Concerned citizens join members of the United Progressive Party in protest action demanding an inquiry into the Antigua Airways debacle

Hundreds of people turned out this morning (Tuesday, February 7) to join the United Progressive Party (UPP) in staging a picket of the Prime Minister’s Office on Queen Elizabeth Highway over the Antigua Airways saga and a possible trafficking of persons from West Africa.

Hundreds of West Africans remain in Antigua after being brought here through charter flights organized apparently by Antigua Airways and the Cabinet recently announce that consideration is being given to regularizing their status.

The UPP and a number of concerned citizens and residents are calling for a public inquiry into the scandal.

Persons lined the sides of the roadway bearing placards calling on the Gaston Browne-led administration to put in place a full public inquiry.

Pearl Quinn-Williams, United Progressive Party (UPP) candidate for St John’s Rural North, says that the Party and the people of this country are not going to allow this issue to be swept under the carpet.  

Quinn-Williams says the Cabinet should pull back on the decision to regularize the immigration status of the Africans until an investigation or inquiry is held.

She says that Antigua’s reputation is being sullied while the powers that be continue to remain silent.

We will have more on the picket during our newscast at 5pm.