No Breach as WIOC CEO Gregory Georges Was Questioned by U.S. Officials – PM Browne
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed that Gregory Georges, Chief Executive Officer of the West Indies Oil Company (WIOC), was questioned by United States authorities during a recent trip to the U.S.
Browne made the disclosure on Saturday. Last week, an online news publication broke the story but did not identify the individual.
According to the Prime Minister, he contacted Gregory Georges directly after seeing the report. Georges subsequently confirmed that he had been detained and questioned by U.S. officials.
Browne said Georges informed him that authorities temporarily seized Georges’s electronic devices, including his laptop and mobile phone, during the encounter, and they were later returned.
The Prime Minister indicated that the questioning appeared to be linked to international scrutiny surrounding Venezuela’s historical 25 percent shareholding in WIOC — an arrangement that existed long before U.S. sanctions were imposed.
Browne stressed that WIOC has remained fully compliant with all applicable laws and sanctions since those measures came into effect.
“There has been absolutely no violation whatsoever,” Browne said.
He added that he chose to address the issue publicly only after verifying the facts directly with Gregory Georges, noting that his comments were intended to clarify the situation amid heightened international attention on Antigua and Barbuda and its state-owned entities.
About the author
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 (8)
Unruly One January 6, 2026, 11:09 AM
Latanya January 6, 2026, 7:18 AM
Well January 5, 2026, 8:08 AM
Leny January 4, 2026, 9:39 PM
Concerned Antiguan January 4, 2026, 8:37 PM
Juju Bee January 4, 2026, 3:40 PM
Roseann Pile January 4, 2026, 1:12 PM
How much time elapsed between George’s detention, and the news report?
Why did the prime minister(government) know about the incident only from a news report?
Ross L January 4, 2026, 12:32 PM