Political Leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), Lennox Linton, is calling for a long term solution and specific guidelines for duty free concessions in Dominica.
According to the Dominica Official Gazette, cabinet gave approval for the importation of over 90 duty free vehicles to different individuals between August and December, 2013.
Some of the well-known names in the Gazette, which was published on February 27, 2014, include government’s press attache Daryl Titre, businessman Frankie Bellot, Kareem Guiste, Earl Williams, Heston Charles, Ian Jackson, among others.
Vehicles include a Kia Sportage, a GMC Envoy, a Mazda Tribute and a Mitsubishi Airtrek.
Speaking on privately-owned Q95 on Wednesday morning, Linton said specific guidelines are needed when it comes to duty free concessions.
“The solution is not to dole out duty free concessions against no specific policy or guidelines,” he said. “The longer term solution that would be fair and equitable to everybody, is to put in place a proper reduction in the duties so that new vehicles now become more available and more affordable to the ordinary Dominican…”
He argued that presently the government has in place “a punitive duty structure” that put new and fuel efficient vehicles out of the reach of Dominicans and forces them to struggle “to buy 10, 12, 14- year vehicles and to come and beg the government for concession on their import duty.”
“That doesn’t seem to make any sense to me and that is where the UWP concern is,” he said.
To get duty free concession, on a vehicle for example, one must first apply to the Ministry of Finance and if the request is approved by cabinet, the person will be notified and given a letter to be taken to customs.
Presently there is a 110 percent import duty on vehicles, which is based on the cost of the vehicle (CIF). Additionally persons must pay the cost of shipping and insurance.
What is so wrong with the policy. The names are gazetted hence there is no secret in the process. Linton must be reminded that prior to UWP loosing elections their supporters were given duty free forms PRE-APPROVED with no names on the form. Will and come again.
The Government of Dominica needs to do better for it’s citizens. Basically what they have done is but a system in place so that only the car dealerships in Dominica benefits and if they were selling the vehicles reasonably I would say patience. Vehicles especially those bought out of the United States had already paid duties to the U.S. Government. Then when a Dominican buys that same vehicle and ships it home, he has to pay duties to the Dominican Government. The bad thing is that the Dominican government is charging 110%. The Customs duties into the U.S. on most vehicles is 3 to 4%. What a difference! I know the country has to survive but keeping the people down is not the way to do it. In actuality the freedom people have to spend their money, the more imports you have and the more duties you collect. The rates doesn’t have to be so high. Right now this is seems like financial genocide!
Anonymous, please ask the ADMIN not to delete my post, you Anonymous are a brainless sorry specimen as a retarded moron no doubt and a thorough
I listened to Linton and felt insulted when he said that the DLP government’s high taxes was causing Dominicans (like me ) to bring in 10 and 12 year old “JunK” into the country.
I love my 2002 Japanese Vehicle I secured online!
Instead of chastising the Government, and recipients of duty free concessions, without giving facts showing why their applications were accepted, and why it should not have been accepted;
Maybe Linton should produce evidence of applications which were unreasonable turned down.
I feel very elated that this ‘DUTY FREE’ talk surfaced. I am very concerned with how the system works. Why is it that a Dominican who spends all of his or her life working out of Dominica, returns home to retire and is able to bring in forty feet container parked to the max including new vehicle is qualified to receive duty free whilst those of us who have given all our service to the country have great difficulty in enjoying the same benefit? TO ALL THE LEADERS OF THIS COUNTRY. The OLD, NEW AND THE WANABEES put measures in place to motivate devoted citizens like ME. I have worked long and hard enough for low salaries and I am still struggling to build my house and my retirement age is slowing creeping on me. IF NO ONE IS LISTENING I SHALL CONTINUE TO HOLD BACK AS MANY VOTES AS POSSIBLE.
@Hot Spice,………I wish all Dominican could read your article. Dominicans who return home from abroad are treated like heroes, but those who stay home to develop the country and make sacrifices are given no consideration.
It seems that those who stay home and keep the country going are the least of the apostles, and those who return should have all doors open to them for enjoyment. Its like those who stay home should not enjoy any rewards.
