PM Browne Warns Sandals Group: “Pay Up Taxes Owed or Prepare for a Fight”

By Aabigayle McIntosh

The government may once again face off with the Sandals Group over what Prime Minister Gaston Browne claims are unpaid taxes.

Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show on Saturday, Browne revealed that the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has assessed Sandals for $30 million in unpaid taxes, and he expects a battle to retrieve the funds.

“I don’t understand why these so-called investors think they’re the only ones who should benefit,” Browne remarked.

“They try to squeeze every last ounce of revenue for themselves and resist paying anything to the government in taxes.”

Browne appealed to Sandals to cooperate, warning that the government is prepared to take further action if necessary.

He referenced past issues the company faced in the Bahamas, where it was required to settle inappropriate practices.

“Everywhere they go, it’s the same modus operandi: they do whatever they can to minimize the government’s share of taxes while they reap the profits,” he noted.

Addressing Sandals Group Chairman Adam Stewart directly, Browne emphasized that Sandals is not the only stakeholder when opening hotels in the Caribbean.

The Prime Minister underscored that fair wages for staff and fair tax contributions to the government are essential, saying, “This colonial-style model of exploiting concessions and draining government resources is unacceptable and doesn’t work for the Caribbean people.”

Browne urged Sandals to take pride in supporting Caribbean economies as a respected regional brand, stating, “A brand like Sandals should be proud to make a significant contribution to government revenues.”