Opposition MP says now is not the time for this draconian property tax

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Opposition MP says now is not the time for this draconian property tax

Government must put the needs and livelihood of citizens first, especially in this pandemic.

That’s according to Opposition MP Michelle Benjamin.

At the Opposition’s weekly media briefing at its Charles Street, Port of Spain, office, MP Michelle Benjamin renewed her party’s call for the Finance Minister to strongly reconsider implementing the property tax at this time.

She said, “Now is not the time for this draconian tax. Some families have been living on social assistance in this pandemic, many of whom will not be able to pay any tax.

“This government needs to know families are still awaiting grants, families have deferred their mortgage payments.”

Benjamin asked,”Will property tax, at this time, guarantee a better supply of water? Would it guarantee better roads? Food prices are increasing. Salaries, if they are still being paid, have been the same or have decreased. Each day it is a struggle to keep afloat. As the saying goes, ‘He who feels it knows it.’ This government does not care.”

She said the focus should have been on finding a way to cushion the impact on those severely affected by the pandemic and not on introducing new taxes and enforcing penalties.

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