Petition Calling for Independent Probe Into $15M Ministry of Works Vehicle Scandal Launched

As of this morning, 50 people have signed onto a formal petition demanding an independent, transparent, and forensic investigation into the multi-million-dollar vehicle procurement scandal that has rocked the Ministry of Works and raised questions across several government departments.

The petition, addressed to His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, and to the Cabinet, cites deep public concern over what it describes as “unauthorized spending” of approximately $15 million to acquire 200 or more vehicles outside established procedures.

According to the document, the lack of full disclosure has left the nation “concerned about the general welfare of all citizens and residents” and has created an environment in which speculation continues to flourish.

The petition lists a series of unanswered questions that, in the view of the signatories, can only be settled through an independent probe.

Among them:
•⁠ ⁠Who authorized the spending of the funds
•⁠ ⁠Whether procurement rules, regulations, or laws were broken
•⁠ ⁠Whether other financial irregularities occurred
•⁠ ⁠The identity of private individuals who may have received government-purchased vehicles
•⁠ ⁠Why the Comptroller of Customs resigned
•⁠ ⁠Why the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works and the Minister of State were transferred
•⁠ ⁠Why staff at the Treasury Department were reassigned
•⁠ ⁠Whether employees of the Port Authority, Customs Division, or the Antigua & Barbuda Transport Board were involved
•⁠ ⁠Whether a wider conspiracy facilitated the scandal

The petition argues that only a comprehensive, impartial, forensic investigation—encompassing the Ministry of Works and any related government departments or statutory bodies—can restore public trust.

“We, the undersigned, knowingly and voluntarily call on His Excellency the Governor-General and the Cabinet to empanel suitable and qualified persons to conduct an independent, fair, and transparent investigation,” the petition states.

Public interest in the matter has intensified in recent weeks as political parties, civil society groups, and ordinary residents continue to debate the scale and implications of the alleged procurement breach, widely referred to as “Vehicle-Gate.”

The organizers of the petition say they will continue gathering signatures in the coming days and intend to submit the completed document formally for action.