Antigua and Barbuda PM rejects Bar Association demands after judge deportation threat

Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda is facing backlash from the Antigua and Barbuda Bar Association (ABBA) following threats to deport a High Court judge. During a national security meeting regarding rising gun crime, Browne criticized an unnamed judge for issuing what he deemed inadequate sentences. He stated that if the judge could not “follow the lead of parliament to give longer sentences,” they should leave the country voluntarily or face deportation and being declared persona non grata.

The ABBA issued a statement condemning the remarks as a “grave threat” to judicial independence and a violation of the constitutional separation of powers. The association called for the Prime Minister to withdraw the threat and affirm that executive powers will not be used to intimidate judicial officers for their lawful decisions.

In response to the association’s demand for an apology, Prime Minister Browne rejected the request via social media, describing the ABBA as “defunct” and telling the organization to “piss off.” He has indicated no intention of withdrawing his previous comments.