Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda made significant statements regarding extradition processes and citizenship issues during an interview on Pointe FM yesterday. Here are some key quotes from his remarks:
Speaking about a specific case, Browne said, “Now they argue that one of the entities had some issues with the Chinese government. Well, we became aware of that subsequently. That person is a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, became a CIP citizen about 6 years ago.”
Browne emphasized the importance of due process in extradition cases, stating, “You cannot repatriate that person without going through a legal process. You can’t extradite that person without first receiving an extradition order and then allowing the legal processes to take place.”
Referring to past extradition cases, Browne noted, “Even when our comrade Leroy King faced an extradition order, it took the United States 10 years to get him out of Antigua and Barbuda.”
Regarding recent allegations and extradition requests from China, Browne stressed, “We have to allow for due process. It doesn’t matter how you obtain your citizenship, you know, even if you are CIP-born Antiguan or by marriage. The reality is we have to allow for due process. That’s the law.”
Responding to claims made through Interpol, Browne clarified, “It’s not within the domain of the cabinet to make any determination whether this man should be extradited.”
Browne expressed concerns about potential reputational damage to the country and attempts to undermine bilateral relations, stating, “Now they’re trying to undermine one of the most important bilateral relations for Antigua and Barbuda, the relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and the PRC.”
