Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene has accused Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle and United Progressive Party (UPP) Chairperson D. Gisele Isaac of harming Antigua and Barbuda’s international reputation through their public statements on the Alfa Nero case and the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP).
Speaking during an appearance on WTP Media, Greene defended the government’s handling of the Alfa Nero matter and pushed back against what he described as misleading narratives being promoted by key opposition figures. He warned that their commentary was being cited internationally and could have direct consequences for the country’s economic interests.
“When you go out and make unfounded accusations, especially on international platforms, you’re not just attacking the government—you’re damaging the country,” Greene said.
His remarks follow recent Associated Press reporting on the Alfa Nero legal dispute, which referenced both Pringle and Isaac as sources of information. Greene stressed that their involvement in fuelling international media coverage of the case was not speculative.
“The Associated Press didn’t just mention names in passing—they directly cited Pringle and Isaac. This isn’t the government pointing fingers. The facts are there,” he stated.
Greene also rejected attempts by the opposition to tie the civil dispute surrounding the Alfa Nero sale to broader concerns about the management of the CIP. He maintained that the two matters were unrelated, accusing the opposition of intentionally conflating the issues to sow public distrust.
“They’re trying to create confusion. The Alfa Nero matter is a private legal dispute. The CIP is a legitimate government programme that has brought major investment to Antigua and Barbuda,” he said.
The Foreign Minister cautioned that persistent efforts to link the country to controversy, especially in the context of international finance and citizenship, could lead to long-term reputational damage.
“Statements like these undermine our credibility and can deter potential investors or CIP applicants. It’s reckless and unpatriotic,” Greene warned.
Greene concluded by calling for greater political maturity, urging opposition figures to prioritise national interests over partisan gain.
“This is bigger than politics. It’s about how the world sees Antigua and Barbuda,” he said.
