New ABLP Administration Would Continue CET Suspension To Cushion Price Rises – PM Browne

Prime Minister and Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party leader, Gaston Browne, says he would continue with the suspension of the Common External Tariff (CET) on dozens of basic food items, if it retains the reins of government on April 30. The measure came into effect late last year and has resulted in consumers paying less for dozens of imported foods, including fruits and vegetables, cooking oils and cereals.

The temporary measure is part of a broader Caricom initiative, but Prime Minister Browne says a new ABLP administration would extend it indefinitely until global dynamics are more favourable.

He told ABS TV’s ‘Know Your Candidates’ on Tuesday that an ABLP administration would be willing to go it alone, if Caricom does not agree for this continued extension of the CET.