UPP Says Cabinet Should Clarify Statement on Alfa Nero Commission Paid to Diplomat

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.

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.