ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Minister of Works Maria Browne has rejected calls for her resignation as public pressure builds for an independent probe into the controversy now being called “Vehicle-Gate.”
The issue surfaced last month after reports indicated that several government vehicles were procured for various ministries without full Cabinet or ministerial approval, prompting questions about procurement oversight and the handling of public assets.
Speaking following the Throne Speech, Browne insisted her ministry’s role has been misrepresented.
“The vehicles were purchased without proper authority. The 30 vehicles were returned. It’s as simple as that, clean cut,” she said.
She added that efforts to connect her ministry to a separate customs-related duty-free matter are misplaced.
“They’ve based this argument on lies… trying to pin what happened at Customs on the Ministry of Works when they are two separate, separate situations,” she said. “I hear them speaking about $15 million and 200 cars. There’s no truth to that. Nothing.”
Browne also made it clear she will not resign.
“They will definitely not get my resignation because I have done nothing wrong, and I stand on the truth,” she stated.
Calls for accountability continue from the United Progressive Party (UPP), which argues that only an independent investigation can fully address the public’s concerns.
The party recently mounted a large motorcade to renew its push for transparency, while a petition on iPetitions.com continues to gather signatures from individuals calling for an external review.
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