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**tax info** » 2012-07-13 00:44

The consumption tax act of 1993 was introduced to tax the local manufacturing sector. see below. it is a myth that there was no tax. The 10%customs service tax ( same thing as RRC) had to be paid and duties had to be paid. Waivers had to be applied for and they were given according to the cabinet's descretion.

"An Act to repeal the Consumption Tax Act 1980, and to make
provision for the imposition of a Consumption Tax on goods
imported or manufactured, grown or produced in Antigua and
Barbuda for consumption therein and for matters incidental
thereto and connected therewith."

**Observer** » 2012-07-12 20:13

Someone tell the minsiter to read Caribarena because for some time now we have been given the minister free advise how to jumpstart the economy. We have indicated the problems with paying the ABST upfront and that is what killed the manufacturing sector such as Susie's Hot sause. Now years later the minister wants to do just what we then recommended. He did the same thing with the Contruct Antigua. We tol him it was a little to late. When will these people do away with their own pride and listnen to what we have to say. We are really not so dumb. And making sence most of the time.

**Economist** » 2012-07-12 20:08

These politicians always like to make themselves the centre of legislation. They create an Investment Authority and yet you see government officials getting in the spotlight of signing agreements. This is yet another way of giving the politician more power to give to whom he pleases as if it is his to h=give away. And we all should be thankfull and gratefull. Sad the way we do business. Why not just make the law and put the policy in place to be administer by the public servant.

**It Is Me** » 2012-07-12 19:53

The best incentive the government can introduce is to introduce a whole new government and a different Cabinet!!! That's all ... so simple!!!

Hopefully the people will get it by 2014.

**tenman** » 2012-07-12 18:53

Seems the doctor enjoys seeing the patient ill: Government Announces Economic Stimulus. Wednesd ay, 13 July 2011 02:30 By Everton Barnes:

Quote:

With respect to the manufacturing sector, Lovell said the government remains committed to devising innovative and practical ways to reposition the manufacturing sector to ensure that its numerous and diverse stakeholders are able to compete meaningfully, nationally, and regionally. The minister said the new measures take effect as of August 1. They include waiver of import duty on all raw materials, packaging materials and machinery in respect of manufacturers; and waiver of the Revenue Recovery Charge in respect of all raw materials, packaging materials, and machinery. Read more: http://www.caribarena.com/antigua/news/economy/97905-government-announces-economic-stimulus.html#ixzz20S2t2kEt

..

**tenman** » 2012-07-12 18:34

Rupert J, I am not picking on you and must say I support what you stated in post 2012-07-12 16:37. However, those like E. Christian who see government as the main driver of the economy will tell you:

Quote:

The government expenditures on salaries and local purchases are critical to the economic health of Antigua & Barbuda. A significant slowdown in either or both might well initiate a further contraction in the economy, leading to a recessionary spiral. .. It is for this reason that Christian vigorously refutes the notion that increased taxation at this time will somehow “take money out of the economy,” leading to further economic contraction. In an argument that bears a strong flavour of “damned if you do and damned if you don’t,” the revenue reform manager posits that a failure to provide the government with the increased revenue it needs would be more likely to produce just such a result... Read more: http://www.caribarena.com/antigua/news/economy/99913-time-to-face-realities.html#ixzz20RxKe7A6

..

**rupert j.** » 2012-07-12 16:37

Some time back when the government was having trouble with this same kind of a problem I said that they need to look at the way business is done in the state, one of the machinerys that drives any economy is the establishment of small businesses and there is not enough of that in the state. The idea that someone is going to ride in on a white horse and solve our problem is foolhardy and ignorant (Just look at what happened to the last white knight). What needs to happen is the people in charge has to find a way to encourage the locals with money to invest through vehicles like certain tax incentives and tax breaks etc. the business persons have to believe that if and when they do invest they have a stake in the economy and that the government is working for them to succeed other than that it wont work. I dont have any big time degrees like some people but I know how business work and if the situation is not right it wont work.

**R. Berry** » 2012-07-12 14:28

Here's another suggestion, to help the retail and all other sectors....we make the very slow months of August & September, ABST FREE.

This will help all those struggling parents with the additional September school costs....Let's do this if you really wish to jump start all of the economy and not just assist potential manufacturers.

**Anu** » 2012-07-12 12:16

A few things came to mind while reading the above article, my conclusion; UPP has started its election campaign. First of all, i find the list of manufacturing recipients so limited and it seems to me they are only catering for the large corporations. They have adapted the Republican govt style of leadership. The govt also talks about reviewing the incentives after 18 months. If this bill is passed in parliment by the end of this month, the time for review will come around weeks after the election, which is constitutionall y due in March 2014. One can't help but to wonder what will happen after election, if the UPP was to retain office. Also what would be the relationship with UPP & IMF after this bill is passed in parliment? The IMF has been very critical of UPP in the way they spend money. This bill will obviously cause govt to loose money at the port. I am sure the IMF will be concerned with this move. When govt make wrong decissions from its inception, their current decisions will always be questioned because we will never forget the tough times we went through and still is; however UPP govt showed little compassion for our plight. I don't think they are genuine with this bill.

**ANTIGUAN WOMAN** » 2012-07-12 10:29

Please Boost yourselves to leave office.we cant take more of this Mockery of a Govt.

**dadlison** » 2012-07-12 09:58

I wonder if these incentives were some of Bau Panel Systems' prerequisites for investing here. Seems like they are bearing no risk whatsoever in this investment.

**Maco** » 2012-07-12 09:36

I am amazed at the late gestures to stimulate our economy. In the time of ALP i.e. before the failed UPP there was no RCC for manufactures; no ABST and Duties were exempted. This bill is not offerring anything new. What the Government needs to do is offer manufacturers concessionary utility rates as well.The former Prime Minister has continually warned the UPP GOVT about these new taxes.

**Really** » 2012-07-12 09:20

Come over, Start a Business and then the government EXPROPRIATE it!

Until the government stops stealing land and assets and pays for what it has already stolen no serious manufacturing would ever consider coming to Antigua.

**Late** » 2012-07-12 09:05

Wasn't this supposed to come into effect since August 2011?

**R. Berry** » 2012-07-12 08:54

What a bout the brewery, couldn't we have offered these incentives to keep the brewery here. The horse gone and now we close the door.

**Anon** » 2012-07-12 08:29

Most of the businesses in Antigua are in the service sector, what initiatives are being offered to give them a jump start?

**was wondering** » 2012-07-12 08:23

Which one came first? the chicken or the egg? How can people who have not been making money for so long bring their backlog of debts current without fist making a profit again? Is there a government agency willing to restructure the debt of these manufacturers so that they can move forward? Please don't tell me Antigua & Barbuda Development Bank because I don't know that they operate any different from the regular commercial banks.

**rambo** » 2012-07-12 08:16

All sounds good but what about the number one reason why we have no manufacturing, which is the Electricity is too high in Antigua!!!!!

**young analyst** » 2012-07-12 07:24

How many jump start will this economy of Antigua get? and everytime it start up and running they just allow it like an old battery to run down again. Time for an overhaul in management, note everytime the jump start comes and get the car moving if the battery not good, you will always have to jump start it. I guess i must applaud them for jump starting everytime it cut out and just try buy a new battery.

**Reality** » 2012-07-12 05:14

So not any manufacturer, just ones specifically listed in advance.

All future manufacturers need not apply.

Nice way to encourage innovation.

That is innovation in cronyism and exploiting political connections.

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