Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has issued a call for Dominicans to pay back over $98 million in taxes owed to the Inland Revenue Department.
Skerrit, who was presenting the supplementary estimates in parliament this morning, said Dominicans owed $21 million for the sale of land alone.
“We have a serious challenge in the country in respect to the amounts owed by the people of Dominica to the state. The state goes ahead and buys estates, sub divides it, put in roads, electricity water and telephones, to major cost to the state and we don’t sell the land at market value. We sell it at concessionary rates to citizens and yet still we have a number of them who do not come forward and pay what is being owed,” he said.
According to the prime minister, 40 percent of the $98.4 million owed to the Inland Revenue Department will not be collectable because some of the persons may have died.
“But 10 percent, 20 percent, 30 percent…of that amount is a significant sum, especially in light of the global crisis. So my appeal is that, while government will play its part, a country cannot be developed by government alone,” he said.
BUT HOW COME THE DLP ENTHUSIASTS NOT VOTING OR COMMENTING NUH?????
WHERE ALLU VOICES………
LOLOL I SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GLAD
COMMENT FOR GOD SAKE…………ALLU PM SAY ALLU OWINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
I KNOW I NOT OWING CUZ I FILE MY TAXES EVERY YEAR……
SEE HOW ALLU BIAS…. NO VOTES FOR THAT…. AND ALL OF US PAYING TAX, BUT IF IS SOMETHING BAD I HAD SAY ABOUT ALLU FATHER ALLU WOULD THUMBS ME DOWN INTO THE BOTTOM OF HELL
TAKE
WHAT
ALLU
A&^)(
GETTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
Hello everyone. I see the the outside world has managed to open you a can of worms. Do yourselves a favor and don’t eat from it you will never recover. We are learning this lesson now. PM don’t be so quick to apply taxes to your brothers and sisters (your country men). Here in the U.S. every state that applied taxes to high is now bankrupt just a matter of time. The states that have very low tax rates are doing fine and are in surplus. Taxes must be implemented INDIRECTLY meaning on goods like fuel ( to fix roads), clothing (pay for schools), grooming products& fast food to go for (hospitals), all employees of the State should be income taxed as the income came from the people, this tax should help (re-supplement state administration wages). But only things that you can do without should be LOWLY taxed to keep money moving. Tax to high and you will get a artificial recession people wont spend or have nothing to spend. Necessities MUST not be taxed. This will keep the poor afloat. This would be grocery food. Land; If taxed should only be taxed on purchase NOT on sales. When people buy it’s cause they have. If they sell it might be for personal hard times. The money from the sale will enter the economy and get taxed indirectly, just be patient it will be there in a steady flow which keeps the markets moving. Taking money directly from employees (direct income tax) in the private sector (THOSE THAT DON’T WORK IN GOV. STATE JOBS) is THEFT!!!!. It is half why the U.S. is sinking. The other half is direct GREED from congress. It is how they are pulling the money out of circulation from over printing TAX TAX TAX this is the only reason for direct income tax. You are not in this predicament. There must be no annual property tax. If a citizen losses his job he can’t pay and the gov. will foreclose, this is THEFT!!! and you will be responsible for the homeless. This is bad for tourism. They paid for it so they should not rent they own. Property tax is leasing of property. Think about it. Don’t be so quick to screw yourselves just because the good old U.S. imprisons and steals from it’s people (SHEEP) and the rest of the world, and who care what the rest of the world does or thinks doesn’t mean you all should jump off the same bridge. PM DON’T GET LOANS FORM FOREIGN BANKERS. Biggest mistake you can make. They will have no remorse or mercy when your go bankrupt and they will FORECLOSE. Don’t you get it? They will say it happened of your own free will now take you dues and had over your country. This is the object to reclaim their claim. Don’t barrow what you can’t pay. A eye will cost you a eye a leg and three fingers. If you must barrow, barrow for a offshore oil well. This will bring in revenue and pay itself. But don’t barrow for things that will erode like streets and light posts this will not repay itself. Use the tax from tourism like the places they go like the beach and down town, use this sales tax from these places to build infrastructure. Remember be yourselves people don’t want to go to a place like the one they just came from. If you loose you identity you loose your tourism. By the way why don’t you grow coffee or cocoa or tobacco, cane for rum. Take the revenue from tourism just for a while and plant these fields. Feed yourselves be self sufficient. Most of all Dominica, make sure your financial laws of currency have no crack or holes never let anyone outside entity print your money no mater how good it sounds. If you make this mistake you will be slaves too. If you back it up with the commodities I just mentioned above it will be as good as gold. Do not except other countries currencies make them exchange to spend this will make a demand for your currency and make it a little stronger on the spot market. You are young build your freedom it’s not free (blood, sweet and tears) don’t be beggars be proud. The gov. can’t give you anything it didn’t take from you first. It needs you to survive and you need it to protect you from foreign greed. They have there eye on you. We never appreciate what we don’t have until we don’t have it. The U.S. is 51% beggars now and 49% hard worker the exact reflection of our past election. Sadly on our way to socialism. If you must look outside Dominica look to learn what not to do. PM if you need my help I would be glad to consult you FREE. I would rather be there than here. Good Luck be Free its the gift of God. RP California
Prissy, I agree with your comments.
