For the first time in 30 years, Antigua and Barbuda’s vehicle licensing fees are set to increase as the government moves to raise funds for major road improvements, Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced during his Pointe FMbroadcast. The fee hike will contribute to a $100 million bond, backed by Antigua Commercial Bank (ACB) and Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB), to finance road construction and maintenance.
“THOSE FEES HAVE NOT BEEN INCREASED FOR OVER 30 YEARS, SO THEY WERE DUE FOR AN INCREASE,” BROWNE STATED. “WE’RE GOING TO PROVIDE THE PEOPLE OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA WITH BETTER ROADS, AND IN ORDER TO DO SO, WE NEED TO RAISE MONEY.”
The Prime Minister explained that the government plans to construct concrete roads, which are more resilient to extreme heat and heavy rainfall compared to asphalt roads. However, the shift to higher-quality road surfaces requires significant funding, necessitating the increase in vehicle-related fees.
“YOU HAVE NO CHOICE NOW BUT TO BUILD MORE EXPENSIVE ROADS, HENCE THE NEED TO RAISE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES SO THAT WE CAN DELIVER FOR THE PEOPLE OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA,”BROWNE SAID.
He dismissed criticisms from the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP), arguing that the public will benefit more from better roads than they would lose from the fee increase. Browne pointed out that drivers already spend more on vehicle repairs due to potholes and poor road conditions, making the increase a practical long-term solution.
“IF IT’S $100 MORE A YEAR ON LICENSING, THAT’S ABOUT $8 A MONTH. PEOPLE KNOW THAT’S A BETTER DEAL THAN CONSTANTLY REPLACING TIRES AND PARTS BECAUSE OF BAD ROADS,” HE SAID.
Browne reassured the public that all funds raised through the bond will be used exclusively for roads, curbs, and drainage projects. The government has reached an agreement with the funding banks to establish independent oversight, ensuring that the money is spent transparently.
“EVERY CENT RAISED FROM THIS BOND WILL BE UTILIZED FOR ROADS. BEFORE WE GET THE SECOND $10 MILLION, WE HAVE TO JUSTIFY THAT THE FIRST $10 MILLION WAS SPENT RESPONSIBLY,”HE EXPLAINED.
He also contrasted his administration’s fiscal management with that of the previous UPP government, noting that while the UPP borrowed $2.2 billion in a decade, his administration has been more financially disciplined.
“WE HAVE REDUCED OUR DEBT-TO-GDP RATIO TO ABOUT 60-62%, COMPARED TO THE UPP, WHICH INCREASED IT TO 104%,” BROWNE STATED. “THE GROWTH UNDER OUR ADMINISTRATION IS REAL GROWTH—NOT BORROWED GROWTH.”
With the bond approval process underway, the government aims to begin construction in phases, targeting high-traffic roads and areas most in need of repair. Browne insisted that the fee increase is necessary to accelerate road development, ensuring that citizens experience safer, more reliable road infrastructure in the coming years.
