Antigua and Barbuda MP Asot Michael arrested in UK

Last updated: October 25, 2017 at 00:39 pm

Antigua and Barbuda MP Asot Michael has been arrested in London.

He has also been sacked from his role as tourism, investment and energy minister.

WIC News understands that Michael is no longer being detained by police but local Antigua media reports that he has been warned that he may be questioned further by authorities. The Antigua Observer is reporting that the member of parliament is using the UK-based lawyer James Guthrie to represent him.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who is travelling from Europe back to Antigua following a conference in Montenegro, was told about the incident by Antigua and Barbuda's high commissioner in London.

[caption id="attachment_1227" align="alignright" width="300"] Gaston Browne, prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda.[/caption]

“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.

Details are about the arrest are unclear.

One source close to the government said told WIC News that he understands Michael was travelling to Cannes in southern France to speak at an investment conference.

“I have repeatedly stated that I expect every member of my government to comply with the highest possible standards required of public office, and while Mr. Michael might establish his innocence in time, the fact that he has been arrested, obliges me to relieve him of all government duties," the prime minister added.

“I undertake to release other information regarding Mr Michael’s arrest as it is brought to my attention.”

It has not yet been confirmed which constabulary arrested Michael.

WIC News has reached out to London's Metropolitan Police Service for further information, and have also contacted the press departments of nearby police forces.

Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party member Michael has represented the St Peter constituency in parliament since 2004.

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