The People Democratic Party in a release to RTC News informed us there maybe new taxes on the horizon in the form of Payroll Tax.
The release reads:
“Recently, there has begun a public discourse on new taxes to be implemented by the government. Though it has not yet reached the House of Assembly, where it should be taken through the proper channels, we, the Official Opposition wish to address this as it has serious consequences, should there be any truth to the rumor.
We supported the appointment of the Blue Ribbon Commission but we are not in receipt of the final report. Hence, we cannot say whether this is raised in the report. It therefore follows that there has not been an opportunity to debate this in any Forum.
The FSPS required under the Constitution must make reference to the Government’s proposed Taxes even before the Budget which must be laid on the Table 6 weeks before Debate and Passage in Parliament.
In opposing VAT, we called for greater compliance and a complete review of the revenue streams with great consultations on seeking new and steady streams of revenue. Aside from this, there must be an aggressive marketing of our country for tourism and investment in order to attract fresh capital. We cannot continue to tax a shrinking base. The Government cannot and should not come to the people of these islands with any additional taxes until it shows where it is addressing the astronomical cost of healthcare. I am sure there are savings to be made, as well as better management to put in place that will provide oversight of the healthcare system. It is simply bleeding this country. The Government must ensure that the audits are done so that we can identify areas of waste.
The Opposition cannot stand in Parliament and support another tax on the people of these islands.
When I began in my profession to market TCI, I was given four points that gave us a competitive edge – the absence of payroll or income tax was one such marketing tool that presented an edge. We need to listen to the cries of the people and also to see what we are doing to our marketing strategy as a country that is in dire need of fresh revenue through new investments.
I will wait to hear that this rumor is dispelled and I will wait to hear the Government address the unaffordable costs of this new healthcare system. I continue to eagerly await its aggressive plan to market these Islands”.
RTC News has not heard of proposed introduction to this tax nor was this on the Order paper to be discussed in the House of Assembly, but will put forth these questions to the Premier of the Turks & Caicos on Monday February 3rd,2014.
