Prime Minister Gaston Browne is cautioning voters that campaign promises by the United Progressive Party (UPP) could result in higher taxes, including a possible return of personal income tax.
Speaking on Pointe FM, Browne said the opposition has not clearly stated how it would finance its proposals and has remained largely silent on whether taxes would increase.
“I observe that they have not said that they will not increase taxes. Notice they have remained silent on that issue,” Browne said.
While acknowledging that the UPP has indicated it would not reintroduce personal income tax, Browne said similar assurances were made ahead of the 2004 general election but were later reversed.
“We saw that movie before,” he said, recalling that the tax was reintroduced after the UPP took office, despite earlier promises.
Browne said the measure, initially presented as temporary, remained in place for about a decade until his administration removed it.
“At that time they said that it will only be for one year… it lasted for 10 years until we came to office and we repealed it,” he said.
The prime minister accused the opposition of misleading voters with a series of uncoordinated proposals.
“They’re just putting all these piecemeal promises out there,” Browne said, adding that he was unsure whether the party had presented a comprehensive manifesto.
He also rejected engaging in what he described as a “giveaway war,” arguing that opposition parties can make expansive promises without being held accountable if they fail to win.
“When you’re in opposition… you can promise anything,” Browne said.
Browne said his administration has instead focused on fiscal discipline, describing it as a key achievement.
“We believe in fiscal responsibility,” he said, adding that the government has achieved a level of financial management “never… seen in this country.”
His remarks come as political parties intensify campaigning ahead of the April 30 general election, with economic policy and cost-of-living measures among the central issues.