14% VAT on water & electricity consumption remains despite Opposition’s call for removal

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira has made it clear that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) will support measures that will improve the lives of the people of Guyana but strongly oppose any measures that would impose hardship.

Teixeira moved a motion this morning (Saturday January 7, 2017) in the National Assembly to amend the Affirmation motion on the affirmation of the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Regulations 2016, to ensure that the tax burdens on Guyanese are not increased.

The amendment calls for the removal of the 14 percent VAT on water consumption over $1,500 and electricity consumption over $10,000.

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan said Government would not allow any variance to the motion noting that the arguments still stand.

The Opposition’s motion was rejected and the Affirmative motion was passed owing to the Government’s majority vote.

The Affirmation of the Travel Tax Regulations-No 7 of 2016 was also passed in the House.