MP Lewis appeals to PM Browne to roll back taxes and implement measures to reduce cost of living, yet again

Another call is being made by an Opposition MP for the Gaston Browne
Administration to roll back the taxes that are killing the middle class and
wiping out the country’s poor.

As the end of the 2023/2024 tourist season draws close, MP Richard Lewis
says he wants the Government to “ease the squeeze on the people of Antigua
and Barbuda by addressing the damage caused by his broken election
promises.”

Lewis points out, in particular, the prime minister’s promise to lower the cost
of living, after which, he says, Browne “mercilessly presided over record
increases in the cost of goods and services, after the January 18, 2023,
elections.”

The Opposition MP is reiterating the position of the United Progressive Party
(UPP): That the economic hardship, high unemployment, and soaring crime
rate plaguing the citizens and residents of the country now warrant relief as a
matter of great urgency.

Lewis says it is heartbreaking to realize that many people still cannot feel the
“so-called” economic growth of which Browne boasts, and this is especially
true for the youth and pensioners.

And now, he adds, many citizens and residents who are already suffering and
who are employed in the tourism sector will see their income drop as the
tourism period enters its annual off-season.

In order to bring immediate and urgent relief to the wide-ranging suffering of
families and struggling businesses, Lewis says the Government, without delay,
should implement several measures, including reducing Customs duties on
essential foods to bring down the high prices on store shelves.

He and the UPP also recommend raising the maximum household income for
accessing the People’s Benefit Assistance Programme – from $800 to $1,500 –
so that more vulnerable households can benefit.

And, again, another plea is being made for the Administration to ensure that
the reduced number of discretionary waivers will still support the most
vulnerable businesses, ensuring their survival and ability to keep their staff
employed.

Lewis is appealing to Browne’s heart and asking that he move quickly to
implement these and other “commonsense relief measures to reduce the cost
of living, protect vulnerable households, increase consumer spending, and
provide a stimulus to small businesses.”