I am compelled to voice my deep concern and disbelief regarding Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s statements about the Global Bank of Commerce (GBC) situation and Antiguan citizen Jack Stroll’s predicament.
The focus here isn’t on the financial woes of a super-wealthy individual like Stroll—frankly, his personal financial situation is of little concern to anyone. The real issue at hand is the alarming nature of the Prime Minister’s response to this debacle.
Prime Minister Browne’s forceful denial of any governmental responsibility or regulatory authority over GBC, coupled with his apparent disconnection from the bank’s operations, is not only troubling but borders on the absurd.
It begs the question: How can a Prime Minister deny regulatory authority over a bank that is explicitly licensed and regulated by the Antigua Financial Services Regulatory Commission, an entity under the purview of the Minister of Finance, a position held by none other than Browne himself? This is a publicly acknowledged fact, clearly stated on the commission’s official website.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the Antigua Observer recently reported that a $1 million donation intended for Barbuda’s hurricane relief was trapped in GBC due to its financial troubles. This incident not only highlights the bank’s instability but also the direct impact on crucial humanitarian efforts in the nation.
Moreover, it has been widely reported that government funds, specifically those from the Citizenship by Investment program, are being deposited in GBC. This raises significant concerns about the safety and proper management of these critical national funds, further questioning the government’s judgement in banking decisions.
The parallels to the government’s approach during the FTX fiasco are unnerving. In that situation, identical denials of oversight by Gaston Browne himself preceded the collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange. The critique by John J. Ray III, the CEO dealing with the FTX collapse, was scathing, describing the debacle as “unprecedented” with a “complete failure of corporate controls and absence of trustworthy financial information.” Notably, FTX and nearly a hundred subsidiaries were incorporated in Antigua. Arthur Thomas, a close associate of the Prime Minister and the only other director aside from the convicted felon Sam Bankman-Fried, had to resign as Chairman of Caribbean Union Bank due to his involvement with FTX—a position he took over from Brian Stuart-Young, the current chairman of GBC. This interconnection raises not just alarming questions about the government’s oversight of financial entities and its commitment to regulatory transparency, but much bigger concerns.
The Prime Minister’s stance, labeling Stroll’s expectations as “unconscionable and wicked,” and attempting to downplay this as a mere private dispute, is not just a simple deflection. It appears to be a concerted effort in disinformation. The issue transcends Stroll’s wealth or his ability to recover his funds or even just one financial institution. It’s about the accountability of the government, the transparency of its financial institutions, and most crucially, the impact on the nation of Antigua and Barbuda.
Do the Prime Minister and his administration really think that the people of Antigua and Barbuda will accept these dismissals without question? The consistent pattern of denial and evasion in the face of financial irregularities is too conspicuous to overlook. The citizens of Antigua and Barbuda are owed clear answers and transparent governance, especially regarding financial oversight. It is imperative that the Prime Minister acknowledges the government’s role in these regulatory bodies, assumes responsibility for overseeing the nation’s financial institutions, and provides clarity on the handling of Antiguan and Barbudan public funds.
Joseph Stevens
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Well said, sir. The DAWG will go into hiding hoping it will go away. Let’s NEVER let this go quiet. Its high time this finance minister come clean with all his shenanigans.
As much as I agree with the writer; Gaston Browne has been getting away with the unconscionable.
It took a citizen writer Mr. Stevens to recount the history and address the serious issues and consequences.
In other democratic countries this would be a political crisis that would topple the Government.
Men of conscience would ask for a no confidence vote knowing fully well it could lead to a change of leadership.
The Ecumenical Council will be silent; The Bar Association will be silent, The Trade Organizations will be silent for in their myopic view; it does not impact them.
Unfortunately in Antigua and Barbuda it will be a 7 day news cycle; and life goes on.
CountryMan Abroad I could not agree with you more. In any normal functioning democratic country the Prime Minister and his government would have to resign. Apart from the US$1 million donor funds given for Barbuda hurricane relief that was deposited in the Global Bank of Commerce, I am particularly concerned about the CIP funds from the sale of our passports. Any loss of such funds borders on treason.
