St Kitts and Nevis not reintroducing income tax: PM Douglas

The Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis Denzil Douglas has denied claims by the opposition People’s Action Movement (PAM) that his government is considering the reintroduction of Personal Income Tax in the twin-island federation.

PAM recently issued a media release claiming that employees of the country's finance ministry reported that they received official instructions with regard to studying the introduction of the personal income tax. The partry also claimed that the plan is to start dedducting the tax by 2011.

Douglas insisted that he has no idea where the opposition got that information and accused PAM of engaging in politics of "diversion, deception and misinformation".

And he gave citizens the assurance that any move to reintroduce income tax would first be discussed with the people.

“We have had no discussion; we have had no intention in recent times or in the near future to reintroduce Personal Income Tax,” Douglas said in response to a question at a Town Hall Meeting Tuesday night to mark the first anniversary of his election to a fourth consecutive term in office.

"If that were ever to happen, it will be done after profound consultation with the people of St. Kitts and Nevis and you would know if ever at all that is being contemplated. At the moment, there is nothing of that kind," he stated.