Cabinet Meeting of the Antigua and Barbuda government
The Cabinet has confirmed that the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) will be reduced to 0% on a range of essential food items and school supplies for a two-day period in April.
The tax relief measure will take effect over the weekend of April 10–11, 2026, just ahead of the reopening of schools following the Easter break.
According to notes from the Cabinet, the initiative is aimed at easing the financial burden on families as they prepare for the new school term.
The temporary removal of ABST is expected to make basic goods more affordable, particularly for parents purchasing school-related items and groceries.
The move forms part of broader efforts by the government to provide targeted economic relief and support household spending during key periods of the year.
WAHHHHHHHHHHHHH Election Coming!!!
But who advised the PM on this matter? School will be closed in April. Most parents buy their school supplies in at the August and September. So, PM, who is this benefiting? Are you asking us to buy school supplies in APril? Nonesence!
Relief doesn’t come to all people at the same time. But if it’s available and you can take advantage of it, then that’s what you do. The fact is, in August, a lot of people still not going to have enough money to purchase what their children need. But those who can in April will get some relief. You get ABST in August, and people still can’t afford to shop. So what’s the difference?
the timing for the school supplies is so off, because most parents don’t to school supplies shopping in the third, especially for uniforms, what about the parents that has children in grade 6, where their will be changing schools.. so why not wait until a couple of weeks before the new school year begins..
Why is all the focus in the comments on school supplies? What about the essentials food items?
Thank you!!!