Former Finance Minister Harold Lovell has accepted Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s challenge to a public debate on the decision to transfer the Jolly Beach Resort to the Social Security Board, and he is calling for an independent committee to manage the process.

This is a rare but welcome moment in local politics, Lovell says, and should not be just a political face-off. Rather, it must be a moment of truth for the Nation’s pensioners, workers, and taxpayers.

Therefore, he is ready to have the conversation the public deserves: one grounded in facts, free from fear-mongering, and focused on accountability.

While Prime Minister Browne touts the Social Security-Jolly Beach deal as a bold and lawful investment strategy, Lovell asks whether the Nation, once again, is being sold a dream at the expense of the people.

“We’ve heard this tune before,” Lovell says, referring to Browne’s past promises that failed to materialize.

His hope for this debate is that Browne will not lean on political spin, but come to the table with transparency, data, and audited financial records.

“What is at stake is not just a hotel,” Lovell says; “it is the future of Antigua and Barbuda’s Social Security system, a lifeline for retirees and for working people.”

Accordingly, he says, the people deserve to know:

• Is the Jolly Beach truly a performing asset?

• Will this move secure or further endanger Social Security pensions?

• Who, ultimately, benefits from this deal?

In the meanwhile, Lovell, along with former Social Security Chairman Everett Christian and MP Sherfield Bowen, will speak on this matter during a townhall meeting on Tuesday, June 24, at 7 p.m., at Freedom Hall. The public is invited and the meeting will be live-streamed.