标签： Antigua and Barbuda

Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has firmly refuted claims that the government ever held full ownership of Blue Ocean Marine Limited. Addressing Parliament, Browne emphasized that the company has always operated as a public-private partnership, contrary to assertions made by Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle during a recent House of Representatives session. Pringle had questioned why the government’s shareholding appeared to drop from 100 percent to 75 percent within weeks. Browne clarified that the government initially held only 40 percent of the shares, with 51 percent owned by Meridian and 9 percent by Antiguan businessman Connolly Brown, who is unrelated to the Prime Minister. Browne also announced a US$2.5 million investment to increase the government’s stake to approximately 75 percent. This funding will be used to purchase specialized marine equipment, including a dredging barge and support vessel, enhancing the nation’s capacity for coastal and marine development. The Prime Minister further dismissed concerns about potential conflicts with marine rights at Barnacle Point, stating that all necessary environmental and statutory approvals were secured. He highlighted the government’s commitment to expanding the blue economy and ensuring local ownership of critical infrastructure assets, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency and economic empowerment.

Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle and All Saints East and St. Luke MP Richard Lewis have urged the government to increase the constituency allowance, arguing that the current allocation of $2,000 is inadequate to address the needs of their constituents. During a recent parliamentary session, Lewis emphasized that Members of Parliament require sufficient resources to fulfill their duties effectively. He proposed raising the allowance to $5,000, a figure he deemed more realistic for covering community-related expenses. Lewis highlighted the unique challenges faced by Antigua, stating, ‘We don’t have the kind of resources to do what other islands do, but we can do something, and it will benefit all of us.’ He stressed that the issue transcends political affiliations, advocating for fairness and equity for future MPs. Pringle echoed this sentiment, calling for a more equitable distribution of state resources if the allowance is not increased. Both MPs pointed out that the current allowance hampers their ability to assist constituents with minor repairs, community projects, and social support. Prime Minister Gaston Browne acknowledged the concerns and indicated that the request could be reviewed, though he cautioned that any adjustments must align with the country’s fiscal constraints.

In a surprising turn of events, Vice Admiral Alvin Holsey, the head of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), has announced his retirement, effective December 12, 2025. This decision comes just one year into his tenure as commander, raising questions about the timing and underlying reasons for his departure. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the news in a social media post on X, praising Holsey for his 37 years of dedicated service to the US Navy. Holsey, who assumed command in November 2024, previously served as the deputy commander of SOUTHCOM. His retirement follows a series of high-profile military actions in the Caribbean, including multiple strikes against alleged drug cartels and recent operations off the coast of Venezuela. These actions, authorized by President Donald Trump, have drawn scrutiny for their legal ambiguity and strategic implications. Holsey’s departure also coincides with broader leadership changes within the US military, as Hegseth has replaced several senior officers since taking office. In a statement on X, Holsey expressed gratitude for his role, emphasizing the SOUTHCOM team’s contributions to national defense. The US Navy and SOUTHCOM have yet to comment on the circumstances surrounding his retirement.

In a historic display of bipartisan cooperation, opposition and government Members of Parliament in Antigua and Barbuda came together on Thursday to ratify the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA) Agreement and pass the ECCIRA Bill 2025. This landmark legislation formalizes a regional framework designed to harmonize and strengthen oversight of citizenship by investment (CBI) programs across the Eastern Caribbean. The agreement, initially signed in September by Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia, establishes ECCIRA as a centralized authority to regulate and monitor CBI initiatives. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who introduced the measures, hailed the move as a “historic turning point” for the region’s investment migration sector. He emphasized that the framework would set a “global gold standard” for transparency, accountability, and security. The new authority will monitor promoters, agents, and due-diligence providers, maintain a regional register of licensed service providers, enforce sanctions of up to US$250,000 for regulatory breaches, and coordinate with CARICOM IMPACS and other international bodies. Additionally, ECCIRA will promote risk-based auditing, publish annual transparency reports, and spearhead regional training to enhance compliance and investigative capabilities. The governance structure includes a Council of Ministers from each member state and a nine-member board with representatives from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, OECS Commission, and CARICOM IMPACS. Opposition MPs supported the initiative, praising it as essential for protecting the region’s reputation and investor confidence. The unanimous approval of both the treaty and the bill underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to regional cooperation and self-regulation. Prime Minister Browne concluded, “This is about sustainability and protecting our people’s interests. It shows that, as a region, we are capable of integrity, accountability, and collective leadership.”

Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has raised significant concerns in Parliament regarding procedural gaps affecting the operations of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). During the House of Representatives session on October 16, 2025, Pringle emphasized the urgent need for clarity on the committee’s legal standing and the rules governing its oversight functions. He pointed out that the rules of procedure for the PAC, which he presented to Parliament in July, remain unratified. Additionally, the Standing Orders—the official guide to parliamentary operations—do not mention the PAC, creating uncertainty about its proper functioning. Pringle stressed the importance of establishing clear guidelines to ensure the committee’s effectiveness. In response, Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin acknowledged the oversight and committed to initiating a formal review. He assured that the government is dedicated to strengthening the PAC’s framework to enhance transparency and accountability. The PAC, chaired by Pringle, is Parliament’s primary financial oversight body, tasked with scrutinizing government spending to ensure the appropriate use of taxpayers’ money. Pringle has been advocating for public meetings of the PAC to further promote transparency. Benjamin stated that the review process would involve consultations with parliamentary staff and an examination of Hansard records to ensure adherence to proper parliamentary procedures.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a sweeping investigation into the Customs and Revenue Departments in Antigua, following mounting concerns over irregularities and potential corruption. Addressing Parliament, Browne emphasized that the probe will encompass all revenue-collecting entities, aiming to identify systemic weaknesses, eliminate misconduct, and restore public trust in government operations. The investigation will employ both internal audits and external oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability. Browne stated, ‘We are going system-wide, especially within Customs and other revenue areas. There will be further redeployments, rotations, and additional systems, including routine spot checks.’ The Prime Minister also revealed that private citizens will be enlisted to assist in random container inspections alongside customs officials, targeting merchants suspected of underreporting or evading duties. Additionally, the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) will face scrutiny, as the government suspects large entities, including supermarkets, may be bypassing electricity meters, resulting in revenue loss. To oversee these reforms, a ‘revenue czar’ will be appointed to work with the Inland Revenue Department, conducting forensic accounting and strengthening compliance. Browne highlighted the correlation between the cost of goods and duties paid, vowing to use financial statements and import data to verify tax liabilities. This initiative follows recent procedural breaches within government departments, including the Customs Division, which led to redeployments and the resignation of Comptroller of Customs Raju Boddu earlier this week.