The same attitude is in our consumption habits . We view imports as better than local . Listen to our radio, we do not promote local songs and local entertainment. SHAME!
Im now beginning to feel sorry for Mr linton. Linton only begin to realize that his hope is slipping away of being prime minister, so he is fumbling around trying to find somethings he thinks that will tick to wall.
I am not a support of UWP and it is fact they are the ones that mounted this ridiculous debt we had in the early 2000’s. However, this is a valid point. Why do strangers enjoy duty free while we who live and work on the island have to pay VAT. If all duties are reduced, this would increase the purchasing power of many Dominicans. However, merchants have to be fair and pass the savings on to consumers as well.
That Suzuki that Lennox has driving was approved by Earl Williams when Earl was Minister of Public Works.
It is not an agricultural vehicle, but he got it duty free, NOT through the Minister of Agriculture when there was a program at the time for vehicles used for agriculture would get duty free concession. But by Earl Williams.
THAT IS CORRUPTION, MR. LINTON! Check yourself,
Liar.
I cya believe dat… u knoe how customs killing yo if u try and bring down a lil boggy from overs? Once you a regular man ehh? But is so I doe taking them on, krazy N dem lookin’ out fo dey self n so me a do to!
When the Politicians and their crony’s stop abusing the Duty Free concessions I will listen. That day is along time comming
I agree that there need to be policies in place…that benefits all set, not just one.
However, realistically speaking, if these policiies are in place, it will still be the rich who’ll benefit because how many average Dominicans can truly afford to import brand new vehicles?
vehicles are not cheap. If one can afford to buy a new one, then the expectation is that one can afford to pay for its importation.
by the names listed, i’m guessing that all those mentioned are “Labourites” However, since im not privy to the article, i refuse to think that only they got the free importation benefits.
It may seem so in the fact that these are the upper upper of society and therefore they’d be the ones most likely buying and asking for these consessions.
Having said all that, I agree that there need to be checks and balances, policies and the likes in place.
However, DNO, good journalism would mean that you’d do research to see how many people applied and how many people were denied. Then if you are making it political – you can say who’s who in terms of known political affiliations.
Having reread the article, i see that there is already a system in place: “To get duty free concession, on a vehicle for example, one must first apply to the Ministry of Finance and if the request is approved by cabinet, the person will be notified and given a letter to be taken to customs.’
Doesn’t that mean that the cabinet decides? Who makes up that cabinet? why is it seemingly all surprise, surprise now, especially if the cabinet must approve the request.
Come on DNO – stop this “it was said on the radio” crap and do the back ground work.
this is just political nonsense without any backup proof or investigative journalism to bring answers to the people. you should anticipate the questions..or is it that you just expect Dcans to run with every story without looking for the cracks in the reorting?
Although I dont like lennox I must commend him on this. High import taxes have been a major problem affecting Dominicans and not once during the last election did the UWP address it. All they was behind was villas.
We need to find some way to have newer more reliable and environmentally friendly vehicles in Dominica because derelicts are becoming a problem and and its just too expensive to own a vehicle in Dominica.
If big shots of society have to run behind skerrit for duty free what about the average joes of society how can they afford to pay that duty.
Something needs to be done about that I would love to hear the PM response on that issue. But I don’t think I will. He afraid to debate he afraid to talk on the many issues we have in Dominica.
Is just come on news and spew garbage every-time he fix a little road.
Guys…b4 allu say what all u want as usual, ck the region…in B/dos the its 197% which includes VAT of 17.5% and u cant bring in anything older than 4 years. Road Tax, which we don’t pay doubled from 240 to 480, liquor licence doubled to 1000 and the list goes. If you ck the other OECS or CARICOM countries you will see thats the case on more vehicles!
We as black people want everything but dont want to pay for it, so when UWP takes out duties and taxes on everything, how is the Government going to full its coffers to pay civil servants, its debts, repair and build roads, schools, maintain other social programmes, etc…remembers wat happened the last them, least we forget and be taken for a ride on the We in charge train.
