Parliament will convene today to debate on amendments to several bills relating to, among other things, tax management in Antigua and Barbuda.

 Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Gaston Browne will move the Second and Third Readings of the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2024; the Money Services Business (Transfer) Levy Bill, 2023; and the Tax Administration and Procedures (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

The Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2024 seeks to amend the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax Act, 2006 to change the date of lodgment of ABST Return and for other connected purposes. 

This amendment changes the time for the lodging of the ABST Return from 30 calendar days after the end of the tax period to 15 calendar days after the end of the period.

 The Money Services Business (Transfer) Levy Bill, 2023 introduces a money services business (transfer) levy which will become payable to the Commissioner of the Inland Revenue within thirty days of the end of the month during which the payment was received. 

Failure to pay the outstanding amounts will result in interest and a penalty that may be imposed under the Tax Administration and Procedure Act.

 The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Legal Affairs, Labour and National Security, Sir Steadroy Benjamin will move the second and Third Readings of the Special Economic Zone (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

This Bill seeks to amend the Special Economic Zone Act 2015 to include persons selected by the Minister to represent the Royal Police Force, the Immigration Department and a person appointed by the Cabinet to be appointed to the Special Economic Zone Advisory Board.

The Amendment also addresses the need for national security, law enforcement and immigration management perspectives to be included in the Board’s decision-making process.

Also on the Order Paper for today’s sitting is the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the Leeward Islands (Incorporation) Bill, 2024, to be moved by Health, Wellness, Social Transformation and the Environment Minister, Sir Molwyn Joseph. 

The First National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is in the Eastern Caribbean was established in April 1967 and included Antigua.  In 1981, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the Leeward Islands was established with its Seat in St. John’s.  Known as the Baha’i Centre on Upper Nevis Street, it has recently relocated to new headquarters in Belle Vue Heights.

 The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Trade and Barbuda Affairs, E. P. Chet Greene will move the Second and Third Readings of the Consumer Protection Bill, 2024.   The Bill seeks to update the laws relating to consumer protection and the provision of goods and services.

The updates address many issues including the consumer affairs tribunal, receipt investigation and hearing of complaints and consumer rights.