IMF responds to Antigua opposition claims

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has responded to claims from the opposition in Antigua that the Fund was set to intervene in the country if the governing United Progressive Party (UPP) is returned to power.



The IMF is insisting that it had neither sought nor received a request for one of its programmes from the government of Antigua.



The Antigua Labour Party (ALP) leader Lester Bird has been quoted as saying the statement does not mean the IMF would not discuss an austerity program when Fund officials pay a scheduled visit later in the month.