Basseterre, St.Kitts (November 19th 2016): Civil servants of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis are set to receive double for this Christmas Season as Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Timothy Harris has announced that a double salary would be paid in December.
During an Address to the Nation on Saturday evening November 19, 2016 Dr. Harris stated “We appreciate that 2016 so far has been a very good one for us. We have been an above average performer not just in the OECS, CARICOM, ECLAC, but in the wide world. All three of our fiscal accounts: recurrent, overall and primary accounts have been in surplus from January to October. We are gratified by this excellent performance of our fiscal house. We credit this to the satisfaction of economic actors in the policies of the peoples Team Unity Government. We are committed to ensure that all share in the economic fortunes of our country. “
According to Harris, his Cabinet in its deliberation on Friday determined that the following will be offered to government employees in December of this year:
An extra month’s salary to all civil servants, auxiliary workers, and pensioners on the government payroll. This represents a thirteen month salary or an 8.3% bonus to government employees and pensioners. This payout will benefit not only federal employees and pensioners but also those on the payroll of the Nevis Island Administration (NIA),” said Dr. Harris
Further, Prime Minister Harris also announced that Residents of St. Kitts and Nevis, specifically non-commercial importers and travelers, will receive duty free allowances on “food stuff” and non-commercial imports.
Moreover, gift packages of food stuff will be allowed free of duties and taxes for the first 400lbs From the 9th to 31st December 2016, stated Minister of Finance, Dr. Harris.
In addition, PM Harris also announced that from December 9th to December 31st travellers are eligible to receive a duty free allowance of EC$540 (US200) off the CIF value.
Additionally, the government has approved an extension of duty free concessions for Stand Alone Restaurant Owners
These concessions apply to the following purchases:
- Food and wine, Restaurant Equipment, Cutlery, Crockery & Glassware
Harris pointed out that though that the normal VAT at 17% and Customs Service Charge at 6% are payable on the importation of equipment, cutlery, crockery and glassware. PM Harris stated that interested restaurant operators are asked to contact SKIPA on the 3rd Floor of the Cable Building on Cayon Street, Basseterre.
Lastly, PM Harris announced that Boxing Day and Tuesday will be holidays. He stated, “I now draw your attention to the fact that in keeping with section 2 of the Public Holidays Act Cap 23.23, December 26thand 27th, 2016 are consecutive public holidays. The relevant section of the Act notes that:“…if Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, then the next following Monday (Boxing Day) and Tuesday shall be public holidays.”
