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Hon Richard Lewis Calls for Transparency and Accountability as Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet Considers Hike in Vehicular License Fees Amid Record Revenue
Despite the recent increases in taxes and fees and the consequent record revenue collections at Customs and the Inland Revenue Department, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda is looking to increase vehicular license fees on the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
How is that justified? People are already operating on limited disposable income and life is hard. When will the people get a break?
The Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board (ABTB) is believed to be a highly profitable entity. Section 10 (2) of the Transport Board Act of 1995 allows for funds from those profits to be transferred to the Treasury for the account of the Consolidated Fund.
Let’s examine the financial statements of the ABTB and determine its profitability so consideration can be given to transferring funds from the Board’s profits to assist with roadworks. There is no need to increase fees on the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
The most recent report of the Director of Audit on the Public Accounts of Antigua and Barbuda painted a dismal picture of non-compliance in the submission of financial statements by Statutory Corporations.
According to the report, the most recent audited report submitted by the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board was that for December 31, 2018. This is totally unacceptable!
Where is the oversight on the operations of these bodies? Where is the accountability? Accountability and transparency before any increase in fees.
It is interesting to note that in Its 2018 manifesto, the UPP proposed a 50% reduction of vehicular license fees and the elimination of inspection and radio fees.
Richard S. Lewis MP
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Well said Mr. Lewis. You are one UPP politician that is always at the forefront looking out for the interest of the people. Sometimes I wonder how more energized would be the activism of the Opposition Party with you as the leader. I know for sure you would not have to wait on the Chair of the Party to write statements for you.
Always trying to usurp the DULY ELECTED Leader of the Opposition. I hope Pringle boots him from his ticket. This man cannot be trusted period!!!! A sly fox that only cares about himself!!!!
I applaud your comments but let’s take the politics out and deal with the issue. Don’t talk about limited disposable income. It is your UPP government that re-introduced Personal Income Tax and introduced the ABST.
So here is the issue: Transport Board not presenting Audited Financial Statements to parliament for 7 years. All of the Statutory Corporations, by law, require the subject Minister of that body, to present those reports annually. This has not been happening. National Parks, CMC, Free Trade Zone just to name a few who are in violation. But the Leader of the Opposition is Chairman of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee. What is he doing? Does he even know what to do?
And even more important, how can we build new roads when no study of traffic flows has been conducted? And where are the regulations on the types of vehicles that should traverse the smaller, side roads which are now being used as short cuts by fuel and water trucks and rigs pulling containers?
Jesus Christ!!!! All when the man a chat sense you on something else. You don’t find it ridiculous to hike license fees? All when times hard All you support effrey. Big tinking dutty chupezzzz
Where was his “talk” with the recent violent behaviour in his constituency??? He can tark all he want but a de Grassroots LITTLE BLACK BOY we a defend. A Black Panther we want!
” urging got to RE-THINK” eh????
Well pick the beam out of your eye first. You are neither wanted, needed or loved in the UPP.
Time for you to “RE-THINK” your self worth. Why stay where you are merely barely tolerated?? You acting like you have Battered WIFE Syndrome. Refusing to leave the toxic abuse cycle.
Over Lipstick Hag dead body will you ever have a future with HER party. Keep kidding yourself. You better wake up and RETHINK reality.
Up to the time the Sniper disrespect your wife and kids at Convention, you still stick around to get more disrespect and abuse!!
What a message you are sending to your young daughter. Wonder what your wife thinks of you as a “man” 🤔
Transparency and accountability from this government?
ISN’T THAT SOME SORT AN ABLP OXYMORON?
Here again, the Most Honourable Richard Lewis is ahead of the political game when it comes to highlighting the nonsensical rhetoric of Prime Minister Browne.
Yes, revenue has to be raised, but it should commence by tackling illegal parking; more street cameras and towing away to vehicle compounds until fines are paid-up in full.
It’s a real pity that Richard Lewis didn’t get the UPP leadership vote at the last convention.
CAN WE TURN BACK THE CLOCK …
Hey @Otto, you’ve got a point there! It’s not just about taxes and politics—we need to make sure those in charge are doing their jobs right and being transparent with the financial reports.
Plus, we can’t ignore the need for traffic studies and rules on which vehicles can use smaller roads. It’s important to keep our roads safe and in good shape.
Let’s focus on the real issues and work together to find solutions instead of getting caught up in the political blame game.
OTTO, If you do not know that (PIT) personal income tax is the fairest form of taxation then you are an idiot no sense explaining any thing else to you, no wonder we are in this quagmire
yes it was the WICKED SUNSHINE GOVERNMENT UPP that introduced the WICKED PERSONAL INCOME TAX. Not Dem Again!
@born &bred Antiguan. This is the problem with we Antiguans. An inability to read and understand. I made no comment on the pros and cons of income tax. I simply asked Richard Lewis not to confuse the issues with petty politics. His UPP took away more disposable income than any other government. So don’t come and talk about limited disposable income presently. Our people have the disposable income what they lack are priorities on spending. But that is not the real topic of his statement.
Hon. MP Lewis, I only have one complaint about your story. You need to rethink the word RETHINK. This word is too nice.
This is UPP all over again. Nice. Nice words, nice talk.
They will not listen to you.
You can’t ask Gaston Browne to rethink. You have to say firmly that he should not under any circumstances put on the new tax on vehicles for all the reasons you gave.
Your call is too nice and will not get a response from Gaston unless you told him if he puts this tax on the people, it will come back to dig him.
Come, man. Put on some rough tough clothes. The nice words is only for nice people. Gaston and ALP not nice.