Anguillans say no to new goods and service tax
A large group of protestors took to the streets of Anguilla yesterday to protest against the Government’s plans to implement a goods and service tax (GST).
Business owners and consumers alike say the tax will make things much harder on Anguilla.
“I am here to let the government know we will not allow them to do as they want. We sent them there to represent our interest, and this tax is not in our best interest,” one woman remarked in a Facebook live stream.
Another protestor said: “This thing is so rushed. I have no problem paying my share of taxes; I have done so for over 30 years, but people are struggling right now, and the government seems like it wants to bleed us even more. We are now recovering from COVID-19 and the hurricanes. Now is not the time for this tax.”
The goods and service tax was due to come into effect yesterday.
The government says staple food products and financial services are among the items that will be free of GST.
Businesses were expected to complete an audit of their goods on hand to receive credit from the government.
But, they disagreed with the time frame given since many businesses are short-staffed and unable to complete the required stock checks and other audits.
They have met with the government to discuss recent amendments to the GST Bill.
Discontent with the GST has seen Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers and Kyle Hodge resign from the government recently.
Both former ministers accused Premier Dr Ellis Webster and his government of neglecting the wishes of Anguillans.
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