Government rejects ABST deferral request from accommodation providers

By Abigayle McIntosh

The government has rejected a request from accommodation providers for a deferral in the payment of the 2 percent increase in the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST).

The Gaston Browne Administration insists the increase should be payable across the board as of January 1.

Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister’s Office Ambassador Lionel Hurst confirmed this during Thursday’s Post-Cabinet press conference this morning.

“The Cabinet has indicated quite clearly that it begins on January 1, and it is not any mean-spirited reason we must raise enough revenue to pay a total of a 14 percent increase to workers employed by the government of Antigua and Barbuda,” Hurst said.

According to the weekly Cabinet notes, the Finance Ministry, led by Financial Secretary Rasona Davis Crump, will actively monitor the collection of the ABST, which also includes the halting of discretionary waivers and tax exemptions.

Hurst said while more revenues will be realized, more is still needed to cover the government’s obligation.

“The government of Antigua and Barbuda cannot continue to borrow forever there comes a point when expenditure must match the earnings or revenues must exceed expenditure.