In a compelling and passionate address in Parliament, Anthony Smith Jr., the Member of Parliament for All Saints West, made a strong case for how his communities will benefit from the proposed vehicle road tariffs amendment bill 2025. He mentioned his communities, including Sea View Farm, Freemans Village, All Saints, Montrula, Buckleys, Renfrews, Law Pasture, Ferris Farm, Bellevue Heights and Estate, St. Clair Heights, Clark’s Hill, Jonas Road, Herberts, Lightfoot East and West. He pledged not to leave any area behind, even though he acknowledged he could not fix all issues simultaneously.
His presentation was not only focused on the importance of the bill itself but also called for constructive and truthful dialogue among his parliamentary colleagues, especially those in the opposition.
Smith Jr. urged the opposition to refrain from turning this bill into a political football. “We must all remember that the decisions we make in this chamber affect the future of our nation. Let us not allow partisan politics to cloud our judgment,” he stated, emphasizing that this matter concerns national development and the future of the country’s infrastructure, not mere political point-scoring.
A key moment in his speech came when Smith Jr. reminded the House of an important lesson he had learned as a secondary school student. “When the United Progressive Party (UPP) was in government, they introduced the income tax and the ABST (Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax) and taught us that taxes are essential for the development of our country,” he said. Smith Jr. expressed surprise at the current reversed stance of the UPP, who now seem to be questioning the necessity of taxes. “It is ironic that the same party that once championed the idea of taxation for national growth is now suggesting that we should not pay taxes at all,” he remarked, calling for consistency and fairness in political discourse.
He also took the opportunity to highlight the positive impact of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) government’s support for the vulnerable. Smith Jr. praised the government’s benevolent policy of providing duty-free concessions to the poor and vulnerable sectors of society. He has empowered many of his constituents through duty-free concessions, not turning anyone away and saving them thousands of dollars. “These concessions are empowering families, giving them the tools they need to build a better economic future,” he said, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring that even the most disadvantaged can benefit from the country’s growth.
The MP highlighted the undeniable impact of the increasing number of vehicles on the country’s infrastructure. He pointed out that roads and other public services are being stretched to their limits by the rising volume of traffic, resulting in significant wear and tear. That is why it is crucial for the government to prioritize the building and refurbishment of roads. While we empower families to own multiple vehicles, we must also provide them with good roads to drive on.
Anthony Smith Jr. expressed his support for the vehicle tariffs increase bill, adding that the government could also consider the concept of tolling, as seen in first-world countries. He suggested that a portion of the gasoline cost be applied directly to a permanent road repair fund to consistently assist with road repairs.
Smith stated that the proposed improvements to infrastructure will directly benefit his constituents in All Saints West, who suffers from poor infrastructure. The improved road works will significantly improve their quality of life and build the foundation needed for a stronger, more prosperous future.
Smith Jr.’s speech today in Parliament was a strong call for unity, rational discussion, and a bipartisan focus on the long-term development of Antigua and Barbuda.