Prime Minister Gaston Browne told Parliament on Monday that a senator is “deh wid” a pedophile, using the Antiguan expression for being in a relationship with someone, as he argued that society has become too tolerant of serious offenders.

Browne made the statement during his contribution to debate on the Firearms (Amendment) Bill 2026.

Speaking about what he described as the acceptance and glorification of criminals, Browne said: “You have a senator in this Honourable House who deh wid a pedophile. Can you imagine? A senator in this Honourable House who deh wid a pedophile.”

He then questioned the example being set for the senator’s children.

“That is how slack we have become in this country. What do you think will happen to her children? What example is she setting for her girl children?” Browne said.

Browne did not name the senator during that portion of his contribution or provide details in support of the allegation.

His remarks came during a broader argument for tougher treatment of serious and repeat offenders. Moments earlier, Browne had discussed people convicted of sexual offences and advocated chemical castration, and in some circumstances surgical castration, for serial rapists.

The prime minister also argued that Antigua and Barbuda had become too accepting of people involved in serious crimes, saying the country should adopt a “zero tolerance” approach to crime and violence.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: VIDEO: PM Browne Says Antigua Senator ‘Deh Wid’ a Pedophile.