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ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Three former government ministers, including the leader of the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP), Harold Lovell, will re-appear in the High Court on June 14 on charges relating to the donation of three buses to the Antigua and Barbuda government.
Apart from Lovell, the otters charged are former education minister Dr Jacqui Quinn and former deputy prime minister Wilmoth Daniel.
They are accused of corruption, conversion and embezzlement in relation to three Daewoo buses worth over EC$600 000 (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) that were donated to the former UPP administration by the government of South Korea.
Bus conversion matter to be called in High Court today
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The bus conversion saga involving former finance minister Harold Lovell and two of his former United Progressive Party (UPP) colleagues, Dr Jacqui Quinn and Wilmoth Daniel, will come up before a High Court judge this morning, when the trio will enter their plea.
The three former cabinet ministers are accused of corruption, conversion and embezzlement in relation to three Daewoo buses worth over $600,000 that had been donated to the former UPP administration by the Government of Korea.
The trio had been accused of converting the buses for their personal use and had them registered at the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board in their names, while they were in public office.
Wontumi is a braggart, he has not fully paid my 10% -Odike
The Kumasi-based businessman cum politician, Akwasi Addai of Odike Ventures fame, has countered claims by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), that he paid 10% to take over a road contract from him.
Reacting to the claim by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, the founder of the United Front Party (UFP) and United Progressive Party (UPP), explained that Wontumi only made a commitment to pay him (Odike) 10% of the contract sum if he would be allowed to execute it.
Odike, 57, told The Chronicle on phone that Chairman Wontumi approached him with his lawyer and proposed in the presence of the Feeder Roads boss, Mr. Duodu, to pay him 10% of the contract sum upon taking over the contract.
Sleep on and take your rest, Brother Michael
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It was with a great deal of grief that we heard of the passing of our dear friend and brother, Michael Burton. For many of us, it was as if time stood still, as we paused to ponder the life and times of a true warrior, a soldier’s soldier, a fallen comrade in arms.
After serving with honour and distinction in the US military, Michael returned to Antigua and Barbuda where he eventually took over the running of his dad’s business interests on Independence Avenue. Under his stewardship, the businesses thrived. As a military veteran, he was a straight-shooter, scrupulously honest and hardworking. He called it as he saw it, looking you right in the eye, with a firm no-nonsense handshake. For Michael, his word was his bond.
Political opponent expresses condolences to Burton’s family
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“Before Michael Burton was my political rival, he was my friend and protégé. I am truly sorry to learn of his passing,” Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney-General, Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin said on hearing of the death of Michael Burton.
Burton died Thursday at a facility in the US after ailing for some time. He was a candidate in the 2018 general elections on a United Progressive Party ticket in the St John’s City South Constituency against Benjamin, the current representative.
In expressing his condolences to Burton’s family and friends, Benjamin recalled that “Michael was a member of ‘Cutie’s Ovals OJ’, one of three basketball teams that I had established. He also worked with me in my constituency, and I was very fond of him”.