​Ensuring Transparency and Best Practices in the Licensing Fee Increase and Road Works Project

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has announced an impending increase in the licensing fees for vehicles to finance road infrastructure projects. While acknowledging the necessity of road improvements, it is imperative that this process is conducted in a transparent and accountable manner, consistent with best practices. Transparency in financial arrangements, project implementation, and monitoring will enhance public confidence and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and equitably.

To this end, we Antigua and Barbuda Patriots – a non-political group –  respectfully submit the following recommendations and inquiries to facilitate a governance process that upholds the principles of transparency, accountability, and responsible public financial management.

1. Disclosure of Loan Agreement Terms

The Government has indicated that the Antigua Commercial Bank (ACB) and Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB) will provide a $100 million loan for roadworks. To ensure fiscal responsibility and public trust, we request the following details be disclosed:

• The specific terms and conditions of the loan, including the interest rate and repayment period.
• clarification on whether interest will be calculated on a reducing balance.
• Identification of the negotiators of the loan agreement and whether a finder’s fee applies, along with details on the recipient of such a fee.
• Publication of the full loan agreement to allow for public scrutiny.

We ask for these details since this tax measure was not included in your Budge 2025 statement that was approved by Parliament, and no figures were provided to inform the nation.

2. Tax Collection and Management

Given that the increased licensing fees will be used to service the loan and fund roadworks, it is essential to establish a clear and transparent framework for tax collection and disbursement. We propose:

• A detailed outline of the tax collection mechanism, specifying collection and which agency will manage the collection and into what designated account will the funds be placed.
• Who will be the designated signatories to this account?
• Monthly publication on a Ministry of Finance website of revenue collection figures and expenditure reports, including details of disbursement amounts and recipients.

3. Procurement and Contracting Process

To ensure fairness and quality in the execution of road projects, a structured procurement process must be implemented. We recommend:

• A clear and publicly available tendering process that specifies qualification criteria for contractors.
• Publication of the list of contractors selected, along with justification for their selection.

• Transparent contract terms that include quality control measures and penalties for non-compliance.
• Independent oversight to ensure adherence to contractual obligations and project timelines.

We know that given your insistence on good governance and accountability with which we fully agree that you would concur with these measures for transparency.

4. Duration and Adjustments of Licensing Fee Increase

Clarification on whether the licensing fee increase is a permanent measure or will be adjusted upon repayment of the loan.

Establishment of a periodic review mechanism to reassess the necessity of the increased fees.

5. Road Usage and Traffic Management

We recommend that a comprehensive study on vehicle usage and road sustainability is essential for long-term infrastructure planning. We propose:

• An assessment of the impact of increased vehicle quantity and weight on the durability of roadways.
• Regulation of heavy-duty vehicle usage on specific roads to prevent premature degradation of infrastructure.
• Development of policies to manage traffic congestion and parking limitations, particularly in high-density areas.

6. Regulation of Vehicle Imports

The past importation of duty-free vehicles contributed to increased traffic congestion and parking challenges, in addition to environmental pollution. To prevent further strain on road infrastructure, we recommend:

• A comprehensive evaluation of past vehicle import policies and their impact.
• Implementation of stricter monitoring measures for future vehicle importation initiatives.

7. Public fora

To allow for citizen participation in this important project, we recommend the establishment of a schedule of public fora  at which the public can respond to the published information about this project and ask question and make suggestions.  This is the essence of democracy.

Conclusion

 By implementing these measures, suggested herein, you, Prime Minister, can reinforce your declared pledge to transparency and accountability, ensuring that public resources, especially those raised by direct taxation of the people,  are utilized effectively for the benefit of all citizens.   

 We trust that you and your administration will consider these recommendations and take the necessary steps to establish a governance framework that is consistent with international best practices.  In this way, the Government will build public trust and confidence in its integrity.