Browne Accuses UPP of Using ‘Backdoor’ to Remove Taxes on Luxury Foods
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — Prime Minister and Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party leader Gaston Browne has accused the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) of proposing a tax policy that would benefit wealthy businesses and tourists by removing taxes on high-end goods under the guise of expanding relief for consumers.
Speaking on Pointe FM’s Browne and Browne Show, Browne said the government has already eliminated the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) on essential food items, including vegetables, to ease the cost of living for ordinary citizens.
“We already eliminated all of the taxes… for all essential foods, including foods and vegetables,” Browne said.
He argued that the opposition’s proposal to expand the zero-rated basket of goods goes beyond basic necessities and is designed to untax luxury products.
“They’re trying to use some backdoor mechanism to untax the high-end foods,” Browne said, citing items such as Wagyu beef and caviar.
The prime minister said such a move would primarily benefit hotels, restaurants and affluent consumers, rather than the general population.
“When the tourists come here… they want Wagyu and they want caviar, they must pay the taxes,” he said.
Browne warned that expanding tax exemptions to include luxury goods would reduce government revenue needed for national development.
“That would be to the detriment of our revenues to develop the country,” he said.
He also suggested that lobbying by private sector interests, including car dealers, hoteliers and restaurant operators, is influencing the opposition’s position.
“I know where that’s coming from… the same people approach them,” Browne said, adding that he had rejected similar requests while in office.
The prime minister dismissed the proposal as misguided, saying voters would have to decide whether to support such measures.
“If the people want to buy into that type of foolishness… they can so decide,” Browne said.
The opposition has not publicly responded to the claims made during the broadcast.
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Oh so you Gaston a say black people can’t nyham things that you eat at that rich people restaurant over Barbuda that you just take helicopter trips to eat your lunch. You deprave grudging anti-black elite Gaston brown.
You Gaston would hope to keep us poor and come to your radio station to beg $20 to by red herring or shad.
The people is given opportunity by the UPP now and that a cause you to flex off on the black picky head people.
Vote UPP all the way.
Power corrupts the greedy , a man who is guilty of doing accused people that are not doing just to stay In power for their self enrichment .
Why is a leader fearful of loosing so much?
Why does one wants to stay in power forever? Is it because of their corrupt practices they are fearful would be exposed if they lost?
Why a leader wants to be in control of finance, and land (is it to control the money and accumulate as much wealth as possible?)
Why does a leader micro manage and think that a country cannot run unless it’s them? Is it because the other members or incompetent or its a selfish leader?
Why is a leader so confident 17-0
But still so fearful ,that will spread so much lies to stay in power.
Truth don’t need lies to stand
Lies upon, lies will always be exposed
A leader that cannot make leaders is a cheater
Don’t believe in their members, Rob them of their opportunity to develop.
Leaders makes leaders
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