Prime Minister Gaston Browne has issued a stern warning to a public servant accused of obstructing the clearance of a longstanding shipment of sand and stone from Montserrat, describing the individual’s behaviour as an act of internal sabotage against national development.

Referencing a recent Cabinet briefing, Browne recounted how a routine delivery of aggregates destined for Public Works was delayed unnecessarily on Wednesday, allegedly due to the official’s refusal to process the necessary documentation.

“For some reason, a particular public servant decided Wednesday morning they’re not allowing a shipment to be landed,” Browne said. “The boat came, and the public servant said they’re not signing off on the documents.”

According to the Prime Minister, the public servant initially claimed that a document was missing, only for it to be revealed later that all the paperwork had been in their possession the entire time.

“The Parliamentary Secretary, the Honourable Clement Antonio, got on to Minister Smith and asked him to call the official to please sign the document—even if something was missing—just for expediency. There was no risk involved. This is a quarry we’ve been importing from for years.”

Despite repeated calls from Cabinet members, the official allegedly failed to respond to phone calls or messages. Browne said the matter escalated to the point where the Cabinet authorised the Minister to sign the documents directly, but the official reportedly refused to release them.

“We suspended the Cabinet. I called—no answer. The Minister called—no answer. Others intervened within the ministry. No response. Eventually, at 4:30 p.m., the documents—same ones they refused to sign—were finally processed,” he said.

The Prime Minister claimed this was not an isolated incident, accusing the same official of “consistently frustrating the process, not just for government, but for private individuals.”

Browne acknowledged concerns that disciplinary action could be perceived as political victimisation, which is why the Cabinet has previously shown restraint. However, he indicated the government’s patience has run out.

“We’ve contemplated several times moving that person but always gave the benefit of the doubt. We’re at the stage now that if that person—who I know is listening—slips up again, there’ll be no conversation. That person will be moved,” Browne declared.

The individual later claimed they had missed all communication due to being on a Zoom call all day and having their phone on silent.

Browne dismissed the excuse outright: “It was stupid, you know. Enough is enough.”