PM Browne Says His Brother’s Rape Conviction Proves He Does Not Interfere in Cases
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has pointed to his brother’s rape conviction and 13-year prison sentence as evidence that he does not use political power to interfere in criminal proceedings.
“It is well known that I have a brother who was convicted of rape, and he got 13 years,” Browne said.
The Prime Minister maintained that even if his relative had expected assistance, no intervention would have taken place.
“My position is: you do the crime, you serve the time,” he declared.
Browne raised the family case while rejecting accusations that his criticism of sentencing practices represents an attempt to influence the courts.
He said he has never intervened in any individual matter in Antigua and Barbuda or elsewhere and has never requested the removal or reassignment of a judge or magistrate.
The Prime Minister insisted that his campaign is directed at the broader sentencing system, particularly the treatment of repeat offenders, people convicted of serious gun crimes and adults who sexually violate children.
He has accused critics of deliberately presenting his comments as an attack on a particular judicial officer.
The Caribbean Heads of Judiciary and the Antigua and Barbuda Bar Association have warned against rhetoric that could create the appearance of executive intimidation.
Browne maintains that elected representatives have a constitutional responsibility to raise concerns about public safety and propose changes to sentencing legislation.
His Government is now preparing amendments that would introduce statutory minimum sentences while retaining discretion in exceptional circumstances.
He raised a fictitious case involving a 12 year old and a man who received 2 or 3 years. He said it happened recently. No such case existed. Stirring up contention and stoking hatred against “foreign ” judges. He should be ashamed.
His brother’s case doesn’t automatically settle the wider argument though. The concern from the Bar Association and judiciary is about protecting the independence of the courts, and that deserves to be taken seriously too.
As a mother, when it comes to adults sexually abusing children, I have very little sympathy. Those children can carry that trauma for the rest of their lives. The punishment should reflect the seriousness of the damage done.
What is that smart guy trying to prove? He said what he said clear and distinct. There is no mis interpretation in what he said, and he WAS talking to the Judge. He said “Brother man”. He is now trying to wiggle himself out of it talking about he was referring to a Magistrate. He didn’t expect his foolish talk would swing around the world the way it is moving and EVERYBODY is calling upon him to APOLOGISE. The quicker Antigua see the back of that man, the better it will be for the island.