Richard Lewis Said: On Thursday February 22, I utilized Prime Minister’s Questions to ask the Prime Minister for details about the property on Friars Hill Road currently housing the Development Control Authority (DCA), The Ministry of Lands and Housing, and the Land Office.CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WHATS APP GROUP
Richard LEWIS
On the question of ownership, he confirmed that his son and an unnamed investment group were the owners of the property.
It is noteworthy that all three offices housed within the building fall under the ministerial portfolio of the Prime Minster’s Wife, Hon. Maria Browne.
The Prime Minister further revealed that the property was occupied by Government offices rent-free.
When asked if the Government had made repairs to the property, he claimed that the improvements to the property cost Government more than the value of the unpaid rent.
However, when asked how much these repairs cost the tax-payers, the Prime Minister said he had no idea.
These revelations pose several important questions:
– Is it appropriate for the Government to be renting property from the Prime Minister’s son, especially without disclosure to the general public?
– Who negotiated the lease; what were the terms of the lease agreement?
– Did any of this go out to tender?
– Was this the most reasonable price space available on the island?
– Did the Government spend a fair amount on the repairs?
– How can the Prime Minister claim that what is owed in rent exceeds what the Government spent on repairs, yet is unable to give even an estimated figure on the cost to the tax-paying public?
This is an unacceptable state of affairs, which reeks of nepotism and warrants further investigation.
Government resources must be spent in a responsible and accountable way, especially by an administration who is raising taxes left and right and center.
Richard S. Lewis MP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WHATS APP GROUP
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua! We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.Contact us at [email protected]