Tabor so by your reasoning, the millions from stat corps (includes MBS, Social Security..) placed in ABIB bank under the UPP was treason? You are aware that ECCB proposed only deposits up to 100K be honored? Why then is your party after such a treasonous act(your words) fighting so hard to get back into office? Your shotting yourself in the foot arguments are clear evidence that you are not a serious person
@question
You are not a serious person. Issues are raised here which any educated, intelligent Antiguan, who believes in accountability and integrity of government, would be concerned about. Whenever questions are raised, some of you labour supporters deflect to the previous UPP government. There had never been so many scandals with the UPP and any previous administration.
One question is, why are government funds being deposited in an offshore bank that the government says it has no control over? Who has signing authorization over these accounts? Why not one of the other regulated banks?
Antiguans like you are condoning the mismanagement and lack of accountability of the Gaston Brown’s government.
You probably don’t realize this is the world wide web and the entire world is reading and listening. If Antiguans don’t want to hold their government accountable, the rest of the world knows what is going on are far more intelligent than some of you.
What is happening in Antigua does not bode well for any rich person making contributions to assist Antigua in the case of a future disaster.
I would suggest to any rich expatriate that they deposit their money in an Antigua regulated bank and stay away from the offshore banks and the one controlled by the government. Because when your funds disappear, this government and the bank will not account.
Gaston may consider many Antiguans to be foolish and unintelligent. But is the rest of the world? How will the rest of the world view us as a nation and a people?
YES “ The citizens of Antigua and Barbuda are owed clear answers and transparent governance, especially regarding financial oversight”
They are owed it as citizens, but in the country we live in Antigua and Barbuda; everyone knows including Gaston Browne the whale that blows the hardest gets harpooned first.
Any change in this regard has to begin collectively with the institutions and organizations.
Thank you Joseph Stevens.
You’ve expressed fully what a lot of us been thinking.
Antiguans have been screaming from the rooftops for transparency over the many financial transactions taking place in this country for a long time now.
Anyone running a country with such close ties with the banking institutions, will always be accused of some sort of conflict of interest.
And worse still, a Prime Minister that intervenes when depositors want to take out their money. Please!
Gaston Browne has been ducking and diving, bobbin and weaving like an out of sorts boxer for too long now; and his recent attacks on the opposition was as I said before, just a deflectionary tactic to keep his financial wranglings at bay.
All he had to do from the get-go was be transparent.
Many independent thinking Antiguans smelt a rat a long time ago on the lack of financial clarity on issues such as NAMCO, YIDA and the above mentioned CIP (and not forgetting the recent highlighting of the $1 million dollars Barbuda hurricane Irma fund).
Get your popcorn 🍿 and Wadadli beers 🍻 at the ready folks …
Looks like Gassssston may sink like the long lost Jolly Roger ⛵
MAN OVERBOARD … 🛟
You can’t makes this. What a reality!
Now you have to get an explanation to the average citizen on the street. Help them understand what the PM is doing.
Start the process; explain it to us.
Really
Remember the PM came to power from a failed bank, so he’s not a stranger to such shenanigans.
And why has the Browne Administration NEVER launched an investigation into this country’s role in the Odebrecht Scandal, given the role of the Meinl Bank — even when fingers were pointed at the prime minister, himself?
It can’t be enough to say, “It wasn’t me.” Why would he not want to find out, “then who?”
Clearly, the beach IS only the beginning in Antigua and Barbuda.
D.Gisele Isaac, you do remember that Harold Lovell, the former finance minister was the lawyer on record for Odebrecht arm in Antigua? Can you speak of his role in helping them establish themselves here after AOB went into administration (their purchase of Meinl bank)? The Brazil newspapers make clear that officials from Odebrecht met with the opposition in an attempt to keep things quiet. Why did Harold lie about not being associated with them, and then only come clean after the cheques were disclosed?
@ Perhaps, please stay on topic with this particular news item, which is all about Gaston Browne’s lack of responsibility, clarity and denial regarding the GBC situation.
You guys are kings at deflection, and will support the Prime Minister’s behaviour come what may – hence the mess the country is now in.
GASTON HAS GOT THIS SO WRONG … AND YOU KNOW IT!
@Brixtonian, I know you would ignore Isaac comment but jump to mine responding to Isaac who wrote:
“D.Gisele Isaac January 21, 2024 At 9:03 am
And why has the Browne Administration NEVER launched an investigation into this country’s role in the Odebrecht Scandal, given the role of the Meinl Bank — even when fingers were pointed at the prime minister, himself?
