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WATCH: PM Admits Procedural Breaches in Vehicle Purchases Without Cabinet Approval

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WATCH: PM Admits Procedural Breaches in Vehicle Purchases Without Cabinet Approval

Finance Minister and Prime Minister Gaston Browne has responded to growing reports regarding the purchase of government vehicles without Cabinet approval, confirming that there were indeed procedural breaches and instances of abuse.

Speculation has been rife that the matter may have contributed to the recent transfer of two senators and the resignation of Comptroller of Customs Raju Boddu, who stepped down earlier this week citing health reasons.

During a parliamentary session, Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle questioned the Prime Minister on the apparent irregularities, prompting Browne to acknowledge that certain protocols were not followed in the vehicle acquisition process.

This story was first published by Antigua News on October 16, 2025: antigua.news/2025/10/16/watch-pm-admits-procedural-breaches-in-vehicle-purchases-without-cabinet-approval. © 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 (13)

  • Matthias October 16, 2025, 1:58 PM

    You can hear the talk ‘round town in all sharwana shops…So how dem could buy vehicles and Cabinet nuh know? Others saying is just another case of people in big position doing as dem please and only sorry when dem get ketch.
    Reply

  • Apex Jones October 16, 2025, 2:06 PM

    Well there was definitely more to the transfers than we thought. Some people eyes too long and they hands too sticky
    Reply

  • Tromos October 16, 2025, 2:10 PM

    After hearing the PM mention bringing in private people to work in Customs, some people uneasy. So wait, we opening up sensitive government operations to outsiders now? Dat sound like trouble
    Reply

  • Concerned Antiguan October 16, 2025, 2:52 PM

    This issue goes beyond just the purchase of vehicles. I am a sensible person and i worked within gov for a while. When i heard of it i knew what is happening. Its not just a one department error really. it highlights a breakdown in proper administrative procedures. When even the Prime Minister acknowledges that there were breaches, it means the system failed somewhere. Government operations must always be guided by transparency, especially when public funds are involved. It’s good that the matter was raised in Parliament and openly discussed, but what happens next is what really matters. An investigation should be conducted to identify who authorized the purchases, under what circumstances, and how to prevent this from happening again. At the same time, the public needs to remain calm and allow the process to unfold but not forget about it either. Accountability only works when citizens keep asking questions and insist on answers. Just adding my two cents. I am no professional but a public servant for over 21 years
    Reply

  • Timothy J October 16, 2025, 2:53 PM

    I guess it’s a Caribbean thing. Next?
    Reply

    • Nigel October 16, 2025, 9:31 PM

      You hearing whispers too, people linking Boddu’s resignation to the whole mix-up. He nah just sick, man. He probably just tired of the bacchanal. Better he bow out before the blows start flying.
      Reply

  • We paid to much for what we got October 16, 2025, 3:56 PM

    Thieves they get caught when the poor families put a few dollars together to bring in a car so that the family go to church work and school them charge additional 10,000.00 at the port he get millions of tax payers money to fix his heart and ppl who pay into medical benefits can’t get service they have to write letters and they give us what doctors we can use but he can walk in antigua and do as he pleases let him be accountable who kill the customer officer we still waiting see but things coming to light one by one only are you get again.
    Reply

  • Leah October 16, 2025, 6:58 PM

    You hearing whispers too people linking Boddu’s resignation to the whole mix-up. He nah just sick, man. He probably just tired of the bacchanal. Better he bow out before the blows start flying
    Reply

  • Ben Simmons October 16, 2025, 7:26 PM

    Some Antiguans vex, saying certain people in authority feel too untouchable. Imagine normal civil servant can’t even move a chair without permission, but big people buying vehicle just so?
    Reply

  • Informed citizen October 16, 2025, 9:04 PM

    So we broke the rules but it’s okay because… what exactly? The public deserves proper explanations and corrective action, not just a nod on camera
    Reply

  • Kianna October 17, 2025, 10:56 AM

    PM the citizens will have more love and respect for you , when you take the tough decision that we expect you to take. Sometimes the best thing and the hardeest thing are the same. She must be removed.
    Reply

  • Anonymous October 18, 2025, 8:46 AM

    Many calling this a prime example of why ordinary folks losing faith in government systems. If Cabinet nah even know what going on, who really running the country
    Reply

  • Sisi October 23, 2025, 4:27 PM

    Even Opposition supporters giving Pringle a little credit this round. At least he dig up something serious for once. Let’s see if he keep the pressure on
    Reply

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