Opposition Leader calls for re-instatement of dismissed workers, 50% cut in VAT

President of the New Democratic Party (NDP), Dr Godwin Friday is calling for the reinstatement of frontline workers who are now jobless after refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Friday made the call on Sunday February 13, as he addressed party faithful at the NDP’s 42nd convention. 

A number of frontline workers, including police and teachers lost their jobs as a result of the enforcement of an amendment to the Public Health Act.

“Allow them to return to their work with all their benefits intact.”

“The longer this unbearable state of affairs continues, the greater the injustice becomes,” the Opposition leader argued.

Friday added that an NDP government “will correct this injustice, and ensure that the people victimised and penalised by the heartless policy, get back their jobs and their benefits.”

He also spoke about the economic situation in the country, stating that the national debt has grown out of bounds and is now about 98 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

According to Friday, the national debt is almost the size of the economy of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). 

He also called for a reduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT) which now stands at 16 per cent. 

“I believe it is time for the VAT to come down,” in order to reduce the impact of the rising cost of living on the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Opposition Leader suggested slashing the  VAT in half “so that people can get some relief.”

He said there was no tax relief for the people of this country in the 2022 National Budget. 

The NDP Leader also expressed concern about poverty and unemployment in SVG. 

At Sunday’s convention, Friday also paid tribute to the party’s founder, Sir James Mitchell who died on November 23 last year.

He also remembered the contributions of former NDP leader and prime minister, Arnhim Eustace.