Tag: Taxes

Prime Minister Pierre’s 2.5% Levy- A Broken Promise to Saint Lucians

In August 2023, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre introduced the now-infamous 2.5% Health and Security Levy, claiming it was a temporary measure, one that would last only two years. He assured Saint Lucians that the levy would end in August 2025. But today, we know that was not the truth. In his latest 2025/2026 Budget, the Prime Minister has quietly…

United Workers Party Statement on Ratified Motions at 43rd Annual Convention

The United Workers Party (UWP) is proud to announce the ratification of several key motions during our 43rd Annual Convention held on Sunday in Dennery South. These resolutions will form a critical part of our policy agenda upon forming the next government and reflect our ongoing commitment to improving the lives of all Saint Lucians. The motions cover essential areas…

Are You Better Off Today Than You Were Three Years Ago?

Three years ago, you entrusted Philip J. Pierre and the Saint Lucia Labour Party with the governance of our beloved country. Now, it’s time to reflect on that decision and ask ourselves a critical question: Are we better off today than we were three years ago? In the past three years, we have witnessed several concerning developments: High Fuel and…

The Failure of Saint Lucia’s 2.5% Health and Security Levy

The recent announcement by Minister of Health Moses Jn Baptiste that the Government is still working on a financing mechanism for healthcare is deeply concerning. This comes after the Government abandoned the National Health Insurance initiative which was started by the Allen Chastanet led administration and a year after the introduction of a 2.5% Health and Security levy on goods…

United Workers Party Condemns Unlawful Waiver of2.5% Health and Citizen Security Levy for Rodney Bay City Center Ltd.

Castries, Saint Lucia, July 23rd, 2024 – The United Workers Party (UWP) expresses graveconcern over the Government’s recent actions regarding the Health and Citizen Security Levy.On July 12th, 2024, it was revealed through Instrument No.108 of 2024 that the Cabinet ofMinisters granted a zero percent levy to the consultants, contractors, sub-contractors, suppliers,and utility companies involved with Rodney Bay City Center…

Deceptive Governance

By James Stanislaus The government of St. Lucia has embarked on a reckless and destructive path, prioritizing the interests of foreign corporations and wealthy elites over those of its own citizens, particularly the poor and working-class people who make up more than 50% of the population. The recent imposition of a 2.5% Health & Security Levy, touted as a measure…

The Difference between UWP and SLP on Taxes

When it comes to taxation, the United Workers Party (UWP) and the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) hold fundamentally different views, which are reflected in their policies and actions when in office. The UWP firmly believes that citizens are better managers of their money than the government. This philosophy drives their approach to taxation, focusing on reducing the tax burden…

33 Months of Mismanagement under

Ever since Philip J Pierre and the Labour Party assumed office 33 months ago, Saint Lucians have had to endure hardships like no other point in the nation’s history. Some citizens have even gone as far as saying that life was better for them even during the pandemic! -Crime is at its highest with murders up 25% when compared to…

Prime Minister Philip J Pierre’s Tax Revelation Undermines Trust in Government’s Fiscal Transparency

Prime Minister Philip J Pierre of Saint Lucia has come under fire for misleading the public regarding the purpose of a new 2.5% tax. Initially presented as a dedicated source of funding for health and security initiatives, Pierre has now revealed that the tax was implemented to meet the requirements for accessing a $100 million loan from the Caribbean Development…

Prime Minister betrays public trust

The United Workers Party continues to raise its concern over a motion moved in Parliament on Tuesday, 13 February to borrow USD 42 million or EC 113 million dollars from the CDB as a policy-based loan. The passage of this resolution has sparked controversy and concern since the Prime Minister in his presentation revealed that there are 8 conditionalities attached…