Anthony Smith, Member of Parliament for All Saints West, passionately advocated for the reconsideration of a recent tax increase on funeral expenses.
Smith highlighted the immense financial strain placed on grieving families during one of the most challenging periods of their lives.
Speaking specifically as the representative of All Saints West, Smith underscored the emotional and financial challenges families face when dealing with the loss of a loved one. “Madam Speaker, it is one of the hardest times of their life, and not just emotionally, but when you have to bury a loved one, Madam speaker, it’s a very hard thing to do financially as well,” he stated.
Smith acknowledged the broader economic context but urged the government to consider the specific impact of increased taxes on funeral expenses, particularly for the constituents of All Saints West. He emphasized the critical need for compassion and understanding, especially during times of grief.
“As politicians, they should understand that because when you lose a loved one, the people would come to politicians for help. You go to other family members for help, family members sending money from all around the world just to help,” Smith passionately expressed, highlighting the reliance of grieving families on both government support and community solidarity.
The MP for All Saints West voiced his concern about the lack of consultation and consideration preceding the implementation of the tax hike on funeral expenses. He called on the government to adopt a more empathetic and consultative approach to policies that directly affect the financial burden faced by constituents during the mourning process.
“I am asking the government to reconsider their position where that is concerned,” Smith urged, making a specific plea on behalf of the residents of All Saints West.
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Hon Anthony have some very good points. Not even the Dead get away from ALP Tax increases.
Taxes are needed for countries to function … Antiguans need to understand the concept of taxes. We cannot just be poor beggars for ever… let us put ourselves in a place is success… let’s educate our children, let’s aspire to do better.. families need to invest in life and funeral insurance and not leave the burden of death on a loved one
@ Lenny h
Oh ”Taxes are needed for countries to function..”, why were you not telling your ”god” Gaston so when he abolished income tax. You guys argued that it was a burden and ill conceived by the UPP, but now its needed? You minions just justify anything that Gaston does, and I remember clearly that this was one of the UPP pledges during two previous election cycles and Gaston promised that they would remove the ABST from funerals too to counteract the UPP’s promise, BUT AS USUAL the promise was never honoured. U WICKED EVIL and UNTRUTHFUL SET A RED FACE PEOPLE.
@Lenny h…regardless, of what spin you or anyone puts on the “collection of taxes,” a vital and necessary source of funds for public use, it’s the management from transparency/oversight to accountability for those funds collected, as taxes.
Those who can afford to pay these higher taxes such as investors(especially those in the tourism industry) are given concessions, tax breaks/perks etc., to make investments to build the economy, yet, these investors will utilize whatever loop holes are available in their contracts, and do their endeavour best to avoid paying taxes.
It’s not about paying taxes! The People would not be as upset, if they can see where their tax dollars are making a huge difference.
Before you jump to such things, as infrastructure, roads, building maintenance etc, please be reminded, that the Nation also gets GRANTS and LOANS which are expected to cover the cost of such things.
The main problem is PPM – Piss Poor Management and PPP – Piss Poor Planning which plagues the Government and waste scarce funds.
Jumbee_Picknee aka Ras Smood
De’ole Dutty Peg🦶🏿Garrat_Bastard
Vere C. Edwards
Very valid points @ Ras Smood.
Yes, taxation is expected, but Antiguans need to see the benefits, followed by transparency.
CIP, CIP – OPPS, I MEAN HIP HIP … 😁
I say save your condolences and words of sympathies ye funeral homes. During tax exemption in December, persons we charged the entire abst15%. You should be asked to give people back their money. How hard was it to calculate 10%on services and the overpriced “walmart” caskets. Because death is a sure business, how do you think people must think of your homes now?
Lenny H atleast u have sense, antiguans just chat cause they have a beak but their brains empty nf…we dont have anything else but tourism to help us stay afloat, what if ppl stop coming? smh…bunch of dunce ppl if you ask me!
That’s why I personally loved what Deceased John Fuller did. He requested to be buried in a plain box that the prisoners made. You have an alternative if the taxes are too high. We came with nothing and we shall leave with nothing. Besides any income that helps to rehabilitate our prisoners so that they can rejoin our law abiding peoples instead of career criminals will definitely help.
@ Sharon Lycorish
I thought the reason why Gaston abolished income tax was because taxes were not necessary, but now they are? By shifting it from income tax to ABST.
I just wished that only people like you are forced to pay taxes, imbecile, another ‘worshipper’ of the ‘almighty’, while the poor suffering ones like us are exempted.
Taxes on funerals too? Wow! Just wow! I’m lost for words! Soon we’ll have to pay taxes just to walk on the streets…. Then after that they’ll tax us based on how many steps we make. This is all madness! People wake up! Antigua economy can’t be so great if taxes increased overnight like this from all angles… It’s an indication that things are terrible!
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