The PLP and OBA go back-and-forth over recent cuts aimed at reducing construction costs
We can’t do our job properly if the Government won’t provide timely information, the Opposition claims.
The Opposition is making a mountain out of a molehill, Government counters.
Gary Foster Skelton takes us over the recent tit-for-tat over tariff cuts in the report above.
More on this subject…
Wayne Furbert, Jr. Finance Minister, previously stated that “MP Cannonier’s claims that the duty reductions have excluded electricians and plumbers are again factually incorrect. The legislation reduces the duty to 10% on a wide range of materials used in electrical & plumbing trades, including:
- Wire of iron or non-alloy steel
- Stainless steel wire
- Alloy steel wire
- Non-insulated stranded wire of copper, aluminium, and iron or steel
- PVC pipes and other essential plumbing materials
- Plumbing fixtures such as toilets, sinks and bathtubs.
“The only major category not included in this reduction was electrically insulated wire, which remains at 25%. However, Customs data shows that most of these imports were already duty-exempt through end-use relief programs.”
“Of the $360,000 of imports in this category last fiscal year, only $103,000 was dutiable, resulting in just $19,000 in duty collected. By contrast, the materials covered by the duty cut represent a much more significant share of imports.”
Today, Shadow Public Works Minister Craig Cannonier said Jr. Minister Furbert’s “unwillingness to thoroughly consult with industry stakeholders is alarming. We’ve seen it with the Farmers, Fisherman, Taxis owners and the Health industry to name a few. This is having devastating effects on Bermuda.”
“The importance of thorough consultation results in clarity for all. Had the Jr. Minister spoken to stakeholders he would have heard the same things we did and surely would not have made the misguided decision and comments he has.”
“Had he spoken to stakeholders they would have assured him Electricians don’t wire a house for electricity with steel, aluminum or iron and they surely do not use non-insulated stranded wire of copper as he has listed.”
