Prime Minister Gaston Browne has intensified his public criticism of United Progressive Party Senator Malaka Parker, doubling down on earlier remarks despite a formal rebuke from the opposition party.
According to Antigua News Room, the latest exchange unfolded Monday on social media after the UPP and its Women's Forum issued a statement condemning comments Browne had previously made about Parker in the wake of her partner's arrest on drug-related charges.
In a Facebook post, Browne wrote: "Malaka Parker – When you, as an MP and mother of three girls, choose to cohabit with a known convicted pedophile and narcotics trafficker; it defines your judgement, character and values. Respond to that!!"
The post came hours after the UPP released a statement of support for Parker and accused the prime minister of attempting to link her to alleged criminal activity, despite no law-enforcement agency naming her as a suspect.
"The United Progressive Party (UPP) and its Women's Forum affirm their support for Senator Malaka Parker and condemn the prejudicial words and actions of Prime Minister Gaston Browne," the statement read.
The opposition party argued that Browne's comments amounted to a deliberate effort to damage Parker's reputation and potentially influence the ongoing police investigation. "Law-enforcement authorities had not announced any involvement by Senator Parker," the UPP statement said. "Therefore, the prime minister's actions can be construed only as a deliberate effort to influence the Police and to taint Senator Parker's character."
The UPP also accused Browne of applying double standards, citing his handling of separate controversies involving individuals associated with his own administration.
Browne's latest remarks shifted the focus of the dispute away from the drug investigation itself and toward Parker's personal relationship with Dean Robert Gould, whom the prime minister described as a convicted sex offender and narcotics trafficker. Gould, who serves as Parker's partner and campaign manager, was detained after authorities reportedly discovered nearly 60 pounds of suspected cannabis in luggage arriving on a flight from the United States. Police investigations remain ongoing, and no conviction has been secured in connection with the latest allegations.
The escalating political confrontation has generated widespread discussion on social media, with supporters of both parties actively weighing in.
As of press time, Parker had not issued a public response to Browne's most recent comments.
