PM Browne: Businesses That Fail to Submit Trade Data Will Face Fines
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that businesses in Antigua & Barbuda will face fines if they fail to submit trade data, as the government moves to strengthen economic reporting.
Speaking on Pointe FM, Browne said, “It means, therefore, that we will have to use legislation with penalties and to ensure that those penalties are enforced, even if they fail to submit the necessary data.”
He criticized the lack of reporting from some entities, stating that the Department of Statistics has been unable to capture accurate economic data due to non-compliance.
“There’s no reporting taking place, and part of the reason too is because the data capture is weak,” he said.
To improve data collection, Browne revealed that the government is bringing in an expert.
“We have also approached a very capable Antiguan who worked at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank in the statistical division, and I’m hoping that she will at least agree to take on some form of consultancy to help us to build capacity,” he said.
He also called on officials to take a more proactive approach.
“Even though people are not sending the information voluntarily, pick up the phone and call them. You can’t just sit behind a desk and say you’re not getting any information,” he stated.
Browne acknowledged that some businesses refuse to provide data, making it difficult to assess economic growth.
“The data that we’re getting from our statistical unit is not in keeping with the level of growth and development that is taking place within the country,” he said.
The government plans to introduce legislation to ensure compliance and improve economic reporting in Antigua & Barbuda.
For more updates, visit Antigua Newsroom.
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PM. You and I both know that the reason for this is because they are under reporting to avoid paying their correct taxes. Stamp out the corruption and laziness at Inland Revenue and you will get a better picture of the real facts. The same applies to the inspectors at Medical Benefits and Social Security. Right in broad daylight in St. John’s, there are businesses paying no Social Decurity or Medical Benefits but they are never approached. Start making your public servants accountable.
Can he show how much the government is actually paying into social security and medical benefits. The private sector employees are the one paying for government sins he is just trying to show growth when the fact is, government takes every dollar of it and squander or enrich themselves.
Stop the hypocrisy and say Amen
And you Gaston and ALP fail to submit financial data to the auditor general for years, that person is just there for a monthly pay cheque, in those overseas dependant territory that auditor general wield immense power to cause politicians to go jail.
Stull a wait on my money from social security