Prime Minister Gaston Browne

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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 !