By Tahna Weston
The Christmas Barrel Initiative and the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) reduction weekend are set to commence in 15 days.
These two highly anticipated initiatives are in place to bring financial ease to consumers during the yuletide season.
During this week’s Cabinet sitting it was agreed that the annual Christmas Barrel Initiative will run from December 1, 2024 to January 15, 2025.
During yesterday’s post-Cabinet press briefing, Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister’s Office Lionel Hurst said the initiative was “very important” to individuals who reside overseas who assist family members living here with essential items annually.
Hurst added that, as has been the norm, barrels or e-containers are restricted to food, clothing and toiletries, and items outside of these categories will be subject to the regular pricing schedule.
He said that those taking part in the initiative will pay a nominal fee to get their goods cleared from the port.
“It’s now really a $30 barrel, and that’s to account for the Revenue Recovery Charge (RRC); in other words, the time and space of the storage [of the barrel/e-container] that is used up. It’s really a very small price compared to what would be exacted were it reflecting the actual cost.
“Christmas is to be enjoyed by everyone. It’s a long way off from Christmas, but nevertheless let’s begin planning for it,” Hurst said.
Additionally, the annual ABST reduction weekend will see the current sales tax rate of 17 percent being reduced to 7 percent.
The date for its commencement will be announced shortly, the Cabinet Notes said.
in the dark ages not much changed. No progress in human improvement. As we still ship barrels like in the days of wooden sailing ships. The contents of the barrel is now worth less than the cost of buying a barrel, shipping charges, and fees when it arrives. Maybe it’s time to change to a more efficient type of packing like a box? And reevaluating what can be sent should be discussed too. Or we can keep doing the same thing over and over hopefully it will get better. Nah we know what Einstein said about that.