Symister calls on the people to stand up following Vehicle scandal

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.