Following the release of of an Open Letter to the TCI press, part of the campaign to oppose the introduction of VAT to the Turks and Caicos Islands, we can announce that the leaders of the Island’s two leading parties have signed the anti-VAT petition as well as endorsing the contents of the TCIBC letter on behalf of their parties. In addition an Advisory Council member has quit over the VAT issue.
Dr Rufus Ewing, leader of the Progressive National Party (PNP) and Mr. Oswald Skippings, leader of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) represent the entire electorate of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The petition has now over 3000 signatures, which represents over half of the electorate, who clearly believe that VAT will adversely affect business in the Turks and Caicos Islands. They are calling on the Government to delay its introduction to enable a full analysis of its cost and potential impact to be performed so that there can be an informed debate as to its merits and value for the Turks and Caicos Community.
TCIBC also applauds the courage of Advisory Council member Joe Connolly who resigned his position yesterday over the VAT issue . According to a statement issued by the Interim Government’s spokesman, Mr Neil Smith, “Mr Connolly has stood down because he felt no longer able to support the Government’s VAT Bill in its current form. He understands the Government’s objective in trying to secure a regular dependable income through VAT, but feels a delay would give more time to assess its suitability to the Islands.”
