Senior Caribbean officials discuss 'rash' sacking by Browne

Last updated: October 24, 2017 at 17:16 pm

WIC News understands that number of high profile figures in the Caribbean - including two prime ministers - believe that Gaston Browne's immediate dismissal of a senior minister was premature. Antigua and Barbuda MP Asot Michael was removed as minister of tourism, economic development, investment and energy after it emerged he had been arrested in London yesterday.

Very little information has emerged about the politician's detention, and the lack of details was acknowledged by the prime minister.

But Browne decided that an arrest was sufficient to strip Michael of his role.

“While I have no firm details of the reasons for Mr Michael’s arrest, the arrest itself is sufficient for me to revoke immediately his appointment as a cabinet member and to relieve him of all ministerial portfolios until this matter is resolved," Browne said.

[caption id="attachment_5106" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Gaston Browne.[/caption]

The St Peter MP has now been released but warned he may be approached for further questioning.

Since news of the arrest emerged, there has been chatter in the wider Caribbean political world about Browne's decision - although no elected officials wished to be named in this article.

One source compared the relationship between a prime minister and cabinet ministers as being "like a marriage".

"When something comes up, something that causes trouble, you don't just give up on your partners," he said.

"It is important to find out more. Everyone is innocent until they are found to be guilty."

Nuri Katz, a leading international immigration consultant and foudner of Apex Capital Partners, told WIC News: "I think it is still too early to judge a person and I think we need to wait to see what this is all about.

"It is important to remember that under British law a person is innocent until proven guilty. I do hope, for Antigua's sake, that a full investigation will be done and the whole story will come to light and then the chips will fall where they fall."

Heavyweight political figure

Michael was previously chief of staff to former Prime Minister Lester Bird before holding a number of ministerial appointments.

His portfolios have included public works, communications and energy, as well as finance and government business in the Senate.

Seb Kelly, senior WIC News reporter, said that it was a big call to sack the minister.

"Asot Michael is a veteran of Antiguan politics, so news of an arrest to be followed so swiftly by his dismissal is a real shock.

"People talking to me aren't sure what to make of the news. The general views are either that Browne acted too quickly, or that he is aware the substance of the allegations and moved to avoid further embarrassment in the future."

WIC News understands that Michael is currently staying in central London but calls to his suspected location have not been connected.