Bowen Blasts – By Deslyn A Joseph
Bowen Blasts Govt Electioneering
Sherfield Bowen, Deputy Political Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP) and MP for St. Phillip South, has categorized the government’s recently announced tax reductions as a calculated political move designed to secure votes rather than provide sustainable relief to the citizenry.
In a wide-ranging discussion on Observer AM yesterday, regarding the economy and the rising cost of living, Bowen challenged the Gaston Browne administration’s narrative, arguing that while temporary relief is welcome, the motivations behind it are fundamentally flawed.
“The Prime Minister recently announced a plan to slash the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) from 17% to 7% later this year. While the government presents this as a measure to ease the burden on households, I believe the timing is no coincidence,” he stated.
He stated firmly that the motivation is purely electioneering and trying to appeal to the citizenry for votes. He noted that if the government is using the powers and resources of the state just to prop up a political party for an election, it is clearly not an acceptable or reasonable path to take.
Bowen cautioned that such short-term maneuvers often lead to post-election “clawbacks,” where the government seeks to recover lost revenue from the same consumers they claimed to help. He warned that after the election; the administration would likely go back to the same consumer and take the savings back.
Addressing the potential impact on the national treasury, Bowen raised concerns about the expense side of the balance sheet. “A significant reduction in ABST collections which I am using as a hypothetical $100 million annual stream, could result in a $15 million shortfall in just one quarter,” he explained. He pointed out that the government still needs to pay all its expenses and questioned whether they would be forced to borrow to fill the gap, which would ultimately affect the ability to provide necessary services the following year.
Regarding the high cost of living, Bowen expressed support for the proposed Consumer Protection Tribunal and measures requiring retailers to provide invoices and clear pricing. However, he warned against making retailers the sole scapegoats for inflation.
He argued that the government’s own extraction of taxes, specifically the 17% ABST, is a primary driver of high prices. Additionally, he highlighted that retailers are facing soaring costs from overseas purchases and shipping, which must be addressed alongside price-gouging concerns if the government is serious about helping the public.
Concluding his remarks, the UPP Deputy Leader urged Antiguans and Barbudans to be discerning when the savings are offered. He advised the people to accept the savings and everything they are given, but to remember the past 14 years when election time comes. He urged them to remember the disrespect and how they were treated over the long term, rather than just the last month, and to vote accordingly.
