Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, on Monday stripped one of his legislators – Asot Michael, of all of his portfolios following Michael’s arrest in the United Kingdom.
Michael, who was the Minister of Tourism, was arrested when he arrived in the UK on Monday.
Advises Governor General
Shortly after news of the arrest emerged, Browne, by way of a release said he advised Governor General, Sir Rodney Williams to immediately revoke Asot Michael’s appointment from the Cabinet.
The Prime Minister said he received news of the arrest from Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner in London, Karen-Mae Hill.
No firm details of arrest
“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,” Browne said.
“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,” the prime minister added.
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