PM Browne Labels Sandals’ Legal Action as Unnecessary Aggression
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has criticized Sandals Resorts’ decision to take legal action against the government, describing it as an act of aggression that undermines opportunities for dialogue and mutual resolution.
His remarks came during his appearance on the Browne and Browne show on Pointe FM, where he addressed ongoing tensions between the government and the regional hotel giant.
Browne expressed disappointment at Sandals’ confrontational approach, suggesting that the resort’s actions were unnecessarily adversarial. “Taking the government to court should not be the first recourse,” he said, emphasizing that disputes could be resolved amicably through dialogue.
While the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fairness and collaboration, he stressed that legal battles only complicate matters. “We’re willing to speak and try to resolve the issue,” Browne said, reiterating his openness to constructive discussions with Sandals’ management.
Browne characterized the court action as an unhelpful escalation, urging Sandals to align with national interests and prioritize fair treatment of workers. “This kind of aggression does not serve the workers, the industry, or the country,” he said.
He appealed to all stakeholders, including unions and the public, to join the government in advocating for better labor practices and transparency across the hospitality sector. Browne also called on Sandals to demonstrate greater corporate responsibility by resolving disputes outside the courtroom.
Despite the legal challenges, Browne expressed hope that the government and Sandals could find common ground. He underscored the importance of constructive engagement to ensure that the interests of workers, the hospitality industry, and the country are safeguarded.
“We value Sandals as a key player in our tourism sector,” Browne said. “But aggression and confrontation are not the way forward. We need solutions that work for everyone, especially the people of Antigua and Barbuda.”
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After attacking Sandals for at least a period of two weeks; after accusing the company of serious wrongdoing; after comparing the company to plantation owners during slavery; and after accusing the company of failure to upgrade a section of the property while benefitting from concessions, all of a sudden the Prime Minister thinks that the differences could be resolved through private dialogue rather than resorting to the Courts.
The company, it appears, took the matter to the Court, in order to get justice and defend its reputation. Instead of accusing the company of hostility the Prime Minister now has an opportunity to establish whether there was justification for his attacks on the company.
Let us wait for the outcome.
I am now wondering why the PM did not call Sandals management have a firm talk with them before castigated them publicly. I think there is a saying luv so no hab so or some such thing
These stories are starting to get a bit monotonous I’m afraid. Every day its the same song it seems.
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