On March 23rd, 2021 the Anguilla House of Assembly established a Select Committee to consider concerns expressed in two petitions brought to the Assembly on behalf of the Concerned Citizens. The petitions among other things, requested that the Assembly not pass the Bill for Goods and Services Tax Act, 2021. The Assembly resolved that:
“The committee is to be comprised of five members of the House supported by two “specialist advisers” agreed to by the Committee. The Committee shall be established by Friday 23rd April, 2021 and the names of the Members of and advisors to the Committee circulated to all concerned.”
The Committee is comprised of the following persons: Hon Mr. Merrick Richardson (Chairperson), Hon Quincia Gumbs- Marie, Hon Kenneth Hodge, Hon Kyle Hodge, and the Hon Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers. In the absence of recommendations from the organisers of the petitions, for persons to serve as expert advisors, and recognizing the value of having such persons support its work; the committee has invited Dr. Wycliffe Fahie, Mr. David Carty and National Youth Ambassador, Ms. Glenneva Hodge to assist the Committee in that capacity.
To date the Committee has agreed on three broad objectives and a work programme spanning the next three months to achieve the same. The three broad objectives for its work:
1. To better understand the context surrounding the implementation of Goods and Services Tax
2. To assess the impact of the Goods and Services Tax on various sectors of the economy and the population on a whole.
3. To produce an informed report including recommendations to the Government of Anguilla as it relates to the concerns of the petitioners.
The Select Committee creates the opportunity for the concerns of the petitioners as it regards the Goods and Services Tax to be heard. It also allows the issue to be examined in detail. On conclusion of their work, the Committee will publish their findings and recommendations in a report, which will be laid before the Assembly and made available to all concerned.
– Press Release
28 May, 2021
