Govt could take legal action against parties in Alfa Nero matter

Government may be acting against those who were at the forefront of the Alfa Nero lawsuit.

“The government has indicated that it is contemplating and will take advice from legal counsel on whether to proceed but the government is resolute in its position that those who defame government, country, and government officials will receive necessary reactions from the government of Antigua and Barbuda. They must not go unpunished,” Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office Maurice Merchant declared.

Merchant mentioned that the government will do all in its power to restore the name and reputation following the allegations made during this case.

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has expressed its satisfaction with the recent ruling from the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, which quashed all subpoenas filed by Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov, the daughter of a sanctioned Russian national and former owner of the super-yacht Alfa Nero.

The subpoenas had been directed at Prime Minister Gaston Browne, his family members, senior government officials, and several private entities.

In a ruling by Judge Jesse M. Furman, the applicant Guryeva-Motlokhov did not fulfill the requirements for relief under 28 U.S.C. § 1782. Consequently, the court quashed the subpoenas, vacated its previous order that allowed the subpoenas, and instructed the applicant’s legal counsel to destroy any obtained materials.

Prime Minister Browne and his Cabinet have repeatedly claimed that this legal action, supported by senior opposition figures, was merely a politically motivated attempt to undermine the credibility of the Prime Minister, his family, and senior public servants.

In light of the ruling, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to transparency, the rule of law, and the highest standards of public accountability.

The Cabinet also emphasized that it will continue to firmly resist any attempts, whether from domestic or foreign sources, to defame its officials or to coerce the nation into altering decisions that are made in the sovereign interest of its people.

This ruling marks a significant moment in maintaining the integrity of the government and the sovereignty of Antigua and Barbuda amidst ongoing challenges.