Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my deep concern over Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s recent statements threatening the compulsory acquisition of Sandals Resort if they choose to close their doors. Such rhetoric is not only unhelpful but potentially harmful to Antigua and Barbuda’s international reputation and economic future.
As a small nation of approximately 100,000 people, Antigua and Barbuda cannot afford to alienate investors with aggressive and confrontational language. We are one of many Caribbean countries offering attractive benefits to investors—some with even better incentives. It is imperative that we distinguish ourselves as a stable, welcoming, and law-abiding nation that respects the rights of businesses operating within our borders.
The Prime Minister’s approach mirrors that of leaders from superpowers who might wield their influence without immediate consequence. However, our country does not have the luxury of such geopolitical leverage. Instead, we must rely on fostering positive relationships with international investors to sustain and grow our economy.
History has shown us the repercussions of hostile actions toward investors.
The cases of Half Moon Bay and the Alpha Nero yacht serve as cautionary tales, where improper seizure of assets led to prolonged legal battles and significant financial liabilities for our nation. Such incidents contribute to a perception of Antigua and Barbuda as a high-risk investment destination, prompting investors to look elsewhere.
I strongly urge Prime Minister Browne to reconsider his stance and tone down his rhetoric.
Disputes of this nature are best resolved through our legal system, which exists to impartially handle such matters. By allowing the courts to do their job, we uphold the rule of law and demonstrate our commitment to fair and transparent processes.
Let us focus on creating an environment that encourages investment and economic growth, benefiting all our citizens. We must remember that in the global arena, our words and actions carry weight.
It is crucial that we project an image of stability and respect for legal norms to attract and retain the investment our nation needs.
Joseph Stevens
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Which investors will find Antigua and Barbuda less appealing?
Maybe those who expect to exploit and abuse the tax system or those who fail to deliver the investment/expansion/hiring promised before receiving concessions. That’s a good thing.
Since the UPP ABST giveaway to Sandals was first exposed years ago many other investors have still come on board.
We can start worrying about the investment climate if the Yeptons Marriot or the $400 million Nikki Beach or the massive Gillespie project or the billion dollar PLH or others suddenly decide to fly away. Highly unlikely.
At least this PM is fighting for fair play, tips for staff and overall higher wages in the hotel sector. His heart and policy are in the right place.
Sandals need to pay their bills n taxes simple
Is this article saying, because we are small, we must allow them to take advantage of us. The Prime Minister is fighting for his people . If the hotel group did what they are doing America they wouldn’t be getting a verbal warning. They are taking million from our people but because the Prime minister speaks it is an issue.
Well said, Sir. We understand the need to champion the cause of workers, however the PM needs to tone down his rhetoric. Of all people he should know that we need to be diplomatic at all times and it’s not everything which comes to mind that needs to be articulated especially with such strong language. That sort of language seems very authoritarian if you ask me. Then again we have aligned ourselves with the very authoritarian countries so what would we expect 🤨
Sandals get tax concessions, free imports, while the poor man pays high taxea if he want to buy something overseas to start a business.
I strongly support Gaston, if they cant comply… We compulsorily acquire the property and get investors to operate the resort.