Donors hve stopped giving money to the Caribbean, Africa is seen as being more in need of the funds than we do. We have to to pay for the services and way of life that we want. Nothing is free, when governments give u in one hand they take in the other.
Wat needs to be done is a comprehensive study of our resources and how we can use it to develop our country and not all this political shit talk and jumping on everything to make political mileage…
UWP wat are you going to do differently than the DLP….and nto i said differently because i see u are already adhering to the one china policy and ALBA and all the other programmes that u have criticized from their inception.
Re-Read the article please. Nowhere does it say they want to remove anything. Accountability is the issue here.
What is Linton contention? Does he expect an ad hoc peace meal policy on revenue. Does he want Pioneer Status removed or does he want financial incentives removed.
What is Mr. Linton talking about? My PM has to ensure that all labourites get duty free. He has started the process already, we need him there for another 30 years to make sure all of us get our duty free. Lennox just want Auto Trade to sell more vehicles with his stupid plan, that is all. So no more ordering then? Take care we doh boycott Autotrade next.
I read some of these comments and I was very much appalled to read that people are quite happy for Mr Skerrit to just dish out duty free to anyone and everyone that supports him. Is that really what you want when poor people cant even get a job and don’t know where the next meal is coming from, come on people let’s stop the ignorance and start to love our country and not politicians remember they come and go but Dominica will always be there. Imagine one man got thousands of dollars duty free off a Range Rover for God sake if a man can afford a Range Rover should he not afford the duty should the poor people go hungry so that he would have the pleasure to drive around Dominica. Then Lennox talked about it and everyone is totally against him because whatever the PM do is well done. Wake up people for once put Dominica first.
Why don’t the Government give you greedy Dominican every thing FREEE. Stop moaning man.
if the duties are reduce more employment will come into the country for our people, more Dominicans will thin of returning home and assist in the growth of its country instead of letting foreign investors take the lead, we need a government who for the people of Dominica and not someone who works along with the people due to what party that person represents.
There are no words for the nieve thinking regarding the current duties charged for bringing vehicles into Dominica – 110% plus. This is crazy! Who can possibly afford to come and live here, much less, do business here (especially if you require a vehicle for your business). Those in charge need to rethink the way Dominica is run. As for Invest Dominica – scrap that department, as no one can afford to invest. Why would I pay 110% taxes/customs etc for my vehicle to live in Dominica, when I can pay much less to live in another Caribbean island? Wake up!!
For a man who has been criticized of not having a university degree he sure appears to have mastered economics 101. He can definitely CLEP this course and I am sure several several others.
My friends for those who are wondering how the country is going to balance off with all these elimination of taxes, it’s very basic, if 10 cars were coming in and government charged 20 dollars on these 10 cars in taxes, because government is now charging 10 dollars on each car, then 20 cars or more will come in because it will be more affordable to buy cars, more people will buy cars. Therefore government may loose nothing and stand a very good chance to collect even more taxes.
But I guess they say government sets the pace in a lot of ways. The private sector has this very same approach to doing business in Dominica. Most businesses in Dominica are bent on paying their business loans by selling one item, so they try to get the most profit they possibly can by selling just one item and rubbing customers in the process instead of trying to sell more at a cheaper price.
I agree with you 200%. Most of them do not realize that profits are not based on how high your jack up price is on an item but on how many of the items you turn over.
It’s call preferential treatment. Free the port. Everything you bring is is free and not subject to government taxation. Then you will see the economy take off.
The taxes on duty is really too high. If you buy a vehicle in Japan FOB price US$3,000 when it reach here you have to pay the government EC$21,346.00. + $100.00 for registration + $550.00 for license +$3,500.00 for insurance. Magresa Skerrit. Keep squeezing us my brother and using the money to buy votes.
A WICKED GOVERNMENT, that professes to Love the poor.
If you are piling on figures, maybe you should also have piled on the cost for tyres, first servicing, washing, and fuel as well.
Your post is clearly intended to give a distorted version of reality. While the duty is a burden, you did not tell readers that the other costs that you listed all vary depending on the vehicle and the model year that you import.
