Bribery Charges Vindicates PM for Removing Micheal from ABLP Candidate Slate

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says his decision not to allow MP for St Peter Asot Michael to run on an ABLP ticket in the last general election has been vindicated by reports alleging that Michael was bribed by British businessman Peter Virdee.

Prime Minister Browne faced strong opposition from both inside and outside the party for this decision, particularly from “paid mercenaries,” but he maintains that he harbors no ill will towards Mr. Michael.

The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency has charged British businessman Peter Virdee with bribery of Antiguan and Barbudan Member of Parliament Asot Michael.

Virdee, 50, also known as Hardip Singh, appeared before Westminster Magistrate’s Court on Thursday and is accused of “bribing a foreign public official.”

The allegations suggest that he bribed Asot Michael, who was serving as Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment, and Energy at the time, in order to benefit PV Energy Ltd. Virdee, a director of PV Energy, has also been charged for “failing to prevent bribery” in relation to the same alleged offenses.

Virdee has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear at Southwark Crown Court on June 20, 2024.