DeFreitas believes demolition of local business place to placate investors signals new-age slavery

( Real News) Antigua and Barbuda seems to be entering a new era of slavery, according to Franz deFreitas, the United Progressive Party (UPP) caretaker for St. John’s
City South.
 
DeFreitas made the comments following what appears to be an injustice
meted out to a citizen whose business was demolished on Monday night, April
22.
Apparently, the local man had been asked to relocate his business, which
allegedly was obstructing the view of some guest rooms at the newly
renovated Royalton Chic hotel.
 
DeFreitas says it is unfortunate that locals are being treated in such a way to
please non-indigenous  investors.
 
But what is appalling, he says, is the lack of sympathy or empathy from
government officials and from many residents who presumably are
supporters of the Browne Administration.
 
The UPP caretaker says it can never be right and just that the business of a
local entrepreneur is destroyed simply to please foreign direct investors.
 
According to deFreitas, the excuse being proffered by Prime Minister Gaston
Browne – that the business was an eyesore and in dilapidated condition – is
no excuse to put the businessman out of bread in his twilight years.   
 
He says this situation is a demonstration that the old slave mill is grinding
slowly, but still grinding.