Antiguan faces charges for pushing Irish company

A former Antiguan government adviser has been charged with influence peddling over an Irish company’s bid when the Caribbean island was moving to privatise its mobile phone company.

Dean Jonas, who also managed the Antiguan government’s public relations during last year’s elections, was sacked when allegations emerged that he had attempted to persuade members of the tender board to favour a bid by an Irish communications group.

The tender board adjudicates bids for Antiguan government contracts.

He was charged today with three counts of conspiracy to obtain advantage and released on bail until May 25. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison.

Antigua has shelved the bidding process indefinitely.