SAINT LUCIA — The Recent Move by the Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris-led new Team UNITY Administration in St.Kitts-Nevis to reduce Value Added Tax (VAT) on food, medicine and funeral expenses has come in for high praises from throughout the region. President of the St.LUCIA Civil Service Association (CSA) Mary Isaac has said that the government there should follow suit.
Isaac called on the Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony government to review the country’s tax system, aimed at reducing it and providing relief to all Saint Lucians as was done in St.Kitts-Nevis
The President of the Civil Service Association told the St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that the government talks about poverty alleviation, but questioned what measures have been put in place to address the issue of poverty.
“I don’t know if the government of Saint Lucia is even listening when these things are happening, because more and more you are seeing we keep spending without prioritizing,” she argued.
Isaac has suggested that government remove VAT not only on food and medicine, but on also commodities that children use.
She said parents and guardians should not be burdened with paying VAT for materials for school uniforms, school supplies and medicine for children.
The trade unionist said persons in the commercial sector can also attest to the fact that the current VAT is causing major strain on their businesses, adding that Saint Lucia’s economic indicators are also getting worst.
“The facts are there, the information is there. We need to really look at reducing or removing VAT on items that essential to every household. This will encourage economic growth,” she explained.
Isaac applauded the St. Kitts and Nevis government for their move. She said it will help to put more money in the hands of the people, which will lend to more spending and stimulate more economic activity.
