Dear Editor,
The election period is one where many new ideas are born. Numerous candidates have already made statements on taxation. Through the medium of your newspaper I would like to address the following questions to those candidates who have made statements:
Gracita Arrindell (PPA) has proposed a property tax. Would this tax be on used and unused property? Would it be on the value or the rental produced? How would the tax be calculated and if the calculation is to be on property value, who would do the evaluation and what would be the cost of setting up this institution?
Frans Richardson (US Party) has proposed replacing all personal taxes with indirect taxes. Has he calculated the cost of conversion from one tax system to another? Has he considered the VAT model over the Sales Tax model? Why does he believe that poor people will be less burdened by indirect taxes compared to direct taxes?
Maria Buncamper (US Party) has said that there are neighbouring islands that have eliminated profit tax. Which territories is she referring to?
Richard Gibson (NA): How badly is the present TOT structure impacting our economy presently and limiting job creation?
The discussion of taxation is an important one as country St. Maarten should be looking to ensure that our tax system not only minimises the negative impact on our less fortunate, but also maximises the incentive for economic opportunity and to ensure sufficient public revenue to allow for investment in critical projects.
Robbie Ferron
