FM GREENE RESPONDS TO COMMONWEALTH JURISTS’ CONCERNS

Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. E.P. Chet Greene has responded to concerns expressed by a grouping of Commonwealth jurists, regarding comments made about an unnamed judge by Prime Minister the Right Honourable Gaston Browne.

Minister Greene says the grouping has not taken account of the complete official record, including subsequent comments made by the prime minister on the issue.

Minister Greene also reaffirms the government’s commitment to upholding judicial independence, noting that, “Antigua and Barbuda is fully committed to an independent and impartial judiciary, the security of tenure of judicial officers, the separation of powers, the Commonwealth Charter and the Commonwealth Latimer House Principles.”

However, he insists there must be a focus on the substantive issue raised by Prime Minister Browne of tackling the crime threat facing Antigua and Barbuda.

Minister Greene spoke with ABS News Tuesday morning.

Garfield Burford reports.