Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed that a senior executive of the West Indies Oil Company (WIOC) was questioned by United States authorities during a recent trip to the US, following reports published by Real News Antigua.
Speaking on Pointe FM’s Browne and Browne Show on Saturday, Browne said he became aware of the matter after reading the report and subsequently contacted WIOC Chief Executive Officer Gregory Georges to verify the information.
“I saw the publication on Real News and I spoke to Gregory Georges,” Browne said.
According to the prime minister, Georges confirmed that he was detained and questioned by US authorities and that his electronic devices were temporarily seized.
“He told me that he was questioned and that his laptop and phone were taken, but later returned to him,” Browne said.
Browne said the questioning appeared to be connected to ongoing international scrutiny surrounding Venezuela’s historical 25 percent shareholding in WIOC. He noted that the Venezuelan stake in the company predated the imposition of US sanctions.
The prime minister emphasized that WIOC has remained compliant since sanctions were enacted and denied any wrongdoing.
“There has been absolutely no violation whatsoever,” Browne said.
Browne said he chose to address the issue publicly after confirming the details directly, adding that his comments were meant to clarify the situation amid heightened international attention on Antigua and Barbuda and its state-owned entities.
He did not indicate that any action would be taken against the WIOC executive.
