(CHARLESTOWN,NEVIS-TUESDAY,FEBRUARY 24TH, 2009) The Nevis Island Administration through the Ministry of Finance has established a temporary Collections Unit for the next six months.
Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Joseph Parry in an address on Monday evening, declared that responsibilities of collecting outstanding arrears for a number of departments, including the Alexandra Hospital, Inland Revenue Department, Physical Planning, Customs and the Supply Office. The Collection Unit comprises of five individuals who will report to the Ministry of Finance on a weekly basis.
The team is not set up by any legislation and no other penalties, other than penalties that have already been set by government, will be borne. The agenda of the team is to encourage persons who owe money, to make payments in order to reduce the arrears due to Government.
The total arrears as of December 31st, 2008 is EC$16,134,163.89.
“At a time when the world is experiencing economic difficulties and a decline in visitors to Nevis since the temporary closing of Four Seasons, the island is now encountering less money in the Treasury, less money through Customs and less money in the pockets of Nevisians,” articulated Premier Parry.
Through the actions of the Nevis Reformation Party (NRP) led Nevis Island Administration (NIA) the Brown Hill Communications Center has employed over 165 persons, while over 240 persons are presently employed by the Nevis Housing Corporation.
According to Premier Parry, the measures of his government is how leadership should behave in terms of providing employment and making sure of an economic stimulation on the island.
Since the Premiers’ New Year's address earlier this year, the Hon. Joseph Parry has encouraged a number of institutions doing business in Nevis to pay their due taxes to the treasury in Nevis.
Meantime, incentives will be offered at 20% discount on full upfront payments and for persons who seek alternate arrangements such as a payment plan, there will be a waiver of interest only.
Premier Parry said the Nevis Island Administration is seeking the co-operation of all parties involved, as they encourage persons to be compliant with the tax system and also pay for services that were already offered.
In discussing the oppositions criticisms of a collection unit in Nevis, Premier Parry said, “This is not a time to play politics this is a time to work together for the economic betterment of the island of Nevis.”
