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By Deslyn A Joseph
The United Progressive Party (UPP) has sharply criticized the current government over long-standing concerns surrounding the YIDA International Investment Holdings Limited investment and recent parliamentary actions.
During an interview on Observer media, the UPP’s Acting Public Relations Officer Johnathan Wehner expressed strong disapproval of what he describes as the administration’s continued failure to deliver on promises and the questionable handling of the Yida project, which he labels as a “failure” after more than a decade.
Wehner began by addressing recent developments in Parliament, specifically the Speaker of the House’s decision to expunge an MP’s contribution from Hansard, the official verbatim record of parliamentary proceedings. He condemned the move as an “unacceptable breach of parliamentary norms,” emphasizing that Hansard is a sacred record that must remain intact, especially when it includes information already in the public domain, such as government press briefings and Gazette publications.
The Opposition’s spokesperson starkly criticized the Speaker’s actions, asserting they reflect bias and undermine parliamentary democracy. “The scales must be balanced. The Speaker’s decision to strike an entire contribution because of a source document that is widely circulated and publicly accessible is unjustified and out of order,” Wehner said.
He announced that the UPP plans to report the incident to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and called on the Speaker to revoke his directive and issue an apology.
Moving to the Yida project, Wehner renewed criticism of the government’s failure to fulfill its promises. Prime Minister Gaston Browne had previously announced that Yida would invest heavily in Antigua and Barbuda, pouring in up to $200 million annually—totaling $2 billion over 10 years—and transforming the economic landscape. However, Wehner sharply asserted, “Eleven years later, there has been no development at the Yida Special Economic Zone, no meaningful investment, and no tangible benefits to the people of Antigua.”
He referenced the numerous promises made before the 2014 election and contrasted them with the reality: “There has been nothing but empty declarations and failed projects. Yida remains a ghost town with no real contribution to our economy or job creation.” Additionally, he voiced concerns over the government’s continued concessions to Yida, including exemption from all taxes—corporate, income, import duties, and more—even as the project languishes.
Wehner also highlighted the sale of Antigua’s passports through Yida, criticizing the renewal of Yida’s CIP license despite its failures and legal troubles.
“Yida is now licensed to sell our passports internationally, including in China, despite having unresolved legal issues and a record of failure. This jeopardizes our reputation and security at a time when international scrutiny on citizenship-by-investment programs is increasing,” he warned.
He called on citizens to be vigilant and urged them to protect their rights. “If this doesn’t outrage you, then what will? People rely on Social Security, and our passports should represent our sovereignty and integrity, not a passport handed out to failed investors.”
Throughout his remarks, Wehner emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and a shift towards real economic development that benefits the genuine interests of the people of Antigua and Barbuda. He concluded with a call for citizens to become more engaged and to demand better leadership from those entrusted with their future.
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