Fuel increase when the people are already burdened by tax hikes and inflation is insensitive, Pringle says

Leader of the Opposition Jamale Pringle says the intended fuel hike
is “insensitive” on the part of the Gaston Browne Administration,
and he urges the prime minister to absorb it and treat consumers in
the same way he treats his family.
 
In a press statement, MP Pringle says, the increase in the price of gas
is not only a mark of insensitivity, but it is “made worse in light of
the country’s economic condition.”
 
In his opinion, the recent increase in price on the world market does
not justify this further hardship on struggling residents.
 
The opposition leader points out that the people are already
challenged “with almost-weekly price hikes at the supermarket; a
hike in the Antigua and Barbuda Sales tax (ABST); and a hike in

Social Security contributions, among other increases as of January 1,
this year.”
 
Pringle, a businessman himself, says business owners are paying
more at the Port and will be handing over even more to the Antigua
Public Utilities Authority (APUA) in water rates come April.
 
Asking “when will the people get a break,” Pringle notes that
families are finding it harder to put food on the table and pay for
housing, utilities, insurance and healthcare.
 
And still, he charges, “the Browne Cabinet – without conscience – is
giving lifetime tax exemptions to so-called investors in yet another
Special Economic Zone and sweetheart tax breaks to relatives.”
 
Pringle notes that many residents – including the uncompensated
former LIAT workers – continue to face hardship, having endured
rough times since the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
He is therefore asking how this Administration could be callous
enough to add to the burden the taxpayers are already carrying.
 
“Instead of conveniently hiding behind the West Indies Oil Company
(WIOC) and making this a strictly business decision,” MP Pringle
says that Browne – who is also the finance minister — should treat
the people in the same way he treats his family and allow the
Government to absorb this fuel hike.