UPP says this is not the time and Arthur Thomas is not the man to head ABEC
The United Progressive Party (UPP) again places on record its objection to the appointment of attorney Arthur Thomas as chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC).
On January 24, the Party stated its reasons for the objection, foremost among them questions about Thomas’ integrity in the wake of his two recent resignations.
On account of his association with Sam Bankman-Fried, the convicted founder of the failed cryptocurrency giant FTX, Mr. Thomas has had to resign his positions with the Caribbean Union Bank (CUB) and the Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission.
Accordingly, the UPP asks again: “If his connection to these entities was enough for him to resign, why should he head the body charged with safeguarding the practice of fair elections?”
The Party insists that the position at ABEC demands not only personal integrity but the ability to engender the trust of the Nation. And given the recent events – as well as the upcoming trial of Mr. Bankman-Fried on matters involving his foreign holdings – this is not the time and Mr. Thomas is not the man.
Political Leader Jamale Pringle notes that the late John Jarvis, the former ABEC chairman, enjoyed the respect and esteem of a wide cross-section of the society. However, at this point in Thomas’ career, the same cannot be said of the attorney.
The Leadership of the United Progressive Party says it will continue to object – in all national, regional and international forums – to Mr. Thomas’ appointment, which reportedly will take place on Friday morning, February 16.
It also appeals to Thomas, himself, in the interest of preserving the integrity of the office and in fostering public trust in ABEC, to decline this appointment.
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I agree 💯
@The Peeping Tom…help me to Peep Dis Ya!
Since you can peep #Peeps more than me, am I seeing(peeping double) regarding his hankerchief, silk panties, in his suit jacket top pocket, on the right side?
A new style? Head’s on backwards?
Suit’s on backwards?
Help me out here.
MR. Thomas you will do a wonderful job with the ABEC.
Interesting Jamal Pringle sounds like a true leader….
Picketing time…but the appointment is today…!
Baldwin Spencer was accused of receiving bribe money from John Ashe
The accusation was never ratified in a court, should former PM Baldwin Spencer be barred from participating in anything because of that accusation?
UPP really sick.
This man is a lawyer and has a right to have any client.
I agree 1 million percent. He is also lazy and incompetent. Why does Gaston Browne keep recycling the same comrades? Is Gaston out of ideas?
Gaston Browne isn’t “out of ideas” as you put it @ Truth Seeker.
I suggest he’s far from it.
I believe that this appointment of Arthur Thomas will ensure the continuation of the transference of constituents votes into unsafe ABLP Districts.
GASSSSSTON KNOWS WHAT HE DOING…
Wow… I didn’t know Mr. Thomas is in so much hot water. I thought he only had domestic issues. Welp
I fully agree that Thomas should not accept the Appointment for the following reasons:
1. Thomas’ recent resignations due to his association with Sam Bankman-Fried, the convicted founder of FTX, raise questions about his integrity.
2. His connection to entities like Caribbean Union Bank (CUB) and the Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission, from which he resigned, suggests potential conflicts of interest.
3. The position of chairman at ABEC demands not only personal integrity but also the ability to garner trust from the nation, which Thomas may not currently possess.
4. The timing of his appointment, amidst ongoing legal matters involving Sam Bankman-Fried’s foreign holdings, raises concerns about potential distractions from his duties.
5. Thomas lacks the widespread respect and esteem enjoyed by the late John Jarvis, the former ABEC chairman, which may affect his effectiveness in the role.
6. The objections raised by the United Progressive Party indicate a lack of confidence in Thomas’ suitability for the position.
7. The party’s intention to object to Thomas’ appointment in various forums suggests broader concerns about his ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the role.
8. Accepting the appointment could further undermine public trust in ABEC, particularly in light of recent events and controversies surrounding Thomas’ associations.
9. Declining the appointment would demonstrate Thomas’ commitment to preserving the integrity of the office and fostering public trust in ABEC.
10. Given the circumstances and objections raised, it would be prudent for Thomas to reconsider his acceptance of the appointment in the best interest of the institution and the nation.
This is something that should have broader consultations. The UPP’s objections appear to be genuine. This appointment should someone that’s well respected, regardless of Party affiliations.
To your point, Harold Lovell was also retained as the attorney representing one of the main players “Luis Franca” Meinl Bank – Brazil Oldebrecht Saga. I would want to believe that he did so in good faith.
So, do you really believe that attorney, Arthur Thomas would have entered into an arrangement with the FTX players while rear of the world bought into the crypto-currency with Sam Bankman-Freid at the helm?
