Prime Minister Gaston Browne clarifies the Dr. Keith Rowley situation (photo by credit: iWitness News/Kenton X. Chance)
Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has clarified that the information leading to immigration officers’ inquiries regarding former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley did not originate from Antigua.
Speaking to the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), on the sidelines of the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum 2025 currently underway in Grenada, Browne emphasized that immigration officials treated Rowley with the utmost respect, similar to how they would handle inquiries involving any other traveler.
Rowley, who departed from active politics in April 2023, disclosed that he experienced a stopover in Antigua on July 14, where he was briefly flagged due to his name being placed on a watch list by the Paris-based International Police Organization (INTERPOL).
He was en route to participate in the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory when he faced the inquiry at VC Bird International Airport.
But Browne told reporters that Rowley was not detained but rather subjected to further inquiries based on existing information in the immigration portal.
“It was not a detention,” Browne asserted, adding that the information prompting the inquiries did not originate in Antigua. He noted the professionalism of the immigration officers, citing that Rowley was treated with full respect as a former prime minister.
The former Prime Minister expressed disbelief that his name could have been flagged internationally by Trinidad and Tobago authorities and called for an explanation from Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar and Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro regarding their involvement.
Prime Minister Browne reiterated to CMC, “The information has since been removed from the system, and there is no such notation. I will not speculate where it originated, but I can assure you it did not come from Antigua and Barbuda.” emanate out of Antigua and Barbuda,” Browne told CMC.
So why didn’t the PM speak about it here? I can’t recall any local reaction to that matter. This whole incident sounds fishy to me
As was said, he was detained. Upon his release and arrival into Trinidad he made known his concerns over the incident, knowing fully well the origin of his detention began right here in Trinidad His detractors, now at the helm of government, has questions to answer no doubt.
Glad to hear PM Browne cleared that up. Immigration officers did their job professionally, and Rowley was respected. Case closed.
Kamla and the Police Commissioner owe the country an explanation. If they’re not involved, then who is?
It’s important that PM Browne addressed this incident. Given the implications, particularly the INTERPOL claim, clear and factual communication is essential to prevent misinformation and maintain trust in our immigration processes, both locally and regionally.