Jamaica Government to increase property tax
The Governmet of Jamaica has given the clearest signal yet that property tax is to be increased.
The tax is the biggest source of revenue for local authorities, but compliance from property owners has traditionally been low.
Local Government Minister Noel Arscott, yesterday indicated that the cost of providing services such as garbage collection and street lighting has increased, so the Government needs to collect more.
Making his contribution to the Sectoral Debate, Mr. Arscott announced that the property revaluation exercise will be completed this fiscal year
He says the new rates will be applied during 2013/2014.
This will coincide with plans to increase the level of tax compliance by property owners from 51 to 65 percent.
RJR
VAT System in St.Lucia delayed!
The implementation of the Value Tax System in St.Lucia has been delayed by one month. Instead of the September 1st target date, the tax will be introduced on October 1st 2012.
Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Dr. Kenny Anthony made the announcement on Tuesday during the second reading of the VAT bill at the first sitting of the house of assembly since the budget presentation in May.
He says the purpose of the postponement is to prepare St.Lucians physiologically and otherwise for the tax system albeit the possible loss of revenue during the period.
Leader of the Opposition Stephenson King claims the announcement is testament to his contention more time is needed for the VAT office to crystallize issues in the
VAT bill, the administration of the tax regime and the wide ranging public education campaign. King backs calls allegedly made by members of the Chamber of Commerce for a six month implementation process.
He argues the intricacies of the system and meticulous accounting requires detailed planning.
But Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony says despite some unease the private sector supports tax reform.
He says the Chamber’s anxieties have been addressed and the business community has been co-operating with the state on the implementation process.
The VAT bill which was passed in the House will be debated in the upper house at the next scheduled meeting of the Senate on July 10th 2012.
HTS
Texas county to assist St Kitts-Nevis with law enforcement
The police chief in Harris County, Texas, Sheriff Adrian Garcia, has pledged his department’s support to assist St Kitts and Nevis in the area of law enforcement.
Garcia met and held discussions with St Kitts-Nevis Commissioner of Police, C. G. Walwyn, who was on a visit to Texas.
Garcia and Walwyn are both master peace officers licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education (TCLEOSE).
The sheriff noted that both he and Walwyn have been trained and served with Harris County.
Garcia has pledged the full support of the Harris County Sheriff's Department in a sister agency partnership with the Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force.
Garcia heads the largest sheriff’s office in Texas and the third-largest in the United States. He is a native Houstonian who chose public service as a profession and became an officer with the Houston Police Department in 1980.
At HPD he patrolled neighbourhoods, investigated violent crimes, developed community-policing initiatives and worked to strengthen the relationship between residents and law enforcement. In 1994, Houston Mayor Bob Lanier appointed Garcia as the Houston Police Department’s Liaison to the Mayor’s Anti-Gang Office. In 1999, Mayor Lee Brown promoted him to director of the Mayor’s Anti-Gang Office, where he served until 2003.
Garcia was elected to the Houston City Council in 2003 and he chaired the council’s public safety and homeland security committee. In 2007, Mayor Bill White appointed him mayor pro-tempore.
During his time on council he helped create the Centralized Gang Intelligence and Enforcement Division and amend the city budget to provide funding for a Real Time Crime Center of the Houston Police Department. He also led the effort to reduce overuse of ambulance service by helping to create Care Houston, a case management initiative.
He returned to his law enforcement roots in 2009 as the newly elected sheriff, providing the leadership needed to restore the public’s confidence in the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the direction and resources necessary to bring the HCSO into the 21st century.
Garcia is accomplishing these goals based on the fundamental principles that have guided his career and his life: hard work, honesty and public service. He credits his wife Monica, his daughter Nina, his parents and other family members for inspiring him to serve.
As sheriff of Harris County, Garcia oversees an operating budget of approximately $420 million and a workforce of about 4,000 law enforcement and civilian employees.
The sheriff has put into place new technological systems that allow for the tracking of reported crime in Harris County in real time, a new Gang Suppression Unit, strengthened Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness programs, a Graffiti Abatement Program using inmate labour, increased participation in federal task forces, strengthened internal accountability systems, the first-ever executive leadership training conference, employee recognition ceremonies, and operating cost reduction initiatives that have brought spending for the Sheriff’s Office under control.
