PM Browne Calls for Crackdown on Invoices for Incomplete Work Across Government Departments
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called for urgent reforms within key government departments following allegations of invoices being validated for work that was either incomplete or not performed at all.
Speaking on Pointe FM, Browne expressed concern over systemic inefficiencies and potential misuse of public funds, specifically naming the Public Works Department, the National Solid Waste Management Authority, and the Treasury as areas where this troubling practice has been identified.
Browne outlined a pattern of behavior in which contractors submit invoices for services that were only partially completed or, in some cases, not completed at all.
Despite this, officials within certain departments reportedly validate these invoices, allowing payments to be processed without proper verification. The Prime Minister stressed that this practice is not only a waste of taxpayer funds but also undermines public trust in government institutions.
“This kind of mismanagement is unacceptable. When invoices are being approved for work that hasn’t been done, it’s a clear betrayal of the public’s trust and a misuse of their money,” Browne said. “Our citizens deserve better. They deserve to know that their taxes are funding real, tangible improvements, not being wasted on unaccounted transactions.”
Browne emphasized that his administration has invested heavily in infrastructure and public services, providing departments with the necessary funds to carry out essential projects. However, he expressed frustration that these investments are not translating into results on the ground due to administrative bottlenecks and a lack of accountability across multiple government agencies.
Among the examples he cited were instances within the National Solid Waste Management Authority, where contractors reportedly continued to bill for garbage collection services despite equipment breakdowns that hampered their ability to fulfill their obligations. Browne also criticized the Treasury for processing these invoices without adequate scrutiny, enabling the problem to persist unchecked.
“These practices are widespread across some of our public institutions, and it has to stop. We need stricter checks in place to ensure that only completed and verified work is paid for,” Browne remarked.
He hinted at potential administrative restructuring if departments fail to address these issues, signaling his government’s intent to prioritize transparency and accountability.
“Our priority is the public’s interest, and we cannot allow their hard-earned money to be squandered,” Browne concluded. “We must act decisively to create a system that rewards accountability and ensures that the people of Antigua and Barbuda get the services they deserve.”
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Amen
“Speaking on Pointe FM” – This is the first problem. Don’t these government agencies have internal communication channels? I am sure he has never written the officials to let them know their performance is unsatisfactory. Let’s says he decides to fire some persons, they will have a strong case if no wrong-doing is proven or documented. He is trying to avoid doing the real work of investigating and correcting the department’s work by just going on his radio station and making edicts. Mr. PM, that is not how it works. Everybody know u just talking.
Thank u Mr.PM great job. And u needed to shake up the whole Treasury department, because they are working with these same contractors and are standing outside the treasury giving them checks in envelopes and receiving cash back. But when the poor hard working civil servants go for there overtime and backpay they say nothing is there.
Usually when he does this it is a personal thing.
What happened this time? Somebody getting too much, or more than you?
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