This is a clear scenario come on. the price they said is US$3,000..00, that is where it varies. It is very obvious that each model or type of vehicle would carry a different price but the %age of duties are the same.
I hope you meant $30,000.
When will we ever have good governance
Only when people get honestly educated, participate, monitor consider themselves the government rather than “leaving it for someone else to do.”
I bought a new 2011 Tacoma $23,000.plus the government tax is $1500.00. I can understand when they took the img lone the was in death, that lone was paid on the backs of the poor now it its paid off the could drop the duty.
Isn’t that fair? They need to think this over
u mean u cannot spell ‘loan’??
This is crazy to tax a vehicle 110% plus vat,I love Dominica but I’ll just visit. That’s abuse of pour hard working people, think about it how can u do farming with transportation to carry ur supplies to the farm and ur marketable produce to market, don’t they think about that? They could lower the duty to 50% and still collect revenue to the government, by that everyone could be able to afford transportation, and that could be a boost for everyone,a win win situation.more pats, tiers,etc.
Without transportation I can’t live in Dominica.
Linton is predicting what he will do but I don’t trust either of those government they go in there to enjoy the perks and good living and to hell with pour. Politicians are scams,I don’t trust them, am comfortable where I am no need to leave here to go make myself more miserable than I am.
But the truth is all of them are no better than the other, Dominica never had good government from day one just name them they are all hooligans that’s how they appear to me.
They need to stop racking up debt. There is already revenue.
You right is “pour”, all you more mal than anything else up there. Stop cry on us. We living better than you guys, if all you hungry all you have to stay hungry. Whereas, in D/ca despite our differences someone can always give us a piece of food to eat. When all you come down you would swear and say is Iraq all you living fighting war. Dominicans looking better than all you……So just behave yourself missy.
I lived in Dominica without transportation, I can go back and live there without transportation. I do not hang my hat where my hand cannot reach. I have transportation here, but this is not Dominica.
You see how this government continues to operate, come to me and i will give you bread, well in that case duty free. how many times must one person get duty free concessions like a parasite sucking the blood off the poor treasury. If there is dutyfree on vehicles make it open to all and sundry not a few persons that willing to walk up ministry steps and beg. Ane them same people that getting duty free turns around and issues bounced cheques to customs to clear these same vehicles, whilst a strugling farmer or huckster or small business owner has to pay there 110%. Time will tell
“If there is dutyfree on vehicles make it open to all and sundry not a few persons that willing to walk up ministry steps and beg.”
Actuall;y, AA, “all and sundry” WHO QUALIFY have access to duty free on a range of goods, not only vehicles. You simply complete a form, take it to the Financial SCerretary (who reveiws and recommends or discard forthwith) and Cabinet (NOT Skerrit) decides. In fact, it is not uncommon to find many “poor malaway” who have benefitted from duty free in one form or anoter; either for importing vehicles, house-building items, etc.
The only reason that Linton is speaking about this now is that the thinks he can use the opporutnity to score points. However, duty free concessions to qualifying Dominicans are granted very frequently.
and whats your point LINTON? no body cares about what u sayyy PURE >>>>> CRAP
DNO i really find you reporting to much on this said on “MATT” not everything that is said there is news worthy……smh
things*
@Dominican for sure: As I know it duty free is awarded to the following: farmers, Travelling officers and and businesses people but this one have to evaluated. For example a baker cannot request duty free for a sports car to sell bread and in such a case should be denied.
What is happening now is that when duty free is requested the information is forwarded to their parliamentary representative to give the impression is the parlrep who is helping them just to gave political votes. The criteria is clear and these politicians should stop wasting the countries resources to gain political points.
Here we go again. Investigative reporter turn Politician wanna be leader of de country. Put a plan forward and stop being reactive with every issue that you uncover. Give Dominican real solutions and concrete plans for of your Government. Stop being like yen yen and just falling on shit that you did up man. I am not for Labour, UWP, Freedom, Pappy or any other jackass who think they have the answer. I am for Dominica.
One Love Dominicans!!
Then find somebody that fits the bill to run for the benefit of the country instead of for their pocket book.
