LETTER: Protecting Antigua and Barbuda’s Reputation Amidst Alfa Nero Controversy

He was told to leave people thing alone. He just to dam greeeeeedy.

Last time I checked, he’s the one that sold it and is getting sued over it. Also what have he done with the money get got for it, I got 0 clue like for real someone tell me

Writer, I agree with you in some part. However, bringing attention to a situation should not be construed as tarnishing the image of this country. We have to bring attention to important issues that concern us. Though we don’t know all the facts, our opinions matter. GB, is innocent until proven guilty and we should give him the benefit of the doubt as our leaader.
At the same time we should be able to show the world, if he may be guilty, that we very much disagree with what has transpired and where we stand as a country.

Well done student, you clearly let the international community know we are intelligent people and not crazy, and that you acknowledge the wrong Gaston has done, but as a nation we should condescend our self to one person in Gaston so the country is not hurt, do you think you have just inculcate something into the more civilize world or the Russian lady or the international court? No you just spoke to a handful of we foolish Antiguans as though we are just animals or subjects for you to preserve Gaston as lord over us.

It’s too late charlie chaplain I have no sympathy for a person like you. You misuse our money, do wa you like with it with no scruples, no consideration, ridicule us refuse to pay us what belongs to arwe and then tax us when you bruk.

Never too early for a good laugh. woii, maybe the UWI Student was paid to write this.

Was this opinion written by Gaston?

I am in total agreement with the sentiments expressed in this letter.

This letter lacks balance and was penned by a ABLP supporter

@ UWIFIC student, I admire your defense of Prime Minister Gaston Browne (and in particular the explication and analysis of Antigua & Barbuda).

However, I am intrigued to know if you were in the country at height of the furore when the majority of Antiguan citizens implored and begged the Prime Minister to not get involved in selling something that didn’t belong to him or the country in the first instance – and where were his advisors at that time?

By all means, charging for the maintenance and upkeep of the Alpha Nero was a valid one.

And also, at the time, concerned taxpayers were worried that the owner or relative would eventually come forward and make more than a fuss.

This was a super yacht NOT some rickety old boat.

TARL …

ANR where do you get these letters. Suddnly so many letters to the editor appearing on ANR, I love reading them nonetheless

This was either written by Lamin or Colin using AI

This letter is sure to bring out the UPP supporters.

That’s what they are good for publishing well thought out and timely articles, especially letters.

They had no call selling the boat in the first place. If the man was sanctioned by a bigger state, have the man things send back to where it came from or try reach out to a family. Don’t just up and sell it. And further more nobody asked to do no maintainace or upkeep on the boat. I doubt that they even did, they just want to use that as an excuse.

I deeply appreciate the thoughtful perspective shared in this letter. I agree wholeheartedly that the manner in which we respond to the Alfa Nero matter will significantly impact our nation’s standing. However, while unity and constructive dialogue are vital, accountability is equally important. If Prime Minister Gaston Browne has personally profited from the Alfa Nero sale—or from any other dealings—then he must answer to the people. We cannot protect our country’s reputation by turning a blind eye to potential corruption. Integrity and transparency must guide us if we are to preserve both national pride and international respect.

You aren’t proud of yourself.
If i ever had the opportunity to attend a university i would have been do proud that any and all.of my writings no matter how controversial would have my name boldly fixed to it.
Seems like you are just another laboRAT wanting to be in Gaston’s good book, if he has one.
Or could it be the same laboRAT who has the job of writing and claiming to be someone new.
If you believe that your message is so relevant why hide your identity?
Your message may be on point.
I don’t mean Rum Shop.
The fact that even you are not proud and comfortable with the message, keep it.
Why isn’t it in the Daily Observer?
That’s where information and education starts in Antigua.
I guess you do not want to educate.
You just want to rob Gassy’s extended face.

The letter writer seems as though he/she is more interested in protecting the reputation of Gaston Browne more than that of Antigua and Barbuda. He is innocent of all charges unless proven guilty, I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, just let the process play itself out, until then people have the right to their own opinion, notice I didn’t say facts

As a fellow student at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, I appreciate the thoughtful contribution shared by my colleague regarding the Alfa Nero sale and its impact on the reputation of Antigua and Barbuda. It’s refreshing to see young people engaging in national discussions with passion and pride for our country. That said, I feel compelled to respectfully offer a different perspective on this matter.

Like many citizens, I care deeply about how Antigua and Barbuda is perceived on the international stage. Our economy relies heavily on external relationships—tourism, foreign investment, and diplomacy. But protecting our image should not come at the cost of ignoring serious concerns about transparency, accountability, or the ethical conduct of those in leadership.

