Jonathan Joseph says fees for various services have doubled in Antigua and Barbuda

Senator Jonathan Joseph Criticizes Rising Fees and Questions Use of Increased Revenue

Opposition Senator Jonathan Joseph, addressing supporters at a United Progressive Party (UPP) rally in Paynters, strongly criticized the Gaston Browne administration for burdening citizens with increased fees for public services while claiming record-breaking revenue collection.

Joseph questioned why the government, despite its claims of significant financial success, has not eased the financial pressures on citizens. “If revenue collection is at a record high, why are the poor and vulnerable struggling even more? Why can’t they get any relief?” he asked the crowd.

Joseph outlined several sharp increases in fees for government services, describing them as excessive and punitive to ordinary citizens. Among the examples he provided were:

• Letters of Administration or Grants of Probate: Increased to $1,000, previously free of charge.
• Police Records: Fees rose from $10 to $25.
• Police Accident Reports: Now $200, up from $50.
• Police Reports for Lost Passports: Increased from $50 to $200.
• Voter ID Police Reports: Jumped from $50 to $200.
• Intellectual Property Office Name Searches: Doubled from $25 to $50.
• Company Registration Fees: Increased from $200 to $500.
• Annual Returns for Companies: Raised from $200 to $400.
• Unofficial Copies from Land Registry: Increased from $35 to $60.
• Applications for Lost Land Certificates: Increased from $60 to $80.
• Applications for Prescriptive Titles: Jumped from $200 to $500.
• Corrections to Birth Certificates: Rose from $69 to $250.

Joseph highlighted these increases as evidence of the government’s reliance on taxing its citizens heavily to generate revenue. He argued that such measures disproportionately affect those least able to bear the burden.

While acknowledging the government’s claims of record-breaking revenue, Joseph questioned how this wealth was being utilized. “If revenue collection is truly at an all-time high, why is there no visible improvement in the lives of ordinary people? Why is there no relief for the poor?” he asked.

He further alleged that much of the increased revenue stems from these fee hikes, rather than economic growth or sound financial policies. “This administration boasts of its financial success, but the reality is that it is coming out of the pockets of ordinary citizens,” he said.

Joseph also criticized what he described as a lack of transparency in the use of public funds. He questioned why citizens, despite paying significantly more for services, are not seeing benefits that justify these increases. “Where is the money going? Who is benefitting from this record revenue collection?” he asked.

The senator urged voters to consider the impact of these rising fees and the government’s handling of public funds when casting their ballots. “It’s time to hold this administration accountable for taking more from the people without giving anything back,” he concluded.

The rally drew support from attendees who shared concerns about the increased financial burdens placed on citizens and the perceived lack of accountability in government spending.

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