PM Browne responds to public outcry over increase in vehicle licensing fees

I guess we all buying Vitz now, can’t afforrs nothing else

I have one major issue. I licensed my Vitz in February of 2024 at a cost of $180.00. When I licensed my vehicle in February of 2025 my vehicle’s cc rating got manually changed from 1000cc to 1296cc. Now mark you I have done nothing to my engine like replace it or whatever, I change my oil regularly and service it – that’s all. As a result of that manual change my license fee went from $182.00 to $282.00. The $2.00 is for the radio. So now next year I am facing another increase.
Totally fed up.

I am fairly certain 90 percent of the workers in this country don’t make 5k per month. Can we get the reports showing what transport board has done with the money they have been collecting for decades?

Lol lol Hmmmmm Gaston Browne boy I tell you

“Don’t ask what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country” where is all the money that have been received in the past to build proper roads.
Don’t ask what you can do to put a strain on the citizens, ask what you can do to ease the squeeze on the citizens. The new definition of a caring government is to create hardship on the people a find excuses like they care.

Our pay not going up with all these increases how we going to manage food alone is so expensive already.

This is not right, and stop comparing our country to others. You making ur millions monthly while the poor make making hundred dollar. Miss use of public funds for music festival with noone held accountable.

PM Browne Wurl Boss now me a one born and raised LABORITE. Me RED TILL ME DEAD but me nar support u and this!!!! 40% increase is BLASTED INSANE!!!!! Jeez men not even 10 or 15% . No man I call a spade and spade and I will gladly protest this crap inna ma RED ABLP SHIRT cause this is out right BULLSHIT. MR PM Wurl Boss reconsider. This shit is to much for the average working man and woman who make up the core of ABLP supporters. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

The PM cares not for his citizens. 14.percent increase from 2018 and raise Ed Levy, Social Security, VAT on goods to name a few. Now telling us to just grin and bear it! Antiguans need to take a stand!!!!

it still feels like the government is burdening the people too much.

PM Browne should have consulted the public more before making this decision. People are upset for a reason.

I get that changes are needed, but a more detailed breakdown of where the funds are going would help ease concerns.

This fee increase could have been more gradual.

I hope there are clear plans to improve infrastructure with this money.

What about the individuals that own jeep I licensed my cr-v 675$ annual so the 40% equal to 270$ will carry the cost to 945 annual.

Dear World Boss,
You speak of vitz and regular motor cars.. what of persons with C plate vehicles ETC…. I noticed you didn’t mention these. Is it bcuz it will affect you or your ComREDS ? Or are you just ducking the backlash from these people? ( I can see BUS FEES rising AGAIN).

Look at the damage that 18 wheelers, Concert trucks and heavy load vehicles are doing to the roads. Why not implement a fee on them? They do the most damage to our highways and bi-ways. When a
cement truck wants to carry tons of concert at a time on the roads and break up the streets and sidewalks…
NOTHING FOR IT. Come better Gassie. Go back to the
round table on this one.

It may not seems like a lot to you with your deep pockets but to a lot of us low line persons just trying to live it’s money that we don’t have. With MBS, SS, increases on US (UNBALANCED SALARIES and MINIMUM WAGES),along with FAILED back pay, salary increases and overtime to government workers an obsolete treasury system we can’t saddle anymore. The education Levy was to be for a few years like the 2% tax, they still here standing firm unlike our salaries.Why not implement a fee on vitz people who go around damaging other people’s vehicles person(s) and light posts putting us in darkness so abruptly?
You would say that’s not fear to target one set of people right? ( By the way you should have TRANSPORT BOARD publish how much revenue they collect year like Customs)😒
You also mentioned the millions in DUTY-FREE which is given to selected persons. Up too 100% some places. When the poor man manages to get one it’s the dealers who benefits from them the most. It’s a joke or an insult.
So you sitting on high don’t ever feel the pressure of US BELOW.

THINK ABOUT US FOR ONCE AND NOT THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR.

easy up jack.

