Minister of Public Works Maria Bird Browne has broken her silence on social media amid growing public scrutiny surrounding her name in connection with the ongoing government vehicle procurement controversy.
In a Facebook post shared Monday morning, Browne; who also serves as the parliamentary representative for St. John’s Rural East and is the wife of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, said she has chosen to remain grounded and committed to her duties despite attempts to tarnish her reputation.
“I’m not one to share a lot on social media because by nature, I’m a quiet person,” she wrote. “Daily, it is enough for me that I find gratification in just knowing that I have made, and continue to make positive impacts in the lives of others and solving problems in scenarios that arise in my line of duty.”
Without directly naming anyone, Browne suggested that her current challenges stem from long-standing systemic issues being corrected within her ministry — efforts she said were aimed at saving the country money.
“What I face today is no different; another decades-old loophole is being plugged in an effort to save our country money. Incidentally, those who crave power by whatever means, want to spin this good deed to sully my name in hopes it will propel them to victory because on their own, they have no merit,” she said.
The Public Works Minister emphasized that she remains committed to the principles of accountability and good governance.
“Placed here by the people; working for the people to fulfill a purpose and no amount of distractions will ever break my focus,” Browne stated, thanking supporters who reached out to her in recent days.
She ended her post with words of encouragement, reminding others to pursue their ambitions with integrity: “Work towards your goals with pure intentions, as murky ambition will block your blessings.”
Browne’s statement comes as the Ministry of Public Works remains under the spotlight following revelations of unauthorized vehicle purchases and transfers across several government departments — an issue that recently led to the resignation of Comptroller of Customs Raju Boddu and an ongoing internal investigation ordered by Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
Despite the controversy, Minister Browne appears resolute in her stance, signaling that she intends to continue her work in office and focus on the government’s broader infrastructure agenda.
Who beat you and why are you crying.
Imagine calling it a ‘decades-old loophole’ now that she’s caught in the spotlight. Why only close it when people start asking questions?
Keep up the great work Hon Maria Browne. Those who need to be exposed MUST be exposed and dealt with, not only for blatantly and knowingly stealing from the public purse but also for trying to promote their own selfish political ambitions at your expense.This matter is bigger than it appears on the surface. I recommend therefore, no olive branch in the form of restitution. Poor and/or ordinary people are never given that option! Let the courts decide! Anything less will serve only to bring your own ethics and principles into question. Name them, shame them AND lock them to hell up!
If she’s really about good governance, she should step aside until the investigation is done. You can’t investigate your own ministry while claiming transparency
If this was the private sector, she’d have to resign immediately. But because it’s politics, everybody suddenly innocent
Every time something blows up, it’s always the same talk about ‘doing good for the country’. How about just explaining clearly what went wrong and who authorized what
She will always choose to stay silent. Funny how all the changes made in government recently was done within her department. Don’t nobody start thinking more on how she’s a liar just like her husband. Hmph. Stealing money and saving reputations
You’ve handled this with dignity and calm. Those who know your work know your heart is in the right place. God’s got you
This whole statement feels rehearsed nothing about accountability, just trying to sound like the victim. The country tired of these same excuses
Let’s be honest, the timing of this ‘focus on service’ line feels a bit strategic. Still waiting for full transparency.
One can only stay silent for so long. She has said her part and we can chose to or not to believe what she has to say. time will tell and the investigation will hopefully reveal what really transpired
I understand the the Minister may not have had anything to do with it but she need to be the one to take the fall because it happened under her watch
I respect her for addressing the issue, but actions will speak louder than words. Let’s see how things unfold.
Well said, Minister! You’re right doing the right thing isn’t always popular. Keep focusing on what matters: the people
The whole world heard the American music mogul Sean “Puffy” Combs say in a public statement that persons are trying to tarnish his name…Ummm, where is he now?! What do we now know about Mr. Combs?! Your carefully scripted words are indeed convincing to the “ALPITES” who blindly support you. It takes more than a pretty face, nice words and a plastered smile to fool intelligent people. Listen, how hard is it to say “I DID NOT DO IT!!!”. All this running around, just those five simple words were enough, but you can’t say it because you know the TRUTH!!!
I already expect that this too will be swept under the the rug, just be careful when you’re climbing the rug mountain. Who knows…this may be a distraction to prevent us from dealing with even more serious crimes. Barbudans are still waiting for their pound of flesh!!!
Anyway, be safe all. Who knows if someone may misspell Venezuela and the missile ends up in Antigua…