It can’t be enough to say, “It wasn’t me.” Why would he not want to find out, “then who?”
Clearly, the beach IS only the beginning in Antigua and Barbuda”
@ Joseph Steven’s,
You write eloquently: Do the Prime Minister and his administration really think that the people of Antigua and Barbuda will accept these dismissals without questions:
Question 1 Why is Global Bank allowed to continue doing business in Antigua and Barbuda as an offshore bank when it’s seeming have lost a key component of an Offshore bank ability to do business?
Among the reason why the Barbuda Relief money not being distributed was that Global Bank no longer has a Corresponding Banking Relation which would have allowed the money to be transferred.
Question 2. The Antigua and Barbuda Financial Services Regulatory Commission is the very same entity that enabled R. Allen Stanford to run his Ponzi Scheme.
Question 3. Is Prime Minister Gaston Browne playing the role for Global Bank as Leroy King bearing in mind both the Prime Minister and Leroy King occupy the same seat at the FSRC
Question 4 Does any other commissioner of the FSRC shed some light on what’s the bell is going on?
Question 5 What is the personal relationship between Global Bank the Prime Minister and members of his Cabinet including senior Diplomats?
Question 6 What are the business relationships between GOAB and Global Bank?
Question 7 The Prime Minister is on a trip to China which is reported both in Antigua and Barbuda, and in China is a trip being undertaken at the invitation of the Chinese Government.
Reliable sources says the CEO Brian Stuart-Young of Global Bank is also in China. Reliable sources intimated that Chinese investors are interested in bailing out and taking over Global Bank.
We need answers from Reliable sources.
@Country..
“Question 3. Is Prime Minister Gaston Browne playing the role for Global Bank as Leroy King bearing in mind both the Prime Minister and Leroy King occupy the same seat at the FSRC”
You are not making sense. Leroy King was the CEO of the FSRC. The current CEO is Mrs. Brenda Sheppard . The FSRC Act passed under the UPP (2013) makes clear the commission is not central government, its a separate entity
(1) The Commission established under section 316 of the former Act as the Financial Services Regulatory Commission is preserved and continues to be a body corporate for the purposes of this Act so that its corporate identity and, subject to the provisions of this Act, its rights and obligations are not affected by the repeal of provision of that Act.
(2) The Commission—
(a) under its corporate name has perpetual succession and a common seal;
(b) is capable of suing and being sued in its corporate name; and
(c) has the functions and powers conferred or assigned by this Act.
(3) For the purpose of carrying out its functions under this Act the Commission may buy, sell, hold,
deal and otherwise acquire and dispose of land and other property of whatsoever nature and may
enter into contracts whether of agency or otherwise.
Its functions (section 5):
. Principal functions of Commission
(1) The principal functions of the Commission are—
(a) regulatory functions, namely—
(i) to regulate and supervise financial services business carried on in or from within
Antigua and Barbuda in accordance with this Act and the regulatory laws; and
(ii) to perform any other regulatory or supervisory duties that may be imposed on the
Commission by any other Act;
(b) collaborative functions, namely, to provide assistance to overseas regulatory authorities
in accordance with this Act; and
(c) advisory functions, namely, to advise the Government on the matters set out in paragraphs (a) and (b) and, in particular, with regard to—
(i) whether the regulatory functions and the collaborative functions are consistent
with functions discharged by an overseas regulatory authority;
(ii) whether the regulatory laws are consistent with the laws and regulations of countries and territories outside Antigua and Barbuda; and
(iii) the recommendations of international organisations.
@Country..
“Question 4 Does any other commissioner of the FSRC shed some light on what’s the bell is going on?”
In what country can a director of any board much less a regulatory body go public and discuss a regulated entities biz? Please provide an example? Regarding your first question have you perused the international banking act 2016? Quote the section that states immediately after a bank loses its corresponding bank relationship that it be immediately shut down (receivership)? Look at section 134 (. Grounds of receivership) and see if you can make your argument
@tellhim I’m sorry, but with all due respect, you are citing the wrong section of the INTERNATIONAL BANKING ACT, 2016. Everything in 134 pertains the “voluntary liquidation” under section IX. Part X is the section that pertains to RECEIVERSHIP AND COMPULSORY LIQUIDATION, section 138 reads “The Commission may appoint a receiver for a licensed financial institution where the
Commission is of the view that the institution: (a) is insolvent” and you don’t have to go any further than that. GBC is clearly insolvent. Insolvency is when an individual or company can no longer meet their financial obligations to lenders as debts become due. The standard for a bank or financial institution is pure insolvency. It can be “cash-flow insolvent” or “cash insolvent” and not “balance sheet insolvent” which is likely the condition of GBC.
