Prime Minister Gaston Browne is cautioning voters that campaign promises by the United Progressive Party (UPP) could result in higher taxes, including a possible return of personal income tax.
Speaking on Pointe FM, Browne said the opposition has not clearly stated how it would finance its proposals and has remained largely silent on whether taxes would increase.
“I observe that they have not said that they will not increase taxes. Notice they have remained silent on that issue,” Browne said.
While acknowledging that the UPP has indicated it would not reintroduce personal income tax, Browne said similar assurances were made ahead of the 2004 general election but were later reversed.
“We saw that movie before,” he said, recalling that the tax was reintroduced after the UPP took office, despite earlier promises.
Browne said the measure, initially presented as temporary, remained in place for about a decade until his administration removed it.
“At that time they said that it will only be for one year… it lasted for 10 years until we came to office and we repealed it,” he said.
The prime minister accused the opposition of misleading voters with a series of uncoordinated proposals.
“They’re just putting all these piecemeal promises out there,” Browne said, adding that he was unsure whether the party had presented a comprehensive manifesto.
He also rejected engaging in what he described as a “giveaway war,” arguing that opposition parties can make expansive promises without being held accountable if they fail to win.
“When you’re in opposition… you can promise anything,” Browne said.
Browne said his administration has instead focused on fiscal discipline, describing it as a key achievement.
“We believe in fiscal responsibility,” he said, adding that the government has achieved a level of financial management “never… seen in this country.”
His remarks come as political parties intensify campaigning ahead of the April 30 general election, with economic policy and cost-of-living measures among the central issues.
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I mean upp also suggested the use of shares from CUB and WIOC as oppose to raising our social security deductions to cover your neglect… but I mean let’s not talk about that cause It won’t serve the agenda
WHEN THE HELL GASTON GOING TO STOP TAKING ANTIGUANS FOR ASSHOLES. WITH HIS SCARE TACTICS. BY NOW WE KNOW YOUR MODUS OPERANDI. GROW UP AND COME WITH SOMETHING FRESH. We all know you will get more extreme before the 30th. WET YOUR CORRUPT HANDS. AND WAIT FOR YOUR WATERLOO
This may be a sign of how incompetent ABLP is. A place like Antigua and Barbuda is ran properly by folks who have turned $1 into millions of USD, such promises being made can be done with any tax increase and current taxes being reduced, if competent persons who became wealthy when they were not in politics govern the country instead of those who became wealthy while governing.
What a competent person could do with a tourism, agriculture and sports country like Antigua and Barbuda would result in billions of USD a year with minimal investment and those profits can be equitably used to fund various things in the country to decrease the need to talk people.
It is truly sad from this ABLP PM Gaston Browne statement that they lack the vision and expertise that I know exist (I am not interested in entering political office at this time).
This is not a political attack but I sincerely and truthfully say with appropriate management skills and experience, Antigua and Barbuda could be a multi-billion USD business (while still being a country).
Antigua and Barbuda, competent people exist, and you need to stop focusing on party and begin focusing on your future to get maximum benefits from proper management and government.
Do you really believe any government in the year 2026, on a small island, with less people than a university I attended, should still have water problems or electricity problems or crime problems?
These are the signs that if you had the smallest amount of commonsense would let you know you do not have proper political parties and definitely not in the current ABLP.
I am not telling you to vote UPP, but I know you are not getting the best from ABLP.