I wont embrace it because at the end of the day who wants to pay more for anything. I will have issue paying more and still no significant improvements in rd quality. Value for increase is all

Pm quoting Jfk?
Omg!
Don’t make me laugh!
Is he joking?
He gotta be joking🤣
This government is too much!!
We must be rid of him.

FIX SWETES ROADS!!!!!!!!!!!

Mr. Blak Castor Oil says-

500 houses in 500 days. This was 3000 plus days ago. Total bullshit!
Potable Water running 24 hours per day, seven days per week in 90 days. This was 500 plus days ago. Total bullshit.
Road Works and public buildings maintenance, it’s a nightmare.
Can someone just play Chalice’s NIGHTMARE PARTY on all of the radio stations on the hour every hour until J’ouvert morning 2025!

U hear lie! I can lie more than all ah U!
U hear lie! Dem is lie!
Teacher Percy say, if U tell a lie U going to hell, as soon as U die.

Gaston the large commercial companies with a large vehicle fleet will pass on the TAX INCREASE to the consumer.

Taxi owners and bus owners with multiple vehicles will ask for increases in their rates.

Kaiso_Thyme Boi!

…please have your lawyer, to change your name to Houdini.
Houdini! Houdini! Houdini!
…’cause, it’s a sleight of hands is all we can see!
…so, stick ‘em up high!
High! High! High!
…in order, that the poor people can see
…the lack of accountability!
…which is stagnating their prosperity!
…Our PM, should be a #Sho_Me_Parram!
…so that, when asked a question!
…it will point us, in the right direction!
…instead of, these conman tricks!
…beating the People like dogs, with a magik stick!
…Arranger Khan! De Hellsgate Pan Man!
…Arrange, a tune for de Big Ban!
…So dat, de #Iron_Section!
…can Jam some heavy rythmn;
…and, plenty Iron! Tee_Lee_Lang!
#Tee_Lee_Lang! #Tes_Lee_Lang!
…fu Mash Up, DEMANCHE GRA
…in de Trinni SAVANAH!

Ras Smood aka Jumbee_Picknee
De’ole Dutty Peg🦶🏾Garrat_Bastard

Vere C. Edwards

So yet again, any pay increase is instantly canceled out by higher taxes—nothing new there. A government’s role is to improve its citizens’ well-being, at bare minimum; we still have poor roads, no running water, a broken justice system, and unaccountable policing. So who’s really benefiting? Not the common man. Duty-free? Not for us as it’s who knows who in higher places to include business who can pay but have friend and company. Tax breaks? Not for us. Instead, taxes go towards personal wages and upkeep of ministers and vehicles while we the common man struggle. If government ministers had to pay the same taxes imposed on us, I guarantee most of them would be scrapped within a month. The millions in profit reported by apua and the port per annum should be utilized to assist areas which are in need. Seems like the government will not be happy until Antigua reverts to everyone begging to survive.
Medical benefits – yet the hospital is unable to do 80% of tests and have staff shortage
Education Levy – yet children can barely get a comfortable classroom to learn with teachers barely getting paid what they deserve when they actually have teachers.
Social security – Yet pensions go months without a dollar

Please! Ah joke this

Ok fine it’s not much however when everything going up in Antigua and barbuda but a person pay stays the same or increase by a damn dollar it puts a strain on the economy, especially those who work paychecks to paycheck. Bear in mind this government raised the gas prices, taxes , n now license for vehicles n the road only get patch work? Wait so what are we increasing for

The folks that the country is doing a helluva lot for (FREE light, water, car, petrol, driver, travel, money for housing and more) are telling the plebs not to ask what their country can do for them. Aren’t the plebs already doing plenty for their county? Aren’t they already paying for all the freebs the government gets? Y’all are already in the know of where investment are going to be made so that y’all children can buy lands in the those specific areas to then make millions on selling it to the investors. The same thing is occuring in Barbuda with the lands. Did y’all give ONE Barbudan the opportunity to have a piece that the investors will need for their investments — affording a Barbudan the chance to become an overnight millionaire? You should be telling this to the ministers in parliament. Look at what Lamin said the other day on the Browne show — asking about the Barbuda land. He hasn’t even been a senator for 6months and he’s already asking about Antiguans owning Barbudas land; and I highly doubt his question wasn’t a self serving one. Those of you sucking on the public teat have a lot of nerve!

