I refer to the controversy that has arisen over the sale of the Alfa Nero by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, and the disposition of the sales proceeds.
I will be perfectly clear about this.
The Alfa Nero was sold by the Government through an entirely lawful and transparent process for a total sales price of US$ 40 million. This was publicly reported, and it was documented before the High Court in Antigua.
Every dollar received, and every dollar expended, has been publicly accounted for. I am today releasing an accounting in a form that can be clearly and easily understood by all interested parties. The same information was previously provided to the High Court.
The Government has nothing to hide. In fact, it invites and welcomes public scrutiny of this transaction in all its aspects. I trust this public disclosure will put an end to the false accusations that have been made by unscrupulous persons attempting to further their own selfish interests.
I refer, in particular, to statements that were made by on behalf of Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov, the daughter of a Russian oligarch who is sanctioned by the US, UK and EU, among others. She has falsely claimed in our courts that she had an entitlement to the Alfa Nero in order to claim for herself the sales proceeds and damages and rob the people of Antigua and Barbuda of these public benefits. This alleged entitlement to the vessel was vigorously opposed by the legal team which represented the State.
She and her attorneys have made scandalous, malicious and entirely false accusations in order to further her illicit ends. The principal targets of her defamatory comments have been myself, and members of my family. There is not a grain of truth to any of these attacks on me, or my family’s integrity.
It is apparent that Ms Guryeva-Motlokhov has not acted alone, but in cahoots with desperate political opponents here in Antigua, who have previously raised some of these stale fabrications, which have already proven to be false.
I will not be deterred by this smear campaign against me. I have always been an advocate and practitioner of good governance, and I will continue to govern our country with the highest standard of integrity.
I am currently discussing with my attorneys, in Antigua and Barbuda and in the United States, the legal remedies available to me as a result of the libelous statements and other wrongs that have been committed against me and my family.
