The Leader of the Opposition and Member of Parliament for All Saints East & St Luke, Hon Jamale Pringle joined other local leaders and citizens on Monday morning to protest the government’s proposal to raise vehicle licensing fees by 40 percent.
The protest dubbed the “Fed Up Patriotic Citizens” unfolded outside the Prime Minister’s Office on Queen Elizabeth Highway, where dozens of demonstrators displayed placards reading “No New Taxes”; “Killing Me Softly with Your Taxes”; “Me Nar Pay None”; and “Wicket Grabston Teck you Hand Outa me Pocket” as law enforcement maintained a close watch over the gathering.
Clad in protest paraphernalia and chanting “No increase!” participants voiced their anger at what they deem fiscal mismanagement by the Gaston Browne administration.
“The people know that the Gaston Browne administration is wicked and has no love for the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” Pringle declared. He condemned the government for its contradictory actions, noting that while it campaigned on a promise of no new taxes, previous measures had already seen increases in other areas, such as the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST).
“Now, just three months after the Budget, they’re planning to raise licence fees by an additional $400—aiming for $500,” he added.
Pringle warned that the government should expect more protests until a “proper plan” is presented on improving a lasting road network and drainage system for the island. “We need a proper plan from the government before we even contribute another cent,” he stated.
He accused the government of failing to account for previous spending while proposing new tax hikes. He recalled longstanding public complaints about the nation’s crumbling infrastructure. “When we look at the Friars Hill Road—that was recently done, we’re repairing the Friars Hill Road with taxpayers’ dollars within or less than three years,” he added.
The protest comes amid growing public concern over the economic impact of these proposed increases. Pringle warned that higher taxes would not only burden vehicle owners but also drive up the cost of transporting goods, with business owners likely to pass these costs on to consumers. “When you increase the cost of operating a vehicle, it’s not only the cost of licencing your vehicle that will increase,” he explained. “This will affect the price of goods and the overall cost of living throughout the year.”
St John’s Rural West MP Richard Lewis declared that the fee hike is “unconscionable” when levied on everyday citizens.
“I sounded my voice when the fee was announced at $100 and then moved to 40 percent,” Lewis said. “There is no need for any increase in fees on the backs of the people of Antigua and Barbuda. We demand accountability and transparency.”
Lewis called on the government to reveal detailed financial records from bodies like the Antigua &Barbuda Transport Board — which, he noted, “has not submitted any updated financials since 2018” — to explain how substantial revenues are being reinvested.
“Let’s look at the books, see where we are, and get the roads fixed. It’s time to have a real conversation about maintaining our roads in pristine condition,” he added, as he emphasized that profits generated under the Transport Board Act should benefit the public via the Consolidated Fund, and should not be shrouded in secrecy.
St George MP Algernon Watts who said he came in his capacity as a citizen and who is known for his outspoken critiques on local radio, echoed Lewis’ sentiments. “We cannot afford that increase,” he stated, highlighting that if proper funds had been allocated to fix and resurface existing roads, such an increase might have been justifiable.
“Where are the roads that those monies were supposed to fix? These aren’t brand new roads — they’re just supposed to be resurfaced,” Watts argued. Frustrated by the state of infrastructure, he recounted his long journey along a deteriorated Factory Road, questioning the logic of paying 40% more for substandard conditions.
With a government Bill set to be tabled when Parliament meets on Thursday, the Opposition MPs are urging lawmakers to postpone any fee increases until a full audit is conducted and a transparent discussion can be had regarding road maintenance and budget allocations.
“Let’s have the discussion as we wait,” Lewis declared, calling for a complete pullback of the proposed fee hike.
