From Prime Minister Gaston Browne in a Facebook post
Ministry of Works took custody of these buildings located on Friars Hill Rd, rent
free in 2021. The Lessor (IF), gave notice to one its retail tenants and a storage
tenant to vacate a portion of the building, resulting in loss of revenue.
Ministry of Works rents from all and sundry irrespective of their political
affiliation. Whenever the government rents a building, the leasehold improvements
are paid for by the government and the monthly rent for building is also payable.
In this case, IF, rented the building for $1.00 monthly $12 per year. The
commercial rent would have been in the region of $70K monthly (84K) @ $5 per
square foot, which is the standard rental rate that government pays.
2.5 years later, the ministry still enjoys rent free occupancy of the building;
significantly exceeding the costs of the improvements.
The lessor evidently has not benefited from any revenue from the government; but
instead, lost revenues from the previous rentals.
Richard, the government has been the beneficiary of a rent-free space for 2.5 years
and continuing.
Where is the legal, ethical or moral violation Richard?
PS. When you were paid $1.5M by the UPP administration, of which you were an
executive member, to publish a third-rate IT text book; what do you call that
Richard? Cronyism?
Why didn’t you go through the tender process for the contract; recognizing that all
contracts over $20K by law, had to go to tender?
Despite your chicanery; Pringle shall defeat you. You are seeking spotlight for
your convention contest, but your efforts shall fail.
You’re not ready!
In fact, Michael Joseph will defeat you. In the unlikely event you become the UPP
leader; you will be yet another UPP leader who loses his seat.
You’re not ready.
Editor’s Note: This issue arose at the last meeting of the House f Representatives
when during the Questions to the Prime Minister segment, the Representative for
St. John’s Rural West, Richard Lewis, posed a question inquiring about
arrangements for the building on Friar’s Hill Road that currently houses the
Ministry of Works. On Thursday, PM Browne took to social media to provide
additional information on the arrangement regarding the lease of the building.