@ Joan…Did you query as to why the CC was changed? On the face of it this does not make sense.

Each LOW INCOME person on average goes to 10 fetes per year which cost an average of $300. 10 x $300 = $3000 and that’s just for the ticket alone. There isn’t enough sugar daddies and sugar mommas on island to sustain that so at the end of the day it means you all have you all money but just don’t want the tax man grab it. Pay the darn tax and move on. Skip a fete!!!!

The voices of the people have tremendous impact. It gets the attention of the Prime Minister. This is not a partisan cry. We have all been impacted and affected. With all due respect Honourable Prime Minister, people are fed up with government waste and they do not want to continue to fund another wasteful government undertaking. There is a belief among politicians and the elites that Antiguans and Barbudans are doing well and that is NOT so. We might be working but the struggles are real. People on all sides of the political axis will remain restive and vocal until this 40 percent increase in vehicular tax is completely rolled back and removed. Government must demonstrate greater fiscal responsibility with the taxes and revenues that are already on the books. The Inland Revenue Department boasts and brags about record revenue collection in 2024. So why put additional strain and burden on tax payers. Have some sympathy for us please and roll them back completely Sir! Thanks and Regards!

Move ya scunt! Bout “dear friends.” How you know what my pockets can handle?
You tek over a million for One Nation but not to fix the roads????
MOVE YA RASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mr PM! This is not about Red iron Blue. This increase will surely result in the end of any prospects for continued progress fir Antigua. Your own party supporters will have no choice but to vote eith the Opposition on this issue!. Pay attention! The way this tax was dropped on us, the size of the increase and the seeming total lack of empathy about the concerns abd potential hardships of even your own supporters will certainly spell your downfall and force Anuigua into the hands of tge likes of de Jezebel, serpents, church mockers like Shuggy and de Freitas, empty-headed black boys like Pringle, the useless virago Pearl, the cry-cry gunman Wehner, the killer of a pregnant woman, the greatest elections loser if all times, Harold Lovell, the sissy Richard Lewis and other no-name nobodies! Mr. PM is this what I voted for? Lady Maria, I know that your husband is trying to help save your Ministry and your livelihood, but this is one suicidal move that we will ALL come to regret. 40% increase is just damn crazy.

All vehicles don’t contribute to infrastructure wear and tear in the same manner. Why not consider a tiered structure to the percentage increase? Consider type of vehicle or use of vehicle. Cars & SUVs sitting at a lower percentage in comparison to trucks and heavy duty trucks/trailers. This whole thing requires more effective planning than to just say 40% across the board. Prime Minister better can be done to achieve the same outcome.

i think that the inefficiencies at the PWD (public works department) in terms of Theft, improper maintenance, inflated pricing on outsourced services is the main contributing factor that has not been dealt with over the years why this country has to resort to these measures right now With them not being addressed and new equipment being bought to go through the same cycle then in the next few years there will be another increase to offset shortfalls. As a truck owner with license fee of 1502 annually is an increase of 600. the ripple effect of these increases will impact every sector across the economy since businesses will not be able to further absorb increased costs.

Why the switch from $100 to 40%? Who stands to benefit? How are the funds from transport board utilized? This new hike is just wicked and unconsciounable. I’m prepared to standup against this madness.

My question here is, are we not paying on about 2 loans already for roads, what happened to those roads that were supposed to be fixed? Now we are been asked to pay for roads again, Mr. P.M your creativity only seems to work one way and we both know what way that is, I think your time has expired sir.

@.
Can you tell me where and when you conducted this study? How many participants were involved?
What would you define as “low income?”
Ya lie and fast ah rass.
We nah pay no bloodclaat tax!
Gaston need for gweh!

You PM Browne gave numerous, numerous, duty free to get votes to cement yourself in power now you think you have the right to kick us in our backsides, that was your plan all along I guess we deserve it, BRAVO!

