Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre announced that the new 2.5 % tax levy which was due to be implemented on July 1st, 2023 will be delayed and will now be implemented on August 2nd, 2023.
He says the delay is caused by the need to consult with stakeholders and people involved.
“Because of consultation and the need to discuss with the stakeholders and people involved, we have pushed that date to the 2nd of August. So the health and security levy will be implemented from the 2nd of August.” Pierre announced.
Pierre says the new levy will only be implemented on the current goods which have value-added tax and will not be implemented on food and medical supplies.
“I want to reiterate and say one more time that there are no increased taxes on food products or medical products. The health and security levy will be on the same goods for which we have the value-added tax, there is going to be no addition to these goods and there will be no taxes on food and medical supplies.” he reiterated.
This levy will serve to help the government generate new revenue to fund law enforcement and public health care projects for a reinforced national security apparatus and expand access to health care services at a lower cost to Saint Lucia citizens.
Once implemented the Health and Security levy is expected to annually generate at least XCD 33 million for the Government of Saint Lucia.
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