File photo: PM Ralph Gonsalves
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has condemned the construction of a lavish official residence for the Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB).
The mansion, which is set to cost EC$22 million, has sparked outrage after it was revealed by Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves to PM Gonsalves in his capacity as a member of the Monetary Council of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU).
“This act of excessive spending is an outrage” Prime Minister Gonsalves wrote in a letter addressed to Chairman of the ECCU Monetary Council, Antigua’s PM Gaston Browne.
Gonsalves criticized the lack of transparency regarding the project, highlighting the failure of oversight mechanisms by the ECCB, its Board of Directors, and the Monetary Council.
“It is an absolute scandal,” Gonsalves said, further emphasizing that the internal review processes had “self-evidently been below acceptable or prudent standards.”
He placed the blame squarely on the shoulders of the Governor, accusing him of “an appalling lack of judgement” and “a pursuit of apparent vainglory.”
Most notably, Gonsalves expressed his disbelief at the scale of the project, which involves constructing a 10,000 square foot mansion, a size he described as “veritable palace proportions.”
He condemned the extravagant expenditure, especially at a time when the people of the region are facing severe economic challenges, including rising food prices and the looming threat of increased poverty.
“The ECCU cannot afford a Governor who has an appetite for such unaffordable opulence,” Gonsalves declared.
In his letter, Gonsalves also reflected on the history of the ECCB, recalling that past Governors had always maintained modest accommodations. He admitted that, despite supporting the current Governor’s appointment based on his intellect and virtues, he was deeply disappointed by the Governor’s actions in this instance.
“To aver that I am disappointed in him in this venture is an understatement; as I write this, I am shaking to the essence of my being,” Gonsalves wrote, expressing how deeply disturbed he was by the project.
Gonsalves also highlighted the future financial burden that the maintenance of such a grand residence would impose, particularly when it comes to upkeep and staffing costs. He warned that this burden would fall on the region’s working class, who are already struggling. “The poor and working people of our region are being called upon to foot the bill,” Gonsalves wrote, accusing the “unelected Levites and Mandarins” of reckless decision-making.
As a solution, Gonsalves suggested that the ECCB sell the property to the government of St. Kitts and Nevis. “Perhaps as the official residence for its Governor-General or as a high-level, exclusive tourist accommodation,” he proposed.
Gonsalves acknowledged that such a decision would depend on the “magnanimity” of the St. Kitts and Nevis government.
“The Governor of the ECCB needs, and deserves, suitable and comfortable accommodation,” Gonsalves wrote, adding, “Accordingly, the Monetary Council may consider starting afresh this exercise, completely outside the remit or control of any Governor.”
Prime Minister Gonsalves also called on the Governor to reflect on whether his continued tenure was viable under the current circumstances. “The Governor of his own motion may wish to consider whether or not his continued occupancy of his Office is tenable in all the circumstances,” Gonsalves suggested, acknowledging that this would be a “painful, personal decision.”
As the matter is likely to enter the public domain for broader discourse, Gonsalves made it clear that he could not defend the project. “It cannot be spun in any manner which does not engender derision,” he stated.
The final decision regarding the mansion will lie with the Monetary Council, and Gonsalves urged the council to grant the matter “urgent and favourable consideration.”
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