Gibson says no more creaming away of Government Funds

Finance Minister Mr. Richard Gibson has confirmed that his Ministry, along with the council of ministers have identified ways to increase government revenues without adding further tax burden on the citizens of St. Maarten.

According to the minister, major corporations including the Airport, the Harbour and hotels are using the term government tax and government fees, as additional charges paid by visitors upon leaving the island. That money is kept as revenues for these businesses and none of it is paid to government. He said no wonder Government is having such a difficult time balancing its budget while not being able to execute projects and increase services for the people because there is no money with which to do so.

The minister plans to introduce a departure tax for the airport and a ten percent tax for hotels that should increase government revenues greatly and allow government to carry out much needed services for the country. Minister Gibson further stated that those businesses that are hiding money overseas will soon have their bank account and balance reported to government as part of a treaty signed by countries in the world. By January 01, 2018 this agreement goes into effect and dishonest businessmen in all countries will have to pay their fair share of taxes to the country in which they live and conduct their business. The Minister cited that in his version of the state of the economy on St. Maarten, it’s best described as “on the right path”.  It is being built on fiscal discipline and the concept that you can’t spend what you don’t have. He is expressing hope that in time to come St. Maarten will be in a much better financial position to deal with projects like the hospital and other services on behalf of the county and its people.

###