Prime Minister Gaston Browne has declared he remains undefeated in defamation cases and is prepared to take further legal action against political opponents who make what he considers false statements.
According to Antigua News Room, Mr. Browne addressed an ongoing lawsuit tied to claims surrounding the sale of the super-yacht Alfa Nero during his weekly radio programme. Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan noted that the case has encountered a procedural hurdle — one defendant, Martin De Luca, had not been properly served with legal documents.
Mr. Astaphan explained that while the law firm involved was correctly served, service on Mr. De Luca must be repeated in order to satisfy legal requirements.
The Prime Minister also signalled potential legal action against former opposition leader Harold Lovell, stating his intention to hold individuals accountable for defamatory statements. He added that any damages awarded in such cases would be donated.
Mr. Browne framed his approach as a deterrent against false claims, arguing that individuals with financial means should face tangible consequences for defamation in order to protect reputations.
He cited a prior case involving former Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, who paid $30,000 in damages — funds Mr. Browne said he donated. He also referenced a separate dispute with Vere Bird III, which was dismissed after the court determined the statements in question to be true.
The Prime Minister emphasised that truth remains the strongest defence in defamation matters and called on public figures to exercise care in their public statements.
"We've never lost a case… just by standing on the truth," Mr. Browne said.
