{"id":143736,"date":"2021-12-20T09:12:43","date_gmt":"2021-12-20T13:12:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=143736"},"modified":"2021-12-20T09:12:43","modified_gmt":"2021-12-20T13:12:43","slug":"a-very-traumatic-experience-michael-browne-speaks-publicly-for-the-first-time-about-being-charged","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/a-very-traumatic-experience-michael-browne-speaks-publicly-for-the-first-time-about-being-charged\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018A very traumatic experience\u2019: Michael Browne speaks publicly for the first time about being charged"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a><\/div>
\"\"<\/a><\/div>

Former Education Minister Michael Browne said he is ready to serve in whatever capacity the government deems fit, now that a year-long court case is behind him.<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

Browne was fired from his ministerial post late last year after he was charged with a serious criminal offence \u2013 which cannot be cited for legal reasons \u2013 of which he was acquitted last week.<\/p>\n

Prime Minister Gaston Browne previously said the All Saints West MP would be reinstated if found not guilty. When the verdict was delivered on December 13, PM Browne said his embattled colleague would once again serve within the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) government \u2013 but not as Education Minister, a post currently held by Daryll Matthew.<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>
\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

Speaking on the matter yesterday, Michael Browne said, \u201cIf the Prime Minister appoints me to another ministry, whichever ministry he chooses to appoint me to I will work, because I am happy to serve my people.<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n

\u201cI am happy, I am ready and I am willing to work. I believe that I still have a lot to give, and I believe that because of this experience that I have been through.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

\u201cIf anybody ever wondered if my back was broad, they do not have to wonder no more,\u201d Browne told an online town hall meeting with constituents yesterday.<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n

He added that during the time he was not a part of Cabinet, he played an active role in his constituency working alongside residents on several different projects.<\/p>\n