Prime Minister Gaston Browne has reiterated his government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, emphasizing that no member of his household is permitted to engage in government contracts and that all irregular transactions will be met with restitution or criminal prosecution.
In his Independence Day address, Browne said his administration’s policy of integrity and transparency remains non-negotiable and is enforced at the highest level of government.
“Our government’s entrenched policy — adopted and enforced by Cabinet — precludes me and anyone in my household from engaging in any form of government contracting or procurement,” Browne said. “That safeguard exists precisely to ensure that the Office of the Prime Minister remains beyond reproach — and I have always respected it.”
Browne referenced a recent case involving unauthorized government vehicle transactions, saying the administration acted “immediately and decisively, without fear or favour.” According to him, a Ministry of Finance review was ordered, corrective measures were applied, and restitution was made to the Treasury.
“No favour was shown, no cover was given,” Browne said.
He added that oversight across customs and procurement systems is being strengthened to prevent abuse and under-invoicing, and that any repeat offences will be pursued criminally.
“Let this be understood: my government will never defend wrongdoing; we will correct it,” Browne said. “When offences occur, penalties will be heavy — and the proceeds will go directly into the Treasury as ‘Monetary Restitution.’”
Browne said integrity remains the cornerstone of his administration’s governance.
“Corruption must never become a norm,” he said. “Good governance is not a slogan — it is the standard by which a nation protects its integrity and earns the confidence of its people.”
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Ok so the car purchasing story is a cooked up narrative for character rebuilding for the re-election, going after the black car dealerships and tip toe around the Syrian family car dealerships? At this moment the hadeed car pool is full, blink an eye and all those vehicles will be purchased by APUA and other government department, the peter rippon family will get their share of government purchases too as usual going way back there has always been some corruption with these two dealership and the comrades at rippon getting Apua and ministry of agriculture into serious heavy duty equipment debt and parts procurement, Because if Gaston lose his marble and touch the hadeeds he will lose the election, the last two leaders that touch the hadeeds was Lester and Baldwin and they both lose power for doing so, during upp time in office the peter rippon business fell on it’s face because know corrupt equipment procurement deals was executed but the hadeeds enjoyed business throughout both administration tenure, when that family finance against you, you are surely finish with, because they have the biggest government contract procurement.
Hon. PM Corruption is as normal as breathing fresh air in the public sector of Antigua and Barbuda. The collaboration between the treasury department/ treasury workers and a few unscrupulous business owners needs to be investigated. This being happening before Hon.Maria Browne and continued right up to this day, even after this Vechicle scandal. The Minister of works has been by far the most corrupt government ministry, outside the Vechicle corruption.The Serian store owners became contractors and they along with the staff at public works and the Treasury, collaborated and have robbed this country blind. They are awarded contracts without going through the legal tender process by Minister of works. Don’t know if they still do but they even supplied school meals chicken. By the way the PS that was removed from Ministry of works, should not be still serving as chairman of tenders Board.
The government has bankrupted several local businesses, by crediting goods , services and having not paid. You down right refuse to pay the local businesses . When local business owners seek audience they are completely ignore , to the point of disrespect. The local are not allowed check exchanges- that is the Serian playbook. This administration also have given lands to expatriates in exchange for money owed. Nog to your black picky head brothers and sisters. You have bad mind to Antiguans business that operate clean and independent of government and corruption.
Your administration has been paying these over priced contracts via the treasury, especially to the Serian contractors and of course Black Ha…
This is because of lack of transparency., lack of accountability and illegal million dollars contracts without tenders board involvement. Sir you spoke of the C&S 16 million dollars contract to construct the renal center, that is almost down to half. These are monstrous created by both ABLP and UPP administration.
A forensic investigation needs to be done at least at the treasury. You yourself alluded to the fact they take bribes too pay the rich and I will add whites and disregard the local contractors. It is alleged that they are stealing directly as well. Some have registered companies, but have no business. A full investigation needs be had into the operation of the treasury and its staff. Some of these employees are living like millionaires owning- houses, truck, cars and traveling like they work at the ministry of tourism. This cesspool forms part of your ministry. You need to at least do a full forensic investigation of the treasury. The last time a simple bluff was made a senior member of staff committed suicide. I also cannot understand why you continue to put your neck on the block for those in charge . They stay in their offices upstairs and seldomly venture downstairs. They are as guilty as can be , using their offices to get wealthy, while the mice are downstairs running circles.
