Adam Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of Sandals Resorts International
Adam Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of Sandals Resorts International, is challenging comments by the Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda, Gaston Browne, that the company has been demanding heavy concessions.
The Sandals CEO, seeking to refute allegations made by the Prime Minister, suggested that Browne should challenge his assertions in court.
Stewart added that, if the saga reaches that point, his company will have data to dispel the allegations.
According to a statement issued by Sandals Resorts, there is no question of the hotel chain ever withholding taxes legally due and payable, and therefore there is nothing for the government to write off.
It said the tax has been computed exactly as it was written in the concession agreement granted to Sandals.
Browne has for months accused the Jamaica-based company of unjustifiably asking for long concessionary periods, a request he says cannot be sustained in the twin-island country's economy.
The Prime Minister said, throughout the region, the tourism industry has had to struggle because hoteliers are extracting too many concessions.
Sandals has operated in Antigua since 1991, becoming one of the largest private sector employers on the island.
Stewart said Sandals has made a concerted effort to employ Antiguans at every level of operations and favours using local products and services.
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