标签： Antigua and Barbuda

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.

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.

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.

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.