CHARLESTOWN, Nevis, Mar. 30.2018 – THE Ministry of Finance on Nevis has recorded increased revenue collection for the first three months of 2018, but Premier, Mark Brantley is urging caution with the numbers.
According to the Premier, figures for January to March 2018 showed total revenues of $41.59 million, with expenses standing at $28.6 million.
He acknowledge comments made by the Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Finance about the collections..
“So, for the three months of this government's tenure, it looks like the flower is more than the water. And according to Mr. Dore we are well ahead of our revenue collections.”
But he cautioned that the surplus could be the result of the positive tourism season.
“The first three months tend to be the period that we collect most, because of course that is the period when our tourism industry is doing well. And so, I just want to point out that…it gives us a little bit of room but not much,” Brantley explained.
The Premier continues to call on those in the public to do the right thing and be responsible citizens and ensure that their taxes are paid.
He urged persons who owe property and other taxes to ensure that they are paid promptly.
Pointing to a position being taken by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) on St. Kitts, which is about to publish the names of defaulters, Brantley said that they have yet to move to that stage on Nevis but is encouraging persons to pay before a similar position is taken on the island.
He noted that the public continues to demand for roads to be built, better water and electricity supplies; the creation of the Mondo facility and repairs to the hospital, all of which, Brantley noted cost money.
“The only way that we can provide all of that; provide security and do all the things we need to do as a government is certainly if our tax payers are to be responsible,” he added.
The Premier noted at the end people will be able to say that the IRD is willing to enter into arrangements so that it will not be too burdensome, thus ensuring that they pay their dues.
