CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – The principle opposition, the United Staff Get together (UWP), requires the “quick and full suspension” of the two.5 % well being and safety levy that went into impact on October 2.
In an announcement, the occasion mentioned that the levy is an extra burden on St. Lucians, already grappling with a rising price of residing, the opposed impression on the native enterprise group, and the risky world financial local weather.
“We name on the Phillip J. Pierre administration to spare no effort in fully abolishing this ill-conceived measure. The Well being and Safety Levy has had an unquantifiable detrimental impression on abnormal shoppers, particularly weak residents already burdened by the rising prices of on a regular basis commodities,” the UWP mentioned.
It mentioned that even earlier than the imposition of this tax, important objects akin to bread, electrical energy payments, with a 30 % enhance, meals in supermarkets, LPG cooking fuel, petroleum, diesel, and even bus fares “have seen unsustainable worth hikes.
“It’s evident that this tax has burdened an already dire state of affairs. Due to this fact, we demand an instantaneous and whole suspension,” the UWP mentioned, including that “the enterprise group can be grappling with the repercussions of this coverage.”
“The Well being and Safety Levy is certainly hindering the personal sector’s means to broaden and create jobs, particularly contemplating the unemployment charge, which stands at unacceptable ranges in accordance with the Financial and Social Overview.
“The tax should be instantly and fully suspended. We’re disillusioned that the federal government didn’t heed the Chamber of Commerce’s name to postpone the tax till January 2024.”
The federal government has defended its choice to implement the levy, arguing that its implementation “is one measure that goals to assist our financial system and supply crucial funding for important providers, specifically well being and safety.
“We as soon as once more take this chance to state that the two.5 % well being and safety levy won’t be on meals objects, remedy, medical tools, safety tools, and chosen constructing materials. Due to this fact, we don’t anticipate a rise within the worth of this stuff at their level of buy domestically except costs enhance abroad.”
In August, the St. Lucia Producers Affiliation (SMA) wrote to Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre, in search of an “pressing” assembly to debate the levy’s impression.
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