Maria Bird Browne breaks silence amid vehicle controversy — vows to stay focused on service

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.