ABST Cut Shows ‘People-Centered Leadership,’ Senator George Says
The reduction of the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax from 17 percent to 7 percent is a clear demonstration of people-centered leadership and sound economic stewardship, according to Dwayne George, junior minister in the Ministry of Finance.
In a detailed social media statement, George said the tax cut reflects a deliberate decision by the government to put citizens first while continuing to responsibly manage the economy.
“The reduction of the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) from 17% to 7% is a clear demonstration of decisive leadership and a firm commitment by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to put people first while responsibly managing the nation’s economy,” George wrote.
He said the policy delivers “direct and meaningful relief” to households across the country, particularly working families, seniors and vulnerable citizens facing rising living costs.
“This bold policy decision delivers direct and meaningful relief to households across the country, ensuring that working families, seniors, and vulnerable citizens are better able to cope with the cost of living,” he said.
George argued that lowering the tax burden on goods and services moves economic benefits beyond theory and into everyday life.
“By significantly lowering the tax burden on goods and services, the government has taken concrete action to return economic benefits to the people, not just in theory, but in their everyday lives,” he said.
According to George, the reduction also signals confidence in the strength and resilience of the national economy, pointing to fiscal discipline and long-term planning.
“The ABST reduction also reflects confidence in the strength and resilience of the economy,” he wrote. “It signals that through prudent fiscal management, strategic planning, and disciplined governance, Antigua and Barbuda is now in a position to ease taxes while continuing on a path of growth and stability.”
He added that the move aligns with international recognition of the country’s improving fiscal trajectory and economic turnaround.
George also said the tax cut is expected to support local businesses by stimulating consumer spending, enhancing competitiveness and protecting jobs.
“Importantly, this measure supports local businesses by stimulating consumer spending, enhancing competitiveness, and protecting jobs,” he said. “A thriving private sector, coupled with responsible government action, is essential to sustained national development.”
He said the decision underscores the government’s mandate to govern with compassion, fairness and accountability.
“This tax reduction underscores the government’s mandate to govern with compassion, fairness, and accountability, ensuring that economic progress is felt at the kitchen table, in small businesses, and in communities across Antigua and Barbuda,” George said.
George said the government remains committed to policies aimed at strengthening the economy, empowering citizens and building a more equitable and prosperous future.
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@ DWAYNE GEORGE
Please quote what the IMF’s recommendation against this and where the ‘replacement’ funds would come from?
Same thing Harold Lovell warned about in a lenghthy article in the Observer, but of course you won’t listen to a black intelligent man who said the exact thing as the IMF
Help me understand this, they say money answer all things.
How can a former UPP strong Man reside within the anus of his political rivalry he is diametrically opposed to and could suddenly perfunctorily perform for his political arch enemies, singing sweet songs to their ears? Because it’s not real, each time Dwayne and other upp defectors does that, Gaston feels god like, his ALP supporters and colleagues fear him more, because he rides the UPP defectors on the back like a jack ass(donkey).
Money is a terrible master.
@ Dwayne George, where was the people-centered leadership when members of the ABLP and their friends were amassing personal wealth and stealing from the people?
TOO LITTLE TOO LATE…..
All this bla bla bla bla bla bla, chat chat chat all I asking at the expense of this countries Economy when will this start?
To me this is just another election gimmick, then you shoot it up to 19%. Antiguans open up your eyes, Lord help us to see. We need to be future minded our children coming after and depending on us.
What this over inflated windbag Dwayne George neglected to tell us is if the ABLP wins the next election how soon after the ABST will go back to 17 per cent. Brother Man, this is just a trick by the Ultimate CHARLATAN to outsmart the electorate. You are asked to parrot the same thing by the man you once castigated as being no damn good
@ Man From West Palm Beach Bolans
Dwayne is not only a Windbag and Modern day Judas but a fake. He is not the person who wrote this. I think we all know who did. It was given to him to publish to make him appear relevant. But we will render him irrelevant next election
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