Watts Explains His Role in Duty-Free Controversy, Says He Followed Procedure
Opposition MP Algernon “Serpent” Watts used his Budget Debate contribution to clarify his involvement in the duty-free controversy, telling Parliament that the accusations circulating about him were based on misunderstandings of the approval process.
Watts said his name appeared on the document because his signature was required after the concession had already been approved through the established system.
According to his explanation, he did not initiate the request, did not grant the concession, and did not have the authority to approve or deny it at the stage where his involvement occurred.
He told the House that the public had been led to believe he played a decisive role in granting duty-free benefits, but he said the records show his signature was part of a routine administrative step. Watts maintained that by the time the paperwork reached him, the concession had already moved through the relevant levels of approval.
Watts also pushed back against claims that his conduct reflected any type of favouritism, saying the narrative surrounding the matter ignored how the process actually works. He insisted that he followed the procedure in place and said the controversy arose because critics misunderstood the role he played in the chain of documentation.
He said he chose to address the issue directly because of the level of public attention it received, adding that Budget Week offered the opportunity to clarify his record in full view of the country. Watts told Parliament he acted within the rules and that suggestions of impropriety were unfounded.
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You all too lub confusion in this place
LMAO this SNAKE desperately trying to give people a 6 for a 9. As old people say “if you nah min day, you name wouldn’t call”
Wonder why this same snake refuse to call out the DEALERSHIP involved in this debacle. Wonder if it’s because that dealership keeping his radio station on life support.
Gemma Handy run gone leave him and his paper. He is now both owner and EDITOR of the newspaper!!! Wah can go so Antigua people? Where did the snake get his JOURNALISM DEGREE from?? This is an insult to the reporters who actually studied and take their craft seriously.
10 DUTY FREE????? All now poor people can’t even get 1.
Algernon Watts the Duty Free is in YOUR NAME, not the dealership name.
Serpie really went into to politics for the money and benefits, not because he love PEOPLE!
@ Really
I’m no defender of Serpent here or anyplace But please provide a list of all the reporters in Antigua and Barbuda who actually studied and take their craft seriously.
THERE NO SUCH A THING IN ANTIGUA and BARBUDA: “REALLY”
You want someone to do your work for you and provide you with a list??? you are LAZY like Serpent!!!
I cannot believe what I am hearing. ALGERNON Serpent WATTS is trying to mislead the House about His vehicles. This Guy is really a snake. Serpent and Pringle have UPP members protesting VEHICLE GATE and They are allegedly EMBROILED in the Scandal. These Guys are HYPOCRITES. Hon. Prime Minister,Serpent must repay the taxes of $100,000. Don’t let Him off the hook. Cannot stand Serpent.