Prime Minister and Finance Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed that procedural breaches occurred in the acquisition of government vehicles, acknowledging that some purchases were made without Cabinet approval despite a policy mandating centralized oversight.
Browne made the disclosure in Parliament after Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle questioned him about reports of irregularities, recent staff transfers, and the resignation of Comptroller of Customs Raju Boddu.
The Prime Minister said Cabinet had implemented a policy two years ago requiring all government vehicle purchases to receive prior approval to prevent abuse. However, he noted that this procedure was ignored in several cases.
“We found subsequently that a number of vehicles were purchased without the supporting Cabinet decisions,” Browne told Parliament. “As a consequence, where we felt there was negligence, we had to redeploy individuals.”
“We found subsequently that a number of vehicles were purchased without the supporting Cabinet decisions,” Browne told Parliament. “As a consequence, where we felt there was negligence, we had to redeploy individuals.”
He confirmed that one official had resigned following what he described as “willful neglect,” adding that such a finding “suggests culpability.”
Browne also cited broader reasons for personnel changes, including protecting the integrity of the public service. He referenced the redeployment of a permanent secretary to the Ministry of Public Works, describing her as “impeccable” in integrity and recalling her role in halting the alleged sale of diplomatic passports under a previous administration.
Boddu, who served as Comptroller of Customs for several years, submitted his resignation earlier this week citing health reasons. However, his departure has fueled speculation that it may be connected to the probe into the unapproved vehicle acquisitions.
Government officials have not yet announced who will act in his position pending a formal replacement.
