As we approach the end of the tourist season, I call on Gaston Browne to ease the squeeze on the people of Antigua and Barbuda, by addressing the damage caused by his broken election promises. In particular, the Prime Minister promised to lower the cost of living, then mercilessly presided over record increases in the cost of goods and service, after the January 18th, 2023 elections.
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The economic hardship, high unemployment and soaring crime which are plaguing Antigua and Barbuda, make the need for relief a matter of great urgency, as citizens and residents still cannot feel the so-called economic growth of which the Prime Minister boasts. This is especially true for our youth and our pensioners.
Many citizens and residents who are already suffering, will see their income drop as we enter the tourism off-season. In order to bring urgent relief to the widespread suffering of individuals and struggling businesses, I call on Gaston Browne and his administration to immediately implement the following measures:
- Reduce Customs Duties on essential foods, to bring down the high prices on store shelves.
- Raise the maximum household income eligibility for the People’s Benefit Assistance Programme from $800 to $1,500, so that more vulnerable households can benefit.
- Ensure that the reduced amount of discretionary waivers is prioritised to support the most vulnerable businesses, to ensure their survival and ability to keep their staff employed.
- Strengthen the oversight of the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division, so that unjustified and exploitative increases in the price of many goods and services can be addressed.
MP Lewis observes, “It is a plainly obvious fact that this Gaston Browne-led government has already yielded enough new revenue to implement these relief measures. We can be certain of this based on the government’s own boasts about improved compliance in the payment of existing taxes, the revenue saved by reducing discretionary waivers, and the 21% increase in the collection of customs duty in January and February, compared to the last fiscal year.”
“I therefore call on Gaston Browne to find a heart, and move with haste to implement these commonsense relief measures to reduce the cost of living, protect vulnerable households, increase consumer spending, and provide a stimulus to small businesses,” Lewis concludes.
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