ANR: St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda – December 7, 2023
Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams addressed the nation in the 2024 Speech from the Throne, articulating the government’s focus on economic development and fiscal responsibility.
Acknowledging the high expectations of the citizens, the Governor-General shed light on the comprehensive policies under consideration by the Cabinet of Ministers.
A notable revelation from the speech was the substantial tax waivers extended by the government.
Covering Customs Duty, the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST), the Revenue Recovery Charge, and, in certain instances, the Environmental Levy, these waivers amounted to nearly EC$300 million in both 2022 and 2023. Of this total, EC$175 million was discretionary, while the remainder was mandated by Statute.
My Government intends to reduce the discretionary waivers in order to increase tax yields and to meet the additional obligations of pensions, salaries and wages increases negotiated with trade unions.
Governor-General Williams emphasized the government’s commitment to fiscal prudence, revealing intentions to reduce discretionary waivers.
This strategic move aims to enhance tax yields, ensuring a more robust fiscal framework capable of meeting increased financial obligations.
These commitments include pensions and negotiated salary and wage increases with trade unions.
The decision to curtail discretionary waivers is framed as a response to the need for a balanced approach to economic incentives and financial stability.
The anticipated increase in tax revenues is earmarked to support essential expenditures, including pensions and negotiated salary increments, contributing to the overall economic stability of Antigua and Barbuda.
As the nation looks ahead, Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams expressed optimism about the transformative path forward, pledging transparency, accountability, and collaborative efforts to achieve the shared vision of a thriving and economically resilient Antigua and Barbuda.
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They really have no ideas other than to squeeze us dry eh?
They all need to go.
The Government needs to be much more specific as to which discretionary waivers are going to be reduced! Why is that part of the announcement being hidden? Is that lack of Government information or poor investigative reporting?is the Government going to reduce or eliminate waivers to yachts in transit? If so, won’t that have some bearing on yachts that utilize Antigua for repairs? There are two sides to every coin. Shall Antigua promote business or strangle it?
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