Although blogging is supposed to serve as a medium for people to express themselves as they so wish; I believe that some of the more weighted issues (whether political or social) reported on DNO should be given a bit of thought by some of the bloggers. On the other hand, freedom of expression cannot be constraint or stiffled. C’est la vie.
With that said, I love to see the different political and social point-of-view from a diverse Dominican group.
I really wish some of these bloggers would think before posting some of these silly comments. Our people are very difficult to please.
You want the country to get out from the clutches of China and Venezuela? Here’s your opportunity. By paying the taxes you owe. It will not only reduced the national debt but will also reduce Dominca’s dependence on foreigners. We will do less borrowing which will enable us to have more money to conduct our own affairs.
Prime minister you got to get them to pay. As citezen we have to pay and declare our taxes. If they do not want to pay send out an assessment and who is still in default of payment should be penalized accordingly. Even Jesus himself said render unto ceaser what is ceaser’s meaning we should pay our taxes. Next thing we always quick to ball the country don’t have money when we ourselves not giving back what is due to our country.
we all have to pay taxes,taxes are to help the state pay its depts,but remember if your budgit is not ballance,or your G.D.P. is not growing then you have a problem,then how would the bussines pay to the state if the economy is slow?
plus I feel that taxes on your personal dwelling should not be,that your lasr place of refuge,if a man dont have work,nor food to eat he should have a place to stay,waht about when I’m a pensioner,how would a pay property tax if I’m a pensioner, with no income?que barbaro!!
Why the grumbling people? Welcome to the introduction of market capitalism, and the new changes that will be coming down the road. The new changes that will be coming our way cannot be avoided. So let us put ourselves in the frame of mind to accept the changes. Changes have nothing to do with who is in office. Whomever is in office must find creative ways to generate revenue.
We longer live in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s when agriculture ruled. The banana industry has been dead for many years now. The EU gives preferential treatment to such places as Martininique, Guadeloupe, and some African countries. The U.S. market is cornered by Chiquita and Dole; and their special interest groups and lobbyist make sure that it stays that way. Dominica cannot compete with Dole and Chiquita. Therefore, we need to either diversify our economy, or get buried under loans; and if we get buried under loans, nous sommes finis.
Most countries tax their citizens on earnings, capital gains, business transactions, and property taxes. Dominica is not different. If you buy the property, you must buy the necessary taxes. The PM is only reinforcing a rule that has already been in place. Taxes is just one of the ways that countries generate revenue. We have very little industry (manufacturing is only at 3%); our service sector is in its enfancy; and trade is has not gotten to the competitive stage as yet. By the way, do not forget our loans.
What happens when the government begins to enforce taxes on the fair market value of people’s property? If this happens, every year, your taxes will go up if your property appreciates. It is not only the property, but also where you live that will determine how much you pay – unless there is a flat tax. The problem is, nous pas ni travail…si ou pas ni travail, ou pas ni l’argent.
It is just the way of the world and where we are going.
So what is so strange about the PM talking about taxes after the elections? The filing period runs from 1st January to March 31st every year. The PM talks about that every year around tax time. I don’t see anything suspicious about that. All you Dominicans too negative. Chupes.
Well a government needs taxes to operate properly, but when no jobs or money is coming into dominica. The pm and the powers that be don’t care as they gave all the road and geo-thermal projects to outside companies …Going on 2 years now and the projects are slow or non exsistance. I believe if ur not part of the solution, then ur part of the problem.so what has the government done for the people? Well give other countries money when dominica is doing so well lol,wake up people and stop going along for the ride. Same ** different day, we need to take a stand cause were falling for **from the pm. Dominica is a lawless country which is attracting foriegn criminals.
I will maintain. Paying should start from top. Let the ranks of the government start to pay up first and stop trying to find ways to evade paying taxes then others will follow suit. lol
Well, well, well, Mr. pm you really have the balls to tell people to pay their taxes. ..
The best way to collect the government’s money is to create jobs for your people. Y ou have already given them the habit of depending on the Gov’t. I s the RED CLINIC CLOSE? The people are thinking the land is for free as the red clinci/ But I believe that they should pay for their land so that they can have their certificate of title in their hands. The land and survey should call them in and arrange a paying plan with them.
