The government of Antigua and Barbuda has reiterated its position on the proposed increase in vehicle license fees, describing it as a user fee intended to fund road repairs. The issue was discussed at the latest Cabinet meeting, with officials maintaining that the additional revenue will be dedicated solely to infrastructure improvements.
At the Post-Cabinet Press Briefing, Chief of Staff Lionel Hurst addressed concerns about the increase, stating, “This is not a tax but a user fee for those who drive on our roads and expect them to be properly maintained.”
The opposition has pushed back against the increase, arguing that greater transparency and accountability measures should be in place to ensure the funds are allocated as promised. Some critics have questioned whether the revenue will be strictly used for road repairs or diverted elsewhere.
Hurst pointed to existing models, such as the Board of Education and Social Security, where funds are directly managed for specific purposes. “We have structures in place to ensure that revenues go where they are meant to, just as we do with the Board of Education, Social Security, and Medical Benefits Scheme,” he explained.
The matter is expected to be debated in Parliament, where the opposition has indicated it will raise concerns about the timing and necessity of the increase. While Cabinet members reportedly reached a consensus, Hurst acknowledged that parliamentary discussions could lead to further adjustments before final approval.
