The UK Treasury’s failure to reform Britain’s Air Passenger Duty (APD) leaves the Caribbean’s relations with the United Kingdom in a difficult place. After saying that it would consult, suggesting parameters for changing the tax, engaging in dialogue with the region’s tourism ministers, and receiving nine separate submissions from the Caribbean and its community in the UK, Britain’s Treasury ministers decided to do nothing.
By maintaining the status quo, the UK Treasury is now regarded in the Caribbean as having sent a message that Britain is not interested in the region’s economic growth or tourism’s multifaceted role in development. Although this is the result of ignorance rather than design on the part of UK Treasury ministers, the effect is the same: recent indications that Britain wishes to have a better, more modern relationship with the region have been undermined.
The UK Treasury’s 26-page response to the APD consultation makes clear that that APD rates to all Caribbean countries will