@Joseph Stevens the act defines it, so why jump to your own conclusions? Read 138 (3)
(3)For purposes of this section, “insolvent” means the licensed financial institution is not paying or is unable to pay its obligations as they fall due or the value of its liabilities exceeds the value of its assets
As you can see the law does not support your argument. I have no doubt that the people at the FSRC have been monitoring the situation and taking actions the law allows
Writer have you read the FSRC act? Clearly you have not because the law makes clear its an independent body
(1) The Commission established under section 316 of the former Act as the Financial Services Regulatory Commission is preserved and continues to be a body corporate for the purposes of this Act so that its corporate identity and, subject to the provisions of this Act, its rights and obligations are not affected by the repeal of provision of that Act.
(2) The Commission—
(a) under its corporate name has perpetual succession and a common seal;
(b) is capable of suing and being sued in its corporate name; and
(c) has the functions and powers conferred or assigned by this Act.
(3) For the purpose of carrying out its functions under this Act the Commission may buy, sell, hold,
deal and otherwise acquire and dispose of land and other property of whatsoever nature and may
enter into contracts whether of agency or otherwise.
Its functions (section 5):
. Principal functions of Commission
(1) The principal functions of the Commission are—
(a) regulatory functions, namely—
(i) to regulate and supervise financial services business carried on in or from within
Antigua and Barbuda in accordance with this Act and the regulatory laws; and
(ii) to perform any other regulatory or supervisory duties that may be imposed on the
Commission by any other Act;
(b) collaborative functions, namely, to provide assistance to overseas regulatory authorities
in accordance with this Act; and
(c) advisory functions, namely, to advise the Government on the matters set out in paragraphs (a) and (b) and, in particular, with regard to—
(i) whether the regulatory functions and the collaborative functions are consistent
with functions discharged by an overseas regulatory authority;
(ii) whether the regulatory laws are consistent with the laws and regulations of countries and territories outside Antigua and Barbuda; and
(iii) the recommendations of international organisations.
Writer I note you reference to Thomas who you note was a director for FTX. You seem ignorant that CUB is regulated by ECCB not FSRC. FTX once licensed here would have been regulated by FSRC. Since they were unable to get a license in Antigua, they proceeded to get one in the Bahamas. This is why the Bahamas featured prominently in the FTX scandal . Are you unaware of their headquarters in the Bahamas? Let me quote Time magazine “After FTX Implosion, Bahamian Tech Entrepreneurs Try to Pick Up the Pieces”:
“When FTX moved from Hong Kong to The Bahamas in the fall of 2021, many Bahamians hoped that the crypto exchange’s presence would transform the island. “The Bahamas begins its rise as the next global FinTech hub,” Prime Minister Philip Davis said at the company’s opening ceremony on the island as he stood next to former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried. “The arrival of FTX is proof positive that we are headed in the right direction.”
@getpersonal, you are correct: CUB is regulated solely by the Central Bank (ECCB). Only offshore banks are governed by each individual country; in this case, the Antigua FSRC falls under the finance minister. Regarding CUB, it is not regulated in Antigua by the FSRC, and because it falls under the jurisdiction of the ECCB, immediate resignation was the only option. Thus, Arthur Thomas was compelled to resign instantly at the onset of the FTX scandal, just as Brian Stuart-Young was forced to step down as chairman of CUB when the consent order was issued in the case of Jack Stroll being unable to withdraw funds from GBC.
To clarify, if FTX were to be regulated in Antigua, depending on the specific aspect of its business in question, it would likely fall under the purview of both the ECSRC (Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission) and the FSRC. The commissioner of the ECSRC was none other than Arthur Thomas himself. He relinquished his position as commissioner of the ECSRC immediately following the emergence of the FTX scandal. Defending these individuals is untenable. The depth of corruption in Antigua is so severe that it is crippling our country.
