MP Lewis Files Freedom of Information Requests on Three Ministries and WIOC Seeking Answers on the Gaston Browne III Rental
Gaston Browne continues to run from accountability and transparency, and has refused to provide credible answers to the public’s questions on Government’s rental of his son’s Friars Hill Road property.
In response, as promised, MP Richard Lewis has delivered 4 letters under the Freedom of Information Act, formally requesting answers and documentation from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Housing, Lands and Urban Renewal, the Ministry of Works, and the West Indies Oil Company.
The information requested includes records on the manner of WIOC’s sale of the property, records of all rent payments, and expenditures to repair and upgrade the property, the re-negotiated lease terms (agreed to after the expiration of the initial 18-month term), the tendering process, and correspondence between the property owner, the ministries and WIOC.
The letters, delivered on April 2, 2024, were also copied to the Information Commissioner, who is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act, which requires a prompt response, within twenty (20) working days of receipt of the request.
The Freedom of Information Act, which is part of a trilogy of integrity legislation the UPP Administration introduced in 2004, facilitates the right of the public to have access to information held by public authorities.
This ensures that Government and government-controlled entities can be held accountable.
MP Lewis states, “Given the Prime Minister’s boasts about his government’s transparency, I expect that the requested information will be furnished quickly, without any attempts made to frustrate senior public servants in the fulfillment of their duties under the Act.”
He further states, “The public has a right to know how their tax dollars are being spent. And they are particularly concerned right now, while they are suffering under the Gaston-led government’s high cost of living, with no meaningful relief. I will continue to utilize freedom of information requests, as the need arises, to ensure Government’s transparency and accountability, in keeping with the principles of good governance.”
Richard S. Lewis MP
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We asked for the upp to do something about all this nepotism and shdy dealings when it comes to the country… Well here is the UPP doing something!! Well done MP Richards!!
Indeed. Great move MP Lewis!
The ball is in Gaston’s court now and we can be 100% sure he will be making calls to all the Permanent Secretaries and WIOC CEO on this.
I encourage all the relevant officials to do the right thing and don’t bow to any pressure. Just provide the requested information and let the chips fall where they may!
With Govt’s shareholding and directorship WIOC absolutely qualifies to answer under the FOIA and they may as well answer if everything was done above board. Academic arguments against complying will not satisfy us.
Gaston Browne was playing dodge ball last session of parliament and now there is no where to hide.
The Honourable Richard Lewis doesn’t play, neither does the UPP when it now comes to accountability and transparency.
Honest hardworking Antiguans will welcome this.
Praise the Lord 🙏🏽 that Antigua & Barbuda hasn’t become a one party state as the ABLP and Gaston Browne were hoping for.
ANTIGUAN PATRIOTS ARE MUCH SMARTER THAN THAT…
@ BRIXTONIAN
What is the excitement? You Guys are surprise at this letter. This is what opposition does. WOW..BRIXTONIAN and UPP minions are so PREDICTABLE. Like KIDS in candy store. WOW. WOW. This will get no where. Will get an answer in 2 years.
@ FERN, you say “What is the excitement”, well let me enlightened you.
The UPP are on a roll at present with a great set of Members that recognise the potential in this great country of ours.
You only have to see how amazing people like Serpent Watts; D Gisele Isaacs; Kelvin Shugy Simon; Jamale Pringle (even the ABLP acolytes love he now 😁); Pearl Quinn-Williams; and the leader in waiting Richard Lewis.
What a formidable team FERNEY!
THAT’S WHY I’M SO EXCITED, ONWARDS AND UPWARDS UPP, UPP, UPP …
🟨🟦🟨🟦🟨🟦🟨🟦
@ Brixtonian
The names you mentioned above are one term Members of Parliament . The only member that might have a SLIM chance of winning a seat is Jamale Pringle. Please stop getting so excited.
UPP will never form Government in Antigua again. You will be writting your NONSENSE for a looooong time. Sorry to disappoint you but no Senate seat for you , Sir. Stop singing for your supper.
@ FERN
JUST LIKE YOU WON 17 SEATS THE LAST ELECTION IN JANUARY 2023 AND UPP LOST ALL 17, STUPID FOOL.
AND JUST LIKE U STOLE THE ELECTION THE LAST TIME BY TRANSFERRING VOTERS FROM ONE CONSTITUENCY TO ANOTHER- ”per PM GB”
THIEF, THIEF, THIEF
the answer may put a lot of people behind bars after its received/
SMH Fern is swimming deep in this pool of red cool aid. what an idiot!
Lovell and the UPP hierarchy should’ve being doing this and utilizing the Legal system, hand in glove.
