Prime Minister Gaston Browne has fired back at Guyanese activist Rickford Burke after Burke accused him of attempting to intimidate the judiciary over sentencing decisions in Antigua and Barbuda.
Browne reportedly described Burke as an “attention-seeking, intellectual jack-donkey” as the public dispute over the prime minister’s recent comments on sentencing and judicial independence intensified.
The controversy stems from remarks Browne made during a national security discussion on Aug. 10, when he expressed concern about what he considers unduly lenient sentences in serious criminal cases, including firearm offenses.
Browne subsequently explained that his comments were made amid concerns from law enforcement and members of the public about gun violence, statutory rape and sentencing.
“My remarks of 10 August were made in the context of grave concern, expressed by law enforcement and the people of Antigua and Barbuda in general, about firearm violence and statutory rape, in what they regard as unduly lenient sentences in some serious cases,” Browne said.
Burke strongly criticized the prime minister, arguing that the government should challenge disputed judicial decisions through the appeals process rather than make public threats against judges.
“You threatened the judge,” Burke wrote. “You in effect said if he doesn’t fall in line with your ill-informed interpretation of what the sentence for certain offences should be, he must leave the country voluntarily or you will deport him.”
Burke described the remarks as an attempt to “coerce and bully the judiciary” and accused Browne of abusing his position. He also called the prime minister a “demagogue.”
Browne rejected the criticism and responded with the “attention-seeking” characterization of Burke.
The dispute follows criticism from the Antigua and Barbuda Bar Association, which raised concerns that the prime minister’s remarks could threaten the independence of the judiciary.
Browne has maintained that his intervention is focused on concerns about sentencing and public safety.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: PM Browne Calls Guyanese Activist ‘Attention-Seeking Jack-Donkey’ Amid Judiciary Row.