Prime Minister and Finance Minister Gaston Browne announced Friday that his cabinet would revisit the proposed 40% increase in vehicle licensing fees—a measure originally designed to fund an ambitious nationwide programme of road and drain repairs.

The announcement comes after a surge of public criticism following Thursday’s revelation of the fee hike. In a Facebook post on Friday afternoon, PM Browne stated, “I will recommend to the cabinet that we tweak the figures.”

He proposed reducing the increase for cars, motorcycles, and buses while retaining the higher rate for heavy trucks and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs). “I am listening to the concerns of the public,” Browne added.

The fee increase was initially pitched as a critical investment in Antigua’s long-neglected infrastructure. According to officials, the extra revenue would repay a $100 million bank loan for comprehensive road and drain repairs.

The proposal has not been without its detractors. Opposition leader Jamal Pringle of the United Progressive Party (UPP) lambasted the fee increase as “wickedness of epic proportions” during a recent address. Pringle decried the move as a betrayal of public trust, noting that such a significant fee jump was never mentioned during the December budget presentation or debate.

The controversial proposal is set to be debated in the Lower House of Parliament next Thursday.