Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly invited former Finance Minister Harold Lovell to engage in an open debate over the proposed transfer of the Jolly Beach Resort to the Social Security Board, asserting that the public deserves a fact-based discussion on the future of the pension system.
Speaking on his weekly Pointe FM programme, Browne said he was prepared to appear alone and face any panel Lovell chooses to bring, including senior members of the United Progressive Party (UPP).
“Let ideas contend. Bring whoever you want—Pringle, others. If he feels intimidated by me, I’ll come alone. Let the public hear the facts,” Browne declared.
The Prime Minister made the challenge while responding to what he described as “fallacious and fear-mongering” statements from Lovell regarding the legality and risk of Social Security investing in real estate. Browne defended the plan as both lawful and common practice among pension schemes globally.
“Social Security schemes around the world invest in securities and real assets to generate returns. We are giving Social Security a performing asset that’s already generating profit—not a liability,” Browne said.
He further accused Lovell of financial mismanagement during his time as finance minister, citing the issuance of a $330 million bond that, according to Browne, never paid a cent to Social Security and is now considered junk.
Browne said the time had come for leaders to engage in serious, data-driven conversations rather than political grandstanding. He insisted that the Social Security proposal—along with planned upgrades, CIP-backed sales, and new oversight measures—was carefully designed to put the pension system on a path to long-term sustainability.
He also expressed openness to appearing on national media, such as ABS, to broaden public understanding. “We don’t want this to be limited to Pointe FM. Let’s go wherever the people are and explain the facts.”
The Prime Minister’s call for debate comes amid heightened public interest in the future of the Social Security Scheme and increased scrutiny of government investment plans.
“This is not politics—it’s about protecting pensions, creating jobs, and growing the economy,” Browne said.
As of now, Lovell has not publicly responded to the invitation.