Prime Minister Gaston Browne is defending the government's decision to wipe out outstanding utility bills older than six months, arguing the policy is essential to support vulnerable households and prevent dangerous living conditions.
According to Antigua.news, Browne made the remarks on his weekly radio programme, where he explained that the initiative stems from a long-held belief that residents who go without electricity for extended periods are not unwilling to pay — they are simply unable to afford it.
The Prime Minister recalled witnessing schoolchildren using cellphone flashlights to study during the 2014 election campaign, an experience he said directly shaped the government's thinking on utility arrears.
Browne argued that any unpaid utility bill exceeding six months should be classified as "bad debt," on the basis that most people who can afford to pay would not allow a disconnection to persist for that long.
"If someone has been without electricity for six months or more, it tells you they are facing serious hardship," Browne said. "Such debts should be written off to give affected individuals a fresh start."
Cabinet has since approved a policy to clear outstanding arrears for water, electricity, and landline services once they surpass the six-month threshold. The initiative also includes reconnection of affected households.
Browne was clear that the programme is targeted strictly at individuals experiencing financial hardship and will not extend to businesses or those with the means to settle their accounts.
"This is about helping the poor and indigent. It's about empowerment and ensuring everyone shares in the country's progress," he said.
The Prime Minister also raised safety concerns, warning that households without electricity frequently resort to candles or other unsafe lighting, increasing fire risk. He referenced a past incident in which two children reportedly died in a house fire linked to candle use.
Responding to criticism that the policy is unfair to residents who consistently pay their bills on time, Browne said the government's focus must remain on protecting the most vulnerable.
"This is not about politics. It's about ensuring no one falls through the cracks," he said.
