Antigua and Barbuda PM enjoys time off in Hawaii

After a year in which he filed several lawsuits, took on a hotel mogul and passed some controversial laws, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne is taking some time off.

The 50-year-old posted photos on his personal Facebook page vacationing in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Browne left the state on 9 August with his wife, son, and mother-in-law.

The government’s chief of staff Lionel Hurst says the prime minister always chooses to vacation in places that he can learn lessons for Antigua and Barbuda.

Tough year

Browne has chosen to vacation after a turbulent 12 months for his government, as well as him personally.

It was a year in which he filed lawsuits to defend the name of his wife and her Share Inc, Browne brought court proceedings against an opposition senator, a media house, and a calypsonian.

He’s also had a battle of words with Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart after the hotelier decided to close his Sandals Grande Antigua Resort for repairs.

The prime minister has also had a year of defending his government from the smear of the Odebrecht Bribery scandal, which has been linked to him by international newspapers including the Spain’s El Pais – which Browne is also suing.

His government has also gone to parliament to pass various laws, some which have been controversial.

The Miscellaneous (Amendments) Bill 2017, dubbed the Surveillance Bill by the opposition, compels business entities to declare their true beneficial owners.

Browne and his family are expected back on the island on Sunday.