Prime Minister and Political Leader of the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP), Philip J. Pierre, has announced that Saint Lucians will enjoy a VAT-free shopping day in December, part of a series of measures aimed at easing the cost of living and spreading cheer during the festive season.
Addressing supporters at a public meeting on Wednesday, November 5th, the Prime Minister described the upcoming concession as a tangible gift to the nation.
“You see? This Christmas, we are going to have one day. One day that is going to be a VAT-free day,” Pierre declared. “So this year, you get your bonus and you get your salary. That is the present we are giving you, the people of Saint Lucia.”
The announcement follows the government’s recent rollout of the annual duty-free barrel concession and other initiatives designed to boost household spending during the holiday period.
During his address, the Prime Minister also took aim at the United Workers Party (UWP), accusing the opposition of making unrealistic campaign promises, particularly on youth and housing.
“No matter what they promise, they always lie,” Pierre said to applause. “So here’s what they tell you. They say to you that they will guarantee a mortgage for every young person. They think you stupid. They think you stupid.”
Pierre contrasted the UWP’s pledges with his administration’s track record, outlining several measures already implemented to make homeownership more affordable. “Here’s what we did for young people to help them with their housing,” he said.
“Number one, we removed the VAT on basic building materials so the house can become cheaper. Number two, for civil servants, teachers and policemen, we said if your mortgage is four hundred thousand dollars or less, you have to pay no stamp duty.”
The Prime Minister also referenced initiatives to regularise land ownership for long-term occupants.
“We are getting house lots for people who lived on that land for 30 years or more, and we are giving them the house free, so they can go to the bank and borrow money to build a house,” he said.
Pierre added that a new US$20 million housing loan facility, secured through cooperation with the Taiwanese government, will soon expand opportunities for Saint Lucians seeking to own homes. “That is what we have started to do and we continue to do,” he affirmed.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid growing speculation about the next general election, though he made light of the mounting political chatter.
“You call the election? But we are not ringing a bell,” Pierre joked. “We’re shouting elections; we’re shouting elections. And when the time comes… you know your homework.”