Prime Minister Gaston Browne and his operatives have chosen to personalize my refusal of his invitation to the CoP Meeting in Brazil. However, I stand by my decision and enjoy the support of my colleagues, the Executive of the United Progressive Party, and discerning members of the public.

In an October 20 press statement, I called for an independent investigation into the scandal involving the procurement and distribution of vehicles by the Ministry of Public Works — a scandal that has gripped not only residents, but the Diaspora and the region.

I have also recommended that, rather than transfers initiated by the Prime Minister himself, the persons implicated be relieved of their positions until the investigation is completed.

Then, on _Observer AM_ on October 28, I added that the entire Ministry needs to be investigated, as workers there have alleged that a greater fraud involving aggregates is taking place.

Given that the UPP is involved in educating the public on this scandal and mobilizing residents to demand an investigation, I do not see how it would be appropriate for me to accept the Prime Minister’s invitation to leave the country at this critical time.

In addition, I contend that the invitation was not extended out of any genuine sentiment, but out of an effort to undermine public confidence in my efforts to hold the Prime Minister and his wife, the Minister of Works, accountable for the offenses that took place.

The Prime Minister’s malice was confirmed when, on Saturday, November 1, the host of his radio program called and attempted to question me about allegations related to the scandal.

Ironically, the host has made no known attempt to question the Works Minister; or her reassigned Junior Minister; or the transferred Permanent Secretaries and other public servants at the Treasury; or the implicated Customs, Port and Transport Board staff.

I will not allow the Prime Minister’s disingenuous invitation, with his well-known spinning of facts and exploitation of photographs, to undermine my position and that of my Party and right-thinking residents.

_I take this opportunity to say, again, that an independent investigation into the scandal – and not political maneuvering – is warranted._

This is a non-partisan issue, and I call upon all conscious residents and responsible organizations to echo this call and to support our efforts against the Prime Minister’s attempts to suppress the truth.

Meanwhile, I and the United Progressive Party assure the public that we remain committed to the management of climate change and the actions required to support it: advanced research, collaborative solutions, and strategic alliances.

We will also continue to advocate for eco-sensitive approaches to development here in Antigua and, especially, on Barbuda.

We recognize that the slowing of global warming is essential to our lives and livelihoods, as was recently underscored by the devastating passage of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, Cuba, and Hispaniola, for whose recovery and rebuilding we continue to pray.