Member of Parliament Richard Lewis wants Prime Minister Gaston Browne to reconsider recent tax increases and instead rely on alternative revenue measures promised in the March 2023 Budget.

According to Lewis, these measures, which include improved collection of existing taxes, reduction of discretionary waivers, and cutting wasteful spending, were proposed to boost revenue and negate the need for any new taxes or increases in the ABST.

Lewis argues that these alternatives have provided enough new revenue to address fiscal needs, including salary increases, without placing an additional tax burden on citizens and residents.

Therefore, he believes that it is unethical for the government to resort to taxing the public when there are other viable options available.

Lewis highlights that Gaston Browne had promised in his election rallies and manifesto that there would be no increase in the ABST.

However, he said the recent tax increases contradict this pledge. Lewis believes that the government is needlessly taxing citizens and residents to rake in extra revenue, which is well in excess of what the Prime Minister claimed was required.

Moreover, Lewis questions the government’s motives and demands to know why they are brutally attacking citizens’ pockets.

He asserts that it is time for the government to provide answers to the people of the country and to ease the squeeze on suffering residents and small business owners. He concludes by calling for a tax reset and a more common-sense approach to managing the country’s finances.