The selection process by which the government will select the highest bidder to
move on to purchase the super yacht, Alfa Nero, will start on Saturday.
That is when the legal requirements provided by the amendment to the Antigua
Port Authority Act prior to the sale of the vessel, would have been met.
This is the explanation coming from the Attorney General, Steadroy Benjamin.
“The Port Manager who is responsible for the process, will begin opening the bids
on Saturday, following the expiration of the ten day-notice for anyone who has an
interest in the vessel to come forward and claim it; as well as the notice of the
proposed sale being advertised in the international media. We want to ensure that
all the legal hurdles are crossed, before we proceed with the eventual sale of the
vessel,” he stated.
The amendments passed by parliament in March, authorize the Port Manager
(Darwin Telemaque) to determine that the vessel has been abandoned, allowing the
government to take control and to proceed with the sale to satisfy outstanding
creditors and the crew members, as well as the local marina for mooring charges.
Point Express newspaper has been reliably informed that the outstanding amounts
that are owed, total approximately $12 million.
Telemaque will conduct the process and make a determination based on who
presents the highest bid. He has indicated that there has been strong interest by
several individuals to purchase the Alfa Nero.
After the vessel is sold, it will have its name changed and will be presented with a
‘flag’ or registry allowing it to be able to traverse international waters.
