A returning Antiguan national has raised serious concerns about alleged fraud and misconduct by a local builder who is also a serving police officer.

In a letter to the press, the individual described hiring the builder in July 2024 to construct a modest two-bedroom wooden home, only to face what was described as “a deeply disappointing and distressing ordeal.”

According to the account, the project quickly fell into disarray. Construction was halted for weeks when a carpenter left, while structural flaws such as incorrectly installed ceiling beams, mismatched tiles, and substandard paintwork emerged. Electrical wiring was allegedly installed at the wrong voltage, raising potential safety risks. Closets were left unfinished, and materials were said to have been salvaged from other sites.

The writer claims to have paid over $160,000 EC but says the builder abandoned the site for months, later citing “demotivation.” Despite repeated requests, no receipts or breakdown of expenses were reportedly provided. Instead, the homeowner alleges they were met with verbal abuse and evasive behaviour, including staged photographs meant to give the impression of progress.

Over nine months, the complainant states that “not one area of the house was properly completed,” and described the final structure as unsafe and far removed from the agreed design.

When the matter was reported to police, the individual says little action followed. A report lodged at a local station was allegedly not pursued, and a referral to the Commissioner’s office produced only an acknowledgement.

The complainant expressed alarm that the builder remains a serving police officer, arguing that the lack of accountability “sends a dangerous message to the public and severely undermines trust in our institutions.”

The writer is now calling on the authorities to investigate the matter fully and to ensure that returning nationals are better protected from exploitation.