Prime Minister Gaston Browne reaffirmed his government’s stance on accountability and good governance.

“Our government’s entrenched policy – adopted and enforced by Cabinet – precludes me and anyone in my household from engaging in any form of government contracting or procurement,” Browne stated. “This is to remove any opportunity for theft or abuse of public resources.”

He referenced the recent “unauthorised government transactions regarding motor vehicles,” saying, “We acted immediately and decisively, without fear or favour. An analysis was commissioned through high officials of the Ministry of Finance; corrective measures were applied; and restitution to the Treasury was enforced.”

“No favour was shown, no cover was given,” Browne emphasized. “We are also tightening oversight across customs and procurement, to close every door to abuse including under-invoicing.”

“Let this be understood: my government will never defend wrongdoing; we will correct it – any repeat will be pursued criminally in a Court of Law,” he said.

“Corruption must never become a norm. Good governance is not a slogan. It is the standard by which a nation protects its integrity and earns the confidence of its people,” Browne asserted. “Integrity remains the true currency of good governance and our national prosperity, and we will continue to govern with integrity.”