Director of Communications Maurice Merchant has defended Public Works Minister Maria Bird Browne, describing the criticism against her as “unwarranted” and politically driven.
Speaking at Thursday’s Cabinet press briefing, Merchant said Bird Browne was being unfairly targeted after exposing alleged irregularities in the sale of government vehicles — the issue now known as “Vehicle-Gate.”
“The whistleblower has become the one under attack,” he said, insisting the minister revealed the questionable transactions rather than participated in them.
Opposition figures and civic groups continue to demand an independent inquiry, alleging the mismanagement of nearly 100 government vehicles.
The Cabinet has rejected those calls, with Merchant stating that the government’s focus is on recovering funds from dealerships involved, not on what he called “name and shame” politics.
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This is an example of “insidious forces” using local government to “advance divisive agendas.” and weaponized incompetence.
This is not about mismanagement and about public thief.
This was carried out by a network of people in and out of Government.
When allies of Government are caught red handed; it’s always we don’t want to Name and Shame.
That the way the economic powerhouse moves
The car dealers are not the only ones involved.
What is being done to find out who are each and everyone involved?
What if don’t understand if it was a ordinary person that person or persons name would be blasted on all news and would be facing jail time if you do something that is not legal you must face the punishment and stop sweap in under the bus if you dont have nothing to worry about just have the investigation done
This is about taking responsibility for the things that happened under Maria’s watch. Maria is the Minister in charge of the Ministry and is ultimately responsible for the actions taken in her ministry. She is the boss. If things go bad and sideways under her watch, how is she not responsible? Someone needs to take responsibility and it seems that she is ducking it.
It’s amazing that Gaston is the FIRST to name ppl in public and call machines derogatory names all the time, but something line this, that hits close to home he don’t want to name and shame?
Whatever happen to him boasting about transparency? Something independent NEEDS to happen. The people pay their taxes for situations like this. Let the people know what any on!
One car dealership is taking the brunt of all of this, when the kings of corruption is hardly mentioned as if they are untouchable by the government. They split the information to Marie and the government blew it open. Now the real crooks watch. How much heavy duty equipment they bought and garbage trucks Maria order with no cabinet decision. But they are the kings of corruption and can’t be touched. Antigua is not for the black man…
Give a a dam brake,when things goes wrong does in charge will get the blame,if she can’t handle the heat,get out the kitchen,the same will go if the other party was in power.
Boy what whistleblower you talking about. How can the boss be a whistleblower for something that she should be very much aware of.
I swear I have a headache. This is too much for me to comprehend
Every time something happen, we get speech, not action. People struggling out here while government playing blame game. Who refunding taxpayers?
Why waste time defending Tom, Dick and Harry instead of pleading for an inquiry into the $15 million vehicle sandals? We, the people, need to know where our $15 million vehicles are, who receives them, and why such a large purchase was made in the first place. We hire a government to handle our country’s affairs, and we need better accountability and transparency on how our money is being spent and why.
Whether she whistleblow or not, the issue still serious. A full investigation would clear her name if she innocent so why resist it?
And this jack donkey government just continues it’s jackassishness . 😂.
How can you be so tone def as politicians, how?
@apex. Ain’t you one of the great followers of GB? What, are you running out of excuses for this sorry ass administration?
C’mon, keep defending these dummies.. don’t you dare stop now. 😂.
Anyway..go take a aspirin for that headache..
The cover-up at the high echelons of Antiguan society continues unabashed and unabated. This is an outrage to those of us who work hard and respect the laws of the land. This is a real kick in the teeth to one and all.
There must be an independent investigation immediately, and with no interference or intervention by this government or anyone connected with this out and out fraud of taxpayers finances.
Just imagine how this money could have benefited our society.
These ongoing self-enrichment practices must be halted forthwith. These people enter the political arena earning a commensurate salary in regards to their appointed positions, and then end up as millionaires.
IT STINKS TO HIGH HEAVEN I TELL YOU!!!
@ Apex Jones
You never.have anything useful to say so really go take an asprin! Especially since you are an inside hater!
Anyway, I am against exercises in futility. There is no cause for an investigation if all involved make full restitution, which is happening right now. Which is.better?.To have an investigation that could take years to conclude especially if lawyers are involved or to regain what went astray in the shortest possible time?
The answer for any intelligent person is quite clear!
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