“Poor” Antiguans Tipping Dominican Bouyon Artist Asa Bantan $100- PM Browne

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Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called out those unhappy with the recent hike in license fees—intended to tackle the country’s road woes—pointing out a surprising twist: they were the same ones who generously tipped Dominican Bouyon artiste ASA Bantan $100.

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Using his Facebook platform, Browne, known for his candid remarks, did not hold back.

“I love the generosity of our people!” he said. While addressing the discontent, he also encouraged everyone to think ahead—urging citizens to prioritize their retirement by saving just $100 a week.

He concluded with a heartfelt reminder that resonates: “Sound advice from your caring PM. Much love and blessings!”

Let’s debate this. Drop a comment below.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/03/11/poor-antiguans-tipping-dominican-bouyon-artist-asa-bantan-100-pm-browne. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Comments (20)

  • Tamisha March 11, 2025, 10:30 AM

    “…While addressing the discontent, he also encouraged everyone to think ahead—urging citizens to prioritize their retirement by saving just $100 a week.” And this is how we know that dear Gaston is not in touch with his “poor” people.
    Reply
    • One of poor antiguans March 11, 2025, 11:07 AM

      A small percentage of the population attends these fetes, in comparison to the entire vehicle driving population… the broad brush approach is a bit poor taste but oh well….
      Reply
  • Ben Simmons March 11, 2025, 10:33 AM

    OMG
    Reply
  • Dominicam March 11, 2025, 10:35 AM

    All due respect to PM Browne. Asa did not ask,they did on their own free will.. To call your people poor as the head does not sound a good call for you
    Reply
  • Teacher for Life March 11, 2025, 10:40 AM

    Hair weave, makeup, eating out regularly as opposed to home cooking; fetting ; buying brand name clothes to impress people who don’t even know you…all waste money that could be put towards retirement but some of us just live for today and so are woefully unprepared when tomorrow/ retirement gets here.
    Reply
  • Ben Simmons March 11, 2025, 10:41 AM

    OOOMG
    Reply
  • Unruly One March 11, 2025, 10:46 AM

    Well well well. Smh that is just sad.
    Reply
  • Knowledge talks March 11, 2025, 10:56 AM

    At the ends of the day, Asa Banton brings vibes not stress. That’s why people tipping him
    Reply
  • First time commenter March 11, 2025, 10:59 AM

    Same way people find money to party, them still have to find money for gas, groceries and rent. PM need to focud on that.
    Reply
  • Tamara Lawrence from Buckleys March 11, 2025, 11:06 AM

    I don’t think the people who tip Asa are poor at all. Check out their Brazillian wigs and their nails and their attire. PM there are some of us who don’t party. who don’t get their hair done every month, who don’t buy many clothes. There are some of us in Antigua we live on a tight budget, we take care of our children, their education, food and we live responsibly. I believe you know who we are. The young women with four men and the young drug dealers won’t feel it but we will. Think about us. Have you ever?
    Reply
    • Britney March 11, 2025, 11:09 AM

      Pm how much is a pack of huggies? How much is a cerelac? PM how much is a carnation? You know that. Because yoi don’t have to put items back on the shelves when you are told at the cashiers you don’t have enough money.
      Reply
  • Antigua Surf March 11, 2025, 11:12 AM

    Antigua.News!!! Murdaaa aryou do fa mek me laugh and bring out the ghetto in ma professional self. MURDDAAAA. But Antigua.News, PM jealous? Lemme begin to talk! Because, these people are using their money to tip this man. But you’re using the money given to you for Antigua to pay fete performers. Let me talk about one Nation, shall we? I remember Antigua.News posting about how 1.5 million dollars was spent on the one nation concert but the government only accumulated what $300k of the total cost spent? Oh oh. Gaston tell me about that. You’re paying these promoters and all these when you can fix the road but mad we dishing out $100 to Asa Banton. Wicked ya wicked. These taxes don’t bother you so you don’t care. Antigua.news, this man should feel away writing that post. So childish, petty and unprofessional for a Prime Minister. Now, just rest me Dey nuh! Antigua.News!! Tell he REST ME DEY! Antigua Surf over and Out.
    Reply
  • Stone March 11, 2025, 11:13 AM

    So all this means it’s alright for you to rob us blind…. one of these days Gaston Brown,,, one of these days…
    Reply
  • Dominican lady March 11, 2025, 11:32 AM

    I am a Dominican and I can tell you them girls spending money on nonesence and next day they don’t have milk. I have a neighbour who played mass and on Ash Wednesday she asking me for oil to fry bakes. I agree with the World Boss on that one. They hair always fly and they broke. To me…It’s wild how people can spend their money so freely on entertainment but then complain about necessary fees. I mean, we all love a good party and tipping artists like Asa Banton is part of our culture, but it’s important to save money or know where you last meal coming from when Asa belly get bigger than it is already.
    Reply
  • Rhea March 11, 2025, 11:40 AM

    Everyday this Prime Minister breaks my heart. I’ve been living in Antigua for years. I drive a Nissan Frontier, My husband has a Toyota Hiux, daughter has a Honda Vezel and my son has a Lexus IS 350, we aslo have a family van (Honda Stepwgn). Seeing the hike vehicle licensing fees, i panicked and began speaking to my husband about selling our vehicles and sticking with the family van. it raised an arguement between me and my family. to the point i felt like my kids were beginning to hate me. I left my pick up at home and went by my mom for a few nights, avoiding all calls from my household. I say, let these people live their lives. Gaston you are not affected by this hike in vehicle licensing fees. but we are. the same how you can spend millions on a fete. we can give a hundred to a artist. We can’t continue to eat off your crumbs Gaston. You wasting then claim Antigua don’t have money. Don’t turn this on us now. You’re trying to kill us and we know
    Reply
    • Dramatic Much March 11, 2025, 1:00 PM

      All that drama over the 100? WOW. Seems like your family had issues before this deal. Went by your mom a few nights? I mean…that is a bit too much don’t you think? Seems like your family have cash . many vehicles in your yard. Someway somehow you are gonna have to pay this. Bite the bullet and pay.
      Reply
    • Robocar March 17, 2025, 9:41 AM

      It’s not a $100 dollars its 40% please get it corrected.
      Reply
  • food4though March 11, 2025, 12:24 PM

    Man act like because we struggling, we must just sit down and bawl whole day. chuh. People work hard for them money, if them want tip asa then let them.
    Reply
  • Juju Bee March 11, 2025, 10:23 PM

    Let me tell you you gotta live this man. He in everything lol .Pm you’re something else but I do love you all the same. You up to date with all the happenings in the country
    Reply
  • Teacher for Life March 12, 2025, 8:52 AM

    It takes money to make money…. We all know Antiguan roads are a disaster and need to be fixed. That costs money but will save us the consumers in the long run. I mean how much broken axles, busted tires, and issues caused by bad roads have cost you? One hundred dollars for one vehicle for one year is a drop in the bucket in comparison to the thousands it costs for repairs. Think outside the box. Look at an issue from all angles and go from there is all I’m asking.
    Reply

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