Didn’t he put forward a plan? Lower the duty across the board so more people can buy new more efficient vehicles. These vehicles on which duty is waved are old and pollute the environment. Furthermore when they have outlived their useful lives which is only a few years we don’t have the means to properly dispose of them. I guess you are so foolish that simple English continues to elude you.
And so it is, another argument built on speculation: If dem laboruites get duty free, den it moss be because dat skerrit gave his boys dem alone duty free.
Yet, in that same gazetted number, we see all shades of grey: many persons of different political sides receiving duty free.
Linton is just another Alpha Sarah Sarah!
, read the article again. Mr. Linton is focusing on guidelines for duty free concession so people like you and I can afford to buy a new vehicle instead of one 14 years old.
I long for the day I can walk into auto trade and buy a new vehicle that wont empty my pocket.
Boss, everybody CANNOT have duty free otherwise, what would be the point of duty in the first place? I, personally, wish i could get things duty free. Yet, i know i eh qualify for even a shirt duty free
As for Linton and his guidelines, if Linton does not know that there are already such guidelines he is simply announcing how unready he is for the office of PM.
Maiezz why are u so obsessed with Auto Trade, are u one of the brainless specimens who think only one car Dealer exists on Dominica. we have five car Dealerships, Auto trade is not your God
No problem with Mr. Linton raising this issue but why is it necessary to put people’s name in the public domain? I have a grave difficulty with this. ALL governments give duty free concession to whoever they want. Whether you are the goose or the gander I agree it must stop. Will we ever reach that point in Dominica where people are treated fairly just because they are a citizen of Dominica? I do not know.
“No problem with Mr. Linton raising this issue but why is it necessary to put people’s name in the public domain? I have a grave difficulty with this.”
What I reading there nuh? Everything the government does has to be in the public domain. The government is not a private company. So your comment is foolish to say the least.
The names of the individuals are published in the Official Gazette which any Tom, Dick and Harry can pay for at the government printery for 3 bucks.
Maybe you should pick one up to see what you government is doing instead of being blind like the rest.
dno you to one sided with your comments selection of what stays
@ smart agreed dominica has enough resources, also tourism is a huge factor as where this product can be sold properly to attract more guess and income into our country.
You won’t attract tourists unless you clean up Roseau and get rid of all the thieves on the island as well as the greed.
Linton will not change the system.
Those who think so this is just a laugh.
Someone name a government that comes in power and reduces tax!
agreed with Linton duties need to be reduce for the people of Dominica, if duties are reduce Dominicans will be given the opportunity to start several business and be a part of building the growth of employment in the country where outsiders do no receive more privilege.
It would not be a 45 to 50 day month nah Jude, half of them would be sent home….there would be no money to pay them, just like what we see in Barbados
And I know a travelling officer who wanted to buy a vehicle and asked for duty free, I hear d PM say he not supporting d party, nd he must stay with his old vehicle, but some of his jeane can get duty free.
This is the level of political victimization going on in the country. People cannot express an opposing view without being labelled anti-government. Jesus came to redeem us and He was opposed up to this day He is being opposed. It is time all governments treat the citizens of Dominica as citizens of Dominica, not as political party supporters. Will this political victimization ever stop? It goes on with every administration and it is wrong.
the import duties on vehicles is very high,most people can’t afford to pay the fee, but if any feel they need help in that regard, weather they be blue or red they can apply to the government and parliament will meet to discuss it .its either yes or no. that’s how it done in many other island. you cannot write it in stone because there will also be exceptions from time to time.
And i’ll add this to the equation – not only is 100% duty exorbitantly high, the fact that it’s based on the CIF value is repulsive, in my opinion. Duty should be assessed on the FOB POD (port of departure) cost of goods. Why should someone pay duty on insurance or freight costs? To me that’s an additional ripoff of the consumer.
The port is a ripoff. Your stuff is held hostage unless you pay the govt. Pay for what????
