Residents Outraged Over Proposed 40% Increase in Vehicle Licensing Fee
The government’s recent decision to propose a 40% increase in license fees has sparked a significant backlash among residents, who are vocally expressing their discontent on social media.
This move follows Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s earlier comments about a potential fee increase to address persistent road issues, which have been a growing concern for the community.
On Thursday, Chief of Staff Lionel Max Hurst clarified during a press briefing that the revised fees would apply universally, rather than the flat $100 increase that had been hinted at before.
“It’s a 40% increase in vehicle licensing fees, a 40% increase in the registration fees…For example, if a resident currently pays $400, the new fee would jump to $560,” he said.
Hurst elaborated on the government’s plan for utilizing the collected funds, stating that they would be placed into a dedicated account to help repay a substantial $100 million loan aimed at financing critical infrastructure projects.
He emphasized that these initiatives are intended to accelerate development within the country.
Apart from residents, the Opposition wasted not time in responding. The first to come out swinging was MP Richard Lewis who called on residents to stand against it.
He condemned the Prime Minister’s approach as extreme, calling it a blatant disregard for the hardships faced by the citizens.
The upcoming parliamentary debate is anticipated to ignite further discussions surrounding this contentious issue.
This story was first published by Antigua News on February 21, 2025: antigua.news/2025/02/21/residents-outraged-over-proposed-40-increase-in-vehicle-licensing-fee. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Comments (12)
Devorn Carter February 21, 2025, 6:41 AM
Antigua Surf February 21, 2025, 6:42 AM
Makeout February 21, 2025, 6:45 AM
ThinkTwice February 21, 2025, 7:10 AM
LL February 21, 2025, 7:11 AM
Juju Bee February 21, 2025, 8:02 AM
Robert February 21, 2025, 8:06 AM
2016SUV February 21, 2025, 8:20 AM
Stone February 21, 2025, 11:44 AM
Truly annoyed February 21, 2025, 12:01 PM
BF February 21, 2025, 7:46 PM
Guston Down February 22, 2025, 5:28 AM
Probably they already decided on that increase and just playing us like always.
I can bet all my money that after that they will still not do sh*t about roads etc . Money will wash out like always …
It’s harder and harder to live here ….