Allen Chastanet knocks tax waiver to Rodney Bay developers

By Sandy United Workers Party leader Allen Chastenet has voiced strong objections to Government’s decision to exempt developers of the Rodney Bay City Centre project from the payment of the Health and Citizen Security Levy.In a letter dated July 17 to Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, Chastenet argued that if the levy can be waived for developers, then all St Lucian citizens should benefit likewise.According to Chastanet, the decision appears to be based on Instrument No. 108 of 2024, which granted a zero per cent levy to consultants, contractors, sub-contractors, suppliers, and utility companies working with Rodney Bay City Center Ltd. This exemption, according to him, not only lacks legal backing but also undermines the equitable application of the Health and Citizen Security Levy Act, which imposes a 2.5 per cent tax on various goods and services for a two-year period.Chastenet’s letter highlighted concerns that the levy, originally intended to bolster the health and security sectors, was instead implemented to meet obligations tied to international loans, contradicting earlier government assurances.He asserts that the levy has exacerbated economic challenges, especially inflation, and has disproportionately affected vulnerable parts of society by increasing the costs of essential goods and services.“You promised that the...