United Progressive Party (UPP) leader Jamale Pringle has pledged that a UPP administration would review the existing basket of goods exempt from the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) and expand cost-of-living relief measures — including extending the barrel concession to run throughout the entire year.
According to Antigua News Room, Pringle outlined the proposals while addressing supporters at a recent campaign event, stating that the current list of essential items would be reassessed to better reflect the everyday needs of consumers.
"We are going to review the basket of goods," Pringle said, as he described the party's plans to ease pressure on household budgets.
He argued that the existing measures are failing to keep pace with rising prices and said the party would seek to expand the list so that more everyday items benefit from duty concessions.
Pringle also highlighted changes to the barrel initiative as a key component of the UPP's broader cost-of-living strategy.
"That barrel initiative will not just be for Christmas — it will be year-round, from January straight to December," he said.
The UPP leader said the combined measures are designed to provide more consistent and meaningful relief to families under financial strain.
"These are practical measures to help people manage," Pringle said, emphasising the party's focus on making basic goods more affordable for ordinary Antiguans and Barbudans.
Cost-of-living concerns have emerged as a central issue in the campaign ahead of the April 30 general election, with both major parties putting forward competing proposals aimed at reducing financial pressures on households.
