UPP Political Leader Jamale Pringle
PRESS RELEASE
On behalf of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Political Leader Jamale Pringle is asking that Prime Minister Gaston Browne and the Cabinet explain the commission paid to a serving ambassador in connection with the sale of the Motor Yacht Alfa Nero.
During this week’s post-Cabinet press briefing, the Government’s director-general of communications confirmed that Ambassador Johan Hesse, along with local developer Rufus Gobat, had received a commission of US$450,000, reportedly for securing a buyer during the initial phase of the bidding process, according to media reports.
Alfa Nero
Given this “fresh” information and the Browne Administration’s earlier boasts of transparency in the yacht’s sale, the UPP is asking the Cabinet to explain how the bidders for the public auction were chosen, as well as the role of Port Manager Darwin Telemaque in the sale process.
Political Leader Pringle and the UPP are also questioning whether, under the Browne Administration, it is legal and ethical for an ambassador to earn private commissions on transactions that ostensibly are part of public/government business.
Since this revelation has prompted an inquiry by the Cabinet, the UPP assumes this is not considered standard or acceptable practice. Therefore, it asks what disciplinary action will be taken in this instance and what corrective measures will follow.
Finally, the UPP asks Port Manager Telemaque and Prime Minister Browne, in his capacity as minister of finance, to explain why the process of public auction was abandoned and a private sale for US$40 million was undertaken, along with an indemnity to the long-unidentified buyer.
The Cabinet’s continued claims of transparency and accountability demand answers, MP Pringle says.
The UPP need to go and address their inhouse fighting and stop trying to ride on every story
US$450,000 sound big, yes — but if it wasn’t government money and taxes were paid, why we pretending like it missing from Treasury?
When. Will this end
Boss man. Country man need answers to tings that affecting them on island. Wtf u behind Alfa Nero still.
Ask Anthony about the 2500 acres of land we got overseas.
Ask about backyard farmers and the national snail. Tell me how upp going fix the damn blasted country if I’m to vote for u all.
Stop opposing the damn past. And look towards the future. Damn me fed up fella me fed up a uno.
Stop living in the pass and tell us if election call tomorrow,you are prepare to lead
Ambassadors such as Johann Hesse (who are not heads of mission and do not run embassies or high commissions) do not receive any salary from the government for their work. Johann Hesse has every right to pursue a professional career and earn money from his work.
So wait… if the money was paid from the broker’s commission and declared in the UK, what exactly is the crime? Every week UPP looking for smoke.
We need numbers, dates, and authorizations, not just statements.
Every time something happen, UPP shouting scandal before facts. Antigua tired of politics over everything