Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle addresses Parliament (photo by Wayne Mariette)
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle says a United Progressive Party government will abolish all politically-driven duty-free vehicle concessions if elected. Under the proposed reform, duty-free waivers would no longer be granted based on political loyalty or personal favour.
The UPP’s alternative would instead centre on clean energy and environmental management.
Pringle announced during the budget debate on Monday that a UPP administration would make duty-free concessions available exclusively for New Energy Vehicles—including electric and hybrid cars.
“This removes the political bias practiced by the Gaston Browne Administration. Everyone will benefit, no matter your political affiliation,” Pringle said.
The shift, he argued, would produce multiple national benefits, including cleaner communities as imports of old, end-of-life vehicles decline, and lower fuel consumption at the household and national levels.
He said it will also reduce emissions, supporting climate resilience goals and a fair concession system that no party can manipulate for political gain.
Pringle insisted the reform would restore fairness while reducing roadside pollution and unsightly scrap heaps.
According to the Opposition Leader, derelict vehicles contribute not only to visual pollution but also to environmental hazards, as they leak oil, chemicals, and metal contaminants into the soil and surrounding areas. He argued that “political duty-free” has fueled this problem for over a decade.
He framed the UPP’s plan as a way to break the cycle of “politics first, public interest second.”
“This cleans up the environment. This reduces the national fuel bill. Everyone will benefit, no matter your political affiliation,” Pringle said.
Mr Pringle, that is the wrong thing to say in parliament or anywhere else. We live in a country where everyone live and strive on freebies. I don’t think you know the people living in this country. You’re touching the toe-corn on the people foot. Removing this initiative from the people would make UPP losing all seats the next generation election.
Mr Pringle, please choose your words wisely when in parliament or anywhere else.
The large votes are in the population of the young people. A lot of young people depend on this vehicle concession duty free initiative when purchasing their first vehicle online.
Before going to parliament, please sit with the grassroots and street corners young men and women to hear their take on the country. Don’t make speeches only on what your elites group said but also on what the grassroots and the little man said too. That goes to both political parties, ABLP and UPP, too.
Pringle wha you and Horney a try? What a stupid declaration.
So if I, as a poor man, dont have money to buy a new energy vehicle, and that is the only way I can get a duty free, I must buy an electric vehicle from who, Mr. Horney? UPP I will remember this, you could never get another vote from me. Gaston gives everybody duty free, whether you be ALP or UPP.
De UPP cyarn get my vote next election.
I guess the masses don’t need to worry about that cause you all not going in power anytime soon
We don’t even have proper charging stations yet. That must come first
The amount of scrap vehicles around this country is embarrassing. If clean-energy concessions help reduce that, good.
Fuel too expensive. If we can cut our fuel bill as a nation, why not?
Plenty of talk happens during campaign season, but this one would make a real difference. Let’s see if action follows
If government policy can reduce derelicts and roadside pollution, that’s beneficial for the entire island
For too long, duty-free was who-you-know. If this makes it fair for everybody, then I support it.