BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS – While big business, Unity political activists, family members, relatives and close friends of the Prime Minister Dr. the Hon Timothy Harris, reportedly received nearly EC$1 billion in tax breaks, duty free and customs duties concessions, Dr Harris, who is also the Minister of Finance has been taxing the small man in meeting the targets to finance the travelling and ‘drunken sailor spending spree’ of him and his ministers.
Chairperson of the opposition St Kitts-Nevis Labour Party and Central Basseterre Parliamentary Representative, Hon Marcella Liburd on Wednesday listed the several taxes and levies imposed on the small man and woman since the Harris-led government took office in February 2015.
Although Harris presented a deceptive ‘tax-free budget’, Ms. Liburd detailed the assault on the vendors for the 2015/2016 carnival which saw significant increases in fees.
“Booths increased 100 percent from EC$400 to EC$800 and from EC$350 to EC$700. Persons selling nuts from trays paid $200, persons selling drinks from small coolers paid $200 and selling chicken paid $500 instead of $150. These prices are unconscionable, but this Team Unity government cares not about the small man,” Liburd told listeners to “Issues” on Freedom FM 106.5 and Kyss FM 102.5.
Harris increased the withholding tax and introduced fees for the late payment of taxes.
“Even though the opposition pointed out that there was already a late payment fee of 12 percent, Minister of Finance Harris still proceeded to add a new section to the act imposing an additional 10 percent in penalty for late payment,” said Liburd, suggesting that St Kitts and Nevis is the only country in the world where there are two sections of an act dealing with late payment, this putting more financial burden on the ordinary people of St Kitts and Nevis.
She said the action by Finance Minister Harris led to increases of insurance premiums and other services including persons living overseas and have their homes on rent have been affected.
“The tax net was also broadened to capture income from rent, operators of passenger buses, taxis, trays and small shops now have to file tax returns, that were only meant for companies and late payment now attracts a fee,” she pointed out.
The new tax measures imposed by the Team Unity Government have led to an increase in the costs of living and goods and services to the small man.
While the small man is feeling the squeeze, relatives of the prime minister, close friends, businessmen, ambassadors and other high government official are granted tax and duty free concessions to import their personal Prados, BMW’s and other top of the line SUV’s denying the treasury millions and millions of dollars in revenue.
“And the ordinary person who imports a used car has been placed under severe financial pressure. Whereas in the past they had seven days to clear their vehicles from the Port, this government has reduced it to two days. Upon the expiration of the two days, it attracts a $150 per day fee. In addition, cars must be licensed and uinsured prior to removing the vehicle from the Port,” she pointed out.
Persons victimised by the Timothy Harris-led Team Unity Government continue to experience severe difficulty in providing for their families.
“The 300 plus persons dismissed. Those demoted, frustrated and disrespected are hurting,” said Liburd.
Medical attention at the Accident and Emergency of the J N France general Hospital, free under the previous Denzil Douglas Labour Administration, now attracts fees in line with public statements by Minister of Health, Hon. Eugene Hamilton that “when you go to the hospital, walks with your cash, credit card, debit card or check book.”
“Now you have to pay to see the doctor, you have to pay for every item used such as cotton wool, gauze, injection, tablet,” she said, reminding listeners of the recent experience of a patient who was presented with a form to sign for his retirement.
“They could not wait to send him out of the hospital. That is the type of pressure Harris and his government exert on the small man daily. Frustration and depression taking over in this country as a result of the government’s action,” she said.