OPEN LETTER TO THE PEOPLE OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
By Malaka Parker
On the Prime Minister’s Defamation Claims and in the Defence of Free Speech
Date: November 30 2025
Dear Fellow Citizens,
I write as a proud Antiguan and Barbudan, a former Senator under the United Progressive Party, and former Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Social Transformation, Consumer Affairs, and Local Government.
I have had the honour of serving as President of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU), President of Union International (UNI) Youth of the Americas (encompassing Canada, the United States, Central and South America, and the Caribbean), Member of the UNI Global Union Board of Directors, and ABWU representative to the International Labour Organization (ILO).
I have also served as Policy Advisor to the Head of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and as a Regional Development Consultant to UNICEF and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), among others.
I am a UN published author whose works have been cited by researchers and consultants globally. As a consultant to international development agencies, I have worked with several regional and extra-regional governments. As Executive Director of the Caribbean Network on Population and Development, I was part of the team that helped shape the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – now the core benchmark of the global development agenda.
I have moderated, chaired, and addressed numerous international conferences on a range of issues including youth inclusion, gender, population policy, labour, sustainable development, and good governance among others.
I hold an LL.B (Bachelor of Laws) and an M.Sc. in Development Studies, and will soon be called to the Bar of England and Wales. But above all, I have always been a reformer, observer, and advocate for fairness, justice, and accountability in public life.
I write today in response to a Pre-Action Letter dated November 26, 2025, issued by Rika Bird & Associates on behalf of the Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. The letter alleges defamation, demands the removal of online posts, retractions, public apologies, and an astonishing USD $10 million in damages.
While I do not speak for the persons named in that correspondence, nor as a legal luminary, permit me to speak as a citizen and public advocate deeply concerned by its implications for democracy and free expression. I also couple my critique of this letter with concern about the Prime Minister’s increasing bullying, threats, and legal intimidation of citizens, including the forced retraction of statements made by a private citizen on social media in March 2025.
I find the document legally defective and factually hollow. It fails to establish the essential elements of defamation under Antiguan (and presumptively U.S.) law, and appears incapable of defeating the recognised defences available in such cases. Simply listing media publications that repeated speech is not proof it is false or defamatory. More troublingly, it bears all the hallmarks of an attempt to silence critics and chill legitimate public debate. It reads less like a legal pleading and more like a political press release dressed in legal robes. It is, quite frankly, an abuse of the role of defamation law in our democracy.
My people, a defamation claim is not a verdict on the truth; it merely alleges harm to one’s reputation. Do not be fooled. When such a suit is threatened before the facts of the underlying issue (in this case, the Alfa Nero sale) have been disclosed, it is premature, defensive, and deeply suspect. Then, If truth is pleaded as a defence by those the Prime Minister seeks to sue, then the substantial matter itself must be tested. That creates a circular dance, especially when the Prime Minister continues to withhold the very evidence the public seeks.
In short, to threaten defamation before explaining the facts is to call the referee before the game begins.
Antiguans and Barbudans, residents all, do not be distracted, do not be intimidated, do not be silenced. Let the U.S. courts determine their narrow issue, but know this: our democracy and our courts recognise that political expression, especially about public funds, government conduct, corruption, and transparency, must be afforded the highest level of protection.
Public officials must tolerate a broader range of criticism than private citizens. Exaggeration or harsh language does not remove protection when speech concerns public affairs. Statements that are: clearly recognised as opinion, not fact; based on public or credible material; concerned with matters of public interest; and not actuated by malice,
are all legally protected.
Additionally, the defence of Public Interest/Responsible Communication protects journalists, citizens, and commentators who speak in good faith, relying on public information and acting responsibly as watchdogs of democracy. Most importantly, you ought to know that truth remains a defence. If the core of a statement is substantially accurate, even if some details are disputed it is unlikely yo be defamatory.
Fellow citizens and residents, know that, political speech is both a right and a civic duty. You have a moral and constitutional obligation to communicate concerns, and the public has a corresponding right to hear them. Any use of defamation law to stifle that exchange contradicts our Constitution’s guarantee of free expression, and we must resist this. If not for our sake, the for our children’s sake.
Mr. Prime Minister, your pre-action letter is not a defence of reputation, it is a display of panic. It seeks to weaponise the law to chill speech, rather than engage with the truth. If you are genuinely committed to transparency, the solution is simple: publish the full documentation and contracts surrounding the Alfa Nero sale. Bring the evidence.
Let the facts speak.
Let the record show.
That is how you silence speculation – not with lawsuits, but with disclosure.
