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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Bowen’s sudden ambition to replace Pringle seems fueled by more than just political aspirations—it’s tainted by the shadow of his past.
His reference to the $300M is the number of years he “should have gotten” in jail after taking a life is a chilling reminder of the privilege some enjoy, while others face the full weight of justice.
Now, with a BMW in his possession, the question arises: was this a reward, a bribe, or just another symbol of opportunism? And has the paperwork been finalized to erase certain ties, or is this just another strategic delay?
BOWEN the people are watching, and the truth has a way of surfacing.
Ms. Barthley was shot in her neck on 16th December 2003 outside Bowen’s office at Nevis Street, St. John’s.
Well what does anyone expect to get from these un-intellectual people we send to debate in our parliament. Using Google as their source of reference. How stupid can one be. So if Google says it, it must be true. Did Google ever claimed to be the one and only true source of information. And you can take it to the bank. Dunze dunze dunze.
These post are becoming more and more ABLP media propaganda! Focus on the issues not the individual presenting them! If we continue down this merry go round we keep going on, we won’t ever move forward to progressive development as a country! Stick to the issues, stop being emotionally driven based on feelings rather wanting to know the facts! Not everyone is asleep at the wheel!🙄🙄
She for real? Where she live mars?
Well said Kernal.
There is definitely an ABLP slant on this platform. However, i like to be informed, and can keep and open mind for different points of view. Let’s use this opertunity to teach and agree or disagree. This is how we can learn and move this country forward. Also we can assist in solving the serious problems we face no matter who is in power. We Are The
People.
I am not oppose to the increase to cover road construction and improvements. However I have a few problems I would like to vent.
1) I don’t not think that the present Director of works , is competent and accountable to d handling our hard earned money’s that we are called upon to make such great sacrifices . Still think that the government is taking the handling of these funds lightly.
2) The lack of transparency in government is far from acceptable. The contract with the PM son under this Minister and also the fund used to beautify with plants along Oil Refinery Road is similar to the Jelly bean. No value for money, poorly executed , no proper planning and definitely the way it’s done is a waste of government money.
3) The tendering process which is the government check and balance is not being adhered to. This leaves the door wide open for corruption.
4) I am also concerned about the quality of roads construction by the ministry of works and all the contractors used in recent times. The oil refinery road, the airport road, valley road and factory road . They are all deteriorating so rapidly it’s a shame. The contractor on the last two has made it as inconvenient to the public for far too long. It is time to look outside and use different contractors.
5) The procurement of equipment and materials by the ministry of Works is illegal. The PS whom I consider a competent and honest person should not allow the ministry to destroy his reputation. Mr.PS this can happen so easily and so quickly at this ministry. Please be on guard- guard your reputation and your legacy.
6) Due to poor management and again the laziness of the Director, the ministry of works have not done and continue not to do sufficient or proper inspections to ensure the quality of the work is to standard. They have enough qualified engineers, driving around in top of the line pickups and SUVs , not to be out there foot to foot behind CO Williams for example – Checking material used , doing compaction testing etc . These stuff cannot be done sitting in an office and dressed up like you are working in the banks. Have you seen how our Director dresses to work. You go to any of our Caribbean countries with good roads and you will see the Directors in hard hats, nice engineering boots, Jeans out in the fields. The ministry have a PS, an assistant PS , and an entire chain of civil servants to carry out clerical works. In fact what is happening is that the director is in the way slowing up the process and loosing every piece of document to include even cabinet decisions , invoices, contracts that lands on his desk.
Question- Have anyone ever seen the Director along with his senior engineers , Craig and king on any of the road projects working diligently and visiting frequently. Well I have but only on private projects in government vehicles on government times.
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