[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" custom_padding="0px|||||" da_disable_devices="off|off|off" global_colors_info="{}" da_is_popup="off" da_exit_intent="off" da_has_close="on" da_alt_close="off" da_dark_close="off" da_not_modal="on" da_is_singular="off" da_with_loader="off" da_has_shadow="on"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.24.2" _module_preset="default" width="100%" max_width="100%" custom_margin="36px|auto||auto|false|false" custom_margin_tablet="10px||||false|false" custom_margin_phone="" custom_margin_last_edited="on|phone" custom_padding="1px||0px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text admin_label="only 1 image" _builder_version="4.27.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][caption id="attachment_103445" align="alignnone" width="800"] Boris Latour[/caption][/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.19.4" _module_preset="default" width="100%" max_width="100%" custom_margin="36px|auto||auto|false|false" custom_margin_tablet="10px||||false|false" custom_margin_phone="" custom_margin_last_edited="on|phone" custom_padding="1px|||||" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text admin_label="Article" _builder_version="4.27.4" _module_preset="default" custom_margin="2px||7px||false|false" global_colors_info="{}"]The government has revoked the appointment of Ambassador Boris Latour. That confirmation from Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Foreign Affairs Minister E.P Chet Greene. Latour is an Antiguan citizen and a major shareholder in South Point Hotel and Resturant Development in English Habour. Browne tells Antigua.news that the government revoked his appointment two months ago out of an abundance of caution. He also told us that the government has not been able to validate the claims but has had to decide in the best interest of the country. The decision was taken after Latour was investigated in Switzerland over several alleged illegal activities. According to media outlets in Europe, Latour, who came from a wealthy background, is now suspected of orchestrating the burglary of his own father, employing methods that resemble organized crime tactics. Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene has also confirmed the revocation, stating exclusively to Antigua.news that the government received certain reports regarding Latour that raised concerns. “Our objective is to uphold the reputation of Antigua and Barbuda on the global stage. Therefore, when these specific issues came to our attention, we felt compelled to take decisive action to revoke his appointment,” Greene explained to Antigua.news. He emphasized that this decision aligns with the government's commitment to ensuring that both elected and appointed officials maintain a standard of conduct that does not compromise the nation's image or reputation. “We strive to uphold the highest levels of integrity within our foreign services and, by extension, throughout the entire country,” Greene remarked.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://antigua.news/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Antigua-News-Whatsapp-Channel.png" title_text="Antigua.News Whatsapp Channel" url="https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va9976d23n3hAzoqv60Z?loadIn=defaultBrowser" align="center" _builder_version="4.24.2" _module_preset="default" width="60%" width_tablet="100%" width_phone="100%" width_last_edited="on|desktop" max_width="100%" module_alignment="center" custom_margin="||13px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Article" _builder_version="4.27.4" _module_preset="default" custom_margin="2px||||false|false" global_colors_info="{}"]This grim case is the subject of an ongoing judicial investigation between France and Switzerland, involving a safe, a contract, recruited criminals, deep resentment, and an addiction to money. It has recently led to the arrest of one of the burglars in France, followed by a swift trial on January 29 before the criminal court of Pontoise (Val-d’Oise). The hearing partially unveiled the details of this heist between diplomats. Latour said he is innocent claiming that his father deliberately planted these news articles to sully his reputation. He said his attorneys are dealing with the matter and will file a lawsuit against not only his father, but everyone involved. In 2023, Latour was appointed the Permanent Representative of the Antigua and Barbuda Mission to the UN in Geneva. He is also the country’s Ambassador to France and Permanent Representative to UNESCO in Paris and Vienna. Meanwhile Latour's representative issued this statement on the matter: The Ambassador has voluntarily resigned—he has not been dismissed—so that he may demonstrate his innocence. Mr. Latour is an honorable individual, a highly successful entrepreneur, and a distinguished diplomat, who is clearly the victim of a malicious conspiracy intended to undermine his reputation and integrity. He categorically denies the spurious allegations set forth in the media. This misinformation campaign, motivated by malice, represents a deliberate and longstanding attempt to tarnish his name. These claims, entirely baseless and clearly aimed at discrediting him, are firmly rejected as "fake news." All legal avenues will be pursued to defend his rights and preserve his honor. Furthermore, the presumption of innocence must be maintained, and any concerted effort to sully a reputation should not go unpunished. The future will confirm that Mr. Latour bears no responsibility for these fallacious accusations. We also remind everyone that, from an ethical standpoint, it is important to moderate accusations and verify facts before disseminating potentially harmful information. 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