BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – CONSUMERS who would have grown accustomed to the annual two VAT Days, where the Value Added Tax on items is significant reduced, would have to settle for one day this year on December 18.
Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris, when questioned by a member of the media at his monthly press conference this morning (Nov. 3), said December 18 as agreed upon and indicated that it would be confirmed no later than today by the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service.
At the recently held National Consultation on the Economy, President of the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Damion Hobson challenged the Prime Minister to announce this year’s dates for the VAT Days.
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In response, Dr. Harris indicated that there would only be one VAT Day and the date was to have been decided by his Cabinet on the following Monday (Oct. 26).
Speaking with SKNVibes, President Hobson explained that while the Chamber and its members would have preferred two VAT Days, it was happy that one has been given.
He however stated that the benefits of this year’s VAT Day might not be as great as they were in the past, noting that one of the reasons was the Government’s removal of VAT from food items.
Hobson said persons who would benefit greatly include those purchasing building material, furniture and fittings.
In years past, the supermarkets were overflowing on VAT Days with consumers seeking to capitalise on the discounted tax. It is now left to be seen if the same overflow would take place December 18.