His resignation proves that in his innocence, he thought it wise to separate himself from the financial institutions in order to allow them to maintain their credibility with the foreign exchange markets.
At times, we pick fights about issues that are pointless. He, just as the late, admired John Jarvis will not be working without oversight as there are many levels to the ABEC’s construct.
Does the opposition wish to make the selection?
Things will be fine.
If The UPP had made a strong case with clarity addressing Mr. Thomas’ lack of judgement and integrity and the time he was forced to resign due to the scandal from both the Sam Bankman-Fried, the failed cryptocurrency giant FTX; and the conflicting positions he held; the voting public would know Mr. Thomas is not fit for purpose.
Instead tge UPP sat back in glee.
It is unlikely that the PM Browne would be nominated him for this critical role if the UPP had educated the public about the nefarious nature of Mr. Thomas’ dealings.
Gaston is well ware that Mr. Thomas is damaged goods. That is the reason the public is presented his long curriculum vitae and community service.
Unlike the New Chairman of LIAT (2020) Ltd. appeared before the Cabinet to seek support for the use of Government’s property occupied formerly by LIAT (1974) Ltd.
We don’t know shit about him, the new Chairman while he is responsible for leading an operation for which tax payers are undertaking over $60 million in debt
Air Peace gets 70% of LIAT 2020 while only supplying the same number of planes. Two from Air Peace and two by LIAT.
What’s up with that?
UPP as a political party should be asking those questions. Not coming from the Party Leader. We know he did not craft the statement.
Even if they were to appoint Jesus Christ to chair ABEC, the UPP would still find a way to object.
UPP prefer he had killed someone in order to “qualify”???
@Carter
Given the individuals who are supposed to be the representatives of Christ on earth and in Antigua, who are in bed with Gaston.
They the Church Leaders have degraded Christ to the point where such an objection may be justified.
Christ looked out for the poor people, Church Leaders in Antigua and Barbuda are bed with The Creative Enrichment Mob.
They pray over the Creative Enrichment Mob sessions every week call Cabinet.
If that’s what Christ represents in Antigua and Barbuda it makes all the sense in Antigua and Barbuda to object.
It’s claimed that TESSA BARTHLEY was obsessed with SHERFIELD BOWEN.
Is there a TESSA ghost who remains obsessed?
Or is there a sick individual hanging around obsessed?
Would indeed be helpful if we could get consensus on these important positions. Sadly, many such positions are myriad in politics and getting the buy in of both sides of the political divide is usually difficult and perhaps impossible in our politically divisive environment.
The DOMINICAN QUEEN CONTESTANT got concensus from anyone before using the credit cards?
@ Audley Phillip,
I tend to agree with you. We may both hold similar idealist wishes for our country. We have been a divided nation for a long-long time. Even before we became a nation. It does not mean we have to stay that way.
The selfish culture is now engrained and cannot be easily dismantled. Those who are most affected are the lease likely to take action: but they can.
How?
Civil Societies can bring about change. Unfortunately, they are all in bed with the powers that be.
Until the powerless poor people; demand their faith Leaders (The Ecumenical Leaders) stand up and take public stands on subjects such as this; for fairness and integrity in public service we will remain myriad in corruptive practices.
@Well well well
Whoever you are with no backbone but want to get your two cents worth of stupidity in.
Do you even understand the issue?
You are obviously looking for attention or have a gripe.
Don’t be faceless if you are looking for attention!
When will these dubious appointments stop?
A conflict of interest, if ever there was one. The links between Arthur Thomas, and his resignations from the banks, doesn’t augur well. This stinks to high heaven. STIIINKKSSS!!!
WHY IS BAD PRACTICES REWARDED TO CRONIES AND THOSE WHO CANNOT DO THEIR JOBS PROPERLY?
Keep digging UPP, something will stick soon on these basket cases … it’s just a matter of time!
@Brixton
Dubious appointments will continue, for when Prime Minister Gaston Browne boasted on his Pointe radio station; and explained his strategy to transfer voters across Constituency lines;in order to rig the votes in the last elections
The late John Jarvis, the former ABEC chairman sat on his hands and did not lift a finger, and UPP is wishing for a person with similar characteristics to be made Chairman of ABEC.
No wonder that PM Gaston Browne do as he please without consequences.
If UPP had pushed for either an investigation or for a rerun; it could have resulted in a SMS type rerun result.
Another pay check for a COMRADE.Gaston,you better know when to fold them.Do you think this person would be doing your bidding.Like transference of Voters from your Constituency into others.If his Law Practice is doing well.Why would he need this work.
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