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BVI Chief Ministerannounces plans to abolish Income Tax
Courtesy the BVI IslandSun
The government of the British Virgin Islandsintends to abolish personal income tax by the year 2004, it wasannounced here by Chief Minister and Minister of Finance the HonourableRalph T. O'Neal.
He was speaking during a political meetingat the Bandstand in Road Town, held by the ruling Virgin IslandsParty (VIP). He said the recently appointed Fiscal Review AdvisoryCommittee would be tasked with coming up with alternative revenueproducing methods. "By 2004, we must do away with incometax, but in the meantime, we must find ways and means of makingup for that loss," Chief Minister O'Neal stated. He listedseveral other countries that have already gone that route andsaid this is on the front burner of his party's programme.
Hon. O'Neal said before the income tax isabolished however, government intends to implement other measuresto provide further tax relief for the people of these islands.According to law, the first $3,000 of a person's income is tax-free."We intend to increase that limit and do it soon; we don'tknow yet what the figure would be, but we feel people need thatrelief."
In touching on other issues, the leaderof the ruling Virgin Islands Party had high praise for the Representativefor the 4th District Hon. Mark Vanterpool and the many initiativesin place to improve the capital Road Town. He announced that groundwill be broken within the next two months for the constructionof the new basketball court and gymnasium on the A.O. ShirleyRecreation Grounds and that the new Crafts Alive facility willbe dedicated on July 25th.
The Chief Minister spoke to the ongoingPublic Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and complimented officersin the junior and middle ranks for the progress made in improvingthe quality of service provided to the public. "But I'm notashamed to say that at the top, there are some good football blockers,some top managers who have their own agenda, but I'm not goingto put up with this blocking any longer," he warned.
A new Board of Immigration is shortly tobe appointed, the BVI leader also reported. He said the memberswould be mandated to deal urgently with applications submittedfor residency.
The question of stability was also raised.The Chief Minister said when certain interests purport the countrywas being corrupt and move motions of no confidence, it showsinstability and investors will not be attracted to the territory.
"So ladies and gentlemen, our job asthe Virgin Islands Party team we can withstand the shocks, itis our intention to continue to do what the people want to seeto push this country ahead and we want you to continue to supportus," he concluded.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Communicationsand Works Hon. Julian Fraser and Member for the 6th District Hon.Omar Hodge also addressed the VIP public meeting. They both expressedconfidence in the Representative for the 4th District and pledgedtheir support for him.
Among other projects, Hon. Fraser announcedthat he has ordered the demolition of the old Customs buildingin Road Town by August 1st and advised the public to anticipatechanges at the West End port of entry and cooperate with government,as efforts continue to ensure that it functions better. He alsoaddressed issues to resolve the water, electricity and sewerageproblems in the territory and reiterated a commitment to ensurethat the cruise tourism industry remains vibrant.
For his part, Representative for District4, Hon. Mark Vanterpool spent time explaining the reasons whyhe became involved in politics. "I came to the people ofthis territory to serve you."
He said some people may be confused by thestances he takes at times, but he assured his constituents thateverything he does is only for the betterment of the country.He said his deep conviction is to help people improve their standardof living.
Hon. Vanterpool said he is comfortable andhappy with the VIP team he has joined. He said he has no animosityagainst those with whom he was aligned before, but reiterated:"I came to represent the people, not party or friends."He pointed out that the BVI is doing well overall, despite pocketsof problems and said his party would continue to strive to ensurethat this remains the case. He encouraged everyone to give theirfull support to the VIP in this endeavour.
The newest member of the ruling VIP alsocame out strongly against the British government and its policyof granting powers to a Governor "to come and tell us howto run our country." He said the BVI has proven time andagain that it is capable of administering its own affairs and"we do not need any man from England telling us what to do."
In terms of projects, the Rep. for D-4 announcedplans to fix the roads in Road Town, build a proper softball stadiumand fix the drains in Lower Estate. He also said plans are underwayto construct a civic centre behind the netball court near theBandstand.
He emphasized that this will be a buildingfor all of the people, including senior citizens, Girl Guides,Boys Brigade, where children can do their homework and learn computerskills and play sports. He said the centre would also be usedto host town meetings and the BVI High School can use it for anauditorium.
"I have the assurance from the ChiefMinister that this building will be built," he said, despitethe many criticisms about the need for it. Speaking to the socialneeds of the territory, Hon. Vanterpool announced that he hadestablished five committees to look into different aspects - familyoutreach, senior citizens, mentorship, drug and alcohol rehabilitationand apprenticeship programmes. He said he plans to continue toassist the young people in furthering their education and engagingin constructive activities such as entertainment.
"My motto isIf I can help somebodyalong life's way, then my living would not be in vain," thepolitician declared.