作者： admin

Ashworth Azille, caretaker for the United Progressive Party in St. John’s Rural East, has announced that constituents are preparing to launch a petition calling for an independent investigation into the alleged government vehicle scandal. Speaking at a town hall meeting dubbed ‘Vehicle Gate,’ Azille emphasized the growing public demand for accountability, stating that citizens are determined to see the minister in question step aside to ensure a fair and transparent inquiry. He argued that public confidence in any investigation would be compromised if the minister remains in office, as it could allow for potential manipulation of facts. Azille clarified that the petition is not an accusation of guilt but a necessary step to guarantee the independence of the inquiry. He also criticized Prime Minister Gaston Browne for what he described as ‘double standards,’ referencing a past incident where a minister was required to step aside during a UK-led investigation. Azille stressed that Antigua and Barbuda is a ‘country of laws’ and called for leaders to be held to higher standards of integrity. He acknowledged the strength of the nation’s public administration laws but lamented their weak enforcement. Azille urged citizens to demand better from their leaders and reiterated that only a fully independent inquiry, free from political interference, would satisfy public expectations. ‘If you are so confident that you have nothing to hide, then allow the investigation to happen,’ he concluded. ‘Let the facts exonerate you. You cannot exonerate yourself.’

Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Nuffield Burnett has launched a scathing critique of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, labeling it as ‘non-functional’ and accusing its leadership of lacking courage. Burnett’s remarks were made during a town hall meeting organized by the United Progressive Party, where he joined a panel of former civil servants, attorneys, and political figures to discuss the alleged multimillion-dollar government vehicle scandal. Burnett asserted that the police force is currently at its lowest point in history, citing weak leadership and a severe lack of integrity as primary issues. He acknowledged recent academic achievements by officers but emphasized that these accomplishments have not translated into effective policing. ‘Acquiring degrees—this is the worst we have seen the Royal Police Force. There is the head of the constabulary who doesn’t have anything named courage,’ Burnett stated. He argued that courage and integrity, rather than academic credentials, are essential for effective law enforcement. ‘In these institutions, you must have a measure of courage. It’s not about all these degrees and scholarships. You must have courage and integrity about you,’ he said. Burnett called for the police administration to ‘get its act together’ to fulfill its legal mandate, stressing that every officer has a duty to investigate crimes regardless of the individuals involved. He also highlighted the need for government support in certain investigations, particularly in the vehicle scandal, suggesting that the Director of Public Prosecutions should take the lead. Burnett warned that the failure of the police hierarchy to act decisively erodes public trust and undermines the rule of law. He concluded by urging the force to demonstrate courage and integrity, starting with those entrusted to uphold the law.

Sherfield Bowen, Member of Parliament for St. Philip South and a prominent attorney, has called on key institutions to promptly investigate the alleged multimillion-dollar government vehicle scandal. Speaking at the United Progressive Party’s “Vehicle Gate” town hall on October 21, Bowen emphasized that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the police, and the Integrity Commission each possess the authority and responsibility to act without delay. He asserted that no legal or constitutional barriers prevent these bodies from launching inquiries into what has been labeled one of the nation’s most significant corruption allegations.

Bowen highlighted the statutory powers of these institutions, stressing their independence from political influence. “The police can act, the DPP can act, and the Integrity Commission can act,” he declared. He argued that the evidence already available publicly is sufficient to warrant immediate action. “So long as [the DPP] has enough information that would guide him to the need to continue and to mount the investigation, he should begin,” Bowen stated. “At this very moment… there is enough information in the public domain that will cause him to get on his horse and get people, hire forensic accountants, whatever he needs to do.”

Bowen further noted that the police are legally obligated to investigate suspected offenses, while the Integrity Commission has the jurisdiction to probe matters involving public officials and potential corruption. He warned that inaction by any of these bodies would raise serious concerns about accountability and institutional integrity.

The town hall forum, which featured contributions from former senior civil servants and retired law enforcement officers, focused on systemic weaknesses in government oversight and financial management. Attendees called for full transparency and urged independent agencies to act swiftly to restore public trust.