Wat is wrong wth mister,,a good ting mister dem can never wim..praise god
I love Mr. Lennox Linton, but sometimes his political exuberance amazes me. Hasn’t Mr. Linton come to the realization that Skeritt’s whole aim is to do whatever it takes to stay in power. Guidelines to duty free concession, are you kidding me. If Skeritt was to follow any kind of guidelines, how is he going to control the minds, the criticisms and votes of Dominicans. We are all aware of incidences concerning the Management of Garraway Hotel, Mr. Arthie Martin, Dr. Saverin of UWI and more recently Mr. Spraggs John. How long, not long, please Mr. Linton have a little patience.
DNO have you ever stop to consider this:
Under a Linton Government;
Vat will be reduced; Income tax will be reduced; duties on vehicles will be reduced; transfer fees on land will be reduced; duties on building material will be eliminated; economic citizen programme will be cancelled; duties of fuel will be reduced.
Public Officers must take note. If by the stretch of the imagine UWP would win the next election, then public officers must prepare for a 45 to 50 day month at least.
Jude Nicholas, an analysis of why all what was mentioed is not possible would be welcomed, i take it that you are an economist much more qualified than Dr Fountain whose track record internationaly is known, had that been a failure the animals in the pen would have taken it up long time
Ambrose, did you say that Fontaine’s “track record internationally is known”? Did you really post that crap? Pray tell, of what “track record” do you speak? What is his claim to fame?
Even DNO will cease to exist
Well said Nicholas!!!!!!
@Jude Nicholas JUDE, IS NOT IF UWP WINS JUDE. BURY YOUR PRIDE AND SHAME, AND SAY ‘WHEN’ UWP WINS.. Jude Nicholas, you are no economist, it would be so important that you stay quiet and learn, THAN TO CAUSE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE TO RISE.
Our brillinaat Economist and soon to be MP for Grand Fond Doctor Thompson Fontaine is the NUMBER ONE Dominican to handle a topic like this, and this he will do after the election is called AND SKERRIT, JUDE NICHOLAS AND the rest of the LABOUR DESPERATES are soundly defeated AT THE POLLS. Jude Nicholas, “DO YOU KNOW THAT THE LEARNED DOCTOR FONTAINE is already 99.999999999% the MP for Grand Fond? Jude Nicholas, you are living in Mars man , if you do not know that.
Jude Nicholas, can you remember when you and Skerrit AND THE OTHER LABOUR DESPERATES said that all you would go all out to see to it that the incoming PM Lennox Linton loses his deposit in whatever constirtuency he contests Jude? Were you all liars Jude? Jude MARIGOT he is contesting we Jude. So why you and Skerrit cannot make a move Jude? Are you not happy Jude Nicholas that the rope LABOUR PARTY HAD SO many Dominicans tied with is loosening? NOW JUDE NICHOLAS THIS I AM ELATED ABOUT. BYE! BYE! SKERRO! POOR PITY!
Now This Is Cause For Rejoicing!
HOW LONG JUDE?
NOT LONG JUDE!
Maybe in the next 5 to 6 years…..not at the next general elections.
Which uwp ? The old one which does not understand the procedures of the House of Assembly after all those years, the one term party. Or the new uwp which call itself Team Dominica or the uwp team, and cant decide wether it is a party or a gang.
They say one thing today , then contradict themselves with their actions. Because they cannot understand how the Legislative, the Executive and the Legislature work the criticize everything. the only thing they know is boycott.
What has qualified this as a hot debate? fortunately always write anything I post on DNO before I submit it. If it is altered for any reason then I have evidence to demonstrate that. But I do not expect this to be posted because it might give others the same idea.
@Jude Nicholas, by the way your name sounds like “Judas” I must say. If you just delete the last two letters in Jud…and replace them with the last two in Nichol… we will end up with Judas. Just an observation ok.
Concerning your comment, is either you reading upside down, you just totally blind and someone has to read what they want to you or you have personal gains under Skerrit that you scared of losing when UWP wins. Lenox DID NOT say he would reduce duty on cars but simply wants something that fair and equitable to everyone. What’s wrong with that? It is not fair to give duty-free to his friends that are able and when it’s time for the poor they have to pay. Concerning you message to public officers if you were truly concerned about them you tell Skerrit that it is NOT FAIR to give Charles Jong a one year contract worth $96,000.00 while most public officers don’t make $50K a year
Don’t talk nonsense. If the wasting of taxpayers money, which is occurring right now under this labour administration, would stop all kind of taxes could be reduced for the benefit of all Dominicans.
