Antigua’s opposition to protest against IMF partnership

The opposition Antigua Labour Party (ALP) has warned that it is prepared to stage street demonstrations if the Government decides to go to International Monetary Fund (IMF) for economic assistance.



Opposition Leader Lester Bird says the Government should carefully evaluate the impact of a loan from the IMF because the Fund may ask the Government to implement harsh measures as a condition of the loan.



Mr. Bird is contending that a loan from the IMF would result in wage freezes and workers being laid off, among other hardships.



He says it is for this reason that Opposition members will take to the streets if the Government goes to the IMF without the approval of citizens.