Dear Sir
Concerns have been raised regarding “A Veritable Palace for ECCB Governor” in St Kitts and Nevis. The attached letter from Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph E. Gonsalves made available per Alex Christian media note, provides further details.
Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph E. Gonsalves in a letter copied to heads of government of member states ECCU and Governor of ECCB, noted the “extraordinary sum of EC $22 million being expended by the Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) to construct an official residence for the Governor. This act of excessive spending is an outrage!”
“The member-countries of the ECCU surely cannot countenance an expenditure of at least EC $22 million on a 10,000 square feet mansion of veritable palace proportions, especially at a time when the people of our region are facing huge economic challenges, inclusive of rising food prices and the haunting spectre of increased poverty or immiseration. The ECCU cannot afford a Governor who has an appetite for such unaffordable opulence.”
The prime minister Gonsalves continued: “ … The cost for the upkeep and staffing for this grand, but ill-conceived residence for the Governor is likely to be significant, if not excessive. The poor and working people of our region are being called upon to foot the bill. It appears as though the unelected Levites and Mandarins have gone stark mad!
“I am opposed to the Governor of the ECCB occupying such a residence. I suggest that the Monetary Council give consideration to selling it to the Government of St Kitts and Nevis to be used for whatever purpose it divines: Perhaps as the official residence for its Governor General or as a high-level, exclusive tourist accommodation. This suggestion, of course, depends on the magnanimity of the government of St Kitts and Nevis to save the face of the Bank from ignominy.” […]
“I am trying to rescue the Governor, whom I admire greatly, from this monumental blunder. 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. This is likely to be a painful, personal decision.” […]
Prime Minister Dr Ralph E. Gonsalves letter is available below.
Letter to PM, Antigua-Barbuda re Residence for ECCB Governor
Communiqué of the 110th Meeting of the Monetary Council of ECCB
