Antigua PM tells Sandals to ‘take your hotel elsewhere’ amid tax dispute

Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has strongly criticized Sandals Resorts International (SRI), urging the Jamaica-based luxury hotel chain to consider removing its property from the twin-island nation if it continues its “policy” of avoiding taxes.

Speaking on his radio program over the weekend, Browne expressed frustration over what he claims is a pattern by Sandals of withholding taxes owed to the government, including approximately EC$30 million (US$75.3 million) in Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) collected at its Sandals Grande Antigua resort.

“I don’t understand why these so-called investors feel that they are the only game in town and are the only stakeholders to benefit,” Browne said, referencing the 373-room, six-star resort. “They try to wring every ounce of revenue out of the business and they don’t want the government to get anything in the form of taxes. I have been through this already with Sandals, and I don’t want to go down that road with them again,” he added.

A history of tax disputes across the Caribbean

Browne’s comments follow a recent issue Sandals encountered in the Bahamas, where the company also had to settle outstanding tax payments. He alleged that Sandals has a history of tax-related disputes across the Caribbean, suggesting the company’s approach puts undue strain on local economies.