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Former Cabinet Secretary Hazel Spencer has asserted that the alleged $17 million government vehicle scandal in Antigua and Barbuda could have been prevented had the nation’s financial oversight mechanisms operated as intended. Speaking at the ‘Vehicle Gate’ town hall meeting, Spencer meticulously outlined the standard procedures for capital expenditure, emphasizing the critical role of Cabinet approval, Treasury verification, and ministerial oversight in ensuring fiscal accountability. She expressed astonishment that such a substantial sum could be allocated for vehicle purchases without raising red flags within the Ministry of Finance or Treasury, labeling the oversight as ‘scandalous.’

Spencer detailed the step-by-step process that should govern capital projects: initial Cabinet approval, inclusion in national estimates, parliamentary budget approval, and the preparation of a general warrant by ministries. This warrant must then be scrutinized and signed by the Minister of Finance before funds are disbursed. ‘The Treasury must verify that all is in order before releasing any payments,’ she stressed, highlighting that these safeguards are designed to prevent unauthorized spending.

She further emphasized the ethical responsibilities of public servants and government ministers, urging them to remain vigilant, honest, and committed to upholding integrity. ‘When officials bypass rules or coerce civil servants into approving dubious transactions, the entire governance structure crumbles,’ Spencer warned. She also reminded attendees that civil servants are legally protected from arbitrary dismissal, empowering them to resist improper directives without fear of reprisal.

Spencer’s insights were part of a broader panel discussion examining how lapses in oversight, political interference, and weak enforcement enabled the alleged vehicle purchases. Her analysis provided an insider’s perspective on how adherence to procedural safeguards could have averted what she and other panelists described as a ‘catastrophic failure of accountability.’

In a candid admission, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly acknowledged the pervasive corruption within his government, attributing it to mismanagement and deliberate neglect. Browne likened the corruption to a malignant cancer, spreading across all levels of the public service, with private sector influence deeply entrenched in government operations. This revelation, coming from the Minister of Finance and Corporate Governance, underscores the gravity of the situation, particularly as it highlights a decade-long embezzlement scheme under his administration.

Key infrastructure such as the Airport and Port are now under scrutiny, with calls for immediate independent audits. These sites have become hotspots for corruption, where customs controls are allegedly bypassed in favor of influential business operators. A recent incident at the airport involved the displacement of a long-standing local company to accommodate a prominent businessman seeking greater control over operations.

Antigua’s reputation for corruption is not new. The island has been internationally recognized for its high levels of corruption, with notable cases such as that of Allen Stanford, who exploited the airport’s secure zones to facilitate a global financial crime syndicate. Despite the exposure of these activities, the government has failed to address the violations of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) rules for over two decades.

In a bid to rectify these issues, Antigua has enlisted the expertise of an international aviation specialist, tasked with overhauling the airport within three months. This initiative aims to restore the country’s Category 1 status with ICAO and implement necessary regulatory measures to secure the airport’s perimeter, ensuring compliance with international aviation standards.

In a robust defense against recent media allegations, the author, under the pseudonym Nomad, has issued a detailed rebuttal to claims made by Harold Lovell and D. Gisele Isaac. Lovell’s article, titled ‘Chain Gang Exposed: Gaston’s Culture of Creating Enrichment Blows Wide Open,’ and Isaac’s piece, ‘Ask What Your Country Can Do for You,’ have sparked significant controversy. While acknowledging Lovell’s eloquence, Nomad criticizes his lack of veracity, accusing him of habitual falsehoods. Specifically, Lovell’s assertion that Prime Minister Gaston Browne and his son profited from a land deal at Long Bay is categorically denied. Nomad clarifies that the transaction was a private treaty and not involving government land, with all details verifiable through the Register of Lands. Furthermore, Lovell’s claim that Browne became a millionaire solely through this deal is dismissed as an egregious lie, with Nomad pointing to Browne’s transparent declaration of his wealth under the Integrity in Public Life Act 2004. The rebuttal also addresses Lovell’s allegations of corruption in the ‘shadowy WIOC share deal’ and the ‘Antigua Airways fiasco,’ questioning the basis of these claims. Nomad highlights that it was Prime Minister Browne who initially exposed the ‘chain gang scandal’ and emphasizes the government’s ongoing audit to ensure financial oversight. The call for an independent inquiry is scrutinized, with Nomad arguing that the current audit suffices to uncover any irregularities. Additionally, Nomad defends Minister Maria Browne against accusations of involvement in the scandal, noting her role in bringing the issue to light and the longstanding nature of the illegal activities. The rebuttal concludes with a promise to address Gisele Isaac’s accusations in a forthcoming Part 2.