Local contractors in ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA are reporting that the country's Attorney General, STEADROY OLIVERO BENJAMIN, has told them that, if they undertake the new prison project in Antigua, as well as the proposed airport in Barbuda, they will be required to pad their contracts with additional sums, in essence kickbacks or bribes, to get the business, which will be covertly paid over to AG Benjamin, as a condition of their engagement. Inasmuch as the funding is being provided by the government of the United Kingdom, this arrogant payment demand constitutes a serious violation of the UK BRIBERY ACT.
Benjamin, who our sources confirm was previously implicated in major passport fraud violations in Antigua, and only escaped criminal charges by virtue of his remaining in government, has been repeatedly linked to corrupt actions regarding the administration of justice in the two island nation, including delaying the MEHUL CHOKSI extradition in local courts for several years. Thus is not the first time he has been associated with a demand for bribes and other illegal compensation, in connection with his office.
We trust that the United Kingdom, upon learning of the situation regarding the inclusion of substantial bribes for Benjamin, as a condition of receiving these building contracts, that it engages external management, to insure that the costs do not include bribes to him. Additionally, a criminal investigation into attempted violations of the Bribery Act should be initiated in London.
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FROM CARIBBEAN MEDIA NOV. 2, 2023:
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