ANTIGUA | Opposition Demands Transparency: PM Browne Urged to Appoint Information Commissioner

ST. JOHNS, Antigua and Barbuda, July 23, 2024 - Opposition Member of Parliament Richard Lewis has called on Prime Minister Gaston Browne to address the delay in appointing an Information Commissioner and to provide clarity on the controversial Gaston Browne III rental deal.

During the May 10th session of Parliament, Prime Minister Browne had committed to bringing a resolution in the subsequent session to confirm Anthony Athill as Information Commissioner. However, the July 18th session passed without any action on this matter.

MP Lewis expressed his concern, stating, "I call on Prime Minister Gaston Browne to explain why he failed to confirm the appointment of the Information Commissioner at the last session of Parliament, and to undertake this process with immediate effect."

Implications for Transparency

The absence of an Information Commissioner for nearly two years has significant implications for government transparency. Lewis emphasized that this vacancy directly impedes the public's ability to access information about government operations, particularly regarding the Friar's Hill Rental Deal involving Gaston Browne III.

"The Information Commissioner is legally responsible for ensuring Ministries and other bodies respond to Freedom of Information requests in the manner that the law prescribes," Lewis explained.

Unanswered FOIA Requests

On April 2nd, Lewis submitted formal requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to several government bodies, including:

• The Ministry of Finance
• The Ministry of Housing, Works, Lands and Urban Renewal
• The West Indies Oil Company (WIOC)

These requests sought information on:

1. WIOC's sale of the property to Gaston Browne III
2. Records of rent payments and property upgrades
3. Re-negotiated lease terms
4. The tendering process
5. Correspondence between involved parties

Despite the FOIA's requirement for responses within 20 working days, Lewis reported that over 90 days have passed without any compliance from the ministries.

Call for Immediate Action

Lewis has called for immediate steps to appoint the Information Commissioner, asserting that PM Browne's failure to do so is "clearly covering up the truth, and fighting against the people's right to information about the activities and expenditures of Government."

The opposition MP has warned that if no action is taken, legal measures will be pursued to ensure the appointment is made, citing the public interest in transparency.

"I further advise the Prime Minister that if no action is taken to appoint the Information Commissioner, legal action will be taken to get to the bottom of this matter," Lewis stated, underscoring the opposition's determination to see this issue resolved.

As the situation unfolds, the public awaits Prime Minister Browne's response to these allegations and calls for increased governmental transparency.