Prime Minister Gaston Browne has rejected calls for his resignation over the ongoing Alfa Nero legal battle in the United States, describing the demands as “laughable.”
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle had earlier called for Browne to step down pending the outcome of proceedings in the US Federal Court. Pringle argued that it would be in the country’s best interest for the prime minister to temporarily vacate office while the case concludes.
Responding to the call, Browne accused the United Progressive Party (UPP) leadership of conspiring with “foreign mercenaries” to fabricate allegations surrounding the 2022 seizure and 2024 sale of the luxury yacht Alfa Nero.
“This is laughable,” Browne said. “These UPP morons are so delusional that they are now believing the illusion of their Alfa Nero fabrication. Soon the UPP hierarchy will be selling their sycophantic supporters flying pigs.”
The legal dispute centres on claims by Russian national Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov, who alleges that the Antiguan government mishandled the sale of the vessel. A recent US court decision lifted a temporary stay on subpoenas, allowing for the release of financial records connected to Browne, members of his family, the West Indies Oil Company Ltd. (WIOC), and several Antigua-based individuals and businesses.
Despite the ongoing court proceedings, Browne has maintained that the accusations are politically motivated and without merit.