Recognizing the value of community partnerships, the sheriff has developed numerous community outreach and partnership initiatives to keep Harris County safe, as well as programs to reduce recidivism within the inmate population.
Canada to set up military support hub in Jamaica
Jamaica and Canada have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a Canadian military operation support hub on the island.
The MoU was signed in Kingston by portfolio minister, Peter Bunting, and Canada’s National Defence Minister, Peter MacKay, on Tuesday.
The establishment of the operational support hub (OSH) in Jamaica will provide a legal framework that enables the Canadian government, through its military forces and other government departments, to provide logistical support to routine operations throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.
This support will be strengthened by the collaboration, co-operation and assistance of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).
In his remarks, Bunting said the government of Jamaica is honoured to be a part of the effort, which enables both governments to combine and effectively utilise scarce human and material resources to offer peacekeeping and humanitarian services.
He said the establishment of the operational hub will also enable the Canadian government, through its military forces, to provide support for special disaster relief operations throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.
Bunting noted that the longstanding and close relationship between the governments and militaries of both countries made it a natural choice for Jamaica to be selected as host of the OSH.
“We feel privileged to be host of this support hub, as it is our understanding that this is one of only six across the entire world,” he said.
The minister also recognised Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Antony Anderson, and his team for the “tremendous” work they have been doing, and cited the “two-way” relationship between Canada and Jamaica.
“The relationship is such that it’s not only Canada contributing to us in Jamaica and the JDF, but Jamaica also provides useful support, useful expertise… in other training efforts, which are conducted jointly, either here in Jamaica, in the region or in Canada,” he said.
For his part, MacKay said the MoU is a “historic” agreement, which builds on a long and highly successful history of partnership and co-operation between both countries.
He noted that Canada recognises that the security of the Caribbean is very much linked, not only to that of the broader western hemisphere, “but to our own security as well."
“We know that a concerted and timely response to those in need after earthquakes and hurricanes and weather incidents is critical. In fact, it’s fair to say that the ability to respond quickly is very often what contributes to the saving of lives and the lessening of suffering,” MacKay said.
With the MoU, Canada will secure access to existing airports, seaports and other logistics support facilities in Jamaica that will allow Canada to respond rapidly to regional crises when they occur.
The MoU outlines operational procedures that will be followed to activate the OSH in Jamaica.
MacKay, who was on a two-day visit to Jamaica, has also toured the Canada-funded infrastructure at Up Park Camp, which includes the Joint Information and Operations Centre (JIOC), the foreign student accommodations for the Jamaican Military Aviation School (JMAS), which Canada has been instrumental in establishing, and the location of the future facilities that will be used for aviation deployment and training.
Mottley: What Budget?
Opposition MP Mia Mottley says they are still waiting for The Budget to be delivered.
Mottley, in delivering The Reply to the Budget this evening in Parliament, said "we waited and waited" but got nothing in what she described as the longest Budget speech that she has recalled.
“This is a Budget we will address with sober optimism because Barbadians deserve no less than that," she said.
Mottley said she sometimes feels that this Government lives in a dream and refuses to connect with the average Barbadian.
The MP says she will, on behalf of the BLP, address this country’s circumstances through analysis and by answering the following questions. “Where we are; where and why are we still here; where should we be and how should we get there.”
UK FACES TROUBLE IN PARADISE
The British Government has a major battle on its hands over the proposed implementation of VAT in The Turks and Caicos islands.
This follows the formation of The Turks and Caicos Independent Business Council (TCIBC) by a broad group of concerned individuals from all sectors of the economy and business community throughout the TCI.
A spokesman said: “We have a common purpose in that we are all unified in our opposition to the introduction of VAT in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“We send a clear warning to Chancellor George Osborne that we represent the interests of all the leading businesses in the country and indeed it can be said that our views are representative of virtually every business concern.
“We are deeply concerned about the expected negative effects of the hasty introduction of VAT into the island’s tax structure. As business professionals we do not have a problem with taxation and recognize the need to fund government.
