The question of when VAT would be removed from all food items and when the 17% Vat rate would be lowered was discussed on Freedom Fm’s ISSUES on Monday.
Callers to the popular talk show expressed the fact that with the projected action to be taken by the unity government in removing Vat from all food items, some supermarkets have increased their prices in anticipation.. People are complaining online and on radio at the big jump in the price of milk from around 2.80 to as high as $4.00 for can of carnation milk.
Back in January 2015 Team Unity Dr. Timothy Harris said VAT is the source of undue suffering in St. Kitts and said that Team Unity is re-assuring citizens and residents alike of its commitment to bring urgent and sustained relief to them via the removal of Value-Added Tax (VAT) from the cost of a number of essential living expenses, immediately upon assuming office.
When questioned about Team Unity’s vision for a sensible VAT-relief package,Dr Harris responded by quoting from the well-advertised preliminary list of items for which VAT would be waived. This list includes the following:
Ø Food Imports
Ø Funerals
Ø Medicine& Medical Equipment – especially for persons with chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, glaucoma, cancer and HIV/AIDS, etc.
Ø Items for Babies, Infants, and the Care of the Elderly & Persons with Disabilities
Ø School & Occupational Uniforms, and School Supplies
Dr Harris was quick to add that Team Unity’s economic relief package was not confined to VAT-relief on certain living expenses. He also cited, as Team Unity has repeatedly articulated on the platform and in the press, that the coalition has also committed itself to the forgiveness of pre-SKELEC electricity debts, while seeking to reduce the overall cost of electricity to consumers.
Dr Harris noted that in addition to the immediate VAT-relief which Team Unity promises to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, the coalition will also be ardently working towards a general reduction in the current rate of VAT, in an effort to stimulate business development, increase consumers’ purchasing power, and encourage entrepreneurship among our young people.