Donna Chaia, a vocal supporter of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) and regular guest on Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s Pointe FM radio show, has issued a public apology to Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin following an outburst over a land dispute in Belmont.

Chaia, who has farmed in the Belmont area for over 40 years, admitted to reacting emotionally after encountering heavy-duty equipment on land she considers home. In a lengthy Facebook statement, she apologized for what she described as an “intimation of disrespect” toward Benjamin and for using an expletive in a social media post — a first for her, she said.

“I felt threatened when I arrived at Belmont to meet heavy duty equipment proposing to work in my farm,” Chaia wrote. “I responded with the ‘fight or flight’ instinct in defense of my life’s work.”

While expressing her frustration, Chaia reiterated her long-standing commitment to the Belmont community and her desire to formally purchase the land she and her children have developed over four decades. “Given my work, contribution and commitment to Belmont for 40 years, I deserve to be able to purchase my farm and to live among my people in my senior years,” she stated.

She also extended apologies to Prime Minister Browne, acknowledging that she had rejected an offer from him to discuss the situation privately before her outburst. “PM, at the very least, I should have afforded you that opportunity. I didn’t. Sincerely, I apologize to you.”

Chaia further rebuked opposition supporters and critics who she claimed were eager to exploit the incident for political gain. “To the UPP, the haters, scandalmongers and detractors… You can not prey on this opportunity for political benefit,” she wrote.

Thanking ABLP members for their support during the episode—including party chairman E.P. Chet Greene and MPs Mary-Claire Hurst and Rawdon Turner—Chaia closed her message with a declaration of party loyalty and a pledge of continued cooperation with the government to develop Belmont and Briggins.

She described the ABLP as a party of “strength, conciliation, unity and solidarity,” and reaffirmed her commitment to the party’s broader goals, including food security and community development.

“SOLIDARITY FOREVER!” she concluded.

The Attorney General has not yet issued a public response.