Antiguan lawmaker murdered

Police in Antigua say they are probing the murder of prominent parliamentarian Asot Michael who was found with multiple stab wounds at his estate on Tuesday.

Michael, 54, listed as the first lawmaker to have been elected independently of the two main parties, had recently made amends of his fall out with the Antigua and Barbuda Labor Party (ABLP) after years of disagreement with its leadership.

Authorities say they have asked the US FBI to help them probe the death of Michael whose career has been dogged by persistent allegations of corruption.

Michael had served as trade and investment minister in an ABLP cabinet but was forced to resign just under a decade ago in the midst of an alleged bribery scandal involving British billionaire property developer Peter Virdee. Once news of the scandal broke, Prime Minister Gaston Browne forced him from the cabinet, leading to a bitter fall out with Browne and other party leaders.

Police say they have a suspect of Jamaican ancestry in custody but are not releasing further details, saying only the man was nabbed as he was trying to flee the jurisdiction.

Michael’s family said in a statement on Wednesday that “we are working closely with authorities to understand the circumstances of his passing and urge anyone with information to come forward. This is an incredibly difficult time in which we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve and begin to navigate the enormity of this loss. Asot dedicated his life to the service of Antigua and Barbuda. A passionate advocate for his constituents, he was known for his unwavering commitment, resilience, and dedication to the people of St. Peter’s. His legacy of public service, compassion, generosity, and tireless work on behalf of his country will forever be remembered.”

Speaking for his government, PM Browne also recalled that Michael had served as works minister under the Lester Bird administration about 20 years ago. He also spoke of the period when their friendship had gone south.

“During the ABLP’s 10 years in opposition in parliament, he worked diligently with me and others to return the ABLP to government in 2014. After our victory in the 2014 general elections, I appointed him as a minister in our administration. Although our relationship became strained for a period and his formal association with the party ended, he maintained his interest in the political life of the country, contesting the 2023 general elections as an independent candidate and was re-elected as the independent member of parliament for St. Peter. The death of Asot Michael is a profound loss to his family, friends, and constituents,” Browne said.