Opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves has cautioned the government against imposing restrictions or cutbacks on the annual duty-free Christmas barrel concession, warning that limiting the program would undermine household welfare and broader economic activity.
Speaking on Star Radio, Gonsalves addressed circulating reports and inquiries regarding whether Prime Minister Godwin Friday might announce modifications to the long-standing relief measure in his upcoming Independence Day address.
Reports from undisclosed sources suggest the administration is considering placing limits on the number of duty-free barrels allowed per household, potentially capping the allowance at two barrels per family.
Gonsalves dismissed the proposed cutbacks as “foolish,” expressing hope that the government would not proceed with restrictions on the popular holiday initiative. He noted that he originally instituted the duty-free Christmas barrel concession in 2001, after which it was widely adopted by other governments across the Caribbean region.
Rebutting arguments that duty-free concessions harm local merchants, Gonsalves emphasized that the initiative yields net benefits for the commercial sector. He explained that lowering import costs on household supplies frees up disposable income for families, thereby elevating their overall quality of consumption and encouraging greater spending at local businesses.
Gonsalves also defended the practice of citizens selling imported items from home or roadside setups during the holidays, framing it as a constructive seasonal hustle for ordinary citizens.
He contrasted the reported restrictions with his administration’s past fiscal approach, noting that under his tenure, the duty-free concession period was expanded to run continuously from July through the end of January of the following year to provide sustained financial relief.
