{"id":259472,"date":"2025-11-26T17:37:46","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T21:37:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=259472"},"modified":"2025-11-26T17:41:18","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T21:41:18","slug":"pm-gaston-browne-makes-good-on-threat-to-sue-for-defamation-pre-action-letter-issued","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/pm-gaston-browne-makes-good-on-threat-to-sue-for-defamation-pre-action-letter-issued\/","title":{"rendered":"PM Gaston Browne Makes Good on Threat to Sue for defamation, pre action letter issued"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Prime Minister Gaston Browne Issues Pre-Action Defamation Warning to US Attorney<\/strong><\/p>

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Lawyers for Prime Minister Gaston Browne have sent a formal pre-action letter to a U.S.-based attorney, accusing him of making a series of defamatory public statements alleging corruption, financial misconduct, and political interference connected to the sale of the luxury yacht Alfa Nero. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The eight-page letter, dated Nov. 26 and issued by Rika Bird & Associates on Browne\u2019s behalf, demands an immediate halt to what it calls \u201cfalse allegations\u201d and requires the attorney to retract and apologize for statements made across multiple media outlets, including AP News, Newsweek, Yahoo News, Antigua News Room and posts on X, formerly Twitter. <\/p>

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Browne, who is also Minister of Finance and Corporate Governance, contends that the attorney falsely implied he engaged in corruption, misappropriation of public funds and manipulation of the Alfa Nero disposal process. The letter cites specific statements dating back to March 2025, including claims that Browne oversaw a \u201csecret below-market sale\u201d of the vessel and attempted to \u201cshut down\u201d scrutiny of the transaction. <\/p>

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According to the letter, the attorney\u2019s comments were repeated internationally and \u201ccaused severe financial and reputational harm\u201d to the prime minister. It further argues that the attorney omitted key information about U.S. subpoenas referenced in his public remarks, noting that they were later discharged by a judge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pre-action notice outlines five demands: the cessation of all alleged defamatory publications, removal of the disputed statements from news sites, an end to similar commentary going forward, a public apology approved by Browne\u2019s lawyers, and compensation of US$1.5 million for alleged damages. <\/p>

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The letter stresses that Browne \u201cdoes not intend to restrict or censor lawful speech,\u201d but argues that the attorney\u2019s repeated allegations\u2014characterized by Browne\u2019s counsel as \u201cmalicious, reckless and highly defamatory\u201d\u2014have crossed legal boundaries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The attorney has not yet publicly responded to the pre-action correspondence.<\/p>

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FULL LETTER BELOW: <\/p>

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