@J.Stephen, you are wrong re FTX registered in A&B. The regulator would not be Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission but FSRC. FTX would have applied for a license under A&B Digital Assets Business act. Note again they did not get the license hence their move to the Bahamas where they got one
section 6:
(1) Subject to section 7, a person shall not carry on digital asset business in or from within
Antigua and Barbuda unless that person is a licensed undertaking in one of the classes specified in
section 9. All Licensees shall conduct their digital asset business at all times in compliance with
this Act and the Regulations made hereunder applicable to such digital asset business
@ZZ at the link, https://somospueblo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/414687864-BANK-STATEMENT-BIG-CONAMSA.pdf, showing Meinl’s bank financial statement you will note Harold name at least 3 times (jan and feb 2015). In those two months he received some 14K USD. Again Meinl Bank Antigua was owned by odebrecht. They controlled 51 percent of the shares since 2010.
@ perhaps
Harold was never a lawyer for odebretcht get you story str8 , no news paper has ever said opposition met with nobody from that company. Tap lie . If you know so much tell us the high level gov official that send the son of faddy to collect the bride in miami. Read the FBI court filing and stop repeat garbage.SMDH
@ZZ stop being untruthful. It is well known the Meinl bank Antigua was owned and operated by odebretcht officials. They purchased the bank (meinl) in 2010 when Harold was finance minister. Please see U.S. Charges Ex-Meinl Bank Executives in Odebrecht .. Weinzierl is a former chief executive of Meinl Bank
“An investigation in Brazil has alleged that Brazilian engineering firm Odebrecht SA used Meinl Bank (Antigua) Ltd. to move about $1.61 billion in bribe payments and other illegal financing over a 15-year period, El Economista reported, citing comments by Colombia’s attorney general, Néstor Humberto Martínez.
Odebrecht reportedly acquired a 51% stake in the bank in 2010 to allegedly channel bribes to other countries.” “Colombian attorney general says Odebrecht acquired Meinl Bank to move bribes”, by Julian Dowling
@ Perhaps
So what turns on that????????????
@???? Ask Isaac, she first brought this issue up
”
D.Gisele Isaac January 21, 2024 At 9:03 am
And why has the Browne Administration NEVER launched an investigation into this country’s role in the Odebrecht Scandal, given the role of the Meinl Bank — even when fingers were pointed at the prime minister, himself?
It can’t be enough to say, “It wasn’t me.” Why would he not want to find out, “then who?”
Clearly, the beach IS only the beginning in Antigua and Barbuda.”
@tellhim
To begin with I am a CountryMan but I am not a dummy.
First: While I am not attempting to inpune the character of Mrs. Brenda Sheppard who carries title of CEO of The FRSC.
There are CEOs who have and carry out the role of being The Chief Executive Officer; and there are CEOs where the power and final determination lies in the Chairman if there is one; or in this case The Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
Lester Bird, Baldwin Spencer and Harold Lovell never acted as overlords as is Gaston Browne style of leadership. Let’s not split hairs in an attempt to ofiscate or down play the role of PM Gaston Browne with regards to Global Bank.
This is an Off Shore Bank that is severely troubled no different than was Stanford International Bank.
Obviously tgere ard things going on that reliable sources needs to make public.
I believe the former CEO of The VC Bird International Airport was a CEO of a different breed than the CEO of The FSRC if you comprehend where I’m going this.
I wish not to assail Mrs. Sheppard professional character in anyway, but the Country deserve hearing from her the other Commissioners with regards to Global Bank.
Secondly: Gaston Browne as far as we know is neither the CEO or the owner of Global Bank but he is full-on in the both the defense of the business of the Bank while attacking others.
Thirdly: There frequent public descent ion among the various members of Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Bank as well as the Regional Banks on which an Antiguan Mr. Perry has served.
Fourth: You are is not for real and without question extremely naive if you truly believe that the FSRC functions independently without interference from the Prime Minister.
What planet do you live on?
I have read the Barbuda Local Government Act 1974. The law makes it clear that The Barbuda Council has certain rights abd responsibility, most of which Gaston Browne has usurp the powers of the Barbuda Council which is an independent legislature body.
It’s a tangent to the very issue being written about here.
So if you think laws and regulations are being followed I have a Bridge to sell you that goes to Redonda; and the mean time; stay out of big people’s businesses.
