Cabinet is reporting that at least one car dealership has agreed to repay the government an amount totaling $10 million arising out of the unauthorized scheme where vehicles where acquired on behalf of the government without proper documentation and authorization.
Cabinet spokesman, Maurice Merchant reported that at Wednesday’s meeting of the Cabinet, Prime Minister Gaston Browne led the discussions on the unauthorized purchases of vehicles for the government of Antigua and Barbuda, and the review by the Financial Secretary of information received on such purchases to determine where there have been unauthorized purchases and other irregularities, and to negotiate and settle restitution for any such excesses.
“The Cabinet was advised that the Financial Secretary commenced discussions with the car dealerships and through reconciliation, restitution in the amount of $10 million dollars was recovered by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda from one car dealership. The Financial Secretary will continue discussions with another car dealership with the intention of negotiating and settling the repayment of revenues lost,” Merchant revealed.
Cabinet is also putting in place stronger oversight procedures to ensure that there is no recurrence of these excesses.
According to Merchant the Cabinet also approved the implementation of a new Government Vehicular Policy, which will be rolled out within the next fourteen (14) days. Key provisions of the policy include:
- Establishment of an Advisory Committee to oversee vehicle allocations and usage
- Allocation of vehicles based on the duties of ministries and departments
- Vehicles are to be used only for authorized government services
- Passengers must be on official government business, except in emergencies or with prior authorization
- Vehicles unsuitable for use, or exceeding five years of service, must be disposed of via public auction
- All vehicles must be parked at ministry headquarters or designated locations upon completion of daily duties
In relation to the unauthorized purchase of vehicles, Merchant said those vehicles, when identified, will be sold at a public auction as the government seeks to recoup lost revenues.
