Prime Minister Browne Reaffirms Legitimacy and Necessity of Alfa Nero Sale

Press Statement

Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne has reiterated his government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the sale of the superyacht Alfa Nero. Speaking publicly on the matter, he affirmed that if presented with the same circumstances, his administration would take the same course of action without hesitation.

To further promote transparency, the government released official documents outlining the sale price of the vessel (Bill of Sale), along with a detailed account of how the proceeds were utilized (Use of Proceeds – Alfa Nero Sale).

During a nationally televised programme last week—specifically convened to address a smear campaign by sections of the opposition colluding with Russian interests – the Prime Minister outlined that the decision to sell the vessel was necessitated by the situation in which it was left abandoned in Antigua and Barbuda’s territorial waters for over three years.

“We were faced with considerable risk,” Prime Minister Browne stated. “The vessel remained moored in our waters throughout multiple hurricane seasons, posing the real threat of damage or destruction. A significant fire even occurred at the dock where the Alfa Nero was berthed. Without government intervention and ongoing maintenance, the yacht could have burned and sunk within Falmouth Harbour. Such an event would have carried severe financial consequences and threatened the stability of our yachting sector, which is vital to our economy.”

He further explained that the government had already expended nearly US$2 million on the upkeep of the yacht over a two-year period—excluding costs for fuel, docking, and other incidentals. These ongoing expenses, Prime Minister Browne emphasized, became untenable, especially for an asset the state did not yet own.

“Spending millions of dollars on a vessel that did not legally belong to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda was not sustainable,” he remarked. “At one point, the captain formally notified Cabinet that he intended to abandon the vessel, as the crew was owed nearly one million US dollars and could no longer afford basic provisions. The legal uncertainty due to international sanctions further complicated the matter. Our options were extremely limited.”

Prime Minister Browne also revealed that the government had issued a global notice, inviting the rightful owner to reclaim the vessel. No party responded, and the yacht was legally deemed abandoned. The Port Authority subsequently initiated the required legal process to take ownership of the yacht, thereby transferring it to the state, he said.

“Once the yacht was formally acquired, we were in a position to justify not only the prior maintenance expenditure, but also to secure further liabilities, including payments for fuel supplied by the West Indies Oil Company and berthing costs at Carlo Falcone’s marina,” he explained.

“In conclusion, given the same set of circumstances, this government would have acted in exactly the same manner. The decision was necessary, lawful, and in the best interests of the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” the Prime Minister stated.