Until then, the people have a right, and indeed a duty, to ask questions, knowing that a government that threatens its critics instead of explaining itself reveals more than it conceals.
So, my fellow citizens: free speech is not a favour, it is a right. Do not be intimidated by legal letters or political noise.Your right to speak is not granted by any Prime Minister; it is guaranteed by the Constitution. Public accountability is not defamation, it is democratic hygiene and truth is not decided by who has the louder lawyer or the deeper pocket; it is proven by evidence. We shall adopt the position that those who use the courts to suppress scrutiny forfeit the moral authority to lead.
As for all my positions and titles listed here, I hope the Prime Minister will remember, recognise, and respect the local, regional, and international organisations with which many of us are equally affiliated, and accordingly temper his language and that of his phycophants, curtailing vile, vulgar, and actual defamatory attacks on other political actors.
My people, SPEAK. History will remember not the noise of those in power, but the courage of those who refused to be silenced.
Respectfully and with love,
Malaka Parker
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This is a letter writer who demonstrates what My mother used to say: you miss your morning and now trying to gain the night. The one who has ears to hear must hear!!!!
WELL SAID!!!! She is a “day late and a dollar short”
https://antiguanewsroom.com/letter-malaka-parker-a-tried-and-failed-experiment-in-political-reinvention/
“Parker’s political journey has long been marked by self-styled narratives, heavy self-praise, and ambitious declarations that rarely matured into tangible national accomplishments. Over the years, she has leaned heavily on rhetoric, often positioning herself as a force of change. Yet those lofty proclamations have consistently outpaced her results.”
@Malaka Parker….. With all of the accolades you showered on yourself in the preamble of your letter, not even once did you allude to the dictum that free speech is NOT the freedom to say anything. Free speech comes with RESPONSIBILITY. Freedom of speech is NOT the right to say anything, that is why there is such a thing a DEFAMATION.
While it is true that free speech is a RIGHT, that right is constrained by the rights of others to take action when your freedom of speech infringes on someone else’s fundamental rights and freedoms. Not acknowledging this simple fact makes you, Malaka, look clownish and immature.
Following your logic in this letter, I guess it would be okay for me to ask if the kids really belong to the man whose surname they bear. Don’t sue me as I’m just asking a question, Malaka.
which KIDS? And why does Malaka insist on BLEACHING so much? Is she ashamed to be BLACK???
Way too long, verbose and way too boring to read. I just stopped as the ECLAC mention. So I can’t comment on th3 article as I didnt bother to read it. Just get to the point next time and stop selling yourself like as a snake oil salesman.
Finally, a woman of substance!!!
Finally, a woman who can stand and speak!
Finally one not a “me na move”!!
You are already proving me right that tiu will be the next chairwoman of the UPP.
Go forth and educate the nation!!!!!!!
The writer mentioned defamation under US law, so I will describe what they are.
There is regular defamation, where public officials are not involve. This requires proving the elements of a false statement, published, causation and damages. Burden of proof is on the publisher.
Then if a public official/famous person is claiming defamation then the elements are false statement, published, causation, damages and you must prove malice (reckless disregard for the truth). Burden of proof is on the public official.
The US constitution knows the importance for citizens to speak about public officials and famous people that it encourages and protects such speech by placing the Burden on the plaintiff that the defendant believed his/her statement was false but still published them. This elements is only required for public people.
Also in the US, you may add on certain torts like NIED and IIED, negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress. You may able to sue also for intrusion into seclusion.
But for public officials, it is harder to sue and win under such causes of action.
The long preamble about Ms. Parker’s qualifications and work history is a Caribbean thing.
It’s something we inherited from the Brits, while they have moved away from broadcasting and wearing their credentials on their chest; we continue the practice.
Beyond that it’s worthy criticism of her when she shoots off on a subject in which she has no fight.
Not that the subject of free speech is not important; but this matter on which the PM is seeking redress is not her fight as a political hopeful.
Free speech in Antigua and Barbuda is worthy of discussion and debate; but not within this context.
As a political hopeful Ms. Parker is putting herself up to attacks as seen her when there is nothing to gain.
This is an example of what I referred earlier to “a Caribbean thing” where individuals presents themselves as highly educated, and in many cases are highly educated; but fails to grasp the basic issues in the context of policy changes that are desperately needed.
One simple example:
Are we serious about “Climate change?, or are we just playing the money game?”
That’s a subject to be explored in a political context.
Beautifully written. Too often d Dawg wants to stifle free speech. Get out d kitchen if u have heat and don’t want to feel it. Transparency and accountability are the keys to everything that should be public. It’s tax payers money we talking about not a private citizen’s money!!
