Former Senator and community activist Malaka Parker has issued one of the strongest condemnations yet of the government’s handling of the Vehiclegate scandal, calling on Cabinet ministers to consider a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Gaston Browne if he continues to resist an independent investigation.
In an interview with Observer media, Parker, who has recently announced her return to the United Progressive Party (UPP), argued that what has already been admitted by government officials provides sufficient evidence of systemic corruption reaching the highest levels of administration, and that the Prime Minister’s approach to the matter represents a fundamental disrespect to the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
“The current vehicle gate, bronco gate, whatever it is that we wish to call it, what has been admitted is enough,” Parker said. “Number one, there is systemic and widespread corruption within government departments and institutions. Number two, that this corruption stems from the head down. Number three, that this systemic corruption has tentacles as far as the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda.”
Parker took particular issue with Prime Minister Browne’s decision to personally oversee the elements surrounding the scandal which has implicated multiple government officials in the alleged fraudulent importation of vehicles at reduced duty rates.
“The Honorable Prime Minister, who has heralded himself as a reformer himself, and who came in on the winds of change, has indeed stated that he will be the judge, juror, and executioner in this issue,” Parker said. “That is an affront, that is a disrespect to the people of this country. And that in itself signals a willingness and acceptance for this type of systemic corruption.”
The former senator called for a holistic review of the key ministries identified in the scandal, insisting that such a review can only take place through a credible investigation intended to uncover the truth and implement corrective measures that the population knows about, agrees to, and has an interest in ensuring that they are instituted.
In what represents an escalation of opposition criticism, Parker issued a direct challenge to Cabinet ministers who have remained largely silent on the scandal, calling them out individually and demanding they make their positions known.
“We haven’t heard a lot from the other members of Cabinet, and I’m taking the time and the opportunity to call them out individually,” Parker said. “We want to know where they stand with this issue and if they, as well, are comfortable with such a massive sweep under the carpet that is happening right before our eyes.”
Parker dismissed reports of ministerial reshuffles as inadequate responses to the crisis, suggesting instead that Cabinet ministers have a constitutional responsibility to hold the Prime Minister accountable.
“If they are not able to persuade the Prime Minister that an independent investigation is needed, then the Prime Minister himself would have lost the confidence of the people that surround him,” Parker argued. “It is the Cabinet that needs to also hold the Prime Minister accountable.”
When asked whether she supports calls for the resignation of the Minister of Works and all officials implicated in the scandal, Parker’s response was explicit: “Absolutely.”
“I think that the persons who have so far been named or implicated should do the honourable thing and resign,” she said, praising the Comptroller of Customs for stepping down.
Parker emphasized that resignations should not be conditional arrangements designed to halt investigations. “This is not a quid pro quo type of situation where you resign and so the investigation halts or the probe stops as a condition of your resignation,” she explained.
Beyond the immediate Vehiclegate scandal, Parker raised concerns about long-standing issues with government transparency and accountability, including problems with the Tenders Board process and alleged conflicts of interest among Cabinet officials and government’s department heads.
Parker argued that these systemic issues explain why economic benefits are not shared equally among the population and suggested that meaningful change may require not just investigations but a change in government.
“Sometimes we actually have to change the players,” Parker said. “And this is what I’m hoping the people of this country will do when the next elections are called.”
Meanwhile, following the Throne Speech last week, Maria Browne, Minister of Works, said, “I have done nothing wrong. I continue to serve with integrity, and I will not resign over false claims. Anyone seeking answers has every right to request documentation through the Information Commissioner. We have nothing to hide.”
