Prime Minister Gaston Browne has criticized Sandals Resorts International’s recent lawsuit against the government of Antigua and Barbuda, labeling it a “frivolous” attempt to delay tax obligations. Speaking on Pointe FM, Browne described the legal action as a tactic to “tie up the process” rather than address the government’s tax concerns in good faith, while underscoring that his government’s stance applies not only to Sandals but to the hotel industry at large.
The lawsuit follows a government tax assessment related to discrepancies in Antigua Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) collection. According to Browne, Sandals has allegedly been erroneously charging customers a 13% tax rate instead of the required 14%, creating a significant gap in expected revenue. Browne questioned the resort’s accountability, explaining that the government lacks evidence to confirm whether Sandals has consistently collected and remitted the correct amount. “We don’t have any evidence to confirm that they werent collecting that 14%,” he said, raising broader concerns about transparency in tax collection practices.
Browne clarified that his administration’s stance is not directed solely at Sandals but applies to all hotel operators in Antigua and Barbuda, reinforcing that the government’s goal is to ensure fair contributions across the sector. “It’s not about Sandals,” he emphasized, explaining that the government’s concerns focus on ensuring that all resorts comply fully with local tax laws. Browne also noted that his criticisms are not personal, as he supports foreign investment but insists that companies must fulfill their obligations to the country.
The Prime Minister highlighted that Sandals’ lawsuit is part of what he sees as a pattern of legal tactics used to delay compliance with tax requirements. “Instead of negotiating, they have some kind of frivolous lawsuit in which they’re trying to tie up the process,” Browne stated, suggesting that Sandals might hope to pressure the government into backing down. Despite this, Browne reaffirmed that his administration remains committed to pursuing what it deems necessary to protect Antigua’s financial interests and maintain a balanced approach to investment incentives and tax enforcement.
Sandals has yet to provide a public response to Browne’s remarks or comment on the ongoing legal dispute.
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So now he wants to pre-empt the courts? Truly gaston thinks he is the almighty himself!
What turns out?
What goes around must come back around do you ever think of people you going to take out of bread everything you talk about sandals why sandals ,you could do it better than that more professional not just say and put it out there waw waw what a wheel to turn
Oh, absolutely! Because why wouldn’t Sandals Resorts want to fulfill their tax responsibilities in Antigua and Barbuda? I mean, who needs fairness and transparency in the industry, right? It’s just adorable how some companies think they can just sidestep their obligations with a little legal wrangling. Maybe they think they’re above it all? It’s high time for Sandals to roll up their sleeves and chip in their fair share—after all, the community is the one helping them keep their lavish pools sparkling!
It is refreshing to hear the clarifications The honorable PM had made. The PM has proven to be a very intelligent man. In my opinion the PM takes it for granted when he addresses important issues worthy of investigation to ensure the Business of Antigua prospers. He takes for granted he is always dealing one on one. But Big Business is no longer one on one or even face to face.
Today’s big business is done through pencil pushers or more accurately keyboard punchers. By the time it reaches the hand held device of a so called decision maker, he then doesn’t have the capacity to act. He/She, will have to contact Lawyers, investors and who ever else in order to come up with a strategy to formulated their responses.
The PM Strategy is a long game. He is well aware of the STAKES. Just like he is when he is now calling out certain people running Important Agencies that are vital to the progress of Antigua. It is long overdue. In this case, Mr. PM, you have alot of house cleaning to do. We have qualified Antiguans that can make a difference in these same Agencies, regardless of their political leanings. Hopefully you can make the time. It can’t be taken for granted all heads of are most important Institutions are qualified because someone moved them up the ranks.
Sandals is here to stay. We know that. It’s just they will have to agree to pull their weight, moving forward. This is a relationship that has been and still will be very fruitful for the Busines of Antigua.
Keep it Green
It is absolutely imperative that all businesses operating in Antigua and Barbuda, including Sandals Resorts, fulfill their tax obligations. The government’s efforts to enforce compliance are not just necessary; they are fundamental to ensuring fairness and transparency within the industry. It is unacceptable for companies to evade their responsibilities or attempt to circumvent them through legal tactics. Sandals must recognize its duty to the community that sustains its operations and contribute its fair share. The time for action is now—no more excuses or delays.
Gaston Browne,why are you so unprofessional? If there is a matter of any kind with SANDALS.There are persons employed by the Government as CIVIL SERVANTS to handle those issues.You went above and beyond and brought your side of the story to the public on your crappy radio station.The Tax Department and the Auditing Department have the right to see their books and report to the CABINET.Not for you and your childish behavior to be sullying the name of a major employer. How come you have never gone on your RADIO. To discuss that person who owns several hotels and super markets on ANtigua.I remembered you did say. That building near the shores of Long Bay,must go.It is still there standing.You only have trang for certain people.Every Dawg has its day.Mark my damn words.
Ask yourself this, why would a company as big as Sandals jeopardize it’s brand and good name over 11million dollars, when it could cost them hundreds of millions down the road? Gaston has clearly had zero dialouge with the people
it is absolutely imperative that hotels in Antigua stop being racist with their wages..these needs a serious investigation
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