Well said ms. Parker!
Be transparent and publish the full sale of the alpha nar go!
This looks mighty fishy!
Gb, does protest too much!
Ah wa you guilty of? Hmmm!
Time longer than rope!!!
It’s not defamation when it comes from Gaston Browns mouth .. what a horrible human being….dont worry his pants will fall to the ground also ..
Maybe not literally but figuratively… he/people claim he is well educated but lacks “CLASS”. … how about him posting a picture of pearl Quin feet…
but he was spot on about Pearl “FOOTS” Quinn
You will never be forgiven for voting down the UPP bill in the Senate with your arrogant self. You hurt the party very bad.
You completely changed the drift for the party to a downward slide due to lack of confidence in the UPP. The question was, how could Baldwin allow that and you still flourish in the party. Stupid, stupid move.
You left because you thought others were not moving aside for you fast enough, and now you come back with the same others and again you want them to move aside for you? This is 2025, Mam. Unless you plan to walk with your DNA buddies to boost you up, and all except Massiah (for now) signed back up, you won’t get the support you think people owe you.
You have a very inflated opinion of yourself. Just look at all that stuff you write, ABOUT YOURSELF. That is unfortunate. Writing everything about yourself, from planting sweet pitaytay to performing open heart surgury, is no longer in style.
You also call Gaston a liar so that door is now close for you.
Now you’re back in the UPP, you will see even dem nar go no way. Too laidback. And the puppeteer nah move. So you will be leaving the station again for the next destination. Suggestion. You and Delso could start your own party, because you want to be first woman PM very bad. Spoiler Alert. Gaston already has Pixie line up for that, so get ready for a fight.
Oh yes!!! She has the “I, I, I, me, me, me”syndrome like Lucifer. That’s why the Most High kicked him out of heaven. She is all about herSELF.
“PRIDE goeth before destruction”
My question to and advise to Ms. Parker.
If you were a novelist; do you want literary acclaim as a writer, or do you want commercial success?
Success in politics is not for you to play to your supporters only; but find the issues that are important to those sitting in the fence.
With the behavior of the current leaders there are lot more sitting on the political fence yearning for true leadership.
As an aspiring politician who has the potential to lead this Country one day; do not set yourself up to be the wiping boy(girl) for those who are comfortable with the status quo.
Get beyond the low hanging fruits and seek out policy advisors that may not be locally available on issues, that are having a negative impact on the large sectors of the local population.
You have no fog in this fight. You very well are aware the leader of this country as well as the Nepo Babies, have their cutlass sharpened and ready.
There are so many policy issues on which you can establish your bonafides. Why set yourself up for the firing squad?
She certainly made a big mistake but she can recover from this easily
Trixie Pixie will never make until Gaston pull the same cane as he pulled on Lovell.
Voters transfer will not work for her Trixie Pixie.
This is just to change the narrative on the Bronco case.
Why argue about free speech at this time?
Gaston needs to take the heat off of him and
Trixie Pixie, so he is pursuing a lawsuit which again Antiguan government will pay for.
Only the Nepo Babies and the Entitled are of no concern.
You labour party people still haven’t changed fr when lester bird said you not a reading public. Fid u even read gastons letter? It is clear to me at least that malaka was just following the style of gatons letter by listing her accolades and titles! Ya’ll dunce or what? I got her point.
Point being if it was just about titles, then no politician shld be defamed! Especially by the bully Gaston!
I rate rate malaka!
All the years she in gov i never hear her talk about all dem titles she have!
She more qualified than gaston mon!!!!
I love it!
You atill stuvk in the ages! And you forgive Gaston for bad play lester bird? Did you hear when he admitted on radio before he took over abpl leadership that he know alp was corrupt? Ent you forgive him? You forgive him for not giving lester a ministry? You forgive gaston for bringing all dem upp people in ablp to eat your food? I wonder
Was malaka and ithers wrong about cip? What is there to forgive her for? If people like u had as much balls as malaka the country wld b better off!
Gyal go siddung!
All of self
Overestimating your relevance
What makes you think your vacuous ramblings have even a modicum of impact on the electorate???
You are DOUBLEMINDED and UNSTABLE just a jump round from pillow to poarse like a clueless barking Mongrel with no bite.
Seems like you are facing an identity crisis.
What a difference a couple of weeks make, since the return of Malaka Parker into the UPP fold. I wondered how long it would take before the naysayers to openly lambast her.
