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Posted: Sunday 20 May, 2018 at 8:03 AM

Gaston Browne explains why Michael resigned

By: Staff Reporter, SKNVibes.com
    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, May. 20, 2018 - ANTIGUA and Barbuda’s, Prime Minister, Gaston Browne says that the allegation involving his former Minister, Asot Michael was one that did not happen, but it could be the end of his political career.

    Browne, while addressing reporters in St. kitts and Nevis on Thursday (May 17) on the sidelines of the recently concluded Caribbean Investment Summit, explained that the minister had an arrangement with an investor to effect projects in Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Lucia.

    The intent of the agreement, according to Browne, would have seen the minister receiving "kickbacks" from the contract.

    However, he noted that though the contract was issued, the "gravy that they spoke about in the litigation did not happen".

    Michael is believed to be one of two Caribbean politicians that were fingered in taped telephone conversations between UK businessman Peter Virdee and his business partner, that were played in court recently.

    The conversation alleges bribes to top Caribbean politicians, with media reports suggesting that Michael asked for $2 million and a nice car. 

    "As I understand it, it was an attempt to commit a crime - bribery is illegal. So, it is on that basis that the NCA would have arrested him last October and potentially the matter could go further," Browne stated.

    But he is standing behind his former minister, noting that it would have been a "slam dunk" for the case if he had in fact taken the bribe.

    "I am not too sure about the fate of the minister, but I took a position because we have a country to govern and the last thing that we would want is to have a distraction in the governance of the country."

    To that end, he said that they believe in running a "transparent and accountable government that is free of corruption".

    Browne disclosed that the minister was urged to resign, noting that his position in the ABLP Cabinet is over.

    "I do not wish to speculate at this time but certainly the outcome of the litigation will determine his future. But I do know that there is no possibility of him serving in my government at this time or in the future for that matter if he is incriminated."

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