Antigua and Barbuda: Asot Michael speaks out after London arrest

Last updated: October 26, 2017 at 9:26 am

Antigua and Barbuda politican Asot Michael has made his first public statement since his arrest yesterday.

He said that it was "unfortunate" that the prime minister did not contact him prior to stripping him of his ministerial roles.

The St Peter MP stressed that when questioned by police he "denied any allegations made against me, and that I have not been involved in any wrongdoing" – although he failed to reveal what his arrest relates to.

Michael was met by police officers at Gatwick Airport, south of central London, after arriving on a flight from Antigua.

He was stopping off in the UK before continuing on to Cannes, France, for a conference on investment

Metropolitan Police told WIC News that if he was arrested at Gatwick it would fall under the jurisdiction of Sussex Police. When contacted, an officer from Sussex Police said: "I understand that this is a National Crime Agency case."

The National Crime Agency is a UK-wide law enforcement organisation, replacing the Serious Organised Crime Agency four years ago.

A request for further information has been lodged by WIC News with the National Crime Agency's press office.

Explanation of events

Soon after news of Michael's arrest emerged, Prime Minister Gaston Browne – who was travelling at the time – issued a statement that confirmed the veteran politician had been relieved of his duties.

Until yesterday, Michael was minister for tourism, economic development, investment and energy.

Addressing yesterday's incident for the first time, the MP said that the arrest was simply standard UK procedure when people need to be questioned but are planning to leave the country.

[caption id="attachment_5645" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Gaston Browne.[/caption]

"I attended an interview, in which I made it clear that I denied any allegations made against me, and that I have not been involved in any wrongdoing, which is the case," he said.

"I then carried on my journey into London. I was not charged with any offence, I am not on bail, and the police did not seek to impose any restriction on my travel."

WIC News has attempted to contact Michael at an address in central London but has been unable to.

READ: ASOT MICHAEL'S STATEMENT IN FULL

PM's decision based on 'misinformation'

Asot Michael is a heavyweight on the Antigua-Barbuda political scene.

He has represented the St Peter constituency since 2004 and held a number of high profile cabinet roles.

He was previously chief of staff to former Prime Minister Lester Bird.

The speed at which Michael was removed from office came as a shock, and has been criticised by some.

In his statement, the now ex-minister defended his conduct and said he had not been able to speak to Gaston Browne yet.

"I fully accept and respect the prime minister’s right to appoint and remove ministers in his government," he said.

"However, in the circumstances I consider that the prime minister’s decision in this case, to relieve me of my ministerial responsibilities, is likely to be due to a misapprehension of what has taken place, and second hand information, indeed misinformation.

"I do not consider that any justifiable question has arisen that I have failed to comply with the highest possible standards required of public office.

"I am sorry that the prime minister did not contact me before the press release was issued. I propose to speak to him as soon as possible, and to explain the situation."