Prime Minister Gaston Browne has dismissed a pledge by Jamale Pringle and the United Progressive Party (UPP) to investigate the $100 million road programme, calling the proposal misguided and politically driven.
In a social media post on Monday, Browne took aim at the opposition’s plan to probe what he described as an “undrawn” road bond, questioning the rationale behind launching an investigation into funds he says have not been fully utilised.
“UPP pledged to investigate corruption involving the undrawn $100M road bond,” Browne wrote, before adding a sharp rebuke of the party’s leadership.
“If idiocy was wealth creation; Pringle & the UPP hierarchy would be wealthier than Elon Musk,” he said.
Browne’s comments follow Pringle’s announcement at the UPP’s campaign launch that a future administration would conduct a “full, transparent review” of the road loan, including scrutiny of contracts and spending tied to the programme.
The prime minister’s response underscores a growing war of words between the two parties over infrastructure spending and accountability, as the campaign for the April 30 general election intensifies.
The $100 million road initiative has emerged as a key point of political contention, with the opposition framing its proposal as a transparency measure, while the government has defended its handling of infrastructure financing and rejected suggestions of wrongdoing.
Browne’s remarks signal the administration’s intent to challenge the opposition’s narrative on corruption and public spending, setting the stage for further clashes over economic management and governance in the lead-up to the polls.
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When you nah know, you just nah know. Who is advising Pringle? Facebook users commenting that Pringle was reading his SCRIPT from an iPad. He just do what he is told to. He cannoth think for himself.
Has not been “fully” utilize? So theft and missappriation can not occur until all funds are wrongfully taken?
Based on that stupid response from ABLP PM Gaston Browne I have developed a reasonable suspicion that a crime and or other misconduct occurred with this fund. Just by the stupidity of ABLP PM Gaston Browne statement.
That infrastructure/road money should have been in the budget, but it wasn’t, instead you came out with your glowing numbers as to how good the economy is doing in your budget speech, only to slam the citizens with the vehicle license fees 4 months after you pen the budget and gave your lying budget speech in January 2025.
That money should have been spoken for in the 2025 budget, but you gloss over your shortfall numbers and ignored the fact that your government is running at a massive deficit for years.
That’s why you sell the man’s boat to try and raise money..that’s why you raise the ABST. That’s why you hike up vehicle license fees.
That’s why you cannot find money to pay the workers their back pay.
Your math is never matching, never.
Any smart auditor knows that.
Why don’t you get a independent auditor to look into the numbers if you have nothing to hide..that’s what most transparent government do if they are being accused by the opposition.
Talk won’t cut it anymore, people wants to see the numbers and where the money is going. Too many inadequate infrastructure in Antigua for people not to question your spending.
Do better, and people wouldn’t harass you about your government, especially when so much thief is taking place right in your very government. Didn’t you say that your wife was a whistle blower in the vehicle thief?
Do the noble thing GB..open the books.
When was the last time your government had a professional independent audit, when?
So stop blaming the UPP, they are not the only ones paying taxes..everyone pays taxes, and many are asking questions as well.
Be accountable Sir, simple!