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BREAKING: Customs Comptroller Raju Boddu Resigns

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The Exit of Raju Boddu: Integrity, Pressure, and the Stakes for  Accountability VIDEO STORY
Customs Comptroller Raju Boddu has tendered his resignation

Comptroller of Customs Raju Boddu has officially tendered his resignation, bringing an unexpected end to his longstanding tenure at the helm of the Customs and Excise Division.

Reports indicate that Boddu submitted his resignation earlier this week, a move that has taken many by surprise.

In his letter, Boddu reportedly cited health concerns as the primary reason for stepping down.

However, his sudden departure has fueled speculation about a possible investigation within his department.

Boddu, an experienced customs administrator, has served in Antigua and Barbuda for several years, earning a reputation for his strict enforcement of customs regulations and efforts to modernize the division.

Officials have not yet announced who will act in the position pending a formal replacement.

This story was first published by Antigua News on October 16, 2025: antigua.news/2025/10/16/breaking-customs-comptroller-raju-boddu-resigns. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

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Comments (14)

  • Beverly October 16, 2025, 9:46 AM

    School children say Maria and Gaston curse him up send his pressure high
    Reply

  • Patriot#1 October 16, 2025, 10:00 AM

    Boy, this whole Customs story have people talking nonstop. Everybody shock, but at the same time, not really surprised because is so it go. you know Antigua, nothing ever just happen for “health reasons.” To be honest, the whole thing smell fishy. Raju Boddu been running Customs for years and yes we always hear the man was strict, always by the book, ruffle up some feathers, yes, but he keep things tight. Now suddenly he resign, and not one official word from government? Nah man, that quietness just make people think something going down behind the scenes. And the timing rough too all this talk about duty-free cars, vehicle waivers, and shady imports circulating for weeks now. So when the Comptroller drop out just so, the first thing people gon say is “he know something” or “he being pushed out.” Even if it really about his health, government coulda simply come and clear the air or issue a statement, thank the man for his service, wish him well. But when they hush up like that, they leave the whole country guessing, and that only feed the bacchanal. Right now, the vibe out here is pure suspicion. People vex, people tired. Every big resignation come wrapped up in mystery no transparency, no accountability, just silence. Antigua small, man. You can’t hide things forever. Until government speak straight, this one ain’t going nowhere. Everybody watching Customs like hawk, because plenty feel this just the beginning of a bigger story.
    Reply

    • Hush October 16, 2025, 1:09 PM

      Everything is going to go Hush because a lot of them are intertwined in this whole saga.
      Mind all the shredders.
      Let’s see how it turns out.
      Reply

  • Lulu October 16, 2025, 10:03 AM

    Put an Antiguan in this position please trust me they are intelligent and has the experience especially those who has higher education let them see the degrees not in vain especially here in Antigua we don’t value ppl education just the good old boys games
    Reply

  • Amethisyah October 16, 2025, 10:04 AM

    Will we ever know the truth behind his resignation? I doubt it, but it would be of interest to know.
    Reply

  • Juju Bee October 16, 2025, 10:39 AM

    Wowwwww please bare with me while I pick my jaw off the floor. That’s what you call a shocker
    Reply

  • Vanesa October 16, 2025, 11:21 AM

    Maybe it is time for Maria Bird Browne to resign. Just having an open thought
    Reply

  • unruly one October 16, 2025, 12:10 PM

    Every time something big happens in this country, we only get half the story…If it’s just health reasons, say so clearly. But when you stay quiet, people will assume there’s more to it.
    Reply

  • Leah October 16, 2025, 12:24 PM

    Every time you blink, is one new story bank problem, vehicle issue, now Customs boss gone… Antigua sweet, but the politics too sour
    Reply

  • Tromos October 16, 2025, 12:49 PM

    Just too much nonesence within these departmemts. We have questions. When will the PM come out and address the nation on these vehicle matters. And how can all this happen under the Public Works Minister and she aint know a ting. She must be blinded by her mascara. WE NEED ANSWERS
    Reply

  • Ben Simmons October 16, 2025, 7:27 PM

    Was there an internal investigation underway? Did Boddu clash with political figures or business interests? Why has the government not issued even a brief statement to clear the air? Until those questions are answered, many Antiguans say they’ll remain skeptical and fed up.
    Reply

  • Informed citizen October 16, 2025, 8:39 PM

    Interesting timing for his resignation. Things at Customs have been tense lately, so I can’t help but wonder what’s really going on. Transparency would do wonders right now.
    Reply

  • Flash October 16, 2025, 9:28 PM

    Right now, the mood on the ground is a mix of frustration, suspicion, and fed-upness. People saying too many things happen behind closed doors, and this just feel like another cover-up.
    Reply

  • Anonymous October 18, 2025, 8:44 AM

    Honestly I’m just fed up with how this government dealing with things. Every time something serious happens like this Customs resignation, Gaston quick to point finger or blame somebody else instead of facing what’s really going on. You can’t keep deflecting and expect people to believe everything fine. I read this story about Boddu stepping down and I just shake my head. The man been running Customs for years, working hard to modernize the place, and now suddenly he resigns and all we hearing is health reasons? Nah man, Antigua people not stupid. Too much talk out here about vehicle scandals, missing duties and special treatment for certain people. And you know what really getting under my skin? The silence. Not a word from the government, not even a proper statement from the Prime Minister. If everything clean then say so. If something going on, tell the people. We deserve transparency. Gaston love to go on radio and lash out at everybody …. Opposition, public servants, even regular citizens ….but he can’t look in his own circle. If he serious about leadership, he need to stop the blame game and deal with the mess in front of him.
    To be real, I think it’s time he make some hard decisions even if that mean letting his wife step down. Too many conflicts of interest, too many whispers. You can’t preach integrity when your own house not in order.
    I love this country, but Antigua tired of cover ups and arrogance. We want honesty, not spin. Gaston need to humble himself and fix the situation before the whole thing blow up worse
    Reply

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