@Telhim,
Certainly you are not a Reliable Source. I specifically used sitting in the same seat rather having the same title.
You are making Mrs. Sheppard someone else’s puppet other than Gaston Browne, and I don’t believe she is.
She serves at the pleasure of Gaston Browne and no one else.
It’s disingenuous for you or anyone to point to the laws and regulations; for to do so is simply a distraction rather than deal with the issue of a failing Bank that seems to under the crutches of The Prime Minister and notvtge Commission
I will hold my breath until we know if the Prime Minster’s China trip for the so called bilateral discussions are successful, for Reliable Sources has informed me the trip involves the finalizing of a Chinese bailout of Global Bank.
In the mean time inspite of the Regulatory Regime which you detail, as the Global become ensnarled in depositors lawsuits and Barbuda relief funds are being held; the CEO of the Commission is missing in action.
At least she should have weighed in on the money for Barbuda. She can’t for she ain’t in control.
@D.Gisele Isaac
This is about the Barbuda Relief Money.
Stay on message!
You can Deal with Odebrecht Scandal another time, for when you bring that up here the issues Jared out by Mr. Steven get subsumed by ABLP supporters.
They love when you bring in other political issues. It enabjds thrm to slip out with Harold this and Baldwin that.
This is about Barbuda money that may have disappeared from a seeming failing Bank.
The local press and the regional press have not been able to develop reliable sources. That is among our major problems.
As Samantha K. Rodrigues wrote
“News and journalism in Antigua and Barbuda are trash”
I would add the same for the rest of the Caribbean.
ANR is upping its game but still has a long way to go.
@ D.Gisele Isaac
No offence to you but Don’t be a political neophyte. Don’t you know the politics of Antigua
Odebrecht SA has no place in this comment thread. This is about Global Bank and Barbuda Relief money.
It is scandalous that Barbuda has no English teacher and it’s money is lock up in a seemingly failing bank.
It is vengeful that one of Barbudas brilliant computer science teachers after being relocated to Antigua was not allowed to teach in Barbuda.
Barbuda needs to see a list of all diner funds and grants recieved by the Central Government.
The roof repairs on Barbuda were done by UNDP, many homes still don’t have permanent electricity.
The dirt roads in Codrington remains fill with pot holes. They have gotten worse by trucks serving the PLH project. Barbuda needs those relief funds released to them.
As soon as you bring that name up; Odebrecht. It’s then Lovell this and that.
Gaston’s supporters love when you start off the issue. They did not have much to say until Odebrecht was introduced. Prior to that they were picking at straws.
@Countryman Abroad her sister was one of the directors BS/Lovell placed on the FSRC board. You can easily find her resume online and I am sure you will agree she has the required qualifications. There is also a Chief Regulatory Officer (hired under UPP) who you may be aware helped to get King prosecuted via his testimony. The fsrc as you know also has a board hence there is also a chairman whose name is not Gaston Browne.
Regarding the Barbuda counsel, the idea that we are a one nation and some body having more power than cabinet, should tell you makes no sense. I will remind you or notify you of a statement made by MP Trevor Walker in 2010 that makes clear GB has made the right move (Note the Barb counsel is not a regulator)
“Barbuda’s Representative Chides Residents for Dependency: (May 29, 2010, Antigua Daily Observer)
“Member of Parliament (MP) for Barbuda Trevor Walker yesterday lashed out at Barbudans for their dependence on the Barbuda Council.
Walker accused Barbudans of not doing enough for the sister-island while relying too heavily on subsidies from the central government in Antigua.
“It’s so amazing to me that 1,500 people cannot get together to try and organise themselves in a way that they can help themselves, and I take blame for that too,” he said. “All that we do is to go to this broke Barbuda Council that has no money, borrow everything that we want, and the same Barbuda Council depends on the central government every week every month for transfers. It’s just not sustainable.”
“At the end of the day, we cannot have it both ways. We cannot want to live the Antigua life and want to have the Barbuda lifestyle”
@tellhim
What the F happened to Barbuda relief money? Was some of the money used to build the Peoples Place as school children say? Just asking. Answer this question.
You obviously want to obfuscate to make Gaston Browne blameless in the Global Bank debacle.
