Opposition MP Richard Lewis is urging the government to prioritize relief for struggling citizens.
During the short-lived budget debate in parliament yesterday he underscored the financial strain on the average Antiguan and Barbudan, and called for reduced taxation, measures to counter inflation, and an expansion of social protection programs to aid vulnerable groups.
Lewis criticized the government’s reliance on increased taxation to bolster revenue, pointing to the strain it places on ordinary citizens.
He noted that while the administration boasts record revenue collections, driven by higher import duties, sales taxes, and other levies, many people are struggling to afford basic necessities.
“Revenues have doubled since 2014, yet the people on the ground are not feeling the benefits,” Lewis said. “The poor man needs a break. Instead of piling on more taxes, we need policies that provide relief.”
He looked at the impact of increasing the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) from 15% to 17%, which he said has disproportionately hurt low- and middle-income households.
He also criticized new and increased taxes such as the environmental levy and work permit fees, which he argued are burdening small businesses and individuals alike.
Lewis also addressed the rising cost of living, calling it one of the most pressing issues facing citizens. He pointed out that inflation rates have reached 5.6%, pushing basic goods and services out of reach for many.
“The average person is shocked every time they go to the supermarket,” Lewis remarked. “The prices are climbing higher and higher, and people are left wondering how they will make ends meet.”
He urged the government to implement more robust price control measures and strengthen the Consumer Affairs Division to monitor and prevent unjustified price hikes in supermarkets and other businesses.
In a bid to support the most vulnerable, Lewis proposed increasing the monthly benefit under the People’s Benefit Program, which currently provides $215 to nearly 2,000 individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. He suggested raising the amount to align with the minimum wage of $1,500 per month, arguing that this would provide a much-needed lifeline for struggling families.
“This program must go beyond token relief,” Lewis said. “We need to give people a fighting chance to improve their lives.”
He also called for expanded food assistance programs, such as school breakfast initiatives, and urged the government to ensure more frequent reductions in ABST during the holiday season to help ease the burden on families.
Lewis emphasized that social programs and relief measures must be funded through better accountability for government revenues. He questioned why the doubling of revenue collections has not translated into improved roads, healthcare, and social services.
“Where is all this money going?” Lewis asked. “If we are collecting more, then we must deliver more to the people. This is a matter of fairness and accountability.”
Lewis concluded his remarks with a plea for the government to refocus its priorities. He argued that without meaningful interventions to alleviate the financial pressures on citizens, the gap between the rich and poor will continue to widen.
“The poor man needs a break,” he said. “This budget must not just be about numbers; it must be about people. We must act now to provide relief and restore hope for those who feel left behind.”
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blah blah blah blah but when the same “poor man” from your constituency ask you for help, you claim say you no have no money. But shcool children say you mek MILLIONS off the government for texbook content. maybe school children lying on u
wait! where was this GOOFBALL when his WICKED SUNCHINE GOVERNMENT burn and scald the backs of the poor man????? when senior citizens were cursed and called RAG TAG by his fellow party member?
His predecessor didn’t do shit for Rural West and he come and do likewise. His party’s IMF policies affected the poor man? Wasted millions on “NEW” POWER CANT affected the poor man?
“In chronicling the lead up to the shutdown of the plant, Matthias said that the 30-megawatt plant which housed six units already had rusting before the point of its commissioning in 2011 and was decommissioned 5 years later.”
“While the electricity business unit manager stopped short of giving an amount, he said Antigua and Barbuda is STILL REPAYING DEBT FOR THE PLANT.”
MICHAEL JOSEPH will kick your ARSE next election. This will be the end of your POLITICAL career.