ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA — Minister Gaston Browne’s shining moment on the world stage turned into a day of embarrassment as billboards promoting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) suddenly directed visitors to a website accusing the Browne administration and family of corruption.
The startling development unfolded on Sunday, November 1st, on Antigua and Barbuda’s 45th Independence Day, as the country welcomed King Charles III, Queen Camilla and international dignitaries. CHOGM is the most significant diplomatic hosting of Browne’s career.
Adding to the spectacle, a torrential downpour disrupted the nation’s Independence Day parade, leaving King Charles exposed to the elements as he repeatedly asked for an umbrella. Spectators saw Browne standing passively under a tent during the cloudburst, closed umbrella in hand.
From CHOGM Promotion to ‘Gaston Browne Crime Family’
The controversy began with a colourful digital advertising campaign promoting CHOGM 2026 across Antigua.
On October 30, electronic billboards appeared at V.C. Bird International Airport, including the immigration and baggage-claim areas, and along major routes leading into St. John’s.
A spectacular sunset harbour scene, national flags, and a stylized Commonwealth emblem caught the viewers’ eyes. The address www.CHOGM26.com dominated the center, with a “Visit Now” pointing to a QR code leading to the site.
Initially, the CHOGM26.com site redirected visitors to the government’s official conference website, chogm26.gov.ag, where delegates, journalists and visitors could obtain information about the international summit. It looked like an official advert.
But on Sunday morning, CHOGM26.com suddenly redirected to MariaBirdBrowne.com, a site called the “Gaston Browne Crime Family.”
Maria Bird Browne is the country’s minister of housing and public works, and is married to the prime minister, who is also minister of finance.
The website publishes reports and criticism, substantiated by links to the sources, about Browne’s controversial rule. It concerns his running of the Citizenship by Investment Programme and the resultant international visa restrictions, the sale of the Alfa Nero superyacht, political favoritism and nepotism, questionable financial transactions, and Browne’s relationship with Alex Saab, a Maduro regime figure who pleaded guilty in September to money laundering.
A Publicity Campaign Turns Into a Political Headache
At least twelve displays were observed at the airport alone, including two for every visitor to see at the immigration terminal, and 10 at the baggage claim.
They were prominent on the Sir Walter George Highway, the airport road by the stadium where King Charles III made his public appearance; on Old Parham Road which enters St. John’s, Independence Avenue, and elsewhere around the island.
It remains unknown whether the redirect resulted from a deliberate decision by the domain’s operator, or a hacking incident by domestic opponents of Browne or a foreign government.
The flip made Browne look weak and laughable.
As controversy over the billboards unfolded, another embarrassing scene played out at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, where King Charles III and Queen Camilla attended Antigua and Barbuda’s Independence Day ceremonial parade.
The billboards stood prominently outside.
An Embarrassing Start to Antigua’s Diplomatic Showcase
For Browne, CHOGM 2026 represented a rare opportunity to present himself as a serious international diplomatic player.
The gathering, scheduled for November 1–4, brings together leaders and representatives from the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries, with discussions centered on economic development, investment, international cooperation and climate resilience.
Browne has promoted the summit as an opportunity to raise his global profile, attract investment and demonstrate his ability to host a major international event.
Instead, the first day marred his world appearance with official-looking billboard directing visitors to read about mass official corruption.
The political optics are already difficult to ignore.
The billboards are still up as of November 2.
MariaBirdBrowne.com calls itself a “public interest” site with no connection to either minister Browne, and no “official connection” to CHOGM26. It says it works “anonymously because of the threats and worse that have befallen those who have challenged the Gaston Browne Crime Family.”
