 30 million dollars in taxes. The Government needS this money to pay outstanding DEBTS.
@Zackie
Stop trying to spin!!! Lester Bird policy and Hrold Lovell’s blatant buffonery and Abst rip-off are not the same!!
Even if PM Browne and his Administration has indicated what his Administration is going to and will do to improve the road infrastructure throughout our twin island state, there is nothing wrong with pointing out the inefficiencies and deficiencies in those who are directly charged with carrying out the tasks. We lament about our roads but we are loath to criticise the human beings who are unwilling or unable to get the job done. Department Heads and other Ministers should also adopt a transparent and critical eye holding managers and supervisors responsible for their end of the bargain.
Hope he has the same energy for his friends that also own Hotels and supermarkets.
So are we just to sit by while they rob us all in the name of investment and jobs? I would like to see them go to the US, Canada or Europe and do this. And now because we call them out for what is rightfully ours, we must fear economic hardship?
How many concessions do these hotels and investors get over the years? When is enough really enough? Run your business effectively. You cannot have a business plan that depends on concessions to make ends meet.
Time to pay the piper.
The last time the government threatened Sandals -Sandals threatened to close the resort and leave- American Airlines stated if they left it would cancel the daily flights into Antigua from the US. Seems like there might be good reason to find a compromise because the island most certainly needs those flights coming in!
Gaston go after all the hotels and businesses that is not paying taxes in this country. They are to damn wicked. They think because we are a black nation they can do as they liked. This is happening to for too long. And all of them that is not paying Education Levy, Medical Benefit and Social security also. There are other flights that fly from America to Antigua other than American Airlines. Go after them without any fear ot favour.
I don’t these white hotel owners and general managers like to see black people make money.
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