Works Minister Maria Browne Rejects Opposition’s Claims: ‘No $300M Loan for Roads’

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Maria Browne: ‘No $300M Loan for Roads’ – Minister Rejects Opposition’s Claims

Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Works, Maria Browne, has rejected claims by the opposition that the government borrowed US$300 million for roadworks, calling the assertion “absolutely false.”

Speaking in Parliament on Monday, Browne dismissed the allegation as misinformation, urging opposition members to verify financial details through official channels.

“The government has not borrowed in excess of US$100 million for roads,” she said. “That is not true, Mr. Speaker. There is no US$300 million loan.”

The claim was raised by members of the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) during the debate on the government’s infrastructure projects. They had argued that public borrowing for road construction had reached unsustainable levels, questioning the administration’s fiscal responsibility.

Browne, however, insisted that the opposition had failed to present credible evidence to support their claims. She pointed to mechanisms such as the Public Accounts Committee, ministerial questioning sessions, and the Information Commissioner’s office as avenues for seeking accurate financial information.

Infrastructure Funding and Fee Increases

Browne defended the government’s approach to infrastructure financing, stating that revenue generated from recent increases in vehicle licensing fees would support road maintenance.

“The funds will go directly to the Ministry of Works, ensuring that our people get value for their money,” she said.

She also highlighted the challenges faced in maintaining roads, citing increased construction activities, climate change-related damage, and rising costs of building materials as key factors impacting infrastructure spending.

Opposition Accused of ‘Hypocrisy’

Browne accused opposition MPs of using the roadworks debate to “score cheap political points” rather than offering constructive alternatives. She argued that while opposition members frequently called for greater accountability, they had not effectively used their role in the Public Accounts Committee to scrutinise government spending.

She also criticised previous UPP-led projects, referencing what she described as wasteful spending on past infrastructure works, including the controversial “Jelly Bean sidewalk” project in St John’s.

Ongoing Roadworks

The minister outlined several road improvement projects currently underway, including works in Follies, Hatton, St George, and along Herbert’s Highway. She reiterated the government’s commitment to upgrading Antigua and Barbuda’s road network, noting that investments in new equipment and training would help cut costs and improve efficiency.

“People can see the work being done,” she said. “We are rebuilding, and we are moving to the next level.”

The opposition has yet to formally respond to Browne’s remarks.

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