Car Dealer Paul Ryan Pushes Back on Duty-Free Claims, Calls for Fair Tax System

Motor vehicle dealer Paul “Pablo” Ryan has responded to recent comments by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, clarifying that dealerships are not advocating for the removal of all taxes on vehicles, but rather a fair and consistent system for all.

Ryan, the General Manager of Antigua Motors, tells Antigua.news that dealers have long been calling for equity in how vehicle taxes are applied, not wholesale elimination.

“None of us would have ever agreed to remove all taxes,” Ryan stated. “That will definitely not be anything that any car dealer would recommend.”

He outlined the current tax structure on vehicles, noting that import duty stands at 35 percent, the Revenue Recovery Charge (RRC) at 10 percent, and the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) at 17 percent, along with additional levies including a $1,000 levy for new cars and a $4,000 used vehicle levy.

Ryan pointed out that while electric vehicles benefit from zero import duty, other taxes still apply, reinforcing his argument that duty is only one part of the overall taxation framework.

Addressing disparities within the system, Ryan said inconsistent concessions granted to some buyers have created an uneven marketplace.

“If it’s full duty for John, let it be full duty for Joe. If Jane is getting 50 percent off, then Mary should get 50 percent off,” he said.

According to Ryan, these inconsistencies complicate pricing for dealerships and distort vehicle values. He explained that when some buyers receive significant duty concessions, it affects resale and replacement values across the market.

“You may sell a vehicle for $100,000 with all taxes paid, and then someone else gets the same vehicle for $75,000 or $80,000 with duty concessions. That creates valuation issues down the line,” he added.

Ryan emphasized that a standardized approach—whether full duty, partial reductions, or targeted relief—would create fairness for dealers, importers, and consumers alike.

He also argued that reforming, rather than eliminating, duties could benefit both consumers and the government.

“At the end of the day, the consumer will benefit,” Ryan said, suggesting that a more balanced system could make newer vehicles more accessible and reduce the number of older, less reliable cars on the road.

He further noted that a structured adjustment of duties could potentially increase overall government revenue through improved compliance and broader participation in the formal market.

However, Ryan was firm in rejecting any suggestion of eliminating all taxes on vehicles.

“I would never agree to all taxes being removed from motor vehicles,” he said.

Antigua.news is awaiting a response from other car dealers on the island.