Prime Minister Fires Back After UPP Rallies Behind Parker
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has escalated his public criticism of United Progressive Party Senator Malaka Parker, responding to a party statement defending her by questioning her judgment and personal choices.
The latest exchange unfolded Monday on social media after the UPP and its Women’s Forum issued a statement condemning comments Browne had made about Parker following the arrest of her partner, Dean Robert Gould, in connection with a major cannabis seizure at V.C. Bird International Airport.
In a Facebook post, Browne wrote: “Malaka Parker – When you, as an MP and mother of three girls, choose to cohabit with a known convicted pedophile and narcotics trafficker; it defines your judgement, character and values. Respond to that!!”
Screenshot from PM’s facebook page
The post came hours after the UPP released a statement expressing support for Parker and accusing the prime minister of attempting to link her to alleged criminal activity despite no law-enforcement agency naming her as a suspect.
“The United Progressive Party (UPP) and its Women’s Forum affirm their support for Senator Malaka Parker and condemn the prejudicial words and actions of Prime Minister Gaston Browne,” the statement said.
The opposition party argued that Browne’s earlier comments could be interpreted as an attempt to influence public opinion and damage Parker’s reputation. It also accused the prime minister of applying double standards in his response to allegations involving political figures.
“Law-enforcement authorities had not announced any involvement by Senator Parker,” the statement said. “Therefore, the prime minister’s actions can be construed only as a deliberate effort to influence the Police and to taint Senator Parker’s character.”
The UPP further accused Browne of hypocrisy, citing his response to other controversies involving individuals associated with his administration.
Browne’s latest remarks shifted the focus of the dispute away from the ongoing drug investigation and toward Parker’s relationship with Gould, whom the prime minister described as a convicted sex offender and narcotics trafficker.
Gould, who is Parker’s partner and campaign manager, was detained after authorities reportedly discovered nearly 60 pounds of suspected cannabis in luggage arriving on a flight from the United States. Police investigations are ongoing, and no conviction has been secured in relation to the latest allegations.
The political confrontation has generated significant discussion on social media, with supporters of both parties weighing in on the dispute.
Parker had not publicly responded to Browne’s latest comments up to press time.