PM Browne responds to Richard Lewis

Ministry of Works took custody of these buildings located on Friars Hill Rd, rent free in 2021.

The Lessor (If) Antigua Inc) gave notice to one its retail tenants and a storage tenant to vacate a portion of the building, resulting in loss of revenue.

Ministry of Works rents from all and sundry irrespective of their political affiliation. Whenever the government rents a building, the leasehold improvements are paid for by the government and the the monthly rent for building is also payable.

In this case, IF, rented the building for $1.00 monthly $12 per year. The commercial rent would have been in the region of $70K monthly (840K annually) @ $5 per square foot, which is the standard rental rate that government pays.

2.5 years later, the ministry still enjoys rent free occupancy of the building; significantly exceeding the costs of the improvements.

The lessor evidently has not benefited from any revenue from the government; but instead lost revenues from the previous rentals.

Richard, the government has been the beneficiary of a rent free space for 2.5 years and continuing.

Where is the legal, ethical or moral violation Richard ?

When you were paid $1.5M by the UPP administration, of which you were an executive member, to publish a third rate IT text book; what do you call that Richard ? Cronyism ?

Why didn’t you go through the tender process for the contract; recognizing that all contracts over $20K by law, had to go to tender?

Despite your chicanery; Pringle shall defeat you. You are seeking spotlight for your convention contest, but your efforts shall fail.

You’re not ready !

In fact, Michael Joseph will defeat you. In the unlikely event you become the UPP leader, you will be yet another UPP leader who loses his seat.

You’re not ready !