Antigua & Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne
Prime Minister Gaston Browne said he is yet to decide whether or not he will accept the offer made by Immigration Minister Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin to step down, at least temporarily, from the post.
He is also undecided on and whether or not he will launch an independent probe into an alleged human trafficking and migrant smuggling ring.
In an exclusive interview with OBSERVER media shortly after Benjamin made the offer at a press conference, on Tuesday, PM Browne said his decision will be measured, not rushed.
“I’ll make a determination at a future date as to what action will be taken based on his request,” Browne said.
The country’s leader said prior to Benjamin’s public statement, the two of them had discussed the matter extensively following a complaint from the US Embassy in May of this year, about a human trafficking and smuggling ring involving Syrians and Cubans.
Browne added that based, on information gathered in investigations so far, he is confident his Antigua Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) administration has proved that it was not involved in the alleged crimes identified by the US Embassy.
“I believe that he, Benjamin, made a very good case (yesterday) that would have literally destroyed any speculation of wrongdoing by my government. It was very clear that as soon as the issue was brought to our attention, my government acted immediately (and) ended a few smuggling rings that were operating in this country since 2008,” Browne stressed.
The ABLP leader said that government started cooperating with US authorities immediately in May when the matter was brought to light, and US officials have since given the country “high” commendations for its support.
Yesterday, both PM Browne and Minister Benjamin reiterated that US authorities had notified the former administration and now opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) of migrant smuggling and human trafficking of Syrians since 2013.
They allege nothing was done by the UPP at the time.