The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda, chaired by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, has mandated sweeping measures to tighten oversight and strengthen accountability within government operations, particularly regarding the purchase and use of official vehicles.
During its most recent meeting, Cabinet held detailed discussions on the need to enhance control measures and improve the framework governing revenue collections. The talks followed revelations of unauthorized vehicle purchases within certain departments.
As part of the decisions taken, Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Finance, through the Financial Secretary, to review all related information concerning these unauthorized acquisitions. Where it is found that irregularities occurred or excess payments were made, the Ministry is to negotiate restitution and ensure full settlement of those sums.
Furthermore, Cabinet has ordered that all central government ministries, departments, statutory bodies, and state-owned companies submit every vehicle purchased, owned, or assigned to their custody for a full audit and inspection by the Government Motor Pool. The Ministry of Works and Transportation will announce the date for this audit exercise.
Reaffirming its policy on transparency and uniformity, Cabinet has also ruled that all government-purchased vehicles used in the execution of official duties must bear the appropriate and approved government licence plates.
However, exemptions will apply to specific offices, including Parliamentarians, Judges, Magistrates, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Supervisor of Elections, the Commissioner of Police, and the Chief of Defence Staff. Any additional exemptions must be expressly authorized in writing.
The new directive underscores the Browne administration’s commitment to tightening fiscal discipline, enforcing proper asset management, and ensuring that public resources are used strictly for their intended purposes.
It’s long overdue! All those flunkies assigned by Government to oversee the importation and distribution of vehicles on the island must be held personally liable for any and all breaches. Remember, Sir King Obstinate’s warning that he issued to the then PM, Lester Bird: “Get rid of all them flunkey and save de Labour Party! Lester failed to heed the warning and suffered the dire consequences. As old people would end by saying, Me done tark!
Well well well. The bomb really burst this time. Mouth open and tory jump out. What coulda cause this yah. So you mean because if some greedy people I have to submit myself and vehicle to motor pool? Damn shame
Talk about closing the stables after the hourse has bolted!!
After 14 years and he is still blaming the previous administration. How disingenuous. If the problem was there from then, why didn’t he close the loophole when he got in. Yet again as minister of finance he has dropped the ball and seeking to blame others. Its what he does best, shift the focus elsewhere.】
Interesting timing right after all those issues at Customs and NODS. Seems like the government’s trying to tighten its belt before it bursts.
Cabinet should release the findings publicly. People deserve to know where their money goes.
Hypocrite. Only now? So you didnt see baba with all them.high end vehicles gaston?
Jill
All Caribbean governments are corrupt
You decide to so this now ? After these luxury vehicles on the road and done go everywhere ?
The car scandal. What craziness. See how we come. Gaston we love you. Be a warrior and fight. You will come out victorious