With more than 8,000 Bahamians already benefitting from not having to pay import duties and Value Added Tax on a number of items, the government – realizing that many Bahamian families are still hurting – extended the duty free period or ‘tax holiday’ – bringing much needed relief to many more Bahamian families.

Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie made the announcement in Parliament on Wednesday, 29th March. The effective dates are the 5th April to the 5th July.

This is welcomed news for many Bahamian families and further demonstrates the compassion that has been the hallmark of the Christie administration. This is indeed the right decision in the circumstances.

Shortly after Hurricane Matthew in October 2016, the Bahamas government waived import duties and taxes on building materials, plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, furniture, household appliances, and flood damaged vehicles for a period of six months. The import taxes on bottled water were waived for ninety days.

Additionally, the government extended loans to government employees to facilitate post hurricane repairs to their homes and other personal properties. Farmers and fishermen were also given financial assistance by the government to assist these small businessmen in resuming their business operations interrupted by the storms and to jumpstart family island economies negatively impacted by these massive Hurricanes.

We further note that the government assisted scores of Bahamian families in rebuilding their homes. As for families who the government determined to be financially unable to rebuild their homes, the government funded 100% of the reconstruction costs.

We encourage all Bahamians affected by Hurricanes Joaquin and Matthew to access these relief services of the state. The mandate of the government is to consistently serve the needs of its people as all public relief services offered by the government to its citizens in their great hour of need represent the right decisions in the circumstances.

This is also a necessary component of nation building in establishing a firm and solid foundation as we move Bahamians forward together.

Bahamas Information Services