Prime Minister Gaston Browne has firmly denied allegations of corruption within his administration, stating that in his ten years in office, no credible case of corruption has been presented by the United Progressive Party (UPP).
In his regular appearance on Pointe FM, Browne made it clear his government’s focus on good governance, noting that despite accusations, the opposition has failed to provide any substantial evidence of wrongdoing.
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Browne addressed the only known case involving former government minister Asot Michael and British businessman Peter Virdee. “I removed him from my government,” Browne said, recalling that when British officials informed him of the situation, he immediately took action and fired Michael, ensuring the alleged corruption did not proceed.
He clarified that the opposition did not uncover the incident, but rather it was his administration that took proactive steps to address it.
He went on to counter claims made by UPP’s Richard Lewis regarding the rental of a building that houses the Development Control Authority.
Browne explained that the government utilized $800,000 for leasehold improvements, with half of that amount used to furnish the building and the rest for structural improvements. He said that his son, who owns the building, has not charged the government any rent for three years, despite the building occupying 10,000 to 12,000 square feet.
“Even if you use a conservative estimate of $5 per square foot, that’s $60,000 per month, or $840,000 per year,” Browne said, stressing that the government has benefited significantly from the arrangement without incurring additional rental costs.
Browne also dismissed Lewis’s claims of corruption, asserting that the leasehold improvements were for the benefit of the lessee, and there was no basis for accusations of corruption. He noted that the buildings in question are not exclusively owned by him or his family, further underscoring the transparency of the transaction.
Addressing his critics, Browne expressed frustration with the opposition’s continuous attempts to undermine his administration without evidence.
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We will find out soon, we know the reason why you got rid of Asot, it’s the opposite of why chet green is kissing your ass
absence of evidence is not evidence of absence