Punches were not held back during the United Progressive Party’s Townhall meeting on Tuesday night as Legal Advisor for the UPP Leon ‘Chaku’ Symister accused the Gaston Browne-led administration of “continuing the practice” of previous administrations involving corruption.
The meeting, which was open to the public, focused on the growing controversy surrounding the alleged unauthorized purchase and transfer of government vehicles, and the party’s call for an independent investigation into the matter.
The party says the situation has far-reaching implications for governance and accountability in Antigua and Barbuda.
Symister who opened the batting at the meeting held at the Freedom Hall says it is time for the people to wake up and stand up for what is right.
“Since 2014 we as a people seemingly have not gathered enough courage and strength to do more but this scandal which has been dubbed the mother of all corruption scandals has to be addressed by all the citizens of Antigua and Barbuda irrespective of where you stand on the political line,” Symister said.
The $15 million vehicle procurement scandal is continuing to shake the foundations of the government, as the most recent internal report claims that hundreds of vehicles, worth more than EC $15 million, were acquired and allocated without proper authorization from the Cabinet or adequate financial oversight.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne was the one who brought the matter to the attention of the public.
The fallout from the scandal has already resulted in the resignation of Comptroller of Customs Raju Boddu and the transfer of senior officials within the Ministry of Public Works.
Prime Minister Browne revealed that officers from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda and the Transport Board have also been implicated.
Since then, PM Browne mentioned that a review is underway.
He has also promised sweeping changes within the Treasury Department, following what he described as a troubling pattern of corruption and manipulation by “captured public servants” who allegedly prioritize payments for certain wealthy businessmen.
Several high-end vehicles that were illegally purchased in the name of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda have been returned to local dealerships as part of an ongoing investigation into procurement breaches.
Fasten your sear belts AND yout false teeth! Symmister has placed himself, once again, before the microphone 🎤 in a room of excited clowns. Watch to the end! This promises to be really exciting when both the mic and the teeth are dropped!
Continuing the practice of what their administration started? Kettle calling pot black? Man find something constructive to do with your time
He means starting the practice that has been going on since the Papa Bird Administration. Every administration seems to have continued the practice for donkey years. @Apex Jones, don’t point your finger towards the UPP party and leave out Lester and Papa Bird’s tenure in government office as the leader!! The PM transfers the procurement portfolio under the PWD department. That portfolio always remains in the Ministry of Finance. Every time the present government does anything wrong, finger always point towards the previous government.
Symister go rest yourself
About time someone said it! The people of this country need to realize that silence equals approval. If we keep letting these scandals slide, they’ll keep happening again and again