‘Big show’ on Friday as auction of Alfa Nero is to be conducted on State TV for the purpose of ‘transparency,’ officials say
The Browne Administration will be going ahead with the sale of the
Alfa Nero this Friday, June 16, despite the filing of objections by at
least two other parties who are claiming financial interests in, or
ownership of, the vessel.
However, unlike other auctions conducted in Antigua and
Barbuda, this one will be carried out live, via State television, for the
purpose of transparency, Government officials say.
Reports say that three persons will oversee the process, which is to
be conducted at the Treasury Department. They include a member
of the clergy, a member of the judiciary, and an ordinary person.
Officials explain that the bids will be placed in a safe after they are
received, and this safe will then be unlocked by the accountant-
general only.
Months ago, the Administration reported that it had received more
than 20 bids; however, it had not yet selected a winner because due
diligence on each of the bidders had not been completed.
Since then, Port Manager Darwin Telemaque has confirmed that a
number of persons expressing interest in the vessel have passed the
due-diligence assessment.
The highest bid will then be given to Telemaque – who has had
control of the vessel since the Administration moved to acquire it –
and he will make the official announcement of the winner.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has said that the Government
expects to receive approximately US$60 million from the sale of the
yacht.
If within seven days the winner does not make good on his payment
to the Government, then he will forfeit his bid; and the second-
highest bidder would become eligible to own the vessel, the
disputed property of a Russian oligarch.
The highly anticipated auction of the Alfa Nero will take place at 10
a.m. on Friday, after which the Nation will know who the purchaser
is and how much money the Treasury has received for it.
The Administration has indicated that some of the funds will be
used to settle payments due to the vessel’s captain and crew; its
creditors; and marina fees. Reportedly, it was costing local
taxpayers US$28,000 weekly just to maintain the crew.
The vessel had been docked in a harbour in Falmouth since
February 2022, and initial reports said it was owned by Russian
oligarch Andrey Guryev. The United States recently lifted its
sanctions on the vessel, paving the way for its sale.
Meanwhile, some residents are asking why the Browne
Administration is putting on “this big show” for the sale, saying it
could be just another smoke-and-mirrors display.
Others say that, in spite of the appearance of transparency, the
proceeds might turn out to be like the Lazarenko money – received,
but with no one knowing how it was spen
