ST. JOHN'S, Antigua — Prime Minister Gaston Browne has accused the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) of advancing a tax policy that would primarily benefit wealthy consumers, hotels and tourists rather than ordinary Antiguans and Barbudans. According to Antigua News Room, Browne made the remarks during an appearance on Pointe FM's Browne and Browne Show.
Browne, who also leads the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, said his government has already removed the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) from essential food items, including vegetables, to reduce the cost of living for everyday citizens.
"We already eliminated all of the taxes… for all essential foods, including foods and vegetables," Browne said.
He argued that the UPP's proposal to expand the zero-rated basket of goods extends well beyond basic necessities and is effectively designed to remove taxes from luxury products.
"They're trying to use some backdoor mechanism to untax the high-end foods," Browne said, naming items such as Wagyu beef and caviar as examples.
The prime minister maintained that such a policy would serve hotels, restaurants and affluent consumers far more 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 broadening tax exemptions to cover luxury goods would erode government revenues required for national development. "That would be to the detriment of our revenues to develop the country," he said.
He also alleged that lobbying by private sector interests — including car dealers, hoteliers and restaurant operators — is shaping the opposition's stance on the issue. "I know where that's coming from… the same people approach them," Browne said, noting that he had rejected similar requests during his time in office.
The prime minister dismissed the UPP's proposal as misguided and suggested the public would ultimately render judgment at the polls. "If the people want to buy into that type of foolishness… they can so decide," he said.
The opposition has not publicly responded to the claims made during the broadcast.
