Prime Minister Gaston Browne has firmly rejected rumours that he is grooming his wife, Works Minister Maria Browne, to succeed him as Prime Minister—a claim circulating following high praise for her ministry’s performance.
Speaking on the Browne and Browne radio programme, the Prime Minister clarified that his commendation of the Public Works Ministry was not endorsement of any political ambition for his spouse.
“I want to make it categorically clear: no, I’m not pushing Lady Browne to become Prime Minister,” he said, calling the speculation “vanity” and “nepotism” narratives being spread by critics. “When people say so, I’m not encouraging it.”
Browne highlighted that his praise was rooted in the ministry’s exceptional record on infrastructure and urban beautification. He noted improvements in road maintenance and cleanliness and a sharp rise in staff professionalism under Minister Browne’s leadership.
“You have to give credit where it’s due,” he said, citing recent upgrades, inclusive of patch-up works on major roads and revitalisation of public spaces. “She not only brings her circulation notes to Cabinet, she speaks the technical language. Not even I understand the technical language.”
The Prime Minister emphasised his admiration for the ministry’s methodical approach under Minister Browne and Public Works Director Collis King, who attends weekly meetings to review project progress.
“It speaks to her absorptive capacity and her rapport with technical staff,” he said. “We’re just happy with the leadership of Public Works and the performance of staff.”
Browne insisted his laudatory comments were in recognition of effective governance, not a political play. “This is not about pushing any individual to power,” he added. “This is about national development, not about succession planning.”
The Prime Minister closed by reiterating his confidence in Minister Browne’s stewardship but denied any suggestion of positioning her for higher office, stating firmly, “No, man. I’m not pushing her to become Prime Minister.”