In a significant diplomatic move, Gail Christian, a seasoned political and legal figure, has been appointed as Antigua and Barbuda’s new Consul General in Toronto, Canada. The announcement was made by Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, during a post-Cabinet briefing. This appointment underscores the Gaston Browne administration’s dedication to empowering women in leadership roles. Christian, who previously served as the country’s Ambassador to Mexico and held various high-ranking diplomatic and legal positions, will now manage consular operations in Toronto, a hub for one of Antigua and Barbuda’s largest diaspora communities. Joining her is Zeina Heshmi, a Foreign Service Officer from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who will assume the role of First Secretary. Merchant emphasized that these appointments reflect the administration’s consistent efforts to promote women to pivotal government positions, stating that both appointees will leverage their expertise to serve the nation and its people effectively.
分类： politics
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Cabinet to Implement New Government Vehicle Policy Within 14 Days
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has unveiled a comprehensive government vehicle policy, set to be implemented within the next 14 days. This initiative aims to strengthen oversight over the use, allocation, and disposal of government-owned vehicles, marking a significant step toward improving fiscal responsibility and transparency.
Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, revealed the details during a post-Cabinet briefing on Thursday. He emphasized that the policy is a direct response to findings from a recent audit, which uncovered unauthorized vehicle purchases and mismanagement within the government fleet.
Under the new regulations, government vehicles will be allocated strictly based on official duties, with usage confined to authorized government business. Passengers must also be on official duty unless prior approval is granted or in emergency situations. Additionally, all vehicles must be parked at designated government locations after daily operations. Vehicles deemed unsuitable for use or exceeding five years of service will be disposed of through public auctions, in compliance with state asset disposal laws.
To ensure accountability, an advisory committee will be established to oversee vehicle allocation and usage across ministries and departments. Merchant also confirmed that vehicles purchased without Cabinet authorization will be auctioned to recover public funds. This decision follows an ongoing review by the Financial Secretary, which exposed irregularities in vehicle procurement.
The policy rollout comes on the heels of the government’s recent success in recovering EC$10 million from a dealership involved in unauthorized vehicle transactions. This move underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing financial mismanagement and safeguarding public resources.
By introducing these measures, the government aims to streamline its vehicle fleet, reduce unnecessary expenditures, and foster greater public trust in its operations.
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Lewis Calls for Independent Probe
Richard S. Lewis, an opposition Member of Parliament, has demanded an independent investigation into allegations of systemic corruption in Antigua and Barbuda, following Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s recent remarks on the issue. Lewis emphasized that corruption is severely undermining the nation’s integrity and hindering its developmental progress. He described those involved in corrupt activities as “dishonest, deceitful, and rotten,” while asserting that individuals who ignore such practices are equally responsible. Lewis called on the government to implement robust legislation and enforcement mechanisms to combat corruption, warning against the normalization of such practices. He specifically referenced the Vehiclegate scandal and other corruption cases, insisting that all involved must be held accountable. “Let the independent investigation begin, and let the chips fall where they may,” Lewis declared, urging transparency and justice.
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PM Browne Announces Public Auction of Excess Vehicles Following Vehicle Audit
In a decisive move to enhance transparency and accountability, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has announced that any surplus vehicles identified during the ongoing audit of the government’s fleet will be auctioned off. This initiative is part of a broader effort to streamline public asset management and recover misallocated funds. Browne revealed that one car dealer has already committed to repaying $10 million to the government, marking a significant step in addressing irregularities tied to past vehicle procurements. The comprehensive audit seeks to meticulously document all vehicles purchased in recent years, verify their distribution across various ministries, and ensure the judicious use of public resources. This measure underscores the administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and combating inefficiency within the public sector.
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Speaker trying to block question on $180m unapproved spending — Leacock
St. Clair Leacock, the Central Kingstown MP and a prominent member of the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), has accused House Speaker Rochelle Forde of attempting to obstruct two critical questions he submitted to Parliament regarding the government’s handling of public funds. Leacock made these allegations during an NDP campaign event in Campden Park on Tuesday, ahead of the parliamentary session scheduled for Wednesday.
