Prime Minister Gaston Browne has levelled accusations against the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP), claiming the party is spreading a fraudulent utility disconnection notice online. According to Antigua News Room, the alleged misinformation campaign is unfolding in the lead-up to the St. Philip's North by-election.
The document, which circulated widely on social media, falsely claimed that electricity, water, and telecommunications services would be cut off in several communities, including Newfield, Glanvilles, Seaton, Willikies, Bethesda, and Freetown.
Browne raised the issue during his weekly Browne and Browne radio programme on Pointe FM, describing the circulation of the notice as a deliberate misinformation effort tied to the ongoing by-election campaign. He argued the false claims could be easily disproved and warned that spreading fabricated information risks undermining public trust.
The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) subsequently issued an official statement confirming that the notice was fake and had not originated from the authority. APUA acknowledged that it had issued its standard monthly reminder targeting accounts more than 30 days in arrears, but stressed that its official communication did not identify or single out any specific communities.
The Prime Minister addressed the controversy directly during his broadcast, pushing back against what he characterised as a pattern of false messaging during the campaign period.
