In a significant move to alleviate economic pressure on citizens, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister Godwin Friday has declared December 19 as a value-added tax (VAT) exemption day for shoppers. The announcement came during Tuesday’s cabinet swearing-in ceremony at Arnos Vale, marking the new administration’s first concrete step toward implementing campaign promises.
The Prime Minister framed this initiative within the broader context of his party’s overwhelming electoral victory on November 27, where the New Democratic Party (NDP) secured 14 of 15 parliamentary seats. Friday interpreted this decisive mandate as reflecting a profound public demand for transformational change in governance structures and societal relationships.
Originally, the NDP’s campaign platform had committed to establishing two annual VAT-free shopping days—scheduled for the first Mondays of August and December. However, the recent transition of power prevented the December event from occurring as initially planned, prompting the December 19 alternative date.
Friday articulated that Vincentians’ expectations have fundamentally shifted beyond mere governmental change. He identified pressing public concerns including escalating living costs, employment scarcity, inadequate wages, gun violence, healthcare deficiencies, and deteriorating infrastructure.
The Prime Minister emphasized his administration’s commitment to addressing these multifaceted challenges through comprehensive policy reforms. These include previously pledged reductions in VAT rates from 16% to 13%, alongside continued economic relief measures designed to improve material circumstances while fostering national unity and spiritual renewal.