UPP Demands Accountability Over $75 Million Diversion to Jolly Beach Resort

Published
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle

The United Progressive Party (UPP) is actively investigating the government’s recent decision to divert $75 million from the Social Security Scheme to the Jolly Beach Resort.

Party leader and Chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Jamale Pringle, who spoke to local media, emphasized the need for accountability in the management of public funds.

Pringle highlighted a troubling trend in government contributions to Social Security, noting that while they are supposed to provide $50 million annually, they frequently fall short, contributing less than half of that amount.

He underscored the potential consequences for citizens upon retirement, warning that a lack of profitable investments from Social Security assets could lead to insufficient funds in the future.

“Citizens need to rise up against a government that’s misallocating public resources, especially when private investors are steering clear of these ventures,” Pringle cautioned.

whatsapp-group-names-for-family-friends (1)

He questioned the Prime Minister’s claim of achieving $4 million in profits within a year and the prospect of reaching $8 million, calling for a more transparent approach.

In addition, Pringle raised concerns regarding the government’s recent $100 million loan for road repairs. He pointed out the absence of clear financial reports detailing how funds have been spent on road projects over the last four to five years. “It’s essential to understand the utilization of these funds and the specific agreements that are in place,” he noted, referencing the visible roadwork on the Sir Sydney Walling Highway.

The PAC, under Pringle’s direction, held a meeting on Thursday, July 3rd, with all members present. However, the session was cut short due to concerns about insufficient preparation and the lack of necessary documentation required for effective oversight of government spending.

Information taken from article published by Newsco.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/07/06/upp-demands-accountability-over-75-million-diversion-to-jolly-beach-resort. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

Step 1

Add Antigua.news to your Home Screen

✕ antigua.news ⋯ Open in Safari Copy link Share…

First, open this page in Safari

You are reading inside another app (Instagram, Facebook…). Tap ⋯ at the top right and choose Open in Safari (or Open in browser).

No such option? Copy the link, open Safari and paste it in the address bar.

⚙️ Settings General › Software Update

Update your iPhone first

Alerts need iOS 16.4 or newer. Open Settings → General → Software Update and install the update. You can still add the icon now: tap Next.

‹ antigua.news ⋯

Tap the ⋯ button

It is at the bottom right of Safari, next to the address bar. Don't see the bar? Scroll up a little.

Share Add Bookmark New Tab Find on Page

Tap Share

It is the first option of the menu, with a square-and-arrow icon.

antigua.news ‹ › ▢ ⧉

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow pointing up, in the middle of the bar at the bottom (on iPad: at the top right).

antigua.news

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow, at the right of the address bar at the top. (Firefox: tap ☰ at the bottom, then Share.)

Copy Add to Reading List Add to Home Screen

Tap Add to Home Screen

Scroll down the list to find it (icon: a square with a +). Not there? Tap Edit Actions or View More at the bottom.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news Open as Web App

Keep Open as Web App on, then tap Add

The switch must be green — without it, alerts can't work. Then tap Add at the top right.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news An icon will be added to your Home Screen so you can quickly access this website.

Tap Add

At the top right. If you see an Open as Web App switch, leave it on (green).

Antigua.news

Close the browser and open Antigua.news from its new icon

Go to your Home Screen: the Antigua.news icon is there now (swipe left if you don't see it). Alerts only work when you open us from this icon.

“Antigua.news” Would Like to Send You Notifications Notifications may include alerts, sounds and icon badges. Don’t Allow Allow

Tap 🔔 Turn on alerts, then Allow

In the app you will see a red box asking to turn on alerts: choose your sections, tap the button, then tap Allow. That's it — breaking news will reach you even with the phone locked.

Editorial Staff

About the author

The Editorial Staff refers to all reporters employed by Antigua.news. When an article is not an original creation of Antigua.news—such as when it is based on a press release, other media articles, letters to the editor, or court decisions—one of our staff members is responsible for overseeing its publication.

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (8)

  • Faithful national #1 July 6, 2025, 10:43 AM

    So, finally, you’ve found a tree you could climb!!! I’m so embarrassed by you each and every mood that tears are wasted in you. In the history of Antigua and Barbuda, you will be recorded as the biggest dumb-ass ever to emerge as this nation’s potential liberator…..and, sadly, the blackest of them all, thereby confirming the stereotypes held of black Catibbbeam leadership currently held and upheld by neo-colonialists still alive and thriving amongst us!
    Reply
    • ¡VIVA GAston! July 6, 2025, 5:53 PM

      @Faithful National #1. You need not say anymore. Well said!!!
      Reply
    • Stone July 7, 2025, 6:26 AM

      and that my friends exposes the big difference between qualification and favouritism in the workplace ..moving right along..
      Reply
  • informed Citizen July 6, 2025, 9:26 PM

    If private backers are pulling back, why plunge more public money in? The market is speaking. Are we listening or just wishing?”
    Reply
  • Antigua Surf July 7, 2025, 8:01 AM

    Diverting $75 million from the Social Security Scheme, a fund meant to protect workers in their retirement, for a high-risk tourism investment is not just financially reckless, it’s morally indefensible. This government is gambling with the future of the working class. To add with that, year after year, the government fails to meet its own obligation to the Social Security Board. Paying less than half of the promised $50 million? But somehow they find millions to pour into ventures private investors won’t touch. That’s not vision, that’s negligence. What we are looking at now is not a government managing public funds, it’s a government dodging scrutiny. The Prime Minister boasts of profits at Jolly Beach, but the books remain closed. If these deals are so successful, why hide the details?
    Reply
  • Devorn Carter July 7, 2025, 8:04 AM

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne made a strategic decision to rescue and revive Jolly Beach, not for profit’s sake, but to protect hundreds of jobs and restore a vital pillar of the tourism sector. The $75 million from Social Security was not a gamble, it was a calculated investment in national recovery. What Pringle should be studying is the mess the United Progressive Party had us in for years! All of a sudden he wants to bamba? Trying to play with the big boys? Chihuahuas aren’t allowed in the Junkyard of big dogs! Take a seat in the house Pringle
    Reply
  • Juju Bee July 7, 2025, 8:14 AM

    For one I can say the man doing his job. If you have concerns I hope you find clarity
    Reply
  • Tommy Hilfiger July 8, 2025, 2:49 PM

    Pringle give up already. Time is up. Time is expired. Move on
    Reply

Submit a comment

More from Antigua and Barbuda

View section