Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended Antigua and Barbuda's duty waiver programme, asserting that concessions are issued without political bias and have benefited citizens regardless of their political affiliation.
According to Antigua News Room, Browne made the remarks during an interview on ABS, rejecting suggestions that the approvals process is politically motivated.
"At no point I have ever rejected anyone," Browne said, adding that he deliberately avoids reviewing applicants' names when signing off on waivers in order to maintain impartiality.
The Prime Minister maintained that supporters and members of opposition parties have also received waivers under the policy, citing specific instances of individuals who have benefited on multiple occasions.
Browne framed the concessions not as political favours, but as a tool to reduce costs for ordinary citizens and encourage broader economic participation. "No one should feel as though that I'm doing them a special favor by giving them a duty waiver," he said.
The Prime Minister also responded to calls for a more formalised system, stating he has no objection in principle to institutionalising the duty waiver process. However, he cautioned that a fully structured framework could reduce the flexibility with which concessions are currently administered.
Browne described the duty waiver programme as a central pillar of the government's economic strategy, aimed at easing financial burdens on citizens and supporting asset ownership across the twin-island nation.
