The money that the government will give to farmers and other people affected by the eruption of La Soufriere will be taken back through the increase in the Customs Service Charge, which came into effect on June 1.
Leader of the Opposition Godwin Friday further said it is not too late for the Ralph Gonsalves administration to cancel the increase, which Vincentians cannot afford in this year of multiple crises.
In the 2021 Budget, the government, in February, amidst strong objections by the opposition, increased the customs service charge from 5% to 6%.
Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves, downplayed the increase, which is expected to generate almost EC$10 million in additional revenue this year.
The money generated by the tax will be used to fund regional institutions, Gonsalves said, adding that even with the increase, SVG’s customs service charge is still among the lowest in the region.
