Parker Denies Any Link to Associate’s Arrest, Accuses PM of Political Smear Campaign

Opposition Senator Malaka Parker has denied any involvement in or knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the arrest of a close associate, while accusing Prime Minister Gaston Browne of attempting to exploit the matter for political gain.

In a public statement released this week, Parker said she had “absolutely no involvement” in the events that led to the allegations and legal proceedings against the individual.

“I have absolutely no involvement in the matters leading to these allegations and legal proceedings,” Parker said. “I was neither aware of nor connected to any activities that may be the subject of this investigation.”

Parker also rejected claims that the individual played a role in financing or managing her political activities.

“Further, this individual neither managed or financed my campaign, as is being stated,” she said.

The senator said that while she believes every person is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence, she recognizes the obligations that come with public office.

“True leadership requires transparency, integrity and accountability, values I have always upheld,” Parker said.

A significant portion of Parker’s statement focused on criticism of Browne, whom she accused of attempting to tarnish her reputation by publicly linking her to the matter.

She described the Prime Minister’s comments as “political opportunism” and accused him of engaging in “outright libel, lies and innuendo” in an effort to carry out a “public character assassination.”

Parker argued that it was inappropriate for a sitting prime minister to comment publicly on an active court matter.

“It is virtually unheard of in our region or anywhere for a sitting Prime Minister to weigh in so publicly and so aggressively on a pending court matter,” she said. “It is morally reprehensible for him to attempt to drag an innocent fellow citizen into it.”

The opposition senator suggested that the attacks against her stem from political considerations, claiming she is viewed as a threat to the governing administration.

“The Prime Minister views this strong, independent, educated and competent Black woman as a direct threat to his grip on power,” Parker said.

She also used the statement to raise concerns about the treatment of women in politics, arguing that female politicians are often judged by the actions of people around them rather than by their own records and conduct.

“While male politicians are assessed on their track records, on their conduct and on their policy decisions, female politicians are subjected to unfair scrutiny over their relationships, their appearance, their families and personal life,” she said.

Parker further alleged that some senior police officers may be seeking to establish a connection between her and the case for political reasons.

“We have increasing evidence to suspect that certain senior police officers, acting at the political behest of the Prime Minister, are actively seeking ways to fabricate a connection between myself and the case where none exist,” she claimed.

The senator did not provide evidence to support the allegation in her statement.

Despite what she described as efforts to intimidate her, Parker said she intends to continue speaking out against the government.

“I will not be intimidated. I will continue to stand my ground, speak truth to power, and hold this government accountable in the absolute interest of the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” she said.

Parker concluded by thanking supporters who had reached out to her and said she would continue to offer prayers and support to friends or relatives facing legal difficulties without condoning any alleged wrongdoing.