Richard Lewis, MP looks like he’s taking charge, and charging full force ahead, as a competent leader!
#Go_Richard_Go!
Show them what you know,
They’ll soon be on the run,
Like they’re been chase by, a mac 11 Machine_Gun
Jumbee_Picknee aka Ras Smood
De’ole Dutty Peg🦶🏿Garrat_Bastard
Vere C. Edwards
Ras Smood,
LIAT (2020) is a much bigger rip-off than WIOC and DCA Friars Hill Road deal.
You don’t have to be a mathematician. Do the simple arithmetic math.
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA OWNS 30% and AIR PEACE OWNS 70%
Antigua Investment into LIAT (2020):
– 4 Aircrafts
-A Hanger and Terminal.
-The LIAT Strong Branding Value in the Eastern Caribbean Market.
-LIAT mechanic crew, who just rebuilt two aircrafts currently up for certification.
Air Peace investment into LIAT (2020)
-3 Aircrafts (no time schedule on their arrival) Will the Prime Minister and Gerald Watts use the same logic when questions are asked about LIAT (2020). Since Antigua and Barbuda is a minority owner, he has no jurisdiction or authority to discuss or answer questions about LIAT (2020)
Calling all Civil Servants, Senior Civil Servants, Board Members of Statuary Bodies; the moment has arise for you not only to contribute to The Nation, but to save the Nation from further plundering.
To those who handle the files and those who are stewards of the files. No longer do you have to walk down the hall and copy documents. Use your Samsung, Vortex and iPhone.
Use a “SIGNAL” account to get the material into the right hands!
You work hard every day and others are getting buildings like Friars Hill Rd for nothing; and getting rent and wealth. You work hard and longer to make ends meet.
It will take time, but you can help to bring an end to this nightmare.
Gentlemen and ladies please make a similar request on the LIAT (2020) transaction.
Gentlemen and ladies please make a similar request on the LIAT (2020) transaction.
@CountryManAbroad…
Shue_Fly shoe!
Shoe_Fly_Shoe!
Shu🫱🏽Shu_Fly🪰!
Shue_Fly_Shue!
Ah nah Kay! Wah dem do!
Dem cyan Sue!
Sue! Sue! Sue!
Sue, lakkah Miss Susie “Q,”
Or, a damned AG!
‘Cause, truth ah truth!
U cyan even, ask J’Truth!
U, mek dem Sue!
Sue! Sue! Sue!
Dem cyan, Sue! Sue! Sue!
Guarne Sue! Sue! Sue!
But, dem no ready fu U!
No! No not one of dem!
Even, the damned Tenman!
So, CountryMan from Liberta!
Mek S’him Suzie “Q”? So, Cute E; cutie!
Mek dem Sue! Sue! Sue!
‘Cause, U hottah dan, Peggy_Mouth_Peppa!
Setting dem foot pan Fire!
Fire! Fire! Fire!
And, as a long time Road March Say,
By Calypso Joe! The man of the day!
As, another Country Man!
A very talented, Antiguan!
He sang and say! Hey! Hey! Hey!
It’s “Fire! Fire! Innah dem wire!
So, as the Politicians and their Prostitutes!
Keep, deny the People the Truth!
Dem too! Dem two! Those too!
Behind will be pan fire!
And, I hear in the jail!
Where some of these Polical Prostitues
Because of bending the truth(s)
Their ship may have already sailed!
Sailing! Sailing!⛵️ Sailing!
To the jail, without #No_Bail!
Emptying #Bullah_Man Garnee Slop Pail
And, as dey bending dung!
Sue bady, start to Jam Dem Dung!
Jam Dem Dung! Jam Dem Dung!
An just like #FLAMES🔥♨️
Be they #RED_HOT or #BURNING!
U going hear dem Politicians!
Their henchmen, #Brown_Baggers and holligans!
SCREAMING! Shouting! Jumping! Dancing! 💃🏾
I shuddah eat de Peggy_Mouth Pepper!
‘Cause, even though it grows well in Liberta!
And, can be cool with some dem River Water!
I can take no more, of this WATAH!
Coming from, Bullah_Garney Hose!
God gad! Only gad knows!
De heat a de fire! Fire! Fire!
Fire! Innah Me Wire!
Fire! Fire! Fire!
So, tell all who lub fu Sue!
Tell dem fu Sue!
Sue this Yah Country Man!
Sue! And, you’ll see
Jail will be only your first brush
So go ahead! Rush de brush Rush!
Rush! Rush! Rush!
Cause, you’re flirting with CALAMITY🇦🇬
And, especially to Chet!
