Antigua and Barbuda Hit with US$136K Legal Bill in Alfa Nero Controversy; Cost Continues to Climb

Published May 15, 2025, 6:45 AM

Alfa Nero legal fees have now reached $136K (file photo)

By Shermain Bique Charles

So far, the cost related to the ongoing Alfa Nero matter has reached a staggering One Hundred and Thirty-Six Thousand US Dollars (US$136,000.00), putting a significant financial burden on the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

During Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Gaston Browne highlighted how this legal defense expense in the United States Court stems from claims made by a Russian citizen, allegedly fueled by the opposition party, the United Progressive Party.

Prime Minister Browne expressed concern over the unpatriotic nature of these actions, emphasizing that they not only lead to substantial public costs but also harm the nation’s reputation and the character of its leaders.

He reiterated that the Russian citizen’s case is based on falsehoods, suggesting that the ongoing proceedings in the US courts are unlikely to yield any legitimate outcomes.

This story was first published by Antigua News on May 15, 2025 at 6:45 AM (Antigua time, UTC−4): antigua.news/2025/05/15/antigua-and-barbuda-hit-with-us136k-legal-bill-in-alfa-nero-controversy-cost-continues-to-climb. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Shermain Bique-Charles

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

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Comments (13)

Donna May 15, 2025, 8:03 AM

Why does this man keep blaming the opposition? The opposition party never told his government to sell the people’s boat. Are you telling me that he is going keep doing what he like, and then blame the opposition party for it?
Reply
- Gangster May 16, 2025, 11:51 AM
  
  It’s time for Gaston Browne to be taken out.
  Reply
Anonymous May 15, 2025, 8:22 AM

Make Gaston brown pay that bill cause he alone that knows where the money went
Reply
- Unruly One May 15, 2025, 8:52 PM
  
  Lol hahahaha I can agree with that lol. Make the world boss pay mon lol.
  Reply
Stone May 15, 2025, 8:38 AM

Why doesn’t someone shut this man’s mouth, permanently, please. I don’t know how his other half stands him, wow
Reply
- Unruly One May 15, 2025, 9:29 PM
  
  Are you saying this man should be silenced? Come on Stone. What has he done for that! Everyone has their right to opinions and views.
  Reply
Faithful national #1 May 15, 2025, 9:25 AM

PM Browne STAND YOUR GROUND! Those demanding that you capitulate and run away, belong to the class of:
1) the seedless black dogs and their female counterparts who quake in fear EVERY time a white cock crows! They are still proud residents of the “great house’ backyard.
2) the weak and lame bedraggled army of a leaderless gang of wounded fighters seeking a quick end to a war they instigated but who know their defeat is in sight!
3) the barnyard fringes who have no idea of what the hell is going on, or the ways in which they are being used to pad numbers in the cheering section of the bruk-dung bleachers!
HELL NO! THEY STARTED IT, SO LET THEM PAY FOR IT IN ITS ENTIRETY! ARWE NO FRAID DEM!!!!
Reply
Ben Simmons May 15, 2025, 12:10 PM

And it will continue to climb. These people in Russia have money. They know that the Alfa Nero was sold straight. Yet they will use their money to destabilize us financially because they can. That’s cruel. This matter could drag on for years. To them it’s simply putting a dollar in a red cross jar. To us it’s scrapping from funds we don’t have. Anyway you spin it…we are at the losing end
Reply
Anonymous May 15, 2025, 12:52 PM

UPP why don’t you respond to the allegations?
Reply
Anonymous May 15, 2025, 7:44 PM

Pringle walked out of parliament on the day, he told Gaston Browne not to sell the boat, Gaston Browne never listened so now why should the Antiguan people pay for his crime. He and the people involved in the sale should pay for it out of their pockets
Reply
Unruly One May 16, 2025, 7:40 AM

Well what we thought, all them legal fees for a Million dollar boar would be free? lol come on mayne, Got to spend your money if you want to defend against money!
Reply
Partriot May 16, 2025, 9:17 AM

This can only happen in Antigua, the epitome of a cartoon country led by a clown and his goons. They tief the boat,let them pay out of their OWN pockets. This cannot be legal. Come on Pringle! Challenge this on court and let the supporters assist with the legal cost. Get an injunction to stop the treasury from leaking money for these people’s greed. Let them answer for their dishonesty.
Reply
Vivika May 17, 2025, 5:28 PM

Boyyyyyy these costs raises serious concerns about financial responsibility and priorities. With such a significant financial burden on the people of Antigua and Barbuda, it’s crucial to question whether these funds could be better utilized for pressing needs within our communities, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. I am not into politics but honestly speaking, paying this bill might not only strain our resources but also divert attention and funds away from essential services that directly benefit our citizens. It’s essential to consider the long-term implications of this expenditure and seek alternative solutions that don’t disproportionately impact our economy and welfare. I would sue the Russians to repay our bills
Reply

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Antigua and Barbuda Hit with US$136K Legal Bill in Alfa Nero Controversy; Cost Continues to Climb

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