Chastanet Criticises Government’s “Lack Of Imagination”

The Sitting of the House of Assembly on Tuesday saw a heated debate over a proposed amendment to the VAT Act that would grant the Saint Lucia National Trust (SLNT)  exemptions on imported goods and services. The amendment, introduced by Prime Minister and Castries East MP Philip J. Pierre, sparked a strong response from the Micoud South MP and United Workers Party (UWP) leader Allen Chastanet. In his presentation, Prime Minister Pierre sought to emphasise the current administration’s intention to support the SLNT in an attempt to distinguish his Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) government’s approach from that of previous administrations. “We want the SLNT to operate in an environment free of fear and free from fear but we also want the SLNT to be cognizant of the situation in the country, so we need them to have dialogue with the government, have dialogue with stakeholders so that we can come to a gentle balance, a balance that will normally end in a win-win situation. The SLNT asked [for] assistance [with their] cashflow by making them VAT exempt and we agreed Mr. Speaker, because we really want to cause the SLNT to be able to operate,” Pierre stated. Opposition leader...