The government of Antigua and Barbuda has implemented stringent monitoring measures to ensure recent fiscal relief measures are effectively reaching consumers. The Cabinet has mandated the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division to submit comprehensive reports every two weeks detailing retailer compliance with tax and duty reductions.
This decisive action follows concerning reports of inconsistent adherence among retailers to cost-of-living relief initiatives. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, confirmed that inspection teams have been actively monitoring supermarkets and retail establishments nationwide, with findings indicating varied levels of cooperation.
“While major supermarket chains have shown partial compliance, numerous suppliers and retailers have exhibited reluctance in providing essential invoicing and pricing documentation,” Merchant stated during the weekly Cabinet briefing. He emphasized that such documentation is legally required to verify whether tax and duty reductions are being properly reflected in consumer pricing.
The government has clarified that the fundamental objective of these policy measures is to guarantee that consumers directly benefit from initiatives designed to alleviate cost-of-living pressures. “The benefits must pass on to the consumers,” Merchant asserted, noting that reducing taxes and duties specifically targets relief from imported inflation.
This enhanced reporting mechanism constitutes part of broader governmental efforts to strengthen oversight capabilities, improve regulatory enforcement, and ensure market transparency as amendments to existing price control legislation are being prepared. The bi-weekly reporting schedule represents an unprecedented level of scrutiny over retail pricing practices in the nation’s recent economic history.
