In a startling revelation during his weekly radio address, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has accused certain Treasury employees of accepting bribes from influential business figures to expedite large government payments. This alleged corruption has reportedly left smaller local suppliers and contractors waiting for years to receive their dues, while larger entities enjoy swift disbursements. Browne emphasized the inequity of this practice, which disproportionately affects small businesses that rely on timely payments to sustain their operations. To combat this issue, the Prime Minister has instructed the Accountant General to halt the issuance of significant payments or check exchanges without prior Cabinet approval. This directive aims to restore fairness and transparency in the government’s financial operations. Browne’s announcement has sparked widespread debate, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the allegations. The Prime Minister’s commitment to addressing these systemic issues highlights his administration’s focus on combating corruption and supporting local enterprises.

In a significant move against international drug trafficking, the United States Department of War has unveiled footage capturing the destruction of a submarine laden with illegal narcotics. The vessel, intercepted on a notorious narcotrafficking route, was reportedly transporting a substantial quantity of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs. President Donald Trump revealed that four individuals, described as ‘narcoterrorists,’ were aboard the submarine. Two were killed during the operation, while the remaining two were handed over to authorities in Ecuador and Colombia for prosecution. Trump emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the intercepted drugs could have claimed the lives of at least 25,000 Americans had they reached US shores. He also confirmed that no US military personnel were harmed during the mission. This operation is part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to combat drug trafficking by land and sea, targeting the networks that fuel the opioid crisis in the United States. The release of the footage underscores the administration’s commitment to transparency and its aggressive stance against narcoterrorism.

In a decisive move to uphold government integrity, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has ordered the return of more than 30 vehicles that were improperly acquired in violation of established policies. The vehicles, which were reportedly distributed to individuals without proper authorization, have sparked widespread criticism and raised concerns about accountability within the administration. PM Browne emphasized that the dealers involved in the transactions were fully aware of their culpability, stating, ‘They knew they were breaching the rules, and this will not be tolerated.’ The incident has prompted a broader review of procurement processes and stricter enforcement of compliance measures. This action underscores the government’s commitment to transparency and its determination to address systemic issues that undermine public trust. The move has been met with mixed reactions, with some applauding the PM’s firm stance while others call for further investigations into similar breaches.