Prime Minister Gaston Browne has accused opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) candidates of being financially desperate and seeking elected office primarily as a source of income, while warning that a UPP government could raise taxes and retrench public sector workers.
According to Antigua News Room, Browne made the remarks during an appearance on Pointe FM's Browne and Browne Show, where he levelled a series of allegations against opposition figures ahead of the upcoming general election.
"When entities have been out of government for a long time… many of them, they have no income," the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) leader said.
Browne singled out specific individuals during the broadcast, alleging they lacked financial stability and, in some cases, had not made contributions toward their pensions. He argued those circumstances could shape how opposition figures would govern if elected, suggesting they might act out of self-interest or vindictiveness rather than in the public good.
The prime minister also tied those claims to a broader economic warning, questioning how the UPP intends to fund its campaign promises. He noted that the opposition had not publicly committed to holding the line on taxes.
"Notice they never said that they're not going to increase taxes up to this point," Browne said, adding that a UPP administration could be forced to introduce new levies or slash spending to meet its commitments.
"They can reintroduce personal income tax, they can increase taxes generally, and they can even retrench," he warned.
Browne directed pointed remarks at public sector workers, cautioning that their job security could be at risk under a change in government. "Public servants better understand… if you think that… you can make the mistake and elect them and see what happens," he said, suggesting the opposition could act "vindictively" after years out of power.
By contrast, Browne said his administration had committed to protecting public sector employment regardless of workers' political affiliations. "Not one person will be sent home… notwithstanding your political persuasion," he said, while acknowledging a limited exception involving a ministerial decision he described as outside stated government policy.
The UPP had not responded to Browne's claims at the time of reporting.