A VITZ is at the smaller end of vehicles. Most ppl pay over $500 now…so most ppl will have to pay over $200 more…RIDICULOUS!!!

What about people who never got duty free and had to pay a 100 percent duty. This is so crazy

BITCH BROWN,,,,, FUCK YOU

No increased taxation without ACCOUNTABILITY.

How are the funds currently being collected by transport board being used? Where are the audited statements?

Is there a project plan for the roadworks? Or will Public work continue to go around “patching” roads “according to priority” without an engineer in sight?

What is the exact budget for the project? What are the expenditure items? Who are getting the contracts? The figure quoted was “ABOUT 100 million”

What mechanisms will be put in place for MAINTENANCE!!!

ITS OUR MONEY AND WE WANT TO KNOW EXACTLY HOW YOU INTEND TO SPEND IT!!

Still awaiting social security pay out form 2 years ago. Weh the money gone?

I am a nationalized Antiguan and I’m proud. I love Antigua but I hate the system because the poor continues to suffer and the rich live the best life. This is nonsense it’s unfair to poor people. We are already struggling. Any day I get the opportunity to run from here sorry I will run for my life.

I guess we are required to buy a vitz (infurred)… or join the horse and buggy pool sharing.. or maybe, just maybe, check in with the donkey sanctuary.. Not even going to consider an EV anymore. That thought ‘gorn a gwassa’. Welcome to more days of suga cake. Somethings really don’t change before others do!! And he who feels it most… knows it!

Speaking of road development, can the relevant authorities have a look at what is going on with the cooks landfill road its deplorable. Its about time that road get a makeover.

The man did say no new taxes, but he never said he wouldn’t increase on the present ones. Some Antiguan are just some Dam asses. Honestly
I thought is was just those people who voted for UPP that drive this increase will affect. I wrong or right?

An audit of the ABTB is necessary to know what is happening to the money it generates, how is it spent? Unless the PM discloses this then the additional 40% becomes a new tax.

PM doesn’t care. Him and is cabinet, etc. are wealthy. We the tax payers pay for everything. Their gas, water, electricity, travel, homes, cars and licenses for cars and insurance and large salaries. They don’t live in the same Antigua everyday people live in. They don’t even drive themselves around. They don’t care if street lights work because their parade of motorcycle police lead the way running every light and running people off the road. Enough is enough of bleeding the everyday Antiguan blind. This place only caters to the very wealthy.

Son of a you know what

Look like we need Elon Musk (D.O.G.E) team to come ya… Nearly all department in Gov reported increase in revenue but yet still out salary remains the same, cost of living remains the same. You making your millions but what about the poor man struggling to make ends meat. You talk about vehicles concessions, so every Antigua benefit from that? Gimme a break everything a money and the poor can see no benefits

It’s time we stand against all the rubbish that is thrown at us by these politrickcians we wasted our time and go stand up in sun and rain to vote for. I am ashamed of myself for voting. I can never ever ever ever ever ever ever vote again not even if it’s my own children running for political office. NEVER AGAIN.

Antigua people who “low middle class” to poor (60% the population) need to realise we’re just sheep for the slaughter!! We just hear so them can make the rich 10% happy!! We just a number to pay taxes so the rich don’t have to!! Vehicle license now property tax next!! But this a what you all vote for when Gaston campaign to end income tax. So the rich 10% don’t have to pay that tax so the poor have to pay MORE TAXES HAHAHA!!!!!

he will light up are you on point FM tomorrow

As a young individual this is the reason I stop watching news because as of lately as soon as I decide to watch news the government is increasing some kinda fee and yet still I have seen the increase on minimum wage. Like gaston we put you and the ABLP their to help us poor people and to help the economy but its like you and the ABLP plan to bury us in tax increase every single second and don’t plan to put the increase in minimum wage so we can afford to pay all these tax increase. I’m honestly fed up. Y’all need to think about the low income workers dam it man😒. I want to be able to build a house or afford some of the nice things like yall and even better I’d like to be able to pay for my tertiary education. I have 2 jobs and I can’t even manage to afford to take myself for a little treat because as I look price gone up due to tax increase.