The House of Representatives has approved several amendments to the Antigua
Port Authority Act paving the way for the government to proceed with the sale of
the super yacht, the Alfa Nero, which has been moored in the Falmouth Harbour
for over a year.
The House proceeded with the debate on the matter given its urgency despite a
walkout staged by the Leader of the Opposition, Jamale Pringle (see accompanying
story).
PM Browne noted that the vessel was among several sanctioned by American and
UK authorities suspected of belonging to Russian oligarchs following Russia’s
invasion of Ukraine just over a year ago. “The Alfa Nero is an abandoned vessel;
most of the crew have left, it has racked up huge bills for fuel and supplies to local
merchants and it now poses a national security risk,” the prime minister declared.
He reported to the House that the captain of the vessel informed the government
that the remaining crew members – down to five from more than forty – plan to
leave the vessel in a matter of days. Additionally, he added that the operators of the
vessel have withdrawn their services and its presence in the harbour poses a
national security risk; that is both as an environmental risk and a tourism risk.
PM Browne went into some detail to explain the risks. Firstly, the engines of the
vessel have to be kept running, thus requiring a constant flow of fuel. Then, it is
uninsured, if anything happens while it is moored in the harbour, it could damage
other vessels moored there, creating a huge liability for the government. If for
some reason it should sink while in the harbour, that would create a nightmare for
the government, as it could harm the yachting sector for as much as ten years.
According to the prime minister, the government had no choice but to move
quickly to get the vessel sold to settle outstanding amounts and to place the
remainder in the national treasury.
He also informed the House that the vessel is deteriorating daily and while it was
once valued at US$80 million, a recent evaluator placed it at US$48 million.
The government is asking the House for permission to reduce the required notice
period from 60 to 10 days, noting that there are at least six persons or entities who
have expressed an interest in purchasing the vessel at an auction. “We will accept
the highest bidder,” PM Browne told the House.
Representative for St Paul, E.P Chet Greene noted that he has received daily
complaints from residents of the area about the vessel’s presence in the harbour.
He added that there are concerns, especially with the fact that sailing Week is just
over a month away. He advised that there are reports that the sewage from the
vessel is not properly treated and this poses an environmental risk, especially given
the fact that a reverse osmosis plant is located at nearby Pigeon Point.
Tourism Minister, Charles Fernandez, Utilities Minister, Melford Nicholas and the
Attorney General all rose to express their support for the government’s action.
Following amendments and additions at the committee stage the Bill was
eventually passed by the House.
