Budget debate postponed to allow citizens to benefit from VAT days

St Kitts and Nevis: Following the budget presentation of St Kitts and Nevis, the federation postponed the budget debate for 2 days (Friday and Saturday) to allow citizens to benefit from a reduction on VAT rate from 17 percent to 7 percent for two days.

The decision is perceived as such a responsive and responsible of Team Unity Government which acted in such a way to think about the cost of Christmas for families. Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris said that the aim behind this is to spur the economic activity in the federation and allow consumers a tax relief as a larger number of people would do Christmas season’s shopping.

The reduced rate will be reduced on all sort of tangible items that are currently being under the VAT tax criteria. Citizens of St Kitts and Nevis would be able to purchase the items and take the delivery immediately during the period of particular benefit. Apart from this, all sort of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes or guns and ammunition are not eligible under this scheme.

Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris also urged shoppers as well as sellers to practice social distancing, maintaining good hand hygiene and wearing a mask during shopping. Apart from this, PM Harris had also announced earlier that all the government employees would be paid their salaries on December 17, 2020, to accommodate their needs and over 1,200 non-establishment workers would also receive their honorarium on the same day.

PM also asked the suppliers of goods and services to ensure the requisite protocols maintained in good order at the premises. He said that "It can be done" referring to a good model practised by the TDC during their sale. He also added that the security forces stand ready to provide all sort of assistance to business places in making the appropriate determinations to make sure that "all will go well."