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‘Yes and no’: Senators back free movement, warn of pressure on jobs and services
Barbados’ involvement in the newly implemented CARICOM free movement initiative has sparked cautious support in the Senate, with opposition and independent senators voicing concerns over potential economic and social repercussions. The Caribbean Community (Free Movement of Nationals) Bill, which took effect on October 1 across Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines, has been met with both optimism and apprehension. While the policy aims to enhance regional integration, critics warn it could strain public resources, inflate living costs, and disadvantage local workers if not carefully managed. Senator Andre Worrell, representing the opposition, highlighted the risk of employers exploiting cheaper foreign labor, potentially undermining Barbadian workers and depressing wages. He cited instances where construction sites predominantly employ non-Barbadians, leaving young locals disillusioned and marginalized. Independent Senator Kevin Boyce echoed these concerns, emphasizing the inevitable fiscal and social costs of integration, including increased pressure on healthcare, education, and housing resources. Both senators acknowledged the policy’s potential benefits but urged policymakers to implement robust safeguards to mitigate its negative impacts.
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CTUSAB questions timing of full CARICOM labour movement
The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) has called on the government to exercise prudence in the implementation of the reciprocal full free movement of CARICOM nationals, expressing concerns over potential strains on employment capacity and public services. Although CTUSAB did not provide specific evidence, General Secretary Dennis De Peiza emphasized the need for careful management of the policy, which allows indefinite stays for CARICOM nationals in Barbados, Belize, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Dominica. The agreement, effective since October 1, aims to foster regional integration but has raised alarms about its immediate impact. De Peiza acknowledged the policy as a bold step towards Caribbean regionalism but questioned its timing, warning of potential threats to social, economic, and political stability if not properly regulated. He stressed the importance of ensuring gainful employment for migrants to prevent overburdening social services and called for a monitoring system to address issues like homelessness and worker exploitation. CTUSAB President Ryan Phillips echoed these concerns, highlighting Barbados’ existing challenges in creating sufficient job opportunities for its citizens and questioning the feasibility of sharing workspaces without sustainable job creation. Both leaders urged the government to prioritize local employment and housing needs before fully embracing the initiative.
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Finance Minister outlines SVG’s ‘fundamental’ problems
Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves has outlined what he considers the fundamental challenges facing St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 25 years after the Unity Labour Party (ULP) assumed power. Speaking in Calliaqua on Sunday, Gonsalves addressed a controversial statement made by Central Kingstown MP St. Clair Leacock earlier this year. Leacock had argued that the low salaries of MPs, particularly in comparison to public servants, result in inadequate pensions for retired lawmakers—a point Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves agreed with. Leacock, an opposition lawmaker, also noted that his current salary as an MP is less than what he earned as a graduate teacher in the 1980s. The ULP has since used Leacock’s remarks out of context as part of their election campaign strategy. Gonsalves, who is seeking a third term as MP for East St. George, countered Leacock’s assertion, emphasizing that the fundamental issues in the country are not about politicians’ salaries but rather about improving education, healthcare, agriculture, and social welfare. He highlighted the need for better access to education, higher minimum wages, and greater opportunities for young people. Gonsalves also expressed frustration with what he described as ‘backward’ elements in society that hinder progress. As the general election approaches, Gonsalves is expected to face a challenge from Laverne Gibson-Velox of the New Democratic Party (NDP), who is making her second attempt to unseat him. In the 2020 election, Gonsalves won by a narrow margin of 196 votes, down from 607 in 2015. The election is anticipated to take place by November, ahead of the constitutional deadline in February 2026.
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All Saints West Town Hall Set for Thursday
Residents of All Saints West are being urged to participate in a pivotal community town hall meeting on Thursday, October 23, 2025. The event, hosted by MP Anthony Smith Jr., will take place at the Sea View Farm Primary School starting at 7:30 p.m. This gathering is designed to facilitate open and constructive dialogue between the community and their parliamentary representative, focusing on critical issues impacting the constituency. Smith emphasized the importance of the town hall as a venue for genuine conversations and actionable planning, encouraging attendees to voice their ideas and concerns to collectively shape the future of All Saints West. The meeting, initially planned for earlier in the week, was rescheduled but will now proceed as planned at the same location and time. Under the theme “Let’s talk. Let’s plan. Let’s move forward together,” residents are invited to engage in discussions that aim to drive progress and strengthen community leadership. #AllSaintsWest #LeadershipInAction #WeStillLegitWithSmith
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Bramble rebuts PM on $800m immediate repayment to Taiwan
Fitz Bramble, Member of Parliament for East Kingstown, has vehemently refuted Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves’ assertion that St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) would be required to immediately repay EC$800 million in loans to Taiwan if diplomatic ties with Taipei were severed. Bramble, speaking at a New Democratic Party (NDP) community meeting in Layou, dismissed the claim as baseless, stating, ‘I have never seen a loan agreement debated in our Parliament that stipulates repayment in full under any condition. Never!’ He further criticized Gonsalves, accusing him of dishonesty and blaming him for the country’s escalating debt crisis.