Axe the Tax

Saint Lucians have found themselves grappling with the burdens of a new 2.5% tax imposed by the Philip J Pierre administration, further exacerbating economic challenges and deepening the suffering of the populace.

The introduction of the 2.5% tax comes at a time when the global economy is still reeling from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many citizens have lost their jobs or faced reduced incomes, making the new tax an added financial strain. For those already struggling to make ends meet, the tax feels like an extra weight on their shoulders.

Saint Lucians have reported increased prices on essential goods and services, ranging from groceries to transportation. This rise in living costs further squeezes household budgets, making it harder for families to afford the basics.

Small and medium-sized businesses, the backbone of any economy, are also feeling the heat. The added financial burden of the 2.5% tax has lead to reduced profitability and, in some cases, even the closure of businesses. As businesses struggle, it has a cascading effect on employment, causing more people to lose their jobs.

In times of economic uncertainty and hardship, it is the duty of any government to act in the best interests of its citizens and alleviate their suffering, rather than exacerbating it.