Antigua and Barbuda Government Commits to Consultation on Proposed Sales Tax Increase

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Antigua and Barbuda’s Chief of Staff, Lionel “Max” Hurst, confirmed talks with the business community on a potential increase in the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST).

Prime Minister Gaston Browne proposed the hike to fulfill a 2% salary increase for civil servants.

The United Progressive Party (UPP) opposes the decision, calling for public consultations. Hurst asserted talks with relevant stakeholders, sidelining opposition involvement.

The UPP demanded national discussions, expressing concern over financial implications for citizens.

The opposition warned of mass protests if taxes are raised without widespread consultations.

The government remains focused on engaging key stakeholders to address the fiscal challenge and meet its commitments.

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10 COMMENTS

  1. I wonder if those that are consulted will be the ONLY ones to pay it cause I know it’s the poor people who pay it. Why is it that the picky head people always get advantaged in Antigua. Why not reimplement the PIT. But no the rich must stay rich while the poor get poorer.

  2. “Prime Minister Gaston Browne proposed the hike to fulfill a 2% salary increase for civil servants.”
    Keep it real. The increase amounts to 14% and not just 2%. A 2% increase would not need the government to increase any tax.

    • Is the labour force made up of civil servants only? You can try to make a bit of sense at times. In your quest to prove your loyalty and that you’ve merit your pay cheque, you allow yourself to appear stupid.

    • Is the current ABST 15%.So the increase of 2% would increase it to17%.That sales tax percentage is very high.What is that money used for from the sales taxes.Where I am living,there is no State Income Tax from payroll. Our sales tax is 8.25% on many things not food items.That 8.25% is broken down two ways,6.25% goes to the State and 2% goes to the City where purchase was made.I am so happy to see my Taxes being utilized to repair and expanded Highways.I heard a recording of Lennox Weston saying,the Government monthly wage bill is $30,000.000.For an Island of 108 sq.miles and about 100,000 residences.That is very high,no wonder the damn Government BROKE.

  3. Lionel Max Hurst confirms the government will hold talks with the business community about the increase in ABST. Is this the same business community that is not remitting the sales tax they collect? What purpose does these talks with the business community serve unless it is to tell them the enforcement measures and penalties for them to pay up.
    Max Hurst, it is the people who can’t afford a 2% increase. You don’t make sense. Time for you to go home. Somebody else needs a job.

  4. They get the government they deserve. Just last January they returned these scoundrel to off, even if was a reduced majority.

    Let them pay the tax, while companies like PLH don’t pay squat. The same people that want others to drink bitter bush for their ailments, will be going to his one nation concert to jump up, then go home and no water to bath.

  5. “The government remains focused on engaging key stakeholders to address the fiscal challenge and meet its commitments”.

    Who are the ‘key stakeholders’? Not those people who are holding on to government money (a.b.s.t. et al) that the government nar go collect are we money?

    They should all be jailed for holding on to the people’s money illegally.

    Well if the government will not work on behalf of poor people, let us kick out this labour party government at the next general elections.

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