Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has escalated his calls for an independent investigation into the Ministry of Works, leveraging a United Progressive Party (UPP) motorcade on Sunday to rally public support. Pringle accused the government of misleading the public regarding the extent of alleged financial irregularities, particularly in the controversial purchase of over 200 vehicles, dubbed ‘VehicleGate.’ He referenced Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s admission that his wife’s ministry was implicated in a $15 million scam, asserting that the situation is far graver than disclosed. Pringle revealed that Ministry of Works insiders have approached him, claiming that ‘VehicleGate’ is merely the beginning of a larger scandal, urging separate probes into government-owned quarries and the state-operated concrete plant. Emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency, Pringle declared, ‘We demand accountability. We demand transparency. Anything less from the government is a disrespect to the people of Antigua and Barbuda.’ He urged nationwide support for the UPP’s demand for an independent investigation and called for the Minister of Works and Prime Minister Browne, who also serves as finance minister, to step aside pending the probe’s outcome. Pringle vowed that the opposition would persist in its stance, stating, ‘We will not rest until there’s an independent investigation into the Ministry of Works.’
Pringle Tells UPP Motorcade Vehicle Scandal Is ‘Tip of the Iceberg’
