Pringle Signals Expansion of Barrel Concessions as Part of Broader Cost-of-Living Relief Plan
ST JOHN’S, Antigua — Jamale Pringle says a United Progressive Party (UPP) government would expand concessions on barrels as part of a wider package of measures aimed at easing the cost of living for households across Antigua and Barbuda.
Speaking at the party’s campaign launch on Sunday night, Pringle indicated that the current limited barrel concession would be broadened to provide more consistent relief to families struggling with rising food prices.
The proposal formed part of a suite of affordability measures outlined by the opposition leader, who argued that many residents are facing increasing pressure from the cost of basic goods and services.
Among the key initiatives, Pringle announced a Water Tanks and Accessories Relief Program, which would remove taxes on essential equipment used to store and access water.
“We will take off all taxes on pumps, pressure tanks, water tanks,” he said, adding that the measure is intended to help households cope with inconsistent water supply.
He said the initiative would serve as an interim solution “until we are able to deliver water to you on a regular basis.”
Pringle also outlined plans to reduce the cost of vehicle ownership, promising that import duties on personal vehicles would be removed to make transportation more affordable.
In addition, he linked the party’s proposals to broader concerns about affordability, pointing to rising prices and fees under the current administration.
“Food you can buy. Roads that are fit to drive on. Vehicles you can afford without being bankrupt. Water in your taps when you turn them on. Healthcare when you and your family need it,” he said, describing the measures as part of a broader commitment to improving everyday living conditions.
He framed the policies as a direct response to what he described as growing economic hardship, telling supporters that the party’s platform is designed to deliver practical relief.
“This is not a wish. This is a contract with the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” Pringle said.
The proposals come as cost-of-living concerns remain a central issue ahead of the April 30 general election, with both major parties seeking to convince voters that their policies offer the most effective path to economic stability and relief.
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Excellent idea and I’ve been calling for this for decades. All personal use imports should be duty free.
Everything ALWAYS looks good on paper! When you get into the shipping world, you have a different realization of how things are. Anywho, I will mind my business, cause when people come wid facts, y’all get vex. Some things are just not feasible or practical!
Everyone thinks that shipping is easy and cheap. Sure you can buy cheap food items and ship it in a barrel, but when the cost of the barrel hits you, it works out the same as if you had just bought the items here anyway.
Keep the sales tax on food reduced and make sure that the sellers pass it on to the consumers. That way you can be sure that people are shopping locally. What you cannot control is the cost of shipping…
@FC
your opinion/advice is irrelevant- you are poison.
Desperate tactics by the Little Black Boy. Who did he consult regarding this? Pearl “FOOTS” Quinn???
Pringle head empty like the barrels
I was genuinely concerned that UPP was only going to do ALP bashing and no policies from them I’m not 100% on any of the policies but I can work with them for now.
@FC What’s on UPP site isn’t as provocative as the clips and headlines states and just tax breaks on a different scale, for this it states: “Remove all taxes on essential goods, restore the Dollar Barrel twice yearly, and boost local agriculture — putting survival before government revenue.” – https://www.myupp.org/platform/cost-of-living
They 5 key policies displayed and even step by step phases it’s actually a really nice site and layout of things.
I suppose that it’s feasible and practical when a desperate Tyrant proposes to write off all debt to APUA for those of you who, for what ever reasons, decide not to pay your bills. The irony is; the majority of delinquents are those who received the reprieve every single time. This time again, they will probably pay for three consecutive months and hope that the ALP will regain office to continue the process in the next three years. The Lawless Leader is telling us how destitute we are but he is only willing to give temporary assistance on the eves of elections. It’s ok for him to impose a 40% on vehicle licensing fees, stating that it was to assist with road habilitation, after he had told us that the hundred million dollars had not been touched. Is it OK for them to ‘tief’ in excess of $20 mil. in vehicles and like a seasoned dictator, destroy all documentation and quash all investigations? When is he going to compensate those employees who were suspended for refusing to accept the covid vaccine? Another fraudulent promise to attract votes.
when is the UPP’s convention? They violate their own constitution, so how can they be trusted with the Nation’s constitution?
The UPP site says: Twice Dollar Barrel, yearly — June–July and December–January. Three per household per cycle.
The UPP has held Conventions every two years but the National Cult has not had one in over a decade. It feels safe to do so now, knowing that Asot was the only one who had the vigour to make a challenge, unlike wimps like Chet and Darryl, but he was ultimately permanently eliminated from contesting and so the Lawless Bully now feels confident, knowing that none of the Cracker Jack men can ever raise his head to make an attempt at a challenge. In time, the UPP Clan of Eight will engage in a mutiny against the Tyrant and any of the LabouRats who exhibits defiance.
You cant reduce taxes if you dont reduce expenses, the Goverment budget is ridiculous high. Anything to reduce the Income but not reducing the expenses is going to blow up your face.
– Cut payroll in 1/3 in the next 5 years. We have a lot of unnecesary position doing NOTHING.
– Cut in 2/3 in the next 5 years renting building and redirect those funds in repair the ones you own.
– Cut in half the amount of vehicles owned and maintained by goverment departments. Sell them to private sector and bring those funds back to treasury for others programs.
– Reshape the way we budget the education system. We can’t keep wasting funds per kids in a low quality public schools system. The actual cost ratio per student in Antigua in public schools is 3 times higher than paying private schools.
– Penal code need a serious revision in how it punish certain crimes. Most of them is like a slap in the back and move on. Criminals need to get the message loud and clear..FAFO. Without security, the investors gonna look to others places.
– Attack CORRUPTION in all ways and ACOUNTABILITY for public servants wrong using public funds.
Lets give a question to ABLP and UPP..who is willing to address those points?
Why you dont do face to face live interview with journalist and the public making questions in how they are going to solves problems that Antigua and Barbuda have right now
Hmm, thought that party wasn’t into offering bribes… just kidding but seriously i’ve only heard financial policies from them. Do they have other ideas that are not directly or indirectly about giving people money? What about infrastructure development, systems planning to solve problems etc.?
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