Ain’t not need to fret!
We know, he’s not Green!
Even, though it’s in his genes!
To miscalculate, the end results and MEAN!
Especially, when it comes to FIAT!
And, the fiasco with LIAT
Whether 1974 or 2020!
This was a CARICOM CALAMITY, as well;
Oh well! Yes many workers are still catching hell!
I don’t think, it was in 1984!
I know, that for sure!
This started with the #Illusion!
Of, an INDEPENDENT NATION!
But, still an intellectual you you can tell!
Yes, and so too did Mr. ORWELL.
So, I n I hope, that your LIAT PREDICTION
Will come to light and fruition
After being ECLIPSED, by malfeasance, bribery and Corruption!
That, the crows will finally fine Comrade Brown
And, his jail cries too!
Will be heard all over St. John’s Town!
Since, him and Comrade Chet
Will be get wet! Wet! Wet!
It’s the hottest ticket in town!
Now that, #Dru_Day ain’t around!
In honor of #Bullah_Garnee’
Politicians adding another fete!
Fete! Fete! Fete!
It’s the Jail_House Fete!
And, all proceeds! Of any good deed!
These FREE POLITICIANS!
#WHO’RE still getting their chance!
To safeguard our Nation proceeds! Yes Indeed!
Do it Well! Or you too!
Will join the Jail Hauz Kru!
And, end up catching hell!
So, Mr. Richard Lewis!
Please, don’t let Ignorance be bliss!
‘Cause, from Gully in Jam_Dung!
Dis Country Man, wey cum fram Town!
And, like de other one!
Him too, live ABROAD!
When it comes to, dey a #My_Yard!
U cyan check #Jam_Dung_Cheree!
De #Gangstaz_Lady!
Who controls De JEANEARY
Dat, first bring Jamaicans to Dadli!
You have an excellent opportunity!
To unite and solidarity our countries!
Antigua, Barbuda and REDONDA.
I know is not about your Degrees!
It’s about your People and Our Nation!
Unlike, the ilks of Tenman!
They too have Degrees!
But for most of them! Especially, the Yes Men!
It’s about KEEPING ALL OF THE CHEESE!
To me, that a Mental Disease’
Jumbee_Picknee aka Ras Smood
De’ole Dutty Peg🦶🏿Garrat_Bastard
Vere C. Edwards
Poor Jamale Pringle, Richard Lewis , Serpent , Bowen, Anthony Smith and Shugy back stabbed you … Jamale check your body for the knives in your back. Richard is now throw you by the way side and take over the UPP. What a shame. He said no dunce can lead Him.
@ GILES
Can you people please make your mind up?
One time is DUNCE AND CAN’T READ PRINGLE.
Next is ‘SORROW FOR PRINGLE. AS HILLARY SAID ”GIVE IT UP”, nobody falling for your trap, certainly not Richard nor Pringle.
Just crazy how though he has been warned, RL shows he is an idiot. WIOC is not a public entity. The Freedoim of information act applies only to public entities. Some may wish wrongly to argue that section 3 d(ii) owned, controlled or substantially financed
by the Government from public funds captures WIOC but government does not own, control or subtaincially finance WIOC. Its a listed company. Yes government owns some shares in WIOC but it does not own and control WIOC. RL is foolish to think WIOC (government is not the majority share holder) has to disclose a transaction involving a private person
It is unbelievably foolish for anyone to suggest that Government, with 45.9% of shares and directors including the PM’s wife does not exercise control over WIOC.
Cornel TENMAN Hughes you continue to display your idiocy. I hope when questions are put to the FSRC, as its Chairman, you will be forthcoming with your answers.
@ Charles Tabor
Nice to see you. Missed your regular contributions.
@ Leadership Matters
I totally agree with you.
The government is the single biggest shareholder.
Has the Asian investor been found?
No its 41 percent. They had 51 percent before and sold 10 percent to the general public. Facncy Bride and PDV combined have more shares than GOAB. Note the chairman of the board is Raul Licausi and placed there by PDV
“The Company launched an Initial Purchase Offer (IPO), the first in its history during 2021. The offer closed on May 21, 2021. The offeror was the Government of Antigua and Barbuda which had a controlling interest of fifty-one (51%) percent of the issued shares prior to the IPO. The Company
did not increase the authorised and issued share capital. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda offered 301,920 of its shares to the public. Applications
exceeded the Government offer by 19,775 shares. The shareholder Fancy Bridge cleared the surplus applications. “
Isn’t it fantastic news when ABLP commentators like GILES and tenman make disparaging remarks about the Honourable Richard Lewis, and then go on to show love for our own Honourable Jamale Pringle – it’s like I’m living in some parallel universe.
