The Anguilla business sector is following through with an announced planned interruption of business transactions, across the island, until a fair and equitable arrangement is reached, with the Government of Anguilla, with regard to the July 1st implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The business community has been in discussions with the Government of Anguilla for several months leading up to the implementation of the GST and, in recent times, the frequency and intensity of those meetings have increased. However, at the eleventh hour, with July 1st upon us, the business community has realised that both sides are at an impasse. As such, the business sector has started what is planned to be a four-day lockdown of commercial activity on the island, with effect from June 29 – July 02.
In preparation for the “business lockdown”, Anguillians braved the crowded parking lots and long lines at the grocery stores on Tuesday, June 28, in an effort to access needed food items and goods that won’t be available for the next four days.
The majority of businesses – retail and restaurant businesses in particular – plan to remain closed to the public for four consecutive days. This is the first time in recorded history that Anguilla’s businesses have unified for a cause. It clearly demonstrates how passionate and firm they are in their resolve, and how determined they are to send a clear and unequivocal message to the government.
We, the entire Anguillian community, await our government’s response to the business community’s very strong protest action.
