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PM Browne: Licensing Fee Adjustments Under Review, Not Finalized
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has emphasized that the proposed 40% increase in vehicle licensing fees is still under consultation and has not been finalized. Speaking on Pointe FM, he explained that while adjustments are necessary, the government is actively engaging with stakeholders before implementing any changes.
“The 40% is not final. We are still in a consultative process.”
Browne outlined the urgent need for increased revenue to fund a $100 million road improvement program, noting that vehicle licensing fees have remained unchanged for over three decades.
“The reality is that licensing fees have not increased for over 30 years, yet the cost of maintaining and building roads has skyrocketed. It is not sustainable.”
He highlighted that many vehicle owners have benefitted from duty-free concessions, reducing the overall tax burden on car purchases, which should be considered in discussions about the fee adjustments.
“People need to ask themselves—how much have they saved over the years with duty-free concessions on vehicles? The same people who got tax breaks to import their vehicles now want to argue that they shouldn’t pay a fair fee to maintain the roads.”
Browne argued that Antigua and Barbuda’s licensing fees remain low compared to other countries and that modern road networks require consistent investment.
“Some people want world-class roads but don’t want to pay anything toward their upkeep. That is not a sustainable position.”
Strict Use of Funds for Road Development
The Prime Minister dismissed concerns that the additional revenue would be misused, stating that all funds raised through the fee adjustment would be strictly allocated to road infrastructure projects. The financing model includes bank oversight, ensuring accountability for each phase of the $100 million program.
“Every cent raised from this bond will be utilized for roads. The agreement with the banks ensures that we must account for the first $10 million before we receive the next installment. There is full transparency.”
He stressed that well-maintained roads ultimately save motorists money, as poor road conditions lead to higher vehicle maintenance costs.
“You don’t think people know that they have to be replacing parts every minute? They are driving into potholes and bursting tires. We are addressing that.”
While the government sees the fee adjustment as necessary, Browne assured that discussions are still taking place to ensure fairness.
“We are still in discussions. We are open to input. But people must understand—if we want good roads, there has to be a source of funding.”
The final decision will be made next week.
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This man talking about the aesthetics of the country. What about the broken glasses that’s on the ground outside those bus stops isn’t that aesthetic too.. all I see is greed people getting fat belly’s..
I had made my final decision long-garling time ago.
I cannot, again, vote for this labour party government.
They have run too far off the tracks.
I will take my chances with someone else.
Vote out this labour government my people.
Mr. Lies, wah the bus stop glass has to do with this conversation? It’s our own people vandalizing them. Then again who are the ones nastying up the place, throwing garbage on the ground right there in town, or choosing not to take care of their private properties? Our people again. The issue is we need to know how the original increase in money received from the increase in vehicles was spent over the last two years?
This is why politicians have us like children. Because we don’t know what to ask them. One set of politicians throw ham and turkey to hush us up. The next set nah even bother to talk in parliament when it’s time to talk. They just collect pay and then go party.
I hope ‘under review’ means lowering it, not just delaying the inevitable.
We need transparency, not just vague statements. What exactly is being reviewed?
f it’s not finalized, then maybe they should consult the public before making a decision!
Why announce an increase before finalizing it? That just causes unnecessary panic.
Waiting for the final figures too
At least they’re willing to review it.
lets see what happens
The cost of living is already high. A massive fee increase is the last thing we need.
This just sounds like damage control after the public backlash. Because Hmmmm…
So why do I have to pay more to maintain a road that all of us are using.
Why can’t it just be $100 across the board well except for trucks and heavy duty equipment
You seriously going to tax the common man who can hardly make ends meet? Come on Gaston. Come on man! If we having a cash problem reinstall Income Tax. So many people making 30k a month and still drives government vehicles. Your port manager, these people make a killing. Yet you can sit here and expect we the poor to pay this money when we can hardly buy food. Gaston Browne come on man. Where is your heart? I understand these taxes won’t affect you but what about us? Where is the love you claim you have for us? Sir respectfully reconsider this. It could cost you another term.
Gaston Browne you are an economist and you have to know that people are not working for enough money to manage the supermarket. Grocery bills are sky high. We need to strike a balance. Figure out a way around this mess you are now creating. Your population is already being squeezed. Don’t suffocate us. Remove your knee from our necks Alphanso Browne.
The glass broken on the bus stops has a lot to do with the conversation, the conversation was about aesthetics whether or not the citizens broke them don’t matter should we just leave them? What about the other citizens that have to sit on the glass while waiting for the bus, are you people crazy or what. so the big trucks and water settling make the holes on the roads so we should leave them also? what nonsense I’m hearing.. my point is about the lies .. “aesthetic” oh please … remember the weed wacker could’ve knocked out the bus stop glass as well.. why didn’t we use plexiglass that would be too smart wouldn’t it ? …. Now who’s the dumb one? In this country and everywhere I see buildings get build, but don’t get maintained people install bus stops but don’t maintain them …same as the Roads.. where are the garbage cans at the bus stops?? This place is a BIG JOKE…