MP calls for speedier process in circulating bills

Rural West MP Richard Lewis is calling out the government for their lapse in disseminating proposed bills to the other members of Parliament.

Lewis was speaking on the Tax Administration and Procedure Amendment bill 2025 during Thursday’s sitting.

“We have to work to ensure that bills are circulated in the time stipulated in the Standing Orders and it gives us the time to read through carefully, do research, because research is important,” Lewis said.

This is not the first-time members of the Opposition have complained about the late reception of bills in the Lower House.

Where the bill is concerned, Lewis did share his support for the bill “once it does not harm the people”.

This provision addresses the issue of neglected and abandoned homes nationwide, specifically those where taxes have remained unpaid for an extended period. This concern is echoed by the Leader of the Opposition; however, he also criticized the government regarding their own derelict buildings.

“While I appreciate that Antigua and Barbuda needs serious attention when it pertains to cleaning and I want to encourage the people of Antigua and Barbuda if you have property, clean them and maintain the cleanliness of those properties…but if we are going to build our people, we have to preserve that asset.

“I want us to look at cleaning Antigua and Barbuda, doing whatever we can to ensure the cleanliness, but the government itself must also move quickly to ensure that the derelict buildings they have are dealt with. What is necessary is for all of us to be responsible,” Pringle said.

He admonished the other side that the “taking away of assets of the people be the last resort”.

Some amendments for the bill will allow for the Commissioner to register a statutory charge against the property of a taxpayer who has defaulted in payment of tax and who, notwithstanding service of a Notice of intention to levy execution against the property, still defaults in making payment.  

The amendment now establishes the procedures that must be followed to register the statutory charge filed by the Commissioner in order to secure tax debt. Additionally, there are modifications related to seized property. Seized property may be sold through public auction or sealed tender, and the proceeds from these sales will be allocated as outlined in the amendment.

There is a requirement to properly advertise the sale of the property; and the Minister is authorized to make regulations governing the setting of a reserve price, the deposit that is required, and the time within which the sale is to be completed.  

The Commissioner of Inland Revenue is empowered to execute the document of transfer which will grant the purchaser the property free and clear of any liabilities arising under the Tax Act.