If ordinary citizens now have to pay all taxes and duties that come with importing a new car, then so should all public government officials.
That’s the suggestion made by Visham Babwah, president of the TT Automotive Dealers Association (TTADA).
Babwah told the media that “If the law is good for the ordinary citizens, then it should be good for these people who are now enjoying that privilege.”
He said he is not in favour of the proposed $350,000 cap on tax exemptions for new vehicles for office holders including the Prime Minister.
Imbert announced the removal of tax concessions for importing new private vehicles in his 2020/2021 budget presentation on October 5 as a means of conserving foreign exchange and reducing the number of cars on the road.
Dr Keith Rowley later proposed capping tax exemptions for this special category of people at $350,000. He said the existing tax breaks for judges will remain untouched.
Babwah said “This is a total disrespect to the citizens. The government said the US currency should be used for either cars or medicine. They tell ordinary citizens you now have to pay 50 per cent more taxes on vehicles, but you want to give exemptions to MPs and still using the same US dollars.”
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