Prime Minister Gaston Browne has dismissed claims from Harold Lovell that he defamed Alden Crump, Director of Public Works, amid ongoing political tensions.
Browne characterized Lovell’s accusations as baseless and accused the opposition of deliberately misinterpreting his remarks for political advantage.
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Lovell had suggested that Browne’s public comments about Crump implied wrongdoing under the Integrity in Public Life Act and the Prevention of Corruption Act. However, Browne firmly denied this interpretation, asserting that his statements did not accuse Crump of accepting undeclared gifts or engaging in any form of corruption.
“I made it abundantly clear that there was no evidence of Mr. Crump inflating contracts or robbing the people,” Browne stated. He argued that the laws allow public officials to receive gifts above a certain value, provided they are declared, and noted he had not alleged Crump failed to meet this requirement.
Browne accused Lovell of deliberately misrepresenting his comments to fuel a narrative of government overreach and misconduct. He pointed to Lovell’s history as a former government minister, criticizing his handling of Crump during the United Progressive Party (UPP) administration. Browne highlighted that Crump had been removed as Public Works Director under the UPP and reassigned to a position with limited responsibilities.
“Now, the same people who sidelined Crump are crying foul,” Browne said. “This is just another example of their deceptive tactics and short memory.”
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Browne defended his approach to managing Crump, emphasizing that public servants must be held accountable to ensure efficiency and performance. He acknowledged previous frustrations with Crump’s leadership but praised his recent turnaround, citing progress in road repairs and infrastructure improvements as evidence of his commitment.
Browne also criticized Lovell’s interpretation of public service protocols, arguing that as Prime Minister, he has the authority to recommend adjustments to public service roles in the interest of efficiency. “At no point did I bypass the Public Service Commission or suggest firing Crump without due process,” Browne clarified.
The Prime Minister’s remarks extended to broader criticism of the UPP, accusing Lovell of stifling growth within the party and undermining leadership, including that of opposition leader Jamale Pringle. Browne questioned Lovell’s continued involvement in politics, describing him as “self-serving” and out of touch with the needs of modern governance.
As political tensions rise, Browne reiterated his administration’s focus on delivering results for the people, despite what he described as “constant obstruction” from the opposition. “We are here to serve the people, not to play games,” he said.
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The post PM Gaston Browne rejects Harold Lovell’s allegations of defamation appeared first on Antigua Breaking News.
