Isaac asks why ambassador linked himself to claims made by West African visitors and the reason for his racist remarks
D.Gisele Isaac, chairman of the United Progressive Party (UPP), says
she is curious to know why Ambassador Daven Joseph has linked
himself to an article published by REAL News, in which no one was
identified by name.
The article in question spoke to accusations reportedly made by
West Africans who had arrived here aboard an Air Peace charter on
August 5 and who had been detained for having suspicious travel
documents or, in some cases, no valid visa.
However, on August 9, when the visitors were scheduled to depart
for their country of origin, they reportedly refused to leave, alleging
that they had already paid an Antiguan ambassador US$1,000 to
remain here.
Apparently, the article prompted Ambassador Joseph to reach out to
another media house and condemn the news report – claiming that
he was the ambassador implicated. Further, he used the
opportunity to make what many considered racial comments about
whites and Arabs living here.
On Monday, August 14, Isaac defended the REAL News article,
explaining that the information came from trusted sources. She also
reiterated that Joseph’s name was never mentioned in the article
and noted that Antigua and Barbuda has appointed many
ambassadors, known and unknown.
In spite of Joseph’s denial, Isaac says, the story was confirmed by
Prime Minister Gaston Browne, himself, last week and ABS-TV was
on hand to capture what was said.
The UPP chairman admits she was a bit embarrassed by some of the
statements made by Ambassador Joseph, including his racist
comments.
If the ambassador knows that there are individuals doing unsavory
things – no matter their race – then why has he not reported them,
Isaac wants to know. “Why lash out at them now that he thinks he is
under scrutiny?” she asks.
According to Isaac, she has received information that some of the
West Africans left the island for other ports days before they were
scheduled to depart from Antigua.
