REAL NEWS: MP Michael Browne, the former Minister of Education, will stand trial in the High Court of Justice for serious crimes he is alleged to have committed last November.
Browne appeared today, April 28, in committal proceedings before All Saints Magistrate Ngaio Emmanuel-Edwards, who determined that there is sufficient evidence for him to answer the charges in the upper court.
The news, as expected, was met with mixed reactions.
Browne’s supporters were disappointed that his attorney’s no-case submission was not successful. Some even alleged that there is a conspiracy against the All Saints West parliamentary representative who, they claim, has fallen out of favour with the Prime Minister.
However, other residents saw the Magistrate’s rejection of the submission as proof that all persons are equal before the law.
An Antiguan in Florida contacted REAL News to say, “I just heard the news. I’m telling you that God is not sleeping and that karma is a [witch].”
In the same vein, a Carlisle woman posted in an online chat: “Welcome to the Karma Restaurant. There are no menus. Here, you get served what you deserve.”
The two critics were referring to the role Browne played in the criminal prosecution of Algernon “Serpent” Watts and D. Gisele Isaac in what became known as the Board of Education matter. Both Watts and Isaac have since been vindicated.
But other residents are adopting a universal view and exercising greater faith in the justice system. They point to the conviction of a former Barbados MP and government minister, Donville Iniss, on charges of laundering bribe payments through New York bank accounts.
Innis was sentenced in a U.S. Court yesterday, April 27, to two years jail time and forfeiture of over US$36,000 in assets.
The U.S. Justice Department credited the Barbados government for assisting the FBI in the investigation; and optimistic locals say this gives them hope that the days of preferential treatment for politicians are over.
Meanwhile, MP Browne, who is represented by the law firm of Watt, Dorsett & Hewlett, remains on bail, with reporting conditions in place.
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I owe,I owe,I owe,so it is off to jail I go.All of you lousy thinking. You are above the Laws Politicians.Hotel 1735 awaits you with the slab pales. Just do not drop that soap.Do not bend over.
This guy will REALLY need to be careful about that bar of soap. I agree, do NOT bend over!!! And be sure to sleep standing up. We don’t want anything to happen, you know.
Here is a question to all across the Political Divide. If a no name person was accuse of the same crimes as Browne. Wouldn’t that person be charged the same as Browne. So what is the big deal in this case. When this matter goes to the High Court. The Jury selection would be the testing period. In my opinion,if found guilty. He should be sent to Prison to serve time. My late Mother did tell me. Every dawg has its day. When you spit into the air. It falls right back into your face. When you would dig a ditch for someone. You could end up falling into that same ditch. Folks remember that so called Education Report and persons were arrested. Only to be vindicated in a Court of Laws. Life is filled with mysteries.
The days of preferential treatment for “the big boys”, including politicians and those “well connected” is ending. Be careful. What you sow you will reap. It’s now in the hands of the courts. They will determine guilt or innocence. Let it be.
When he is found guilty I hope he doesn’t fake another heart attack. We need real leaders.
What about the guy who represents the Parham area…..
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