Browne Accuses UPP of Using ‘Backdoor’ to Remove Taxes on Luxury Foods

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — Prime Minister and Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party leader Gaston Browne has accused the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) of proposing a tax policy that would benefit wealthy businesses and tourists by removing taxes on high-end goods under the guise of expanding relief for consumers.

Speaking on Pointe FM’s Browne and Browne Show, Browne said the government has already eliminated the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) on essential food items, including vegetables, to ease the cost of living for ordinary citizens.

“We already eliminated all of the taxes… for all essential foods, including foods and vegetables,” Browne said.

He argued that the opposition’s proposal to expand the zero-rated basket of goods goes beyond basic necessities and is designed to untax luxury products.

“They’re trying to use some backdoor mechanism to untax the high-end foods,” Browne said, citing items such as Wagyu beef and caviar.

The prime minister said such a move would primarily benefit hotels, restaurants and affluent consumers, rather than the general population.

“When the tourists come here… they want Wagyu and they want caviar, they must pay the taxes,” he said.

Browne warned that expanding tax exemptions to include luxury goods would reduce government revenue needed for national development.

“That would be to the detriment of our revenues to develop the country,” he said.

He also suggested that lobbying by private sector interests, including car dealers, hoteliers and restaurant operators, is influencing the opposition’s position.

“I know where that’s coming from… the same people approach them,” Browne said, adding that he had rejected similar requests while in office.

The prime minister dismissed the proposal as misguided, saying voters would have to decide whether to support such measures.

“If the people want to buy into that type of foolishness… they can so decide,” Browne said.

The opposition has not publicly responded to the claims made during the broadcast.