However we do have a major problem with this particular type of tax and its inappropriate nature for these specific islands and our unique economy at this time and at this specific point in its young development. We believe that the recent gains in economic sustainability will be lost with the imposition of this "boiler plate", cookie cutter, tax system.
“This new VAT tax is not driven by a "grass roots" initiative, but is a politically driven tax imposed upon us by distant bureaucrats based in Europe without effective due process and regard to our specific economy and its future development. One size does not fit all.
“It is our intention to continue the debate on VAT through wider public education and dissemination of information and to oppose and resist its introduction through whatever legal mechanisms are open to us. This will include public consultations and education through the press, TV and radio.
“This task has already begun with over 3000 people having already signed a petition opposing VAT. Many more are joining us daily.
“This is not a done deal as many think. No government or administration can impose any policy upon a community if that community refuses to accept the policy.
TCIBC’s newly appointed Chairman, Clive Stanbrook, the prominent businessman and Queen’s Counsel, said, “We are sending a clear message to the British Government. It is the view of virtually the entire business community in the Turks and Caicos that a VAT tax is inappropriate, costly, cumbersome and unnecessary at this stage in the development of these Islands. In the short term it is clear that the existing taxation systems can be relied upon to raise such extra revenue as may be needed. "
MH
ELECTORAL BOUNDARY COMMISSION MEMBERS REVEALED
The three strong team that makes up the TCI Electoral Boundaries Commission (EBC) were revealed by His Excellency Governor Ric Todd at a news conference at the National Environmental Centre in Providenciales today, Tuesday, 26 June 2012.
Supreme Court Judge Margaret Ramsay-Hale, Tropical Shipping's Carl Simmons and Misick and Stanbrook's Tremmaine Swann-Harvey will make up the independent commission which will officially begin its work week commencing 9 July 2012.
The Commission will consider and recommend ten new constituencies to Governor by the end of July. These should have broadly similar levels of registered voters, as outlined in the new TCI Consultation. In addition there will be the five 'at large' TCI wide Assembly Members as well as the four positions granted by the Governor himself.
"This is another important step on the road to the elections," said Governor Ric Todd. "It is up to this independent commission just how it intend to carry out its work, but it is clearly hugely significant to the voters of the TCI in ensuring that each and every vote carries the same weight across the country.
“The members of the Commission bring significant personal qualities and professional competencies to this task and I look forward to receiving their report and recommendations in due course. They have been appointed by me in line with the Constitution.
“I was surprised to hear at today’s media briefing that Dr Rufus Ewing claims that he did not know of my offer to both the PDM and PNP to agree on a single joint nomination to the EBC which I would have made on their behalf.
“I first raised this with the parties in my letters of 7 Feb, 10 May and 14 June. In addition, I spoke about this opportunity to both party leaders at the JAGS McCartney commemoration and again at my separate meetings with them only last week. I believe that this provided more than adequate time for such a nomination to be given.”
Battle of the Bands Winners Announced
Islandcom’s Battle of the Bands competition was the event of the summer! The Turtle Cove Marina overflowed with people to the free concert event. Unlike music fest of the past the Islandcom Battle of the bands was a free event with all local bands. It was quite a show! Six bands performed that night for the top 3 spots. At stake was $4,000.00 for 1st place, $2,000.00 for 2nd place, and $1000.00 for third. The bands on the roster for the night were Roots, QBand Links, Justified, V6, Lee and the Force, and Rasta Generation. Each band was equally talented and gave great performances. They delivered their own style of music and performed lots of crowd favourites.
Rasta Generation opened the show with smooth reggae music. They delighted the crowd with a favourite Bob Marley tune everyone sang to. Next up on the stage was Grand Turk’s Roots. They got the crowd going with popular soca songs from back in the days as well as new ones. The third band of the night Justified, delight the crowd with their mellow music. Their set included a song of their own. Fourth group to play was rake and scrape band, V6 also out of Grand Turk. They rocked the crowd with a tribute song to JAGS McCartney that had everyone on their feet. Lee and the Force were a special treat as always; performed a tribute song to Whitney Houston. Q Band Links wowed the crowd with their rendition of Party Rock by LMFAO along with other hit songs.
