Former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr Keith Rowley. Photo: CARICOM

Last week, Rowley claimed he was detained for questioning in Antigua after his name appeared on an Interpol watch list, leading to what he described as a humiliating experience while travelling to neighbouring Montserrat.

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service had issued a statement denying that they had placed Rowley’s name on an Interpol watch list.

Immigration Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin has also distanced Antigua and Barbuda from the incident.

However, speaking to the Caribbean Media Corporation on the sidelines of the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum 2025 in Grenada this week, Browne emphasized that Rowley was not detained and was treated with appropriate respect.

“Well, it was not a detention. My understanding is that there was certain information within our immigration portal that did not emanate from within Antigua that caused immigration officers to, let’s say, do further inquiries,” Browne said.

He stressed that Rowley received proper treatment throughout the process: “But in any event, you know, he was not detained and he was treated with full respect as a former Prime Minister.”

Browne acknowledged there was information in the system but reiterated its foreign origin saying “I do accept that there was certain information that was in the system, but it did not emanate within our shores.”

He said he believes that Rowley himself “is quite pleased with the level of professionalism coming from our immigration officers”.

“He was treated with full respect as a former Prime Minister and we certainly would not have expected to have anything less,” he added.

The Prime Minister confirmed that the problematic information has since been removed from the immigration system and while declining to speculate on the source, Browne was definitive about Antigua’s non-involvement.