Grenada to unveil PR programme ahead of VAT implementation

ST GEORGES, Grenada, Jan 16 (CMC) - The Grenada government is pressing ahead with plans to introduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) by October 1 this year, officials her said Tuesday. They said in this regarded a public education programme will soon be launched to give Grenadians an introduction to the new tax which will replace a number of other taxes, including the General Consumption Tax, Airline Ticket Tax and Motor Vehicle Purchase Tax. A government release said the main plank of this education programme will be a White Paper which will contain the policies and proposals upon which VAT would be implemented and administered. The Keith Mitchell administration said the White Paper, to be launched on January 23, is "in keeping with the government’s commitment to consult with stakeholders on major policy issues". Grenada will join a number of Caribbean countries which have changed their tax system to the VAT. Guyana introduced a 16 per cent VAT on January 1 this year to widespread complaints from consumers and merchants who say they do not understand the new tax system.