Antigua PM warns Sandals of compulsory takeover if it shuts down local operations

Antigua & Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has warned Jamaica-based Sandals Resorts International that if it decides to close down its operation in the country, his government will move to Parliament for its compulsory operation and sale of the property to another investor.

This is the latest in the ongoing battle between Sandals Resorts and the Browne administration over claims that the hotel owes in excess of EC$24 million in taxes it collected for the periods 2017 and 2021.

Speaking on his weekend radio programme, Prime Minister Browne also warned Sandals that the government would take to Parliament legislation amending the Companies Act that would hold asset-owning entities liable for the payment of severance and ensuring that it becomes a first charge on properties in liquidation cases.