In a bold political maneuver, the leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP) has publicly declined an invitation from Prime Minister Gaston Browne to attend the CoP Meeting in Brazil, citing the ongoing vehicle procurement scandal within the Ministry of Public Works as a critical reason for his refusal. The UPP leader emphasized that his decision is supported by his party’s executive and the discerning public, who are demanding accountability and transparency.
The scandal, which has captured national and regional attention, involves allegations of irregularities in the procurement and distribution of vehicles. On October 20, the UPP leader issued a press statement calling for an independent investigation into the matter. He further recommended that implicated officials be temporarily relieved of their duties until the investigation is concluded, rather than being reassigned by the Prime Minister.
Adding to the controversy, the UPP leader revealed on October 28 during an interview on Observer AM that the Ministry of Public Works requires a comprehensive investigation. Workers within the ministry have alleged a larger-scale fraud involving aggregates, further complicating the situation.
The UPP leader argued that accepting the Prime Minister’s invitation would be inappropriate at this juncture, as his party is actively engaged in educating the public and mobilizing citizens to demand accountability. He also accused the Prime Minister of extending the invitation insincerely, suggesting it was a calculated attempt to undermine public confidence in the UPP’s efforts to hold the government accountable.
The Prime Minister’s alleged malice was further highlighted on November 1, when the host of his radio program attempted to question the UPP leader about the scandal. Notably, the host has not sought to question the Minister of Works, her reassigned Junior Minister, or other implicated officials, raising questions about impartiality.
The UPP leader reaffirmed his commitment to an independent investigation, urging all conscious citizens and responsible organizations to support this call. He emphasized that this is a non-partisan issue and warned against the Prime Minister’s attempts to suppress the truth.
Amid the political turmoil, the UPP remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing climate change through advanced research, collaborative solutions, and strategic alliances. The party also continues to advocate for eco-sensitive development approaches in Antigua and Barbuda, recognizing the urgent need to mitigate the impacts of global warming, as evidenced by the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, Cuba, and Hispaniola.