Yida Zhang played significant financial role in ALP’s 2014 election campaign, following UPP rejection, Browne admits

Chinese investor Yida Zhang was a big investor in the Antigua and Labour Party’s 2014 election campaign, according to Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

It was always suspected by the Opposition party, as well as members of the public, that the investor’s financial influence played a significant role in the outcome of the 2014 general elections.

On the weekend, Browne admitted that YIDA funded his party’s campaign after the United Progressive Party Administration would not approve his Special Economic Zone proposal.

Browne says the UPP did not understand the concept of a Special Economic Zone as it was explained to them by the investor, and, accordingly, brushed him off.

He says the Chinese developer later met with him and threw his support behind Browne becoming the country’s next prime minister.