ST JOHN’S, Antigua, Oct 11 2015 – Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said Sunday that his government will cooperate fully with the United Nations and the United States as investigations continue into the corruption allegations against former Antiguan Permanent Representative to the UN, Dr. John Ashe.
“To the extent that the authorities of the United Nations and the United States request the co-operation of my government in this matter, we shall give such co-operation as a responsible member of the international community. That is our obligation, and it is an obligation we will fulfil,” Brown said in a national address.
He drew attention to an observation that was flagged in the complaint in which Ashe, former prime ministered Baldwin Spencer and others were named by the FBI Special Agent in the Court of the Southern District of New York.
The FBI agent said: “I know that bribery of a public official is illegal in Antigua under the Prevention of Corruption Act which was enacted by the Antiguan Parliament”.
Browne said it is obvious, therefore, that the eyes of the international community are focused upon Antigua and Barbuda, to see what this country’s law enforcement agencies do, in relation to this matter.
“Should the law enforcement agencies, in their own independent determination – and I emphasise this – in their own independent determination, make a decision to take some form of action – that is their prerogative,” the Prime Minister said.
“I make it clear now, that should they do so, it will be no political witch hunt by my government or the political party that I lead.
“My government will cooperate with the international community in its investigation in this matter. No government or agency will be able to accuse us of not acting responsibly. Domestically, law enforcement agencies will determine, in their own deliberate judgement, what actions they might take,” Prime Minister Browne added.
Ashe was one of six people identified in a criminal complaint outlining a bribery scheme that involved more than one million US dollars in payments from sources in China for assistance in real estate deals and other business interests.
The complaint alleges a broad pattern of corruption by Ashe, who is accused of using the bribes to support a lavish lifestyle: spending US$59,000 on hand-tailored suits in Hong Kong in 2013 and 2014, buying two Rolex watches in 2014 for US$54,000, and later that year paying US$40,000 to lease a new BMW X5.
He also bought a membership at a South Carolina country club for US$69,000, and solicited money to construct a US$30,000 basketball court at his home in Dobbs Ferry, New York, according to the complaint.
