In a striking political development, East Kingstown MP Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble has publicly contradicted his party’s campaign promises regarding Value-Added Tax (VAT) reduction. Despite the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) explicit pre-election commitment to lower VAT from 16% to 13% within 60 days of assuming power, Minister Bramble now asserts this timeline was never part of their official agenda.
During a contentious radio interview on Hot 97.1, the Foreign Affairs Minister and economist acknowledged the VAT reduction was indeed an election platform promise but vehemently denied it was ever designated for implementation within the first 60 days of governance. This position directly conflicts with documented campaign materials and public statements made by NDP leadership prior to November’s general election.
Bramble instead identified three specific 60-day commitments: payment of salary bonuses, implementation of a VAT-free day, and doubling of Public Assistance benefits. When confronted with digital evidence contradicting his claims, the second-term MP dismissed the findings as artificial intelligence errors, stating, “AI is wrong with that one.
The controversy deepens with Prime Minister Friday’s recent budget address indicating VAT reduction would now occur by October 2026, following comprehensive assessments by the Ministry of Finance and Inland Revenue Department. The government cites fiscal responsibility and sustainable implementation as reasons for the delayed timeline, emphasizing the need for evidence-based policy rather than impulsive action.
This policy reversal occurs against the backdrop of St. Vincent’s ongoing cost-of-living crisis, with the Friday administration promising targeted relief measures while maintaining fiscal stability. The VAT system, initially introduced at 15% in 2007 by the previous Gonsalves administration, was increased to 16% in 2017 to fund natural disaster recovery efforts.