Antigua and Barbuda’s Foreign Affairs Minister has raised red flags over a perceived lack of clear diplomatic protocol in the Caribbean after learning that former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley passed through the country without the government’s knowledge.
As the unexpected stopover continues to make regional headlines, Minister Chet Greene also expressed regret that his country has been drawn into what he described as a local political matter.
On Monday, Rowley claimed his name was placed on an Interpol watch list, after being stopped by immigration officials at Antigua’s VC Bird International Airport on July 13 while en route to Montserrat.
He said he presented his diplomatic passport and was asked to wait, with officials stepping away for what he described as “a significant period”. He was then escorted by Antiguan security to an executive lounge, where he was informed he had been flagged.
Rowley said a similar incident occurred a week later, again in Antigua, this time while returning to Trinidad. On that occasion, he was once again told he appeared on a “list”. However, he said further enquiries revealed it was a case of mistaken identity, according to a supervisor.
Greene said he was disappointed that, as a sovereign state, Antigua and Barbuda was not given the opportunity to properly receive a diplomat of Rowley’s stature.
“There were no provisions made especially or particularly for Dr Rowley passing through. And you know that in itself is where we have a concern because we would like to know that our protocol is extended to persons who would have served this region. And we hope this kind of thing would be a one-off and that we’d be given the benefit of a sovereign state in the Caribbean, of being able to look forward and accommodate a former leader.”
However, he stopped short of commenting on whether Trinidad and Tobago’s former prime minister was placed on a red flag list. He also indicated that he had not spoken to local immigration officials.
“Antigua and Barbuda does not have any comments to make on this matter, which seemingly is, even from Dr Rowley’s account, a local political development.”
Yesterday, 24 hours after the Commissioner of Police denied placing Rowley on an Interpol watch list, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander also distanced the Government from the matter.
Alexander assured that neither the Government nor any State agency had any involvement or hidden agenda in attempting to flag Rowley during his travels after leaving office on March 16.
“Just like everybody else, I am wondering from whence that came. We have no information about that. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago did not put anybody, from my knowledge, on any watch list, and not just anybody; they didn’t put that particular individual (Rowley) on any watch list or anything like that.”
He added that while no formal investigation will be launched, questions may still be asked. However, the minister emphasised Interpol’s independence, noting that Government does not and will not interfere in its operations.
Guardian Media reached out to Caricom Impacs (the Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security) for comment. However, we were told the matter falls under national security, and all queries should be directed to the respective ministers of National Security and the Police Commissioner. Attempts to contact Rowley for an update were unsuccessful.