The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda acknowledges a lawsuit filed in a United States Federal Court in Puerto Rico regarding the purchase amount of the Alfa Nero yacht. It also notes an article published on the Associated Press online news portal referencing this lawsuit.
The article, which heavily cites opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) officials, alleges that the lawsuit aims to investigate whether any undisclosed dealings for personal gain occurred.
The Cabinet strongly condemns this politically motivated attempt to malign the Prime Minister and his family. The lawsuit, along with the article, falsely implicates Prime Minister Gaston Browne, his wife, his son, the Accountant General, and the Port Manager.
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda is aware of affidavits and evidentiary exhibits filed in the High Court of Justice by Ministry of Finance officials as proof of expenditure from the sale of the Alpa Nero.
The documents confirm that the proceeds from the Alfa Nero’s sale—amounting to US$40 million—were allocated to cover expenses related to the yacht’s maintenance, services, and supplies and payments of the commission to the agency that facilitated the sale of the super yacht. Additionally, approximately US$29 million of the proceeds were used to address critical fiscal obligations of the Government, including payments to domestic and external creditors such as:
1. Eastern Caribbean Central Bank2. Caribbean Development Bank3. Software One Inc.4. Judgment debts and land compensation awards
The Cabinet unequivocally states that neither the Prime Minister nor any member of his family or any public official benefited from the sale of the Alfa Nero superyacht.
The Cabinet notes that the Hon. Prime Minister has sought legal advice on whether the publication constitute a grave defamatory attack on his reputation.
In addition, the government of Antigua and Barbuda is involved in several litigations on the matter in the High Court and the Court of Appeal on the sale of the Alpha Nero with judgements expected at any time.
This lawsuit and the Associated Press article represent yet another politically driven effort by the opposition UPP and its affiliates to tarnish the reputation of the Honorable Prime Minister and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. (ends)