Leader of the UPP Jamal Pringle photo credit :Antigua.news 

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Jamale Pringle, the Leader of the United Progressive Party and Opposition Leader is lashing out at the Gaston Browne-led government for their recent announcement of a proposed 40 percent increase in vehicle licensing fees.

Calling the decision “wickedness of epic proportions,” Pringle urged the government to reconsider, emphasizing the financial strain it will place on everyday residents.

“This appears to be taxation without representation, and it is a measure that all Antiguans and Barbudans must resist.”

The Opposition Leader also highlighted the broader implications of the tax hike, especially its impact on local businesses and contractors.

He said this increase will inevitably trickle down to consumers, adversely affecting their ability to provide for their families.

Pringle drew attention to the contrasting treatment of public servants, who only received a 14 percent salary increase amid rising costs.

He pointed out that pensioners and those on fixed incomes would particularly struggle under the weight of the new fees.

In a rallying call to action, he encouraged citizens to stand up against the proposed increase by protesting through various means, stating, “The response to this wickedness must rise above partisan politics.”

On Saturday, the Prime Minister Gaston Browne clarified that Cabinet is to consider requiring owners of cars to pay an increase of a flat $100 dollars per year to license their vehicles.

He says there would be need for a determination of the cc-rating of the vehicles in this category.