Housing Minister Maria Browne addressed recent concerns regarding the allocation of over $400,000 for the purchase of palm trees as part of a tree-planting beautification project along the Friars Hill main road.
Minister Browne began by emphasizing the expanded role of the National Housing agency, stating that it has evolved beyond its initial focus on constructing homes.
The agency has diversified its efforts to include public building projects across the nation, contributing significantly to government initiatives, particularly in times of urgent need.
Additionally, the National Housing agency has undertaken an urban renewal and development aspect, aiming to enhance the aesthetic appeal of Antigua and Barbuda.
One of the notable projects under this initiative is the highway tree planting beautification project, which involves the planting of beautiful palms along the Friars Hill main road.
Minister Browne acknowledged that the original plan was to procure Royal Palms for this project.
However, due to the significant cost associated with these trees, the funds allocated for this purpose had to be repurposed.
“National Housing has been engaging in various public necessities, including renovation and construction, beyond the scope of its initial mandate,” Minister Browne explained. The agency’s expanded responsibilities have led to a reallocation of funds, ensuring that they are utilized to address pressing public needs.
The decision to repurpose the funds was made after they were initially designated for the purchase of Royal Palms from a certified plant nursery in Florida, approved by the Ministry of Agriculture. Minister Browne clarified that the intention was to source high-quality trees to enhance the beauty of the designated areas.
The minister also highlighted the substantial costs associated with purchasing large, mature palm trees, emphasizing that a single tree over 10 feet in height can cost thousands of dollars.
The repurposing of funds reflects the agency’s commitment to fulfilling its broader mandate, including addressing public necessities and contributing to the overall development of the nation.
Minister Browne assured the public that transparency and accountability remain paramount in the agency’s operations.
She encouraged citizens to stay informed about the various projects undertaken by the National Housing agency, which plays a crucial role in both housing and broader public development initiatives.
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And thats a priority? Abst increased but you can spend 400k on trees!!?!? 🤦🏽♂️. I dont understand why anyone voted for these ppl.
Please account for where this money was “repurposed” to, if you really want to be entirely transparent to what has happened to the money?
It’s beyond a joke. It’s tragic comedy. 400 k to who … ?
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Antigua government definitely has a money management problem. They can claim funds for one purpose, and when they get it they just simple call it a “re-purpose” and do something completely different with the funds? What was this re-purpose? Is there no accountability in this country?
Re-purposes funds with no further explanation? Sounds smelly to me. Something not right.
Her husband said on his radio station she is building her house. Think about it.
Putting up trees but no lights 😎
Two of the worst things to do.Put a mouse to watch cheese.Put a self enrichment person to watch $$$$, both the cheese and $$$ would certainly disappear.There are too much hanky pinky going on in this Administration with the People money.There are too many in the Administration with glued fingers,every thing sticks. I personally hope I live to see those who messes with the People money going to prison in handcuffs and ankle chains.Walking from the Courts to Hotel 1735 in St.Johns.
What do we expect when she and her husband control all the country’s resources? Why do you think she was given that portfolio? So there would be no oversight and they can do as they like with the peoples money.
Gaston and his wife have no shame or respect for the people of Antigua. With all the people that this government owes and they say they paid over $400,000 for palm trees.
Frankly, I am not so much concerned with where the $400,000.00 has been “repurposed” to, and in whose bank account; there is an infinitely greater issue that will have to be addressed promptly:
Is it not moronic to plant growing palm trees beneath high-tension electric wires? It is clear to my highschool dropout mind that every one of those palm trees will have to be removed and planted elsewhere. Commonsense.
Frankly, I am not so much concerned with where the $400,000.00 was “repurposed” to, and in whose bank account; there is an infinitely greater issue that needs to be addressed: is it not moronic to plant growing palm trees beneath high-tension electric wires? It is clear to my highschool dropout mind that every one of those palm trees will have to removed and planted elsewhere. Commonsense.
It appears that money is literally growing on palm trees 🤣🤣🤣. What a place.
Monies allocated to procure trees but pensioners who are waiting to get their monies from Social Security for over a year are still left in the cold? Somebody is really joking
Whose nursery is getting all this money?
Lady your priorities are as fucked up as the man who controlling you.
Please try to remember the we are much more intelligent than both of you…period!
WELL, WELL, WELL, THERE WAS BRIXTONIAN THINKING THAT GASSSSSTON’S MAGIC MONEY 💷💷💷💷 TREES 🎄🎄🎄🎄 WAS PURE ILLUSION …
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