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The Honourable Gaston Browne
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda
Office of the Prime Minister
Queen Elizabeth Highway
St. John’s, Antigua
Subject: Reallocating Duty-Free Concessions to Fund Road Repairs
Dear Prime Minister Browne,
In light of the public backlash regarding the proposed 40% increase in vehicle licensing fees, I urge the government to consider an alternative measure—revoking or significantly reducing duty-free concessions on vehicle imports. These waivers, which amount to thousands of dollars per vehicle, represent a major loss in government revenue that could instead be redirected to fund critical infrastructure projects, including road repairs.
While the proposed fee increase is not as burdensome as some may claim—adding only $104 annually for smaller vehicles and $180 for average-sized motor cars—the resistance from the public suggests that alternative funding sources should be explored. One such source is the substantial revenue lost through duty-free exemptions, which primarily benefit businesses, government officials, and select individuals rather than the broader population.
The government has long prioritized policies to ease the financial burden on citizens, including the removal of personal income tax. As a result, Antigua and Barbuda maintains the lowest tax burden in the region at 17.5%, well below the 24% regional average. However, duty-free vehicle waivers, while well-intentioned, deprive the treasury of much-needed funds that could be better allocated to public infrastructure.
By redirecting these waived revenues into a dedicated road improvement fund, the government could reduce or even eliminate the need for sharp fee increases while ensuring sustainable investment in our roads. This would directly benefit all road users, reducing vehicle wear and tear, easing traffic congestion, and enhancing the nation’s overall economic productivity and tourism appeal.
The government’s $100 million bond for road development is a commendable step, representing the most significant commitment to infrastructure in recent history. However, securing additional funding through policy adjustments—such as ending or limiting duty-free vehicle waivers—would provide a fairer, more sustainable approach to financing road maintenance.
I strongly encourage the government to review and reconsider the continuation of duty-free concessions on vehicles. A more equitable distribution of financial responsibility will ensure that road repairs are adequately funded without placing the primary burden on everyday citizens.
Sincerely,
TAX PAYER
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Perfectly said !!
This makes sense—why should luxury items get tax breaks while our roads remain in poor condition?
A fair trade-off, but I hope it won’t negatively impact businesses that rely on duty-free sales.
Will the funds actually be used for roads, or will they disappear into some other project?
Why not implement a small duty-free levy instead of removing concessions completely?
Road repairs are crucial, but wouldn’t it be better to use existing tax revenues more efficiently?
Tourists enjoy duty-free shopping, but I think they also need smooth roads to get around.
The writer seems to be a tad uninformed or doesn’t live in Antigua.
The government already made a policy adjustment where concessions are concerned and have already seen benefits. Customs and excise has posted record revenue collections. Not because of more imports or hard work, but by simply reducing concessions on imports.
The people of Antigua are not in favour of a single dollar being redirected to road works until the Gaston Browne administration can demonstrate the ability to select competent contractors who can build a mile of road that is NOT wavy and DOES NOT degrade at the slightest rain.
The keyword is ACCOUNTABILITY!!!
Will roads be reinforced with proper sub surface layers given the soil type?
Will roads be smooth and not wavy and dangerous?
Will roads withstand a heavy rain without requiring patching within first 5 years?
If the answer to the above is yes. Show us an example then take the 40%
If the answer to the above is no, which we all already know it is. Stop disturbing the public peace.
This is where Government should look to make monies to help with road construction and repairs. Duty free has become a norm and a big thing locally and why not. It gives everyone an opportunity to get an affordable car or their preferred mode of transportation.
Government need to abandon the need to increase the tax on vehicular license and seek get increased revenue from the millions in duty free that they give away yearly. In addition to the environmental levy that persons getting duty free access pays there should be a non refundable “road repairs & maintenance levy” or RRML. This RRML should be a percentage of the “duty free granted.” The more duty free given, the more RRML will be collected. Government need to get both prudent and wise with our taxes and revenues. The position that they find themselves in is entirely their doing. More revenues without stricter control would mean the same old dilemma continously.
We, the taxpaying public, would like to see a detailed audit of the Transport Board and at the same time where or to whom do the profits from West Indies Oil go to? Transparency should be the order of every day…at the very least justify the need for more and more taxes which inevitably results in inflation and the crime rate increasing.
Not a bad idea, but you have not thaught things well through. How many cars would then be imported? Is that enough to get the 200 million that is needed to tackle our roads. And furthermore that would be a one time payment for each vehicle. Now we will have this revenue stream for years to come. Everything when it is new, it is being rejected. But after a while people get used to it. I mean just the other they we complained about the high cost of living. And now it seems that we are getting used to it. We pay almost $15 for a dozen of eggs that used to be $12. a 25% increase. I used to pay $80 for a bag of dogfood, then it went to $120, to %150 and now to $190. Guess what, people are still buying dogfood. Price hikes hardly ever come down. That is how an economy works. Many of us in the ages of 70-90 can remember how much we used to pay for a bread, 10ct. How much is it now? The PM has justified the increase and that is it as far as I am concern. When the UPP introdeced PIT it took quite a chunk out of people’s salary every month. They complaint, but in the end people paid it and some of them had to cut down in their purchasing power somewhere else. Donna and Colin broke it down to a weekly payment of $2.00. I mean who can then argue about that. We had the introduction of Education Levy that caused quiet a stir, but today everyone is paying up to 5% of their salary without a ceiling. And eventhough you do not have any children. This fee is for owners of cars. Not for everyone. The government has not raised these fees in thirty years. And Antiguans have become accustome to this. The cost of repairing road is getting more expensive by the day. That is so with everything. But I guess we Antiguans and Barbudans love free things. And our politicians have spoiled us. It has become an entitlement for many to get free things. Especially in Barbuda. It is so sad when you think of it. I don’t think there is any other nation in the world like this. No wonder we vote for the person who can give us the most. That is why in my opinion Asot could never lose an election. He had deep pockets to please many. There is a saying in the USA by legendary President Kennedy, Don’t ask what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. Antiguan should be wise to start thinking like that. I guess that will be the day. Sorry I know I’m dreaming. This will never happen. Obstinate sang it best. Get what you can get. Antigua today has a gold rush.
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