Suspected murder of politician shocks Antigua and Barbuda

The prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda has expressed “deep shock and unhappiness” after the suspected murder of one of many nation’s most distinguished MPs.

Asot Michael, 54, was discovered unresponsive with what seemed to be “a number of puncture wounds about his physique” at his dwelling simply after 8am, in accordance with police on the Caribbean island. The consultant for the nation’s St Peter constituency was declared useless on the scene.

Describing Michael’s dying as “a profound loss to his household, pals, and constituents”, the prime minister, Gaston Browne, mentioned in a press release: “On behalf of the federal government and other people of Antigua and Barbuda, I prolong my honest condolences to his son, Nigel; his sisters, Marie-Therese and Soriah; his prolonged household; and the various pals who’re grieving his loss.”

The nation’s commissioner of police, Atlee Rodney, mentioned his drive had launched a murder investigation.

The dying despatched shock waves throughout the Caribbean island the place Michael had beforehand served as tourism, financial improvement and power minister beneath Browne.

Described by native media as a controversial but influential determine in Antiguan politics, Micheal had left the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour get together to develop into an unbiased candidate.

“Though our relationship grew to become strained for a interval and his formal affiliation with the get together ended, he maintained his curiosity within the political lifetime of the nation, contesting the 2023 common elections as an unbiased candidate and was re-elected because the unbiased member of parliament for St. Peter. Earlier this yr, we reconnected, and I welcomed him as a pal and colleague,” Browne mentioned in his assertion.

Different members of the Labour get together expressed their sorrow and shock and paid tribute to Michael.

Describing his dying as a “vital loss to the get together”, chair Chet Greene mentioned: “It was with profound unhappiness and nice alarm that I acquired the information of the tragic dying of Asot Michael, the elected consultant of St Peter, probably because of foul play.”

The Labour get together’s first vice-chair, Samantha Marshall, mentioned Michael can be remembered as somebody who “championed the rights of the marginalised and advocated for insurance policies that uplifted the underprivileged”.

Atiguan political commentator Audley Phillip praised Michael’s prolific philanthropy, including that the minister used his wealth to assist individuals throughout Antigua and Barbuda.

Others spoke about Micheal’s private affect, with Tevaughn Harriette, former captain of Michael’s Arcade Parham soccer staff, crediting the minister for instructing him to “dream large and embrace challenges with braveness”.

The information of Michael’s dying prompted an outpouring of grief from the local people, with crowds gathering outdoors his residence. Native authorities have appealed for calm, endurance and respect for the MP’s household. The drive has arrange an nameless line on which individuals can help the police with their investigation.