REAL NEWS: Allegations of rape levelled against a Cabinet Minister reportedly have caused a division among his colleagues; sparked accusations of double standards by the Police; and are now fuelling reports that the Minister is trying to leave the island.
News broke last Friday night that a young woman, reported to be 22 years old, had secured a lawyer, Wendell Robinson, to represent her interest in this matter.
Since then, members of the legal fraternity and the public have been waiting for confirmation that the Police have detained the alleged rapist for questioning. However, another media house reported today that the Police would neither confirm nor deny the allegations.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Gaston Browne – since Saturday – has acknowledged the allegations and made a definitive statement on the matter.
Some residents say that Browne had no choice but to take that position, given his treatment of another colleague, MP Asot Michael.
Other persons point to the example of former Agriculture Minister Dean Jonas, who was accused by the Prime Minister, himself, of serious offences and suspended for several months.
As far as the public is aware, however, Browne’s allegations against Jonas were never investigated by the Police.
In the meantime, other media reports say – and a Member of Parliament has confirmed to REAL News – that a senior Cabinet colleague approached the family of the alleged rape victim, with a view to having the young woman withdraw the eight-page statement she has given to the Police.
Residents tell REAL News they “were expecting this,” adding that there are “different standards for different people in Antigua.”
One woman says, “If it were my son, the Police would have hauled him in since Friday night and locked him up over the long weekend, though. Let’s see how this one is going to play out….”
The latest report in circulation is that attempts are being made to get the Minister out of the country. However, reports received on Friday claim the man recently returned here, having left the island right after the supposed offence took place.
REAL News has not been able to verify either report.
In the meantime, United Progressive Party Political Leader Harold Lovell, an attorney at law, says he expects the Police to be professional in handling the report and to execute their duties fairly and without favour.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
We all know how things work in this place. Thats a shame though that these are the type of people we have representing us as a nation. So glad its not my family because there would be justice one way or the other. We already know poor people have no laws on their side so dont even look to the girl scouts to investigate anything or as they call themselves rpfab
If anyone tries to pervert the course of Justice. He/She should be arrested and be charged for such a crime.This bull dung has to stop in Antigua and Barbuda.No one is above the Laws of the land.Even though some of those in Political Offices have a different outlook.I need to see more persons of certain classes in Antigua and Barbuda.Going off to 1735 to spend some times there.Because that place was not built for the lesser classes of the citizenry.Justice at all levels of the Courts in Antigua and Barbuda have eyes.They need to put the blinders back over the eyes of those administering justice.
Agree no one is above the law hence we have had persons at all level see prison. Recall the first one being George Walters, the other being a current UPP candidate then a former ALP parliamentarian. Recall when he has charged he was a sitting MP. Also heard the stories of while there how he was allegedly sodomized. Former MP Quinn Leandro, Harold Lovell and Wilmoth Daniel currently have matters before the court. The current AG, had a matter before the court, which was dropped because the then police cheif admitted he had insufficient evidence to proceed. Until this world comes to an end there will always be talk about persons who feel others get better treatment. Then again, even in heaven, I am told there are different levels (see the fall of Lucifer) or Jesus statement that all will be rewarded according to his deeds (Romans 2:6 ) or Mark 10:39-40:
“Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”
From the time the news broke highlighting a member of Parliament, I knew this would turn out to be a political ploy. The comparison to how things were in the past with other MPs and allegations versus how this is being handled and the several news articles every other hour about nothing, no arrest, no unspeculated updates, no case dropping.
No one finds that strange? Articles forcussing on who is representing the victim, colleagues not on the same page etc….all for what exactly? Political Ploy.
I hope justice still finds a place here, be it if the allegations are true or not.
Question to Ass ot? And where does this leave you? Your time had come and long since passed under a previous sheriff. There’s s a new sheriff in town with a whole new and refreshing standard in dealing with the likes of you. Tell your new comrades to stop comparing guineps and Middle Eastern grapes. You are out for reasons we all know too well, and out you will remain. Your ways, in many respects, are not our ways.
When cabinet control the police force and the leaders of the force lacks the testicular fortitude to act on the matters, we need equal rights and justice for all. We dont need puppets in the force we need officers to execute their jobs without fear or favor. Unfairness in Antigua and Barbuda we thy sons and daughters demand fairness. I dont know the situation neither do i want to judge but carry out the investigation, get aggressive like when a man is in a park by himself and you all will leave your vehicle to ask where is your mask like he is a treat to nature
Who is being charged? Most of these cabinet guys are too old and too dried up for something like this We all waiting for the arrest now.
And the Prime Minister said that the Minister in question knows what to to do. He’s nothing going to do it so you demand his resignation. Most of us on here already knew where this might be heading and I’m not a Gaston hater or fan . IF IT WALK LIKE A DUCK QUACK LIKE A DUCK GOD DAMNIT IT GOTTA BE A DUCK !
lol well said.
We waiting patiently. We don’t want any rapist (alleged or real) on the streets. Lock him up for his own safety, and the safety of every woman in Antigua and Barbuda. The courts will decide guilt or innocence.
they didn’t do anything to him when he faked a heart attack !!!
Research has shown that more than 85% of rape allegations against men are false and fabricated, and usually done as a method of revenge by women who feel scorned.
It is time to put these fake actress women in prison for making false allegations of rape. I say at least 10 years in prison for these women who make false accusations against men should suffice.
Women are usually liars, even their fellow women know that.
This matter of the alleged rape should not be swept under the rugs.It has been some days now.I have not heard anything for Law Enforcement on this matter.This should not be a 7 days and or 9 days talk.It must be continuous until someone is arrested and charged,with RAPE.
What would you say if your mother, sister, daughter was raped.
Don’t be an idiot
It wasn’t me.
Comments are closed.