VIDEO: Watts Explains Why His Name Appeared on Duty-Free Document

Opposition MP Algernon “Serpent” Watts used his Budget Debate contribution to clarify his involvement in the duty-free controversy, telling Parliament that the accusations circulating about him were based on misunderstandings of the approval process.

Watts said his name appeared on the document because his signature was required after the concession had already been approved through the established system.

According to his explanation, he did not initiate the request, did not grant the concession, and did not have the authority to approve or deny it at the stage where his involvement occurred.

He told the House that the public had been led to believe he played a decisive role in granting duty-free benefits, but he said the records show his signature was part of a routine administrative step. Watts maintained that by the time the paperwork reached him, the concession had already moved through the relevant levels of approval.

Watts also pushed back against claims that his conduct reflected any type of favouritism, saying the narrative surrounding the matter ignored how the process actually works. He insisted that he followed the procedure in place and said the controversy arose because critics misunderstood the role he played in the chain of documentation.

He said he chose to address the issue directly because of the level of public attention it received, adding that Budget Week offered the opportunity to clarify his record in full view of the country. Watts told Parliament he acted within the rules and that suggestions of impropriety were unfounded.

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