(photo by ABLP)
As the United Progressive Party (UPP) conducted its nationwide motorcade on Sunday, supporters of St. John’s Rural East MP and Public Works Minister Maria Browne lined the streets of the constituency in a strong display of solidarity.
Residents, all dressed in red T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan “We Stand with Maria,” waved flags and gathered at key points along the motorcade route to show their support as the opposition convoy passed through.
(photo by ABLP)
The demonstration came amid continued calls from the UPP for Minister Browne’s resignation, following allegations that she had raised concerns internally regarding the controversial $15 million government vehicle acquisition, which has since escalated into a full-blown national scandal.
Supporters insisted that the MP was being unfairly targeted for speaking out, and they defended her record and character as a representative. Among those present were her husband, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, and their two children, Peace and Prince, who joined constituents in publicly backing the minister.
Residents described their turnout as a show of unity and a message that the constituency stands firmly behind its elected representative during the ongoing political dispute.
(photo by ABLP)
The UPP continues to urge a full independent investigation into what it describes as the illegal purchase and distribution of government vehicles, while the government maintains that internal reviews are underway.
Both sides appear prepared to continue pushing their respective positions as public interest in the matter remains high.
These red ants need to be asking for an investigation into the $15 million vehicle scandals.
So let me get this straight. Antigua is facing the biggest scandal of the century yes, and the Minister of Public Works still has NOT officially addressed the nation about Vehicle-Gate?
How, in 2025, can a senior government minister believe that hiding in silence is acceptable leadership? Maria Browne, this is not politics. This is avoidance. You cannot seriously believe you are in “right standing” when the entire country is asking questions and you refuse to make a public statement. Speaking does not make you guilty. Speaking makes you accountable. Speaking shows that you have enough respect for taxpayers to tell us what you knew, when you knew it, and what you did or didn’t do.
Instead, you’ve chosen the opposite route: Hide behind your husband, let him do all the talking, stay out of the media, and then suddenly, BOOM, you appear on the roadside with your children waving flags as the UPP motorcade passes. That is not strength. That is not strategy. That is pappyshow politics.
And let’s be clear: this is not about disliking you. In fact, many people—including me—love seeing a woman in leadership. But leadership requires showing up, especially when things get hot. And right now? The kitchen is an inferno. Maria, you handled this entirely the wrong way.
If you thought coming out on the roadside in a red shirt while the opposition’s motorcade was passing would make you look bold? It did not. It made you look reactive, defensive, and completely out of touch with the gravity of the moment.
You don’t need to be contentious. You don’t need to fight. You don’t even need to argue your innocence.
What you needed to do, WEEKS AGO, was speak to the nation.
A written statement. A recorded address. A press briefing. Something. Anything.
Whether you like it or not, it was OUR money that went into that $15 million vehicle fiasco.
Taxpayers deserve answers.
You cannot treat people like they are stupid or “will forget.” Antiguans are watching. Antiguans are talking. And Antiguans are FED UP.
God forbid the UPP wins the next election, because honestly, nobody sees a viable alternative to running the country right now other than the ABLP. But you, Minister Browne—you dropped the ball. Heavily. And you had no business showing your face in a political demonstration before facing your constituents.
It’s not too late, but your silence is becoming louder every single day.
Stand up. Address the nation. Stop hiding. Stop disrespecting the public. Stop letting the scandal speak louder than you. Because one thing is certain: People will not forget.
Sunday’s turnout suggests the ABLP base is mobilizing around Maria Browne, which could signal a shift in how the party plans to manage the fallout of Vehicle-Gate.
Moments like these really show how divided, yet deeply passionate, our politics can be.
It’s understandable that residents will back their MP, but the allegations raised must still be investigated thoroughly. Support cannot replace accountability.
It’s interesting that the Prime Minister and his children were front and centre. This was a family show of unity designed to blunt the opposition’s calls for resignation.
What nonesence story that. UPP came out to motorcade u say it flop yet you scared and coming out what message u really sending
It’s a reminder that government accountability and the people’s voice must go hand in hand everyone deserves clarity on where public funds are going.