Let every worker in that treasury turn in their banking information. It is easy to get this information through the court system. They also use them to get visas. A very well known activist did it recently to someone she took to court and got judgement against. She did a search and found where he had money hidden in a credit union.
Similarly there are those at public works that are doing likewise. They sell government materials boldly.
I don’t know what planet you live on. Corruption is endemic in the government sector and it far outweighs the private sector.
A private company might try to use loopholes and under reports here and there to stay alive. However, the government and especially at the treasury is raw cash for the consolidated funds these people are stealing. Again as you alleged, for a thousand they will collude and allow someone to walk off with millions of tax dollars.
Anything short of an investigation, internal or private is collaboration .
The people want enquiries into Antigua Airways, the African Saga which caused several Africans to drown at sea like African Slaves trying to escape slavery and the Vehicle Gate. Hearing and seeing are two separate sense’s. Where is the proof, buried with Asot Michael?
Gaston Browne you cannot be trusted.
You’re as Guilty as the Judge who presides over your Cabinet. You will never be forgiven by the patriots of this land. You are doomed and you will pay for your fortunes you have aligned with.
Say’s Mr 10%
As it should be. We have to get away from this habit of recycling those persons who have been fingered in any wrongdoing. Move them to a new location and that cloud of suspicion would still follow them. Government must be seen to be no more tolerant of wrong doing than the private sector. It’s all about setting standards.
I sit abroad the months except the winter months when I’m back in Antigua and Barbuda.
The media/ newspapers/news only know how to report what they are told.
Most of what issued is Propaganda from various sources; none of which is fact checked.
If this statement by The Prime Minister is true:
“Our government’s entrenched policy — adopted and enforced by Cabinet — precludes me and anyone in my household from engaging in any form of government contracting or procurement,” Browne said. “That safeguard exists precisely to ensure that the Office of the Prime Minister remains beyond reproach — and I have always respected it.”
Then where is the Cabinet when I have a letter in my possession from a lawyer stating she is the attorney of a person who happens to be a member of the Prime Minister’s family.
If that attorney is correct regarding the matter in a transaction that represents government asset
A matter in which the Cabinet and the Government General would have had to approve.
According to The Prime Minister then The Cabinet is asleep and not doing their job.
Or this is a case where the Prime Minister is a boldface “you know what I mean” or the Bulgarians and Roosewood arrive a take over lands without a poor permission.
Nuff said: Do your own research and stop calling yourselves: “News”
@ Audley Phillip,
Setting standard and not adhering to standards are meaningless as in this case.
Talk is cheap. Its results that counts.
@
🗣️
Only fools and idiots think and accept that Chet Greene goes to Lagos and sign a deal to give away 70% of LIAT to the Africans after Antigua and Barbuda agree to take over the entire $60 million Caribbean Development bank debt; hand over Liat Hanger and Gaston and Chet got nothing.
He who tries to decieve will always pretends to be your friend never shows they are your enemy . Be wise enemies are disguised in friendship for their personal gains. Never believe a person who lies. “I will make it abundantly clear no one will be forced or lose their jobs If they refused to be vaccinated”
Is this the comment of the head of corruption 🤔 im amaize, somebody wake me up in must be dreaming
Gaston doesn’t want an investigation into VEHICLE GATE or the volcano will erupt violently. All his talk about restitution is to hide the scale of corruption that exist within the ALP because all involved are die hard Labourites and Gastonites. Ask Faithful National #1 that so-called good citizen according to the Mighty Sparrow
@Just Saying 🗣️ LIAT is now a Nigerian Airline which the tax payers monies have been invested in. Who is LIAT’s CEO that alone speaks volumes, as in where are the educated Laourites to fill those positions? How many Antiguans & Barbudan are pilots, stewardesses, etc?
If the LIAT deals are above board and we already see that Vehicle Gate has opened up a slew of truth about corruption in the Gaston Browne administration, open the books to private independent forensic auditors and let’s see who’ll wither away in prison.
Call the enquiries or stfu!
Fellow Antiguan’s, again…y’all better remove this man from office ASAP, and especially as the finance minister.
This man is a crook!!!
How you know that GB is lying, he opened his mouth.. 😂