Antigua and Barbuda’s opposition has called on citizens to protest against what it describes as the government’s “misuse and abuse” of social security funds.

Sherfield Bowen, Deputy Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), accused Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s administration of improperly diverting the country’s social security trust funds into risky investments, including highway projects and the redevelopment of Jolly Beach Resort.

Speaking on video, Bowen questioned the legality and transparency of the government’s plans, pointing out that financial statements for the Social Security Scheme from 2014 to 2025 have not been presented to Parliament as required by law.

“How can we, the people, determine the prudence of this investment of our trust funds without knowing the capacity of the scheme to withstand any subsequent financial loss?” Bowen asked.

He highlighted sections 13 and 14 of the Social Security Act of 1972, emphasizing that only the Social Security Board and its investment committee—not the Prime Minister—have the legal authority to determine how funds should be invested.

“As with other matters, we have seen that the Prime Minister has no regard for the law. He does as he pleases,” Bowen said.

Bowen has urged Antiguans and Barbudans to voice their discontent by joining a protest planned outside the Parliament Building on 31 July, when lawmakers will debate and potentially approve the controversial investments.

“We are asking you—concerned citizens, patriotic contributors, and beneficiaries—join us and say clearly: ‘Hands off Social Security’,” Bowen concluded.