Prime Minister Gaston Browne says duty waivers in Antigua and Barbuda are issued without regard to political affiliation and insists the current system has benefited citizens across the spectrum.

Speaking during an interview on ABS, Browne rejected suggestions that the concessions are politically driven, stating that approvals are granted broadly and without prejudice.

“At no point I have ever rejected anyone,” Browne said, adding that he deliberately avoids reviewing names when signing off on applications to ensure impartiality.

He maintained that members and supporters of opposition parties have also benefited from the policy, citing examples of individuals who received multiple waivers.

The Prime Minister said he does not view the concessions as political favors, but as a mechanism to reduce costs for citizens and support broader economic participation.

Browne also addressed calls to formalize the system, saying he has no objection in principle to institutionalizing duty waivers, though he believes the current approach is already effective.

“No one should feel as though that I’m doing them a special favor by giving them a duty waiver,” he said.

At the same time, he cautioned that a fully formalized structure could limit flexibility in how the concessions are administered.

The duty waiver programme has been a key feature of the government’s economic approach, which Browne said is aimed at easing financial burdens and supporting asset ownership among citizens.