St John’s, Antigua (26th April 2010) – The Patriotic Democratic Movement (P.D.M) is has made moves to start an independent government advocacy watchdog group for taxpayers of Antigua and Barbuda called The Taxpayer Association of Antigua and Barbuda (T.A.A.B). The P.D.M is calling on the nation of Antigua and Barbuda to support its cause, as it is being formed to bring benefits to all within the nation. Acting Public Relations Officer of the P.D.M, Mr. Elijah James relayed that this motion on behalf of the P.D.M comes on the ever growing public outcry of their disappointment at the lacking representation and accountability of government spending and wastage of taxpayer dollars.
Mr. James went on to note that as the country looms a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the recent implementation of the Revenue Recovery Charge on goods at the port which has resulted in a high cost of living, news of personal loans being a norm from the Barbuda Council, the APUA Funding case Judgment in Trinidad and even the recent announcement of another purchase of a building by the government for the IRD; these have been some of the overburdening factor for getting T.A.A.B started.
The mission of T.A.A.B is dual in role. Firstly it will be aimed at educating the public on their rights, roles and responsibility as tax payers in our beloved nation of Antigua and Barbuda. Secondly T.A.A.B will be focused on advocating the government for a higher level of accountability, transparency and more efficient allotment of government spending of the nation’s tax dollars; while advocating having the government ponder and focus on finding alternative revenue sources to support its operations, to enable the lowering of taxes since they affect the high cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda.
In doing so T.A.A.B also aims to sensitize the public on the different amounts, types and purpose of taxes currently being levied against Antiguans and Barbudans. Additionally the P.D.M hopes that through forming T.A.A.B, that the overall levels of corruptible practices which have been plaguing the government system at all levels of its operation, which has been to the detriment of our nation, will be greatly reduced and eliminated, as an independent watchdog advocacy group will now be focused on the government system.
The vision of the P.D.M through T.A.A.B is to have a nation of Antigua and Barbuda where citizens become more active in holding their government accountable for the taxes that are asked and compulsory levied against them; instead of depending solely on political representatives to do so, which have shown their inability to effectively do so.
The P.D.M went on to note that in Antigua and Barbuda, taxpayers are continuously subjected to more or less footing the bill of what the public perceives to be government wasteful spending projects or costly mishaps and its needs to STOP. Additionally the P.D.M went on to note that part of what makes a true democratic society is where citizens of every genre as the overall stakeholders of the nation, take an active role in the governance of the nation.
The P.D.M meets regularly on Thursdays at the Andy Roberts Stand at the Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG) at 7pm and is currently seeking to establish an alternative political organization to foster a greater and more accountable, efficient and democratic system governance, while building patriotic pride in Antigua and Barbuda. Its meetings are opened to the public and all patriotic Antiguans and Barbudans are invited to come out and share their thoughts, ideas and concerns in building our beloved nation. It’s Country before Self!!! Patriots interested in finding out about more about the organization or even joining can contact 785-5796 / 725-8324 or email pdmantiguabarbuda@gmail.com
