PNP wants extension of tax and duty waiver on goods imported for Beryl relief

  

The People's National Party has recommended an extension on the temporary duty and tax waiver that was granted on goods imported for rehabilitation works linked to Hurricane Beryl.

 

The government had announced that the relief from customs duty and General Consumption Tax would run from July 4 to August 23.

 

The PNP says while it acknowledges the temporary waiver granted, the current timeframe is insufficient to address the extensive damage caused by the hurricane.

 

Allan Bernard, Deputy Spokesperson on Social Transformation and Protection, says the reprieve should continue until November 30. 

 

"Recall that there was a delay in the announcement of the one-month reprieve. So by the time persons are made aware of it, the relief is over. Granting an extension would give people sufficient time to mobilise support and arrange logistics effectively, because for three weeks out of the one month, persons were still without electricity and had limited telephone services. And as I speak, services have not been restored to many Jamaicans," he contended. 

 

He said an extension to November 30, which is the end of the hurricane season, would ensure that the relief measures are comprehensive and accessible.