Prime Minister the Right Honourable Gaston Browne has issued a robust rebuttal to an article published by the online entity “National News Brief,” characterizing the report as “false and misleading.” The Prime Minister’s office released a formal statement on Wednesday, categorically denying allegations concerning the government’s handling of the high-profile sale of the superyacht Alfa Nero. Browne went further, suggesting that the inaccurate reporting is part of a deliberate and organized smear campaign strategically designed to tarnish the international reputation of Antigua and Barbuda, rather than a legitimate piece of investigative journalism.
The core of the dispute centers on the Alfa Nero, a luxury vessel that was abandoned in Antiguan waters following the imposition of international sanctions against its Russian-linked ownership. Prime Minister Browne clarified that the government’s actions were conducted strictly within the bounds of domestic law, citing specific legislation passed by Parliament to facilitate the seizure and sale of the vessel. He reaffirmed that the government’s management of the asset was transparent, noting that the yacht was successfully sold at a public auction in July 2024 for approximately US$40 million.
Addressing allegations of financial impropriety, the Prime Minister was unequivocal in his defense of the government’s fiscal conduct. He dismissed claims of missing funds, explaining that the US$40 million generated from the auction was utilized exclusively to address legitimate state obligations. Specifically, Browne noted that the proceeds were applied to settle outstanding debts owed to various regional financial institutions, thereby refuting speculative narratives that suggested the funds were misappropriated or unaccounted for during the transition of the asset.
The Prime Minister’s statement also sought to clarify the status of ongoing legal maneuvers in the United States, which the National News Brief article had portrayed as a significant setback for his administration. Browne described the article’s characterization of the litigation as structurally dishonest, particularly regarding claims that court proceedings are exposing his personal financial records. He emphasized that the reality of the situation is precisely the opposite of what the report suggests, highlighting a pivotal ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in March 2026.
According to the official statement, that appellate ruling marked a decisive legal victory for the administration, as it upheld a lower court’s decision to quash subpoenas that had sought the disclosure of private financial records belonging to Browne and other Antiguan officials. By citing this judicial outcome, the Prime Minister argued that the article intentionally inverted the facts to manufacture a narrative of vulnerability, when in fact the U.S. judiciary has already protected the privacy and official standing of his government’s representatives against what he termed predatory legal efforts.
Finally, Prime Minister Browne addressed his defamation lawsuit against the prominent law firm Boies Schiller Flexner and attorney Martin De Luca. He maintained that this legal action was a necessary response to persistent, defamatory public statements that were reportedly made on behalf of sanctioned Russian interests. By filing the suit, Browne indicated that his administration is committed to holding those accountable who attempt to destabilize the nation through misinformation. He concluded his statement by reaffirming his government’s commitment to the rule of law, both domestically and abroad, while vowing to remain vigilant against campaigns of disinformation.
