PM Browne says his Govt is not responsible for migrant boat tragedy
Prime Minister Gaston Browne said he would not accede to calls from the opposition for him to resign following last week’s migrant boat tragedy, which resulted in at least three men losing their lives.
The opposition parties said Browne should take responsibility for the migrants’ deaths since his government supported the now defunct Antigua Airways charter flights, which brought over 900 West Africans from Nigeria and left them in the Caribbean in dire circumstances.
Browne told listeners of his weekly radio program on Point FM on Saturday that the opposition members are seeking to score political points off the tragic incident.
“This is an unfortunate situation that would have happened, but for anyone to seek to blame me or any member of my administration, clearly they are being mischievous,” he said.
“Those who are calling for resignations, you’ll not get the government so easily. You have to go back to the polls and let the people of Antigua and Barbuda decide”.
Browne stated his government supported an air link between Africa and the Caribbean because of their strong belief in connecting people from both regions.
He said his government does not regret working with the airline.
Browne added he is paying attention to the “desperate” actions of his detractors, whom he said are determined to destroy Antigua and Barbuda’s international image. He will take legal action against anyone who defames his character.
Browne has called on government agencies to investigate the incident that occurred late on March 27.
Thirty West Africans and two Antiguans left Urlings, Antigua, on a fishing boat destined for the US Virgin Islands.
A few hours into the journey, the boat was struck by large waves and capsized.
Fourteen Cameroonians and two Antiguans were rescued from the ocean, while 13 are missing.
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