So what is wrong with the PM’s statement? Nothing. People pay what you owe. Atleast if you can’t pay all, pay something. After all. The unfairness about the situation is that most of the tax owing people are not the average poor Dominican. It’s the people who are well off. So come on , pay us our money. As for those who have died, may their soul rest in peace but what about those who inherited their properties? Shouldn’t they pay the overdue bills?God bless Dominica.
I side fulltime with the PM. However some laws have to change in Dominica. Imagine in Portsmouth people in central POrtsmouth paying tax and not those owners in Picard or Gutter with all these big houses. So start by changing some laws. Start now!!!
you want them to pay taxes but you have to protocols set in place to make efficent tax paying and refunds effective and quick. Dumb ..
Mr PM have no face when come to business of the country may sure they pay up we they leive in the foregin they all have to pay, Also let private and public sector workers know that they need to do a fear days work for a fear days pay.
We aklso need to havea CONSUMERS ORGANISATION SET UP TO PROTECT THE PEOPLE . wE THE CONSUMEERS NEEDS TO HAVE RIGHT TOO . . SERVICE TO CUSTOMERS IS A DISGRACE IN DOMINICA.
ignorance is bliss.
I only hope tHAT PERSONS WHO ARE MAKING THSES NEGATIVE COMMENTS ARE NOT EDUCATED.
SECONDLY THIS IS NOT A SKERRIT ISSUE BUT A DOMINICA ISSUE.
EVERYWHERE IN THE WORLD PEOPLE PAY TAXES.
AND IF THIS CAME OUT AFTER ELECTIONS IT WAS NOT DELIBERATE. ALL THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TAKE . TIME AND MOREUNPAID TAXES WILL BE BE DISCOVERED.
STOP LOOKIN FOR THE GOVERMENT TO SOLVE EVEYRHTING
AS DOMINICANS WHO LOVE THEIR ISLAND HELP MAKE IT BETTER
PAY UP YOUR TAXES YOU WILL NEED IT IN YOUR OLD AGE ( SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS)
Dominicans just go ahead and pay the money it is for you all own good. Dominica is not only the prime minister place it is all of us own, so do what you have to do as a people and pay the price and develop DOMINICA.
We must pay our taxes PPL. Remember Mr PM action speak louder than word lead by example.
Mr pm good job let them pay because I want land and willing to pay and I can’t get take it from them if them donot want to pay some one will be happy for it.I need my land so do what u have to my pm
Every country pays taxes and its time we come out and pay our share, Dominicans have been bleeding their country for to long and on top of it they shout louder than any one, we want this, we want that, but no one thinks where are we going to get it from, people cant always give us, if we dont give back to our counrty , how are we ever going to be able to stand on our own, taxes are vital to our counrty developmental infrusture, We as a people need to stop playing politics in every decision and think about the true facts of building counrty. In the long run this will be what we need to make our counrty strong.
Suggestion PM do like the United States and take the taxes out the Pay checks before they reach the hands of the people, there it will always be paid and no one will owe, once you are working it will be taken of your money.
Good Move Mr PM. Question though……what about all the patients from the Red Clinic…..are they back on the feet now with skills and jobs so they too can make their payment? There were alot of patients!!!!!!!
On the land tax issue that shouldn’t be too difficult to collect because its only a few of us buying and selling so it should not take too long to come knocking on our doors.
Come on people pay up…..i want good roads so my bwet bouwik can roll smooth
Let them pay they too wicked! They have all thier money but they still crying and i hope ..hearing dat cuz we will come and sit in their hotel and eat free lunch for our money!
Mr p.m your government has a duty to collect all taxes owed to the state. Those who live in the u.s.a. and other countries legally rush to pay their taxes. BISINESS pay their taxes quarterly so lead the charge. Collect on behalf of the people. We have services to provide for the people.
“taxation without representation” Dominica, isle to all so sweet and fair?? Government sole source of income is loans and taxes no infrastructure put in place to generate any form of revenue just taxing the people then handing that money back to them…
where are the jobs
where are the sustainable development projects?
nothing.. what a waste of 290 sq miles
thief never like to see thief with long bag. .. LOL
Hm…had to wait for elections to pass to bring this to our attention .. interesting..
satan cannot correct sin lead by example
good job mr prime minister ,you are showing signs off the best goverment we ever had. we dominicans like freeness, every thing free we want two. development is paid for with taxe money not with red and blue flags. we agree to pay taxes all around the world but not at home ,we also need an increase of $25.00 on all property taxes.then we will be less dependant on china and venezuela.
smh….So the Prime Minister of the Red Clinic fame wants Dominicans to pay more taxes .. Granted these taxes are lawfully owed to the state and there should be some penalty for non payment, but his focus on extracting more taxes from the overtaxed people of Dominica will not help job growth. ..
