Government Communications Director-General Maurice Merchant says recent political attacks on Works Minister Maria Browne stem from fears within the opposition that she could one day become Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda.

Speaking at last week’s post-Cabinet briefing, Merchant said opposition critics “see that the Honorable Maria Browne — if you remove the Honorable Gaston Browne from the equation at this time — there is no other individual… who could be the next Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda,” arguing that this perception has triggered “vicious” and unwarranted personal attacks.

Merchant defended Browne against calls for her resignation over the unauthorised procurement of government vehicles, describing the controversy as a “dead issue” because the cars were recovered and returned to dealers. He said the Cabinet views the matter as resolved and fully supports her handling of it.

He said Browne is being targeted “without any evidence of wrongdoing,” adding that her actions actually forced the government “to readjust some of its operational standards.”

Merchant framed the criticism of Browne as part of a broader pattern of attacking women in politics, asserting that the Cabinet “will utilize all of its political ability to defend the good name and hard work of the Honorable Maria Browne.”

During the briefing, Merchant devoted significant time to outlining what he described as Browne’s leadership qualities — including vision, strategic thinking, integrity, and strong communication — as well as her achievements in infrastructure, housing development, and road construction.

“No other minister in the history of Antigua and Barbuda has done more for the development of the housing stock,” he said, adding that contractors have also reported improvements in the ministry’s operations under her leadership.

According to Merchant, Browne’s lineage, political skill, and performance have made her a rising figure within the government. “Some persons may know of something that many of us don’t know,” he said, referring to her possible future as national leader.

He warned that attacks on her should be interpreted as attacks on the Cabinet itself. “The entire Cabinet will, as one unit, defend the integrity and character of the Honorable Maria Browne,” he said in closing.