I think they recognise that Richard Lewis is a formidable opponent for their hero Gaston Browne.
However, all you ABLP acolytes, keep spreading your LOVE for Mr Pringle. Just great! 👍🏾
@ tenman
WIOC is a listed company WHICH IS partially owned and managed by DIRECTORS appointed by the government.
The ‘control’ comes from shareholders who when combined with the government accounts for 51%, which gives them the CONTROL NEEDED TO REMOVE ANY MEMBERS OF MANAGEMENT WHO DISOBEYS THEIR DIRECTIVE. I AM ONE OF SUCH SHAREHOLDER.
@Foolish. Think back to 2021 when govenrment divested 10 percent of its 51 percent controlling interest to the public. It now holds 41 percent. Would suggest you read pg 36 of their last FS https://www.ecseonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/WIOC-Consolidated-FS-2022.pdf
I recall you wrote that you went to school in New Jersey and then to Texas. Along the way you would have taken courses in logic and reasoning.
There are those who may find value in what you have written. It has no merit.
Why?
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda does not own, control or substantially finance WIOC today as per you Gerald Watts and Gaston Browne; but it did so up until sometime in 2022.
By your logic MP Lewis is entitled to the information requested during the time when the GOAB own, control or substantially finance WIOC. That is any time up to 2022 after which The Government reduction in its ownership to under 50%.
Ownership under 50% does not mean the Government does not control the decisions at WOIC. Mark Zuckerberg owns less the 50% of the Facebook/Meta shares and he control the votes on the board of Facebook/Meta. This is quite common for those holing minority shares have control of the board’s decision.
Your section 3 d(ii) owned, controlled or substantially financed argument has no merit.
Coincidently, the If Corporation which was formed and is owned by Gastón Browne’s son was created in 2014. What year did Gaston become Prime Minister?
What a coincidence that a mediocre student studying abroad in a diploma mill college, chooses to form the IF Corporation (was that the same year his father became Prime minister and Minister of Finance?)
When and after the IF Corporation was formed, Gaston Browne had the equivalent of total control over WOIC up until 2022.
The MP Lewis is entitled to all the records he requested for the time between 2014 and 2022.
Neither of us has knowledge of the voting structure of WIOC after the GOAB reduced its shareholding to under 50% There are legal arguments to be made that even if the GOAB is less that 50% shareholder; WIOC is a Public Benefit Corporation, and for the purposes of reporting it’s no different from a Ministry or Statuary Body.
@Country… try and remember the history of WIOC, and when government got more than than 50 percent of the shares. This happened in 2018. The 10 percent divestmnent occured in mid 2021. The buildings bought by the PM’s son have been up for sale, even before 2014. You argue that RL can make a request in 2024, yet you miss the fact that the law is about the present. Take the time to read the act and you would understand that since the government has no control, the IC cannot then get them to take action. WIOC has its own board and managers.
You (not me) mentioned Mark Zuckerberg and claim he controls the board. He is the chairman of that board and still CEO(This is bad governance). Clearly you are unaware that he “holds about 82% of the company’s Class B stock, giving him around 53% of the total voting power, despite owning only about 14% of all shares.” see https://www.citizen.org/news/how-zuckerberg-keeps-his-job-despite-rampant-mismanagement-and-misconduct/
FERN, you should be ashamed of yourself for suggesting that the ABLP that boast of being the most transparent government ever in Antigua and Barbuda will take 2 years to provide the requested information. Are you saying that the government is hiding something that might prove their corrupt practices? Are you saying that it is ok to break the laws of the country ? What exactly are you trying to say? I hope you are in full support of good governance!
@ tenman,
My previous comments are directed at you, for what you wrote had no merit.
Antigua commits to $60 million loan from Caribbean Development Bank
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA ONLY OWNS 30% and AIR PEACE OWNS 70%
Antigua Investment into LIAT (2020):
– 4 Aircrafts
-A Hanger and Terminal.
-The LIAT Strong Branding Value in the Eastern Caribbean Market.
-LIAT mechanic crew, who just rebuilt two aircrafts currently up for certification
Air Peace promises one, then two, now three aircrafts and while Antigua is getting its aircraft fit for service and certified, we have not seen any Air Peace aircraft.
By your warp logic and arguments; should The Opposition MP or the public ask why Air peace gets 70% of LIAT(2020), then Gaston don’t need to respond for Antigua only owns 30%
Gaston might think he is a King but he is not as yet.
