Prime Minister Gaston Browne Issues Pre-Action Defamation Warning to US Attorney
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.
The eight-page letter, dated Nov. 26 and issued by Rika Bird & Associates on Browne’s behalf, demands an immediate halt to what it calls “false allegations” 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.
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 “secret below-market sale” of the vessel and attempted to “shut down” scrutiny of the transaction.
According to the letter, the attorney’s comments were repeated internationally and “caused severe financial and reputational harm” 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.
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’s lawyers, and compensation of US$1.5 million for alleged damages.
The letter stresses that Browne “does not intend to restrict or censor lawful speech,” but argues that the attorney’s repeated allegations—characterized by Browne’s counsel as “malicious, reckless and highly defamatory”—have crossed legal boundaries.
The attorney has not yet publicly responded to the pre-action correspondence.
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