The political novice: D.Gisele Isaac brings up Odebrecht Scandal, which is like red meat to The Dogs. I’m not going to go down that rabbit hole with you about Harrold’s sister, at el.
So let’s get to Barbuda. Trevor Walker is a “Performance Act” like so many of the politicians in Antigua and Barbuda; he is not alone. No principles. No policies initiatives: a person(s) who lacks the ability to be decisive under pressure. He is not trustworthy and has no idea what good governance consists of. The guy is an actor without principles.
He says smack about the Barbudans when it suits him; and goes into his pitiful victimhood mood when he chooses to defend Barbuda. His calling card is to rant and rave for their audience. Trevor will throw his mother under a bus if she was still around. Period.
On the other hand, Antiguans and Barbudans went to Lancaster House to discuss independence; the BPM only interest was to go their own way. VC Bird Sr. would have none of it, and the Barbudans stormed out Leaving Eric Burton and McDonald KC, their legal counsel at the table.
That was a fatal mistake on the Barbudans which cannot be undone unless they engage in armed conflict as the Anguillans did against St. Kitts.
What was on the table for Barbuda was a Federation similar to St. Kitts and Nevis. At any time if the majority of Nevisians vote to be independent of St. Kitts they cannot be stopped by St. Kitts.
You are correct Antigua and Barbuda is one nation, but the Barbudans got some goodies in the 1974 Barbuda Local Act.
Here is the problem: It’s not what makes no sense; it’s what the Act says. It’s true and unbelievable that Th Barbuda Local Government Act 1974 gives the Barbudans a significant amount of power.
It is no different than what called The Parliamentary Democracy that governs Antigua and Barbuda where the Prime Minister has the power leverage without checks and balance similar to a King. Any descension in Cabinet by Gaston’s Cabinet Member is summarily removed.
There is such a thing as a: “No confidence vote” but no one who is creatively enriching themselves is going to take any action to curtail the enrichment of themselves. That is what makes no sense.
Now the Barbuda Council is a dysfunctional organization, period. And its Trevor Walker baby.
Anyone who doubts that only need to go to Codrington and but a beer at The Lillinc shop and walk around to the various Barbuda Council offices. Thats for another discussion.
The Barbudans have been fooled for several generations by its politicians. Were they not fooled then they would demand the Barbuda Council have meeting which is in the Act.
With all the shit going on in Barbuda, the Barbuda Council has not had a village meeting for 6 months.
Let’s get real before we begin to refer to what makes sense. So let’s get real and cut out the BS
*buy a beer at LilLinc
As a Canadian vacationing in the Caribbean and especially considering beautiful Antigua and Barbuda as a tourism choice or even to invest here in future, I am very concerned at the flippant attitude of Mr Browne regarding the conduct of ECB of which he is in charge through the finance ministry in oversight.
In short, it does not engender confidence in a prospective Canadian to invest here or to spend more dollars to support the local economy.
Whether super-wealthy or perhaps in strata below that the fine people of Antigua and Barbuda know that these type of investments in the country by outsiders and newcomers considering residing or becoming citizens foster economic development and growth. This starts with respect for depositors’ dollars in banks, period! Thank you and with respect.
@ Frank Moulton Jr.
It is much worse than you think.
What you are describing as flippant with regards to Bank regulatory agency is the everyday behavior of Mr. Browne.
The hubris displayed by out Prime Minister in this matter; is not unusual, but the norm.
He admitted on his own radio station that he transferred voters from his constituency to that of his opponents’ constituency; in order for them to vote against his opponent: the Opposing Political Party Leader, in the most recent general elections.
That action was the basis of the Opposition Party Leader and the Opposition Party losing the elections.
In Antigua and Barbuda similarly to the Bank regulatory Commission; the Electoral Commission turned their backs on these illegal activities.
Mr. Browne boasted about it, and taunted his opponent without recriminations or consequences. Even though these boastful actions are crimes.
You obviously took the time to write about this; because you are individual who thinks political leaders should act in a responsible fashion. The underlying factor is the depth of the corruption, and how pervasive it is in Antigua and Barbuda.
Investments by the wealthy into the CIP does not go to support the local economy. It primarily skimmed into the pockets of the politicians. Mr. Browne has his reason to defend and protect the Global Bank where the CIP money is deposited.
Should you decide to participate in the CIP program; be aware where your money is going.
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