Questioning the handling of the Alfa Nero sale is not about holding personal grudges against Prime Minister Gaston Browne or any political figure. It is about ensuring that public resources, assets, and decisions are managed in the best interest of the people. If there are legitimate concerns—whether it’s about how the yacht was sold, how the funds were spent, or why certain legal questions remain unanswered—then it is our duty as responsible citizens, especially students of political science, economics, or public policy, to ask those questions.

True patriotism does not mean blind loyalty. It means loving our country enough to demand better from those who lead it. It means being brave enough to speak out when something feels wrong—not to tear down our nation, but to help build it back stronger. So yes, let us engage in respectful, meaningful dialogue. Let us challenge ideas and hold leaders accountable—not out of malice, but out of a shared commitment to progress. Antigua and Barbuda deserves transparency, justice, and leadership that welcomes scrutiny—not avoids it.

You wrote this letter under the force of the ABLP or to get at the UPP. Gaston is the one running the country in the dirt. See the russians and leave the russians. Gaston was played and it’s only in due time he will realize that. The money he pocketed is what we need to know about. The fake documents he showed us is what he needs to speak about on his little Browne and Browne show.

I didn’t go to university, you said all this but I didn’t hear anything,

Very valid point Makayla. It has nothing to do with tarnishing Antigua’s reputation and everything to do with holding public figures responsible for decisions which are made that will tarnish Antigua’s reputation. We welcome any inquiry so that we can set things right.

Caught between a rock and a hard stone.

See what happen when you follow ‘Merica.
We always want to model everything after what the US says and does, from disciplining our children, to restricting Christian values in the schools, and now trying to strong arm Russia. Now we have unwanted attention on us in a time that is least favorable.
Now the Russian is using American courts to cut our tail. I wonder how much of the funds our govt received from the Alfa Nero sale will be reverted into legal fees?

We done in it now, but we gotta stop follow Uncle Sam over a cliff.

Boat came here and then stayed here while US sanctioned Russia and Oligarchs. Boat is owned by Russian Oligarch so Gaston saw opertunity for money. Gaston forgot Russian Oligarch is billionaire and will not let little man from tiny island take very expensive boat without problems…Now boat situation turn into large forest fire that could have negative impact on tiny country..

Trump loves Russia and Putin. The US courts will be 100% in the Russians corner, not GB corner, if Trump decides. This will not lead to a good outcome for the Browns. Everyone already knows of the corruption in Antigua. PM made himself the perfect target by taking and selling what was never his. Now the whole deck of cards will come tumbling down on the blatant corruption that surrounds us on this island.

It was not our boat to sell..
Period. Full stop.
Give me a personal break!
Father help us please
From the wanna be dictator😭

Because you are pursuing a bachelor’s degree what is written should impress us, true that Gaston is just for a time but Antigua and Barbuda is forever that’s why what you wrote was a pile of Bullshit

“Protecting the reputation of Antigua?” It’s great, that you are a student who’re willing to learn; thus, keep on learning because an tarnishing of the Nation’s reputation within the past SIXTY YEARS, was as a result of Our crooked politicians and their nefarious dealings.
Anyone in the International community who have been following the Alfa Nero Saga from the inception, to even now, would not be stupid enough to blame the People. They already know who’re responsible for the Nation being in this quagmire with the Russians.
JAIL THE POLITICIANS WHO’RE CROOKS AS WELL.
You can send your request to the FEDERAL COURTS, the RUSSIAN COURTS and the PRIVY COUNCIL
You the writer should be more concerned with the hundreds of thousands of dollars this will cost the taxpayers in legal fees!

More propaganda stories.. 😂.

This is no student that wrote this article. I would not be disrespecting any student to be this ignorant to the facts and history of this conondrum called the Alfa Nero.

To have the audacity to try and implicate the public in this foolish endeavor, lead by Gatson Browne himself, is as low as it gets so-called student.

Of me this is ” less we forget” writing this piece and finally admitting to the blatant misguided actions of Gatson Browne?

Huuumm. Calm down writer, Antigua ain’t falling, it’s just a corrupt leader who’s ass is on fire.. 🤣

I am neither a constitutional nor legal expert the question I have, if something isn’t yours and you discover it on your premises shouldn’t you try to contact the owner and give them time in which to remove it, that is what I would think, not make up your own rule and sell what isn’t yours

I believe the money from the boat was split up between Cutie and Gaston. We had Alan Stanford, Choksi, Calvin Ayre, and many more multi billionaire and millionaires never heard of in the Antigua. Gaston Browne being in this situation will put Antigua on the world stage, just like many others and will attract lots of investors in our Citizen Ship by Investment program.
Hopefully not those into disappearing people and selling body parts but more like Alan Stanford and Calvin Ayre