Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has called for full disclosure on government spending related to the dredging of St John’s Harbour, questioning the state’s financial ties to the private company Blue Ocean.
Speaking on Observer Radio’s _AM_ programme, the United Progressive Party (UPP) leader said the public has never been shown agreements, audited accounts or shareholder details despite the project stretching back more than a decade.
“The government bought shares in Blue Ocean, yet it continues to pay the same entity to dredge the harbour,” Mr Pringle said. “The people of Antigua and Barbuda cannot get an account of how much has been spent to date.”
He criticised the decision to purchase dredging equipment abroad without presenting feasibility studies or a long-term business plan, describing the move as “a slap in the face” to taxpayers.
The opposition leader also suggested the UPP could seek legal remedies, including an injunction, to halt further spending until Parliament and the public are presented with full financial information.
Mr Pringle also raised concerns over a $100m loan reportedly secured from ACB Caribbean for road works.
He said the borrowing had not been brought before Parliament, leaving unanswered questions about interest rates, collateral and project details.
“Every week there are repairs on newly built roads,” he said. “How can taxpayers be sure they are getting value for money without the information before them?”
Turning to healthcare, Mr Pringle condemned what he described as years of neglect at the Clear View Psychiatric Hospital, citing a 2017 ombudsman’s report that highlighted poor security, staffing shortages and unsafe conditions.
He said it was only after a recent incident involving a foreign student that the Ministry of Health launched an investigation.
“If they were serious about mental health, something would have been done long ago,” Mr Pringle said.
Addressing internal party matters, Mr Pringle responded to recent remarks by UPP Senator Jonathan Joseph, who appeared to back the government’s plan to use Social Security funds in the Jolly Beach resort project.
Mr Pringle acknowledged the comments had unsettled supporters but said the senator had since admitted error and reaffirmed his loyalty to the party.
“We are satisfied he supports the party’s position,” the opposition leader said, adding that the UPP would “weather the storm together.”