If it becomes necessary for a nation, even as small as this one to have to go to courts (international courts let again) to have an investor pay the dues owed to a country that has already given it concessions to operate and flourish and that investor has for sometime now (years, decades?) ignored the requests and have seek and even gotten increased beneficial conditions to heighten their profits and refuse to pay up nothing more or less than the taxes they owe which represent a crucial source of income especially for a so called third world country, is totally unacceptable. That the rethoric has escalated to a level of aggressiveness and threats, is not to be faulted on one side of a partnership, but must be seen as the highten measure of the government now in place, to bring to terms a situation that has clearly been ignored by an investor that have not shown an interest to come to the negotiating table to sort out and discuss the matter and has not shown any type of willingness to even try to demonstrate good faith by assisting with the many deterrent conditions that the country may be facing for whatsoever reasons, including the erosions caused by the covid era. Being one of the smallest islands nation of the Caribbean doesn’t mean that any investor has the right to negate the payments of taxes, the main source of survival and stability of a nation, despite the constant calls and different means of requests to do so. Question: why should the nation have to recur to take to courts and use the people’s money, resources, time and efforts to obtain a court order to settle this matter when in no way shape or form this model was used to approve the investor to come into this shore and establish their business? The time has come when through the stance personality of the country’s actual leader is rightfully demanding the payment of an overdue escalating bill and because of this reaction and non-compliance of payment of the monies owed has triggered further disclosure of actions to be taken not by the Prime Minister of the country, but by the nation itself, defending among other things the right of an independent country to rule over its premises. There should not be any investor, a small or a big one that have the right to come here and impose their rights, what they should pay or not pay. If in the past wrongdoing and concessions were made that should not have happened, in all fairness to respect and consideration for the people of the country, corrections and adjustments have to be made, in an era where technology advancement and new and fear ways to conduct business around the world have also advanced and gone through major changes. all in all for fairness first, mutual respect and peace, along with profit made and growing market opportunities for investors. There is no other geographical area in the world nowadays where investors can go and choose not to pay taxes as established by country laws. Like come on, the era of ‘banana republic’ is long time over. Investor with up-to-date consciousness are fair ones when identifying the potential of a land that offers great opportunities like the God-given natural attributes of the islands, Antigua and Barbuda and their sources of income. The game change has happened and adjustments made. Players must step-up or attain to due consequences. The time to show strength and not to be afraid of investors that will have a fair and flourishing return on investment is now, without belittling our right to flourish, grow and become healthy and wealthy also. If a business enterprise that do not accept this reality is here and choose to leave, the nation then has to become wiser and attract ‘partners’ that will abide to conditions that will secure their investment while assuring the nation’s benefit, growth and flourishing. Excellency in ‘Partnership’. No more giveaways and overwelming concessions. There is no need for that if uou believe that product is an excellent one!
Been my sentiments all along. Sometimes it is not what we do, but how we do it that matters. The Honourable Prime Minister’s approach in dealing with Sandals would send jitters through the diplomatic community and to future investors. Tone down the rhetoric and seek resolution through dialogue and consensus. Trying to sully and tarnish the Sandals brand would do us no good in the long run..
The situation between Antigua and Sandals Resort is indeed complex, but one thing remains clear: Antigua must not allow itself to be taken advantage of. The Prime Minister is standing up for the people of Antigua, ensuring that the interests of the country are protected.
The expectation that Sandals should pay their fair share of taxes is a reasonable one, as it contributes to the prosperity and well-being of the nation. The Prime Minister’s determination to hold Sandals accountable is commendable and shows his commitment to serving the people.
While some may argue that taking a confrontational approach could damage Antigua’s international standing, it is essential that the government stands firm in its resolve. We must remember that as a sovereign nation, Antigua has the right and responsibility to defend its interests, and in this case, that means ensuring that multinational corporations adhere to the rules and regulations of the country.
As citizens, we should support our leaders in their efforts to safeguard our nation’s financial stability and promote equitable economic growth. The Prime Minister’s fight for fairness is ultimately a fight for all Antiguans, and we should stand united behind him in this endeavor.
Sometimes in the home we talk and talk as a warning, but when you have exhausted everything and nothing is happening, you drop the hammer into it.
We do not know how many meetings were had and promises were made. It is evident that NOTHING was done,
and promises made were not kept!
It has now gotten to the stage where the PM have to loud dem up. What they are doing is wrong and ” WE WANT OUR MONEY”. Plain and simple.
Enough is damn well enough!
Is some of you all that will sit down in abusive relationship that is talking shit. The Prime minister has a right to stand up to masa . They come to the Caribbean to exploite black people trying to keep black people as modern day slaves, they are very disrespectful to the nation. Greedy and selfish set of people.
This is another letter where I have to stop and ask the writer if they have any common sense at all.
Sandals got the concessions.
It was taken away
They started TAKING it again without approval
This sir, amounts to fraud and theft. What you are saying is that we should say nothing for fear of repercussion? Are you for real?
The fact that you have put your name to this article/letter means that you are for real and I think you should go and get your head checked.
So you are telling me that FOR EXAMPLE, you work for an employer and that employer is taking money out of your salary without telling you. You find out, yet you are to say nothing for fear of that employer firing you?
Let me just stop now because I really do not know what is wrong with some people…
This is exactly it!!
We must work in a hotel and serve people but not ask/demand what is rightfully ours?
Is best we all go down to Sandals and block the entrance until they pay up!!!
This is utter rubbishhhhhhh
You can go ahead with that!! Sometimes you have to stand for what is rite and just. The PM did the correct thing. An example need to be set. Anyone who come here to do business in that industry must understand any unfair practices will not be acceptable period!
Antigua News Room – can you print my above comments as a letter to be published herein too?
Let me have a look at it again.