There’s another female in government, who on the whole is given a free pass in the public arena. Yet, she’s had a remarkable rise to prominence, not because of any outstanding talent, but her family background and nepotism.
On the other hand if you look into the background of Malaka Parker, you’ll recognise a hardworking no nonsense person who has got to the pinnacle of her career by dedication, integrity, and the pursuit of clearing up political institutions (UPP included, hence the birth of the DNA).
An amazing female that deserves our utmost respect. We need more of her ilk.
Antiguan’s huff and puff about everything..lol.
They have a government that’s running. Ponzi Scheme, and they are willing to let that slide because a “Female” voice her opinion and stated her accolades.. 😂 .
GB do the same damn thing and more..in fact, he has stated many times that he is the wisest human in Antigua, which ain’t saying much, since that many Animals are wiser than him.
Get back to the real issue as to why Antigua is in the pits, because it’s certainly not the fault of this Lady or Pringle, it’s because of the many crooks who are in high positions in this island, the same ones who controls where the money is spent.
Crooks like GB and his wife.
This lady doesn’t have half the clout that those two ministers have..one is the minister of finance, and the other one is in the second highest office, the very department where most of the citizens tax money is spent..
Huuumm!!!!
So the alp squad claim upp dont have talent. That malaka all of self? That gaston all for country? What a joke. Did you like reading all of Gaston’s accolades in his letter?? Thats how he started and that is why she began by listing her positions. In responding to the letter of his. Why is that not obvious? But guess what- if a min maria or even gaston that have all them positions yall would be worshipping them even more. I wonder which one of you talking bad about her could hold a candle to her? When you ger a woman with capacity and vision you want to cast stones! What is wrong with what this woman write here. Has reason gone to the dogs??? Murda
Go to the head of the class
Raise the standard
Fearing nothing giving all
What you say?
She thinks alot about her self
She is I I I
She flaunting her positions and accomplishments
She not in she lane
She punching above her weight
She larse she marnin
She double minded snd unstable
Woie woie woie
Malaka whatever you doing, do more!
Double down
Think more highly of yourself
Get some more titles
Be the david agsinsy goliath
And whether you gain a marnin or night you still gain!
Do more!!!!
Its moments like these i wish i cld see who these rabid people posting here truly are! Which one of the critics here could do better both in life and in response to Gaston letter. Go read the letter in question before you tark. This lady in public since 2009 or so and i have never heard her boast or brag or lead with titles. Just last week i heard her on Dave and though she is strong and firm i thought to myself that i wished more politicians had her grace and humility. I read gaston letter where rika bird was listing all his lofty titles i guess to bolted the claim that he was defamed and support why they asking for 10mil! When I read Ms Parkers letter, i already knew she was nust mimicking gaston letter to say they all hve titles but as she stated in the last para. Gaston the bully and his people need to stop defaming other politicians cause they also represent organizations. Did she have to spell it out for all of you? Now you gone accuse the woman of self praise and all the years Ms Parker serving in gov i have never heard anything like this said of the woman. The opposite is what I hear. She treats staff with respect and has never belittled them. I think you people just jealous. Feeling small
Go to the head of the class
Raise the standard
Fearing nothing giving all
What you say?
She thinks alot about her self
She is I I I
She flaunting her positions and accomplishments
She not in she lane
She punching above her weight
She larse she marnin
She double minded snd unstable
Woie woie woie
Malaka whatever you doing, do more!
Double down
Think more highly of yourself
Get some more titles
Be the david agsinsy goliath
And whether you gain a marnin or night you still gain!
Do more!!!!
dem bring she back fu CUT RICHARD NECK? Man Cow noit easy tarl. You can put lipstick on a pig, it’s still a HOG!
She is like stale bread. Richard not moving.
Parker did not have a degree when Baldwin made her the golden child. He wanted someone out of Grays Farm and people were complaining about only men were in government. Gail was on the other side. So he gave it all to her, forgetting that he had a young man who not only was qualified and ready, but was everything to him and to the party. He treated him like the hired help while he waited for Gail and anointed Parker.
Spencer gave Parker a ministry. She destroyed it with her arrogance and square pegs and chased away good workers). She did a lot of travelling, sometimes collecting per diem even for those trips she did not take, and she served on plenty conference committees, etc coming out from those outings.
Take another look at the ‘lang, lang list of accomplishments’. Many of those on the ‘lang, lang list’ are given when government officials are placed on committees, working teams, etc because of their representation.
If you don’t believe this, ask Molwyn about his ‘lang’lang list’.
Only people like the man host of VOP who never did that type of representation would be so IMPRESSED with all that twaddle.
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