Scrap GCT from anti-COVID-19 products, says Phillips
Published:Friday | March 13, 2020 | 12:21 AM
Opposition Leader Dr Peter Phillips is urging the Government to consider temporarily removing the collection of general consumption tax (GCT) on certain items as the country braces for the possible spread of COVID-19.
“Government should also consider removing the collection of GCT for vitamin C and over-the-counter drugs like Panadol and paracetemol for the period and on protective gear for individuals, hand santisers, masks, etc,” Phillips said.
He made the suggestion yesterday morning while speaking at a press conference at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in St Andrew.
The People’s National Party president also said that the country address the imminent fallout, particularly for small businesses.
Phillips suggested that the Government waive penalities on non- or late payment of general consumption tax and urged banks to offer moratoriums on loans, recognising that people may be late on loan payments and not penalise them.
He said he would also support a move by the Government to suspend repayment of NHT loans for one month.
Jamaica, this week, confirmed two imported cases of the novel coronavirus, both linked to the United Kingdom.
Since the discovery of the disease in Wuhan, China, last December, more than 4,700 people have died while at least 127,000 people have been infected in 116 countries.