@CountryMan – Why be asinine? You and your bad exaples eg the Facebook founder. You well know the issue is who they are asking. They are within their right to demand answers of government/ public body on real issues. It would be wrong for them to direct the questioion to LIat 2020 using a FOI request. No one can stop them from writing a letter but to demand an answer is simply to play the fool. Please note, I do agree that government should be transparent on the question you posed. You do know there is a big difference betwewen your question vs the sale of some old buildings that have been up for sale since 2014? Your question is mostly about decisions made by government, RL’s question is about decisions made by a private entities board and management
@Tenman
Why were these old buildings not repaired by the owners instead of using the peoples money? And added to that, why move the mother in law ministries in them to ensure rent is received? Now the old buildings have been repaired and have increased in value, bet the owner flips them and walk away with millions. This is how some politicians and their family get rich.
You love thieving ness and corruption.
@tenman
Don’t go silent or go into the gutter now. You seem to be Gerald Watt’s apprentice always pulling out bogus regulations to confuse those who don’t know better. Don’t use Pringle as a foil.
For as Michelle Obama said when you go low, I’ll go high. Air Peace is holding the bag for 45% ownership of LIAT (2020)
My question is who are the individuals Air Peace holding some of LIAT (2020) shares for? Time for Gaston Browne and Chet Greene to explain the Air Peace and LIAT(2020) deal to the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
@Tenman: aka Gerald Watt apprentice
Research by Google neither negates or devalue the points being made.
Maybe you can provide the answers for this one.
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA ONLY OWNS 30%
AIR PEACE OWNS 70%
Antigua commits to a $60 million loan from Caribbean Development Bank to take over the loans from LIAT(2020)
Antigua other Investments into LIAT (2020):
–4 Aircrafts (2 in the loan above)
-A Hanger and Terminal.
-The LIAT Strong Branding Value in the Eastern Caribbean Market.
-LIAT mechanic crew, who just rebuilt two aircrafts currently up for certification
Air Peace promises one, then two, now three aircrafts,
Antigua’s A+ mechanics, are getting its aircraft fit for service and certified; which will be accomplished shortly
We have not seen any, not one of Air Peace aircraft as we are told time and time again LIAT(2020) is about to hit the sky.
BTW: Having raised these issues before, we were told AIR PEACE is going to buy LIAT hangers.
Please Lord: can someone explain why we are selling our hangers to AIR PEACE ?
And while you are at it Lord: can it explained to the good people of Antigua and Barbuda
who are the hidden owners of the extra shares that AIR PEACE is hold in their 70% of LIAT(2020)?
@CountryMan – I point out to you with evidence that your example is a bad one and your response is the usual facts don’t matter. You then as usual push the usual rum shop talk via the usual inneundos that you well know you have no facts to back up the allegation. Again the question you asked why 30 percent desserves an answer. Should take me no time to get you such, but that’s not my job. Let me help you thogh- I rather doubt central government expects to pay back that loan directly (loan to CDB). It most likely would be placed at LIAT 2020 as it was with the prior LIAT. Government however would provide the guarantee
Mark Zuckerberg owns less the 50% of the Facebook/Meta shares and he control the votes on the board of Facebook/Meta.
There is nothing wrong or misleading with that statement in the context of the discussions that GOAB could possibly have control over some of the board decisions and the transfer of ownership of the Friars Hill Rd property may be among them.
Just because you think it’s a bad example does not negate the facts. Your example shows that Zuckerberg owns a minority of the common shares while he still control Facebook.
You are the one who made a distinction of common shares while pointing out that he “holds about 82% of the company’s Class B stock, giving him around 53% of the total voting power, despite owning only about 14% of all shares.”
The fact is Zuckerberg owns less than 50% of the common shares and he controls the vote is the reasoning.
Just the same, I am asserting here is a possibility or method by which GOAB could still be considered the controlling owner.
Board of directors and trustees commonly have “carve outs” allowing for a minority or a certain number of shares to prevail on an issue.
Hiding behind minority share ownership is not sufficient. Open the WIOC books and Minutes of Shareholders meeting if there is nothing to hide.
I contended it’s a NO Downpayment transaction with the tenant picking up the cost of renovation.
The mortgage is deferred until the tenant has recovered the renovation costs
Payment on the mortgage begins when the tenant starts payment.
Gaston Browne and his son, as well as the Board of Directors of WIOC to sue the hell out of me.
I await their lawsuit. Antiguans and Barbudans will know the facts and the truth then.
I will not be putting up billboards.
You are free to use language to obfuscate or discredit and then accuse others of “run shop talk”.
Common characteristics of Nepo Babies.
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