The winners of the night were determined by a point system that combined scoring from the judges and the number of text message votes from the crowd. The three judges for the night were Joan Astwood, Goddfrey Been, and Ramez Hakoura. The judges scored each band after their individual performances. After all the bands performed the crowd was given 2 minutes to send in their text to the band of their choice. After the numbers were calculated the top three were clearly established. In third place winning $1000.00 was duo Justified. In second place, winning $2000.00 and 6 months of Islandcom service was Qband Links. Taking home the grand prize of $4,000.00, a year of service from Islandcom and Samsung Galaxy S phones was rake and scrape band V6.
Chandra Craigg, of the Islandcom Marketing team talks about the event turn out. “Lee Ingham and I have put a lot into this event and are very happy with everything coming together as planned. We owe a large thanks to many entities on island. The Wine Cellar, of course, as our cosponsors of the event contributed quite a lot to its success. We also couldn’t have done it without the help of Dion Pratt and the Sky Juice Team. They really had us covered! Special thanks also goes out to our host David Bowen for keeping the crowd entertained and informed. Thanks also goes out to the judges for their fair voting. Security company CSS were excellent. They provided us with sea patrol, land patrol, as well as guard dog patrol. Other companies we owe thanks to are Crazy George and the Turtle Cove Marina, TCI Waste, Blue Loos, the TCI Sports Commission, Q’Deano Productions, William John, Silver Blue Productions, EMS, photographer Delphine Hartshorn, our wonderful DJ’s- Liqua Fox and Techno Sounds, and of course the bands.”
VAT WHITE PAPER UPDATE
The VAT White Paper will be published on 2 Jul 2012. This follows on from the eight week Consultation period officially ended on Tuesday June 19, 2012.
The VAT White Paper will include finalized decisions on all those issues which were listed for consultation in the Green Paper:
· The VAT rate
· VAT registration threshold
· VAT exempted and zero rated imports and supplies
· VAT refunds
· VAT accounting records
· VAT returns and simplified issues
· VAT sector considerations
· VAT social and economic impact
· VAT transitional issues
The proposed Legislation will mirror those crucial decisions of the White Paper. It will first be released as a draft to Advisory Council and Consultative Forum members on 2 July and passed into Law on 13 July 2012, albeit it will not come into force until VAT Implementation date, April 1st 2013.
The VAT Implementation Team will then begin its public education campaign after it passes into law, including advisory visits will be conducted with proposed registered businesses, to provide extensive education, technical assistance as needed and advise them of their obligations under the proposed legislation..
The Consultation involved a total of fourteen public meetings, and sixteen focus groups meetings across the islands. During this time the VAT Implementation team was also engaged in answering and addressing questions and concerns in relation to the issues for consultation, via email and through the publication of a series of questions and answers.
Position papers from various sectors were received, discussed with those concerned and contents noted for appropriate treatment in the VAT Ordinance and Regulations.
DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE SERVICES LEAVES POLICE
RTCI Police Service’s Director of Corporate Services is leaving the post.
Peter Davis, has resigned the post due to family reasons.
The 54-year-old former business manager for the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service is returning to the UK.
Mr Davis joined the RTCI Police at the beginning of April, bringing with him a wealth of experience to the role and departs just three months into a two-year contract.
Prior to his tenure in the Cayman Islands, he served as a Detective Superintendent and Senior Investigating Officer for homicides and major crime in the Royal St Lucia Police Force.
An ex-British Criminal Investigations Division Detective Chief Inspector and Senior Investigating Officer, he has also worked for the UK Department for Business and holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.
RTCI Police Commissioner, Colin Farquhar, said: “We were delighted to have secured the services of Peter Davis following an extensive recruitment process and so it is with regret that we are losing him so soon.
“But obviously we fully understand and respect his decision and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
“Peter made a big difference in a very short space of time and has implemented some crucial cost-cutting measures within the Police Service that were badly needed.
“We thank him for his efforts and wish him and his family all the very best in the future.”
Commissioner Farquhar revealed that a recruitment drive will be underway ‘very soon’ to find a replacement for Mr Davis.