A former Antiguan government adviser has been charged with influence peddling over a bid by Irish-owned comapany Digicel when the Caribbean island was moving to privatise its mobile phone company.
Mr Dean Jonas, who also managed the 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 the bid by Digicel, the company of Irish businessman Denis O'Brien.
The tender board adjudicates bids for government contracts. After a night in jail in the capital St John, he was charged today with three counts of conspiracy to obtain advantage and released on bail until May 25th.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison. Antigua has shelved the bidding process indefinitely.
In November, the leading players in West Indies cricket were dropped from the national squad over a row involving the company.
Digicel, which is seeking to gain control of the lucrative Caribbean market, took over as the main sponsor of the team after Mr O'Brien brokered a US$20 million, five-year deal with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).
But 16 of the top players, including the captain, Brian Lara - arguably the world's best batsman - were axed because they had personal endorsements with rival companies, including Cable & Wireless.
Agencies