Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister’s Office, Ambassador Lionel Hurst, has issued a strong appeal to the public and media to refrain from spreading what he described as “lies” surrounding the sale of the luxury yacht Alfa Nero, warning that the misinformation is damaging to the country and could lead to legal consequences.
Speaking at Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, Hurst stated that recent claims made by the woman asserting ownership of the vessel are “fabricated” and “harmful to the state of Antigua and Barbuda, to its leadership, and to the entire system of politics.”
“I would wish to discourage those who are spreading lies that have been fabricated by the woman who claims ownership of the Alfa Nero,” Hurst said. “They are hurtful, they are libelous, and in some instances, could bring lawsuits into the laps of those who wish to propagate them.”
He emphasized that there is no place for such misinformation in Antigua and Barbuda’s public discourse and insisted that the Alfa Nero matter has been handled in accordance with the law and in the best interests of the country.
The comments follow intensified scrutiny and speculation regarding the circumstances surrounding the sale of the yacht, including unverified claims published online and discussed in some media circles.
Hurst declined to entertain questions based on what he called fictitious assertions, reiterating the government’s position that the sale was lawful and transparent.
He also pushed back against suggestions that documents related to the sale had disappeared, calling the claim entirely baseless and an attempt to sow public doubt.
“This kind of question is intended to plant in people’s minds another wrongdoing on the part of the government of Antigua and Barbuda, which is not so,” Hurst stated.
The Alfa Nero, which had been moored in Falmouth Harbour since early 2022, was sold following a public auction process.
Hurst has maintained that the legal process was followed throughout, and any allegations to the contrary are part of a politically motivated smear campaign.
The government continues to defend its handling of the sale and warns that those who knowingly spread false information could face legal action.