If you knew just a little more than Skerrit you would realize that the government would make more money because more people would import things. So answer this. Which is more, 10% of a million or 100% 10 thousand?
The the Economist Jude——- Jude where did you get that degree in Economics. Jude stop being a Skerrit Clown Jude. Where have your shame buds gone to Jude.
Wishful thinking. 2 party’s different heads. Same old thing. Just looks different.
@Jude Finally a Govt who will reduce taxes
For environmental reasons, the taxes on foreign car imports should be structured to discourage purchases of vehicles older than ten years and to encourage the purchase of new, fuel-efficient vehicles. Secondly, the granting of discretionary concessions should be limited. They encourage wasteful consumption and result in loss of revenue to the State. In that regard, the discretionary powers of the Cabinet on tax matters should be limited. Too much abuse goes on!
It’s five years old not 10
The problem is we can’t afford vehicles newer than 5 years old. Especially with what dealerships charging. A Kia Sorento by Auto Trade is $180,000EC. $180k for a damn Kia? That is a $28k usd car AT MOST. Even with the 30% duty on a new car and whatever profit the deal should make on it, there is still no feasible way it should be that much.
Even 10 year old cars dealerships bringing in, they still want to charge $60k-$70k
u are one branwashed individual, there are five car dealerships on island
there’s no reason for 110% duties on a ten year old car.
the duty should just be the same no matter the age. or at least make it 50% on a 10 year old car then. new cars are 30%
110% duty on a vehicle…that is crazy…
dcans have not strike for a reduction on that….that is mind boggling.
@ bias And you must go to Skerrit to beg, for a reduction, then in anticipation of your vote, he waives the duty for you. REAL MADNESS! That’s why Skerrit and his gang SHOULD BE KICKED OUT BY THE ELECTORATE.
Lintonnnnnnn I voting you just like dat. We want change.
This is the reasoning of a man with a brain. Skerrit’s trick is if you want one of these imported vehicles, you have to come to me, so that “I” waive the duty, and in the process, I WILL BUY YOU AND YOUR VOTE.
Thank you linton!
…. and what make you think Linton will change the system? You are so gullible.
@?? Because of his brain, and the BRILLIANT leadership qualities he has brought to thousands of Dominicans INCLUDING YOU. This is in addition to the remarkably capable qualities and ability of his WONDERFULLY EXCELLENT TEAM. No political party over the last two or more decades has assembled such an excellent and potent team to govern the nations affairs.
At least you can see there is something wrong with the current system.
@%, you must be in wonderland.
No matter how well intended, political favors happen in every party. Some just more blatant than others. Like everywhere, its who knows you. It is easy to say lets kill the high duty. I want a reduction too. The only question is: with a reduction in taxes and duties and an agricultural sector in decline, unless the tourism and financial market can be a real boom, even with minimal corruption, where will the revenue come from to balance things off? With this excessive duty, authorities are encouraged to do nothing by the fact that used cars are still coming in; most find the money.
When I first heard of the many vehicles to which Dominicans had received duty free concessions, my first thought came on Peter Karam of Karam Motors. Did he really expect Skeritt forget that he had snubbed him during the Independence Celebrations.
one set that benefitting
Their slogan is “””All Shall Beg”””. The good Labour Party Slogan of the past was “””All Shall Eat”””.
in this century and the way the world works.you pay 110% duty on a vehicle? that’s the price of the vehicle plus 10 %. who in their right mind thinks that this is fear, no ordinary Dominican can afford this.
I don’t care about Linton or party cause they are all crap. but in this modern century this is crazy.
@ Bull crap That’s why LInton will address this. Did you understand what you read? According to Linton , specific guidelines are needed re Duty Free Concessions.
READ WLL, UNDERSTAND, THEN COMMENT.