MP Simon Responds To Allegations That He Used Campaign Funds for a Boat, Attempted Secret Deal With ABLP

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PM Gaston Browne’s latest attempt to deflect from his administration’s deep-seated corruption and poor performance, by fabricating lies about me is both laughable and desperate. Instead of addressing the real concerns of the peopleβ€”rampant crime, economic hardship, and the erosion of public trustβ€”he clings to baseless accusations, hoping to distract from his own glaring scandals.

Before Browne questions my integrity, he must first answer the searing allegations made by his former ally, the late Hon. Asot Michael. The people of Antigua and Barbuda are still waiting for him to explain the source of his sudden wealthβ€”the multimillion-dollar properties, the real estate empire amassed while in office, and the unexplained financial dealings that reek of corruption. Asot Michael, once his closest confidant, publicly accused him of abusing his position for personal gain. Those accusations remain unanswered.

The Prime Minister should also remind the public who introduced an indicted fraudster like Nigerian conman Eki Igwe to Antigua and why he allowed such individuals access to the highest levels of government. Or perhaps he should explain why under his leadership, allegations of bribery, kickbacks, and financial misdeeds have become routine.

Let’s talk about real accountability. Where is the transparency regarding the relief funds earmarked for Barbuda after Hurricane Maria? The people of Barbuda are still demanding answers on how those funds were spent. What happened to the $200,000 issued by Cabinet for the seating stand in Bolans? And why, after years of delays and inflated costs, do we still lack proper accountability for the Friars Hill Road development? The people deserve answers, not distractions.

Browne must understand that the people of Antigua and Barbuda are not fools. They see through his smoke and mirrors. My record is clean, my conscience clear, and my commitment to the people unwavering. If Browne has any evidence to support his ridiculous claims, let him present it. Otherwise, he should focus on answering the real questions about his own dubious financial dealings.

I will make another appearance on The Knight Show next Wednesday and I extend an open invitation to Gaston Browne to join meβ€”no dodging, no distractionsβ€”just the truth. Let’s see if he has the courage to finally address these issues head-on.

Hon. Kelvin Simon

Member of Parliament, St. Mary’s South

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19 COMMENTS

  1. In your face Grabston Brown, we elected a man with intregrity in SMS. Come on knight and knight and answer Asot Micheal Question, where you SUDDEN WEALTH COME FROM? you lying, thiefing piece of waste. Be sure your sins will find you OUT.

  2. Shuggy has not answered the question as to whether or not he piece a boat. Shuggy didn’t read the above press statement which was written by Derede Samuel Whitlock. The statement is bordering on defamation.

    I am sure that that PM Brown will spread out Derede on his Saturday program about her abuse of public resources when she was director of tourism.

    • DEREDE SAMUEL-WHITLOCK????? Another of the “ELITIST” element in the UPP? Another supporter of the Lipstick Hag?

      Why oh why can’t Shugy answer a simple question with a “YES” or “no”????

  3. It’s good to see MP Simon addressing the allegations head-on, as transparency is key in these situations. If he can clear up the confusion surrounding the campaign funds, that would be a step in the right direction. However, the notion of secret deals, especially between opposing political parties, creates a perception of backroom politics, which is not in the public’s best interest. Leaders must strive for openness and avoid any actions that could undermine the trust of their constituents.

  4. Regardless of the outcome, political leaders must ensure that their actions are above reproach and avoid any appearance of dishonesty or conflict of interest.

  5. Isn’t it interesting that laboRATs know where UPP’s campaign funds have been spent however they are blind and dumb as to the whereabouts of monies received after Irma for national infrastructure repairs. Why don’t they tell us about the Indonesian funds used to furnish a minister’s private apartment complex? Why don’t they tell us how much the labour party spent on the last by-election in Parham and the source of those funds. Shuggy do not validate laboRATs concern with a response. No donor has accused you of using donated funds for your personal gain. Instead the Barbudans are yet ti receive one million dollars donated for their repairs. It would be better if the laboRATs concentrate on that.

  6. Two wrongs don’t make a right! If the funds which had a targeted purpose was used for any purchase other than what was intended then its corruption, plain and simple! .Doesn’t matter who else is doing it, if you stand on principle you do what is right instead of pointing fingers and making statements like ‘ fu me pickney want to ride quad too’. This is very disappointing! When will Antigua have honorable politicians?..all but two sides of the same coin, just that one wins elections and the other loses them… smh

    • You really expect a PREACHERMAN WHO TURNED HIS BACK ON GOD to suddenly be “honorable”??????

      Where is Mr. Simon’s WIFE? ‘Til death do us part, he vowed.

