Grenada’s 5 percent levy may create month-long protest
by Kishawn Thomas
Caribbean Net News Grenada Correspondent
Email: kishawn@caribbeannetnews.com
Friday, December 23, 2005
ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada: Finance Minister Anthony Boatswain is appealing to the Grenada Trades Union Council to see the wisdom behind the implementation of the 5 percent National Reconstruction Levy at the beginning of next year.
The GTUC passed a resolution last weekend, demanding that government immediately withdraw the levy on workers’ salaries.
At the meeting, the GTUC also authorised its management committee to issue a clear statement opposing the implementation of the 5 percent levy, declaring January 2006 a month of mass protest if the government refused to withdraw the levy by December 31, 2005.
But Minister Boatswain reiterated that Grenada must do its part to contribute to the reconstruction process, if it is to continue receiving support from the international community.
He said it is against the philosophy of the government to impose this type of tax, but when faced with difficult situations, they must take certain measures.
Meanwhile, at a press conference held last Monday to update the media on its position, the GTUC President, Mrs Madonna Hartford, said the resolution will soon be publicised.
Mrs. Hartford told Caribbean Net News that the GTUC will be putting the necessary systems in place to mobilise workers to take lawful action if it becomes necessary.
by Kishawn Thomas
Caribbean Net News Grenada Correspondent
Email: kishawn@caribbeannetnews.com
Friday, December 23, 2005
ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada: Finance Minister Anthony Boatswain is appealing to the Grenada Trades Union Council to see the wisdom behind the implementation of the 5 percent National Reconstruction Levy at the beginning of next year.
The GTUC passed a resolution last weekend, demanding that government immediately withdraw the levy on workers’ salaries.
At the meeting, the GTUC also authorised its management committee to issue a clear statement opposing the implementation of the 5 percent levy, declaring January 2006 a month of mass protest if the government refused to withdraw the levy by December 31, 2005.
But Minister Boatswain reiterated that Grenada must do its part to contribute to the reconstruction process, if it is to continue receiving support from the international community.
He said it is against the philosophy of the government to impose this type of tax, but when faced with difficult situations, they must take certain measures.
Meanwhile, at a press conference held last Monday to update the media on its position, the GTUC President, Mrs Madonna Hartford, said the resolution will soon be publicised.
Mrs. Hartford told Caribbean Net News that the GTUC will be putting the necessary systems in place to mobilise workers to take lawful action if it becomes necessary.
