LETTER: A Heartfelt Plea: Disappointment Over Proposed 40% Increase in Motor Registration Fees

Published February 25, 2025, 1:31 PM

Dear Editor,

I write today with a heavy heart, feeling deeply deceived and hurt by the recent announcement or discussions of a staggering 40% increase in motor registration fees. As a steadfast supporter of this party for almost three decades, this news has left me not only angered but genuinely deflated and puzzled.

How could my party, my government, seem so disconnected from the day-to-day struggles of the 99% of citizens in Antigua and Barbuda?

Is this the same party that, in 2014, abolished personal income tax to boost the spending power of the middle class? How is it now possible that this very government considers it justified to impose such a harsh financial burden on its people?

Honourable leaders, a 40% increase on anything is excessive, particularly in an economic climate where many of us are already forced to forego essential goods and services due to relentless inflation.

I earnestly hope that empathy for the people will prevail and that a more reasonable adjustment will be proposed. While I understand the necessity of generating revenue for much-needed infrastructure improvements, including better roads, I believe this objective can be achieved without placing undue strain on ordinary citizens.

Honourable Prime Minister, while your ambitions may indeed be well-intentioned, I urge you to remember that we, the people, cannot afford to “cut off our nose to spite our face.” Let us find a balanced approach, one that upholds both progress and compassion.

Respectfully,
For Love of Country

This story was first published by Antigua News on February 25, 2025 at 1:31 PM (Antigua time, UTC−4): antigua.news/2025/02/25/letter-a-heartfelt-plea-disappointment-over-proposed-40-increase-in-motor-registration-fees. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

About the author

Editorial Staff

The Editorial Staff refers to all reporters employed by Antigua.news. When an article is not an original creation of Antigua.news—such as when it is based on a press release, other media articles, letters to the editor, or court decisions—one of our staff members is responsible for overseeing its publication.

More articles by Editorial

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (13)

Antigua Surf February 25, 2025, 1:44 PM

I can totally agree with what is being said here. Is the same “red is bread” that we placed our finger in ink for? this is so bad, I can’t do this anymore. i feel like gaston and his administration is too wicked!!
Reply
EBB February 25, 2025, 2:21 PM

I do agree to that the 40% sounds like alot as per percentage, but this is a once a year payment. This is not a monthly payment . This tax has not been raised in 30 years. What about the tons of thousands people get for duty free on cars and building supplies. What about the years of dollar barrel and tax exempt on the Christmas weekend.
We like to get but when time come to pay is another story.
Reply
- King goat February 25, 2025, 2:29 PM
  
  Chupz
  Reply
- Stone February 25, 2025, 2:39 PM
  
  Wise and humbled words, my red friend. It’s just that the colour is so deep that they can’t see to realize that what ever the outcome All of we is going to have to pay!!
  Reply
- Anonymous February 25, 2025, 3:21 PM
  
  I hear you but an increase is an increase, monthly or yearly. That money has to come from some where,so therefore, some other line item has to forfeit, unless disposable income is increased by, let’s say, increase in wages. What do you think?
  Reply
- Anonymous February 25, 2025, 6:20 PM
  
  I guess you a one of the well off persons on Antigua that do not give a rat’s ass about the low income persons who eat from hand to mouth. You guys sit and eat cavier, steak, lamb and 🦞 while the poor people of this nation dine on back and neck and white rice.
  Reply
Luka Johnson February 25, 2025, 2:46 PM

It really is an exaggerated increase.
Reply
Faithful national #1 February 25, 2025, 2:49 PM

Mr. PM, please do NOT allow yourself to be derailed by imposters posing as ABLP supporters. They know that their pappyshow demonstration(s) failed big time, so now they have reverted to this old tactic.
Remember, when the JEWS wished to kill the young, influential, leader of the masses, friend of the poor and homeless, the sick, the outcasts, the seekers after the TRUTH, Jesus, they the JEWS used a traitor, one who pretended to be an ally, JUDAS, to hand HIM over to the murderous enemies and their barking dogs.
Do not be knocked off your crease. You are our Leader and we have supported you through worse times than this. We trust your judgement. Let the wagon roll on!
Reply
Hey February 25, 2025, 3:00 PM

Roads renewal has to be paid
Reply
Anonymous February 25, 2025, 3:02 PM

Only in Antigua, Increased revenues from the tourism sector translates into 40% increase on licensing vehicles necessary to get from work to home and back. This comes as cost of living has sky rocketed in the last 3 years, with little to no increase in salary, and we are currently bracing for the impending increase across the board on all goods and services, which will most definitely be a trickle down effect from the tarrifs being imposed in the US and other countries, because Antigua is heavy on importation. You know why this is happening, because there is no opposition with a semblance of a viable alternative to offer the public. Pringle and Giselle just wasting our time at this point and Gaston just don’t care.
Reply
Raphael February 25, 2025, 3:12 PM

I felt the pain in reading this letter. Hopefully the prime Minister will see it and address the matter. I don’t believe he already implemented it. Maybe he can actually change his mind
Reply
curious February 25, 2025, 4:22 PM

thats why voting for political parties is always disappointing is better our votes be kept cause nothing more than empty promises am not shock if he agrees
Reply
Joyanne February 25, 2025, 7:19 PM

This is not the first letter i have read pleading with Gaston Browne to reconsider this 40% increase. Sir if you don’t listen to your people your people will vote against you. Please don’t let it be a situation like this. REMEMBER the other option for governance is worse than you. Lest we die of poverty…Sir please forget and abandon this new tax idea
Reply

More from Letters to the Editor

View section

Cars line both sides of the road near the traffic lights, while an ambulance approaches in the distance with its lights flashing. Homes sit close to the road.

Letters to the Editor September 28, 2026

LETTER: A Call for Immediate Action on Excessive Noise, Traffic Obstruction and Blocked Emergency Routes

A public letter urges police to address loud music, traffic obstruction and blocked emergency access near Valley and Desouza Road.

By Editorial Staff

Letters to the Editor September 25, 2026

OPINION: THE $3 BILLION WAKE-UP CALL: Who Owns Caribbean Tourism?

By Editorial Staff

Letters to the Editor September 23, 2026

LETTER: Concerned Parent Raises Questions About Fairness at Clare Hall Secondary School

By Editorial Staff

Letters to the Editor September 22, 2026

LETTER: “Because Iniquity Shall Abound, the Love of Many Shall Wax Cold” — A Nation Must Wake Up Before It Is Too Late

By Cory Wayland

LETTER: A Heartfelt Plea: Disappointment Over Proposed 40% Increase in Motor Registration Fees

First, open this page in Safari

Update your iPhone first

Tap the ⋯ button

Tap Share

Tap the Share button

Tap the Share button

Tap Add to Home Screen

Keep Open as Web App on, then tap Add

Tap Add

Close the browser and open Antigua.news from its new icon

Tap 🔔 Turn on alerts, then Allow

Editorial Staff

Comments (13)

Submit a comment

More from Letters to the Editor

LETTER: A Call for Immediate Action on Excessive Noise, Traffic Obstruction and Blocked Emergency Routes

OPINION: THE $3 BILLION WAKE-UP CALL: Who Owns Caribbean Tourism?

LETTER: Concerned Parent Raises Questions About Fairness at Clare Hall Secondary School

LETTER: “Because Iniquity Shall Abound, the Love of Many Shall Wax Cold” — A Nation Must Wake Up Before It Is Too Late