Former Minister and Opposition Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson has accused the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government of exploiting state resources to influence the upcoming September 1 General and Regional Elections, in a scathing letter addressed to Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill.
Ferguson pointed to a striking lack of progress on the controversial $8.6 billion, 12-storey office complex. The project funded through the Ministry of Public Works is awarded to Caribbean Green Builders Inc.
She noted that despite nearly three years since its announcement, the project site at Haags Bosch shows only “scattered mounds of sand and a few idle pieces of equipment” with no foundation or superstructure visible as of June 15, 2025. She has provided photograph (below) of the site to support the claim.
The former minister challenged the Minister to explain the discrepancy between the substantial budget allocation—initially G$2.6 billion in 2022, rising to G$8.6 billion by February 3, 2025—and the absence of construction.
She also highlighted that multiple infrastructure projects initiated later, such as the Brickdam Police Headquarters, Aiden by Best Western, and several police stations and courts, have shown significant progress or are completed.
Her letter includes pointed questions demanding clarity on:
- The physical location and principal officers of Caribbean Green Builders Inc.
- Whether the firm is still responsible for the Sheraton Four Points Hotel in South Ruimveldt, or if Chinese subcontractors have taken over.
- The delivery status of steel frames allegedly being fabricated overseas.
- How much of the G$8.6 billion has been disbursed to date.
- Whether Minister Edghill would undergo a polygraph to confirm that funds meant for the office complex were not diverted elsewhere.
Ferguson also demanded transparency on the evolving story of the Sheraton project, suggesting that funding might have been redirected there, and questioned why President Irfaan Ali had visited its site in May, but not the stalled office complex or regional hospital projects.
“Come clean. Account for the people’s money,” she wrote, calling on Minister Edghill—himself a clergyman—to uphold his moral duty to the public. Ferguson attached comparative images showing the completed Brickdam Police Station alongside the barren office-complex site.
The parliamentarian’s letter has fueled concern that high-level ministers are using development plans as campaign tools while core projects remain dormant. Ferguson’s challenge sets the stage for a public debate on transparency, governance, and use of state funds as the election draws near.
