Browne Dismisses UPP Campaign Promises as ‘Giveaway Tactics’
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has criticized the United Progressive Party (UPP) for what he described as unrealistic and recycled campaign promises, accusing the opposition of attempting to win support through “giveaway tactics” rather than coherent policy.
Speaking on Pointe FM, Browne said the opposition’s proposals lack strategic direction and are designed to “capture the imagination of the people” without proper consideration of the financial implications.
“They’re not strategic. They are not coherent,” Browne said, adding that the opposition is relying on “giveaway tactics” to appeal to voters.
He pointed specifically to a UPP proposal to remove all duties and taxes on motor vehicles, which he said would result in a significant loss of government revenue.
“If you take off all the duties and taxes, talk about $50-something million in giveaway,” Browne said, suggesting the figure would be difficult to replace.
According to the prime minister, the opposition later adjusted the proposal to a 50% reduction after recognizing the fiscal impact. He also referenced discussions with car dealers advocating for reduced duties, noting that the government has already implemented similar concessions in certain cases.
“In practice, we have been giving 50% duties on new vehicles. In some instances, it’s 100%,” Browne said, pointing to benefits already extended to taxi operators, teachers, nurses and police officers.
Browne argued that the opposition is repackaging existing policies as new initiatives, accusing them of misleading the public.
“They are actually promising something that is already in place,” he said, adding that the proposals are part of an attempt to “mamaguy the people.”
The prime minister also rejected the idea of competing with the opposition on campaign pledges, warning against what he described as a “giveaway war.”
“We’re not getting involved in their giveaway war. We’ll be very responsive, we’ll be very measured,” Browne said, adding that his administration will focus on policies aimed at empowering workers and the wider population.
His remarks come as political parties intensify campaigning ahead of the April 30 general election, with competing proposals on taxation, cost-of-living relief and economic policy dominating the campaign narrative.