Duty free concessions on barrels and boxes entering St Vincent and the Grenadines during the Christmas season will begin on November 17.{{more}}

This was one of the more popular announcements made by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves on Monday this week, during his annual independence address to the nation, at the Independence Day parade at the Victoria Park.

The Prime Minister announced that the initiative, which was introduced by his government in 2001, is slated to run for six and a half weeks, ending on December 31.

Last year, the programme was extended from the scheduled November 18 to December 31 duration to January 15, 2014, to accommodate for the late arrival of some barrels, and to facilitate aid relief efforts as a result of the December 24, 2013 rains and flooding.

According to statistics from the St Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority, during that period, 12,206 barrels were cleared at port Kingstown and Campden Park.

During the concessions period, households in St Vincent and the Grenadines are allowed to import a maximum of three pieces at a reduced rate. All additional pieces are charged at the regular fee. (JJ)