  7. Great deflection. Yes Gaston’s administration is β€œcorrupt.” But the question is about you at this time. Please answer the questions. 1; did you used campaign funds and buy a boat? 2; did you approach the ABLP government about becoming a minister?

  8. Whoever pen this article on Hon. Kelvin Shugy Simon’s behalf is either intending sway the public in his favour or is downright malicious.

    I listened to the conversation that night from my car whilst I was on Antigua. The PM clearly stated that a high official in the UPP had informed him that the good gentleman had used his constituency allowance to allegedly purchase a boat. He then asked the MP if he had bought a boat. He didn’t answer directly, but the host insinuated that he did purchase a boat.

    The PM also confirmed the the good gentleman had been in negotiations with at least four ministers of government, attempting to reach a deal like Anthony Smith’s, only that was in area of sports.
    According to him, he wanted to remain under the UPP’s umbrella so as not to trigger any angst from his MSM supporters.

    What I observed from listening to him that night though, even after the PM left the call, is that he attempted to be defensive and dismissive of the PM’s intimations. He figuratively puffed up his chest, but we can only imagine how amenable he was during the negotiations.

    The PM rattled his feathers by mentioning that he didn’t see him as having real capacity to run after him. He might have taken that to heart.

    The fact of the matter is he, along with a few others, is unhappy with the leadership and the direction of their party. Their absence during the by-election campaign and Barbara Coates’ two kickoff events speaks volumes.

    The PM’s wealth is a matter for him as he has been rather entrepreneurial from his young adult life and even during the tenure of the UPP. No one can provide any evidence that he has taken monies from the government coffers. NO ONE!

    Deflection in this case is clear.
    Antiguans at not stupid people.

    The article is deviating from the two main questions:
    1. Did you purchase a boat?
    2. Were you in negotiations with the administration to run the Ministry of Sports, and why?
    That’s all we need to know.

  9. @Dave Ray
    Dave Ray, do you know that a politician’s son said a few years ago that they don’t take money from the treasury at least not directly, as it would leave a trail? They steal the money in transit. There are a lot of stupid people in Antigua and a lot of opportunists.
    What business is it of yours if Shuggy bought a boat? Did he buy a multimillion Yacht like the stolen Alfonero? Did he and family take over a hundred acres of Barbuda lands? Provide evidence that the money for the boat belonged to the government. That is all we need to know.

  10. Shuggy u seemed to be well trained in reverse psychology and not in ministry at all.

    Similar to a little child you are going around the bush dodging a straight forward question ” Did u buy a boat with the campaign money that was given to you ” ?

    A very straightforward question such as this requires a straightforward YES or NO answer.

    Why then are u not answering the question …. ?

    The elders always say there is always a speck of truth in most rumours & being silent always creates an impression of truth…..

    Now is there any truth in the question

    Remember, at this moment its not about Gaston. Its all about you…..

  11. Shugy has answered the questions, he outlined that Gaston’s allegations are “baseless.” However, in addition to the unanswered questions, Gaston still needs to tell the nation what’s happened to his and Olabanjo’s migrants who according to Olabanjo were trafficked from West Africa to improve our population. He also needs to explain his son’s financial scandal.

    • tacking the word “scandal” at the end of the phrase does not make it such!!! You sound like the RAG-TAG-Clown

  12. @Observation
    Are you saying that Antiguans are stupid people? Where does that leave you?
    First of all, I have never mentioned the access to finance by the good gentleman. The questions that I asked are about the PM’s or his son’s wealth acquisition. What are you deflecting? Why are defending? Do you have a boat? The Alfa Nero is not in question in this conversation, albeit it was compulsorily acquired by the people of Antigua and Barbuda through the legislative process for all to see. What turns on that?
    What is the function of the MP in his capacity?
    You didn’t address my both questions. As a public figure, he is responsible for letting the public know how he acquired a boat. Does he plan to engage in fishing as a business or is it for leisurely activities.
    What about the alledged negotiations behind closed doors. You somehow missed the section that I mentioned where the PM repeated that a high official in UPP shared the information with him.
    The STUPID part referring to our fellow citizens is still resonating in my mind.
    There is a process to acquire lands in Barbuda for investment to create employment for the citizens. He has explained it all. This topic is not about those things, though.
    When people ask questions, you guys get bent out of shape.
    The PM has been in office for more than ten years, and no charges have been brought by anyone regarding his source of wealth.
    Just street speculation out of political jealousy, malice and a vindictive thought process.
    PM Browne is a political animal, and most of you/us can’t handle his journey in life. I suppose it’s based on his ghetto upbringing and that he’s a local who has risen to great success, to the dismay of many.
    All I can say is that he is doing an awesome job with the support of his cabinet.
    Things are looking up for our twin island nation under his leadership. I will list them on another post.

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