MP Pringle calls on PM Browne to come clean on alleged hefty commission for ‘secret’ sale of Alfa Nero

Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle is calling on Prime Minister Gaston Browne and
the Members of Cabinet to come clean on the current negotiations regarding the sale
of the Alfa Nero, says.

According to Pringle, reliable sources have alleged that the recent “gag order” placed
on discussions about the yacht sale is intended to prevent leaks about a
controversial commission fee to be paid to unidentified persons.

In a press statement released this afternoon, June 26, Pringle reported the allegation
that the Administration is considering a commission fee that is higher than 50
percent of the vessel’s expected US$50 million sale price – in order to get the vessel
off its hands.

“MP Pringle says he is forced to believe these reports, given that Government
Spokesperson Lionel ‘Max’ Hurst has said the public is to be kept out of the loop in
order not to jeopardize the negotiations.”

The statement continues: “The Opposition Leader asserts that, since the acquisition
of the vessel was public business, and the upkeep of the yacht and crew salaries are
paid by the public purse, then the public – all taxpayers and voters – has the right to
know.

“Accordingly, in the interest of the public, whom the Browne Administration is duty-
bound to serve and to keep informed, the Opposition Leader calls on Prime Minister
Browne to remove the cloak of secrecy and silence that shrouds this transaction.”

The United Progressive Party political leader notes that “the people have been
shouldering the financial burden of the vessel’s maintenance – and the millions in
legal fees that continue to accumulate.”

Accordingly, he says, “the people do not deserve to be presented with a ‘done deal’
that leaves them at a disadvantage.”

Meanwhile, pundits are warning the public that the Administration’s refusal to
discuss these negotiations amounts to the Cabinet trampling on the people’s right to
information that affects them.

They are asking whether Anthony Athill, reportedly tipped to be the new
information commissioner, has actually been given his instruments of appointment
and taken up office, as this matter demands ventilation in the public domain.