Dominica will not develop if these people of this country refuse to contribut,the government alone cannot develop the country,I see why dominica is behind,countries you see develop are by the people who pays taxes and their government don’t mess around when comes to collect what the people owed.
i like all the statements above. Hence mine is simple; how far back do we acount and the ppl involve…their loations…etc. need to publicise that like the debtors of financial institutions. Skerrit boy, stop talking and act like you did to me!
if it was ndfd they would post ppl names up! $98,000,000.00
one last thing for the financial hog, where did Brtitish American Insurance Co. put my money?
greetings from victimhood.
They conveniently wait until after elections to address this issue…!
.. Hypocrisy
HAHAHAHAHA! Well, that was coming, if all u owe de Gov’t pay up o make them face the courts…While I support the move it may well hurt and put a thorn in the side of those who voted you, Mr. PM…let it rain on everybody!!! More fire!
Ha ha ha…Oh my word! This made me excited! LMAO! Mr. Skerrit is real funny! All of a sudden we owing all that money in taxes? . Look I’m lost for words now! Do your do my boy…they put you there, make sure they pay you back first!
THAT’S THE CATER THE LOAD IS BEHIND… BRACE YOU ALL SELF WE GOING TO THE NEXT LEVEL FOR SURE.. MR. PM DO YOUR JOB WEATHER THEY LIKE IT OR NOT. I AGREE WITH YOU 1OOO%
Well, here it is, the bankers have now made the mandate for extraction of citizens money to the PM………. The PM will forward it to the bankers. The pitch by the globalists to suck the money out of the people so that they can do whatever they please with it and have no accountability. But then again, they loaned the money to DOM. Now they want it back. They want to bankrupt you. Such timing. Decrease the size of government and save money.
The govt.’s solution………..expand and increase taxes. Look out people.
“Domerican” you must be joking with a nonsensical comment like that. The PM is right in trying to recover, at least, some of that money. Seating and doing nothing is simply idiotic. Everyone is experiencing hard times including the government. None the less, services have to be provided at the expense to the government.
Saying it is one thing mr. Prime Minister but paying back starts from the top. When you have people in government trying to find ways and means to evade paying tax as well as those prominent business places and persons what you expect? When you have businessmen making large sums of money and still doh want to pay all the tax they suppose to and in so doing saving their monies in overseas banks so as to avoid the division from garnishing their accounts wat do you expect? When you have certain business places having injuctions against the division while the little poor man business have to struggle to pay their tax wat do you expect? When you have certain aspects of the Act as Defella mention that is not being implemented because it doesnt have the approval of the government yet it is stated in the act. What do u expect? Dominicans dont respect the Inland Revenue Division because the measures to be taken to make them pay arent being implemented. Do all your homework Mr. Pm before you ask the people out there to pay up. Start with those within your own ranks first and then those out there will follow suit.
SATAN WANT TO CORRECT SIN.
…
THE CLOCK IS TICKING.
21 million for the sale of land???!!! What about the purchase of land!!?????
Yes, the ministers,.. must pay their taxes first – NO ONE IS EXEMPTED!
Concerned Dominican
So Mr, Skerrit,
As minister of finance, what do you intend to do to or legislate assit the inland revenue to collect some of those outstanding taxes?? whats your plan??. its easy to just tell people to pay but i am certain that there are sections of the act that have not yet been imposed simply because they doh not have the blessing of the govt. its in the law so why not use them…..why?? because it might l affect the wealthier of your supporters…..so are we to stay like this forever or are we going to take it to the nexxt level???
access there bank accounts and take the money. if they were somewhere say america where everyone is dying to go they would not think twice about paying because they know the government would collect one way or the other. they would seize your bank account if u not paying
its though taxes and fees that government get to carry out there work, pay civil servant, pay tax returns. its not through borrowing money
maybe we pay our taxes our government wont have to borrow so much money and put the country in debt.
we greedy lazy **dominicans always quick to blame government and politics in everything. grow the hell up and be responsible
People not paying taxes and yet they want good roads, good health care, fire department to arrive on time when there is a fire and so on. And when these things are not in place everybody bawling and blaming the government. It is ridiculous.
Pay the taxes and stop complaining.
Go after them MR PM.
Man everybody crying, you think asking Dominicans to pay all that money is realistic?
Mr PM if you are serious about collecting the money, why don’t you’ve their names publish in the local news paper.
… mr PM just look into the mirror, you set the tone so the tune is played
my question is how does the government plan to collect such a sum of money or are they going to increase the tax of the very few who pay taxes every government so far has fail dominicans by not implementing a proper tax system only a few who work in this country pay taxes while builder farmer and construction workers pocket thier money without no contribution to the state how can we develop when only a few pull their weight
yes my PM i agree with that fine i agree but when allu pay me my retruns from since 2008 we can start talking bout payments
THE HEAT IS ONNNNNNNNNN