Detained and released in United Kingdom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – NEWS coming out of Antigua and Barbuda states that Minister of Tourism Asot Michael was stripped of all his portfolios following his recent detention and subsequent release in the United Kingdom.
According to the Antigua Observer, Michael was taken into custody by Metropolitan Police some time between Sunday (Oct. 22) and yesterday when he arrived at the Gatwick Airport on a British Airways flight.
The media house stated that the information was confirmed by the Government’s Chief-of-Staff, Lionel ‘Max’ Hurst, who had indicated yesterday that he was not in possession of details as to why the minister was detained.
The information was also confirmed by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who was at the time attending a Citizenship by Investment conference in Jordan.
The Observer also said that a government statement from the Office of the Prime Minister indicated that Governor General Sir Rodney Williams was instructed to relieve Michael immediately “pending the outcome of his arrest”.
It noted that in emailed statement, PM Browne said, “While I have no firm details of the reasons for Mr. Michael’s arrest, the arrest itself is sufficient for me to revoke immediately, his appointment as a Cabinet member and to relieve him of all ministerial portfolios until this matter is resolved.”
Reportedly, the Prime Minister said Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner in London, Karen-Mae Hill, was the one who informed him of Michael’s detention.
“I have repeatedly stated that I expect every member of my government to comply with the highest possible standards required of public office, and while Mr. Michael might establish his innocence in time, the fact that he has been arrested, obliges me to relieve him of all government duties,” PM Browne said.
Prime Minister Browne also reportedly said: “I undertake to release other information, regarding Mr. Michael’s arrest, as it is brought to my attention.”
