JAS Wants GCT on Local Produce Exempted

The Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) says the issue of the imposition of General Consumption Tax (GCT) on local agricultural produce will be fully explored at its board meeting in January.
However, in the meantime, JAS president, Glendon Harris, has expressed concern at the Government’s tax package and the inclusion of GCT of 17.5% on raw food items, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, ground provisions, meat, poultry and fish.
“While this matter will be considered carefully by the Board Meeting of January 2010, the JAS wishes to express great concern over this recent move and is asking the Government to exempt raw food items from the new tax regime announced for implementation in January, 2010,” Mr. Harris said.