The Government of Grenada today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Grenada Taxi Council, which is made up of is made of four Taxi Associations of Grenada, for relief from duties and concession regarding the importation of vehicles by Taxi Owners/Operators as announced by the Minister for Finance in his 2008 Budget Speech.The Government has agreed to give 100% tax concessions on new vehicles being imported by members of the Council as a means of facilitating the improvement of the taxi and transportation services in Grenada, which is expected to create a positive impact on various business sectors, particularly the Tourism industry.
The Memorandum of Understanding thus formally documents the understanding between the Government and the Council toward the development of the taxi and transportation services and the tourism product in Grenada.
As part of the agreement Government agrees to grant concessions as follows:
1. The Concessions will be granted to a member of the Council every three year on the following conditions:
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(a) The concessions granted are only on new vehicles;
(b) Concessions are granted only to members of the Grenada Taxi Council who are in good standing with respective Taxi Organisation;
(c) Members obtain certification of good standing and approval in writing from either the President or Vice President of their respective Taxi Organisation in addition to three other signatures each being from any of the other three Taxi organizations;
(d) Members have received the necessary tourism training from Ministry of Tourism or such other training person or institution as directed by the Ministry of Tourism.
2. If a member is found to be or is accused of being in breach of one or more of the conditions, there will be an investigation after which the appropriate action will be taken.
3. The Government, in consultation with the Council will constitute an Implementation Committee for the implementation, processing and management of the concessions.Similarly the Council agrees to ensure that members adhere to the conditions under which the concessions are being granted especially with regards to verifying and monitoring that the vehicles are used for the purpose specified.
Signing the Memorandum were:
- Hon. Minister Anthony Boatswain, Minister of Economic Development and Planning;
- Hon. Minister Clarice Modeste-Curwen, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Performing Arts;
- Mr. Cletus St. Paul, Chairman of the Grenada Taxi Council;
- Mr. Cosmo Williams, representing the National Taxi Council;
- Mr. Roy Samuel, representing the Grenada Taxi Association; and
- Mr. Kenneth Bowen, representing the Grenada Airport Taxi Association.
In his remarks, Minister Boatswain said this initiative of Government seeks to provide a better opportunity for the Taxi Owners/Operators in the conduct of the business and provide a more pleasant experience for those who use their services.
Minister for Tourism, Hon. Clarice Modeste- Curwen explained that this initiative came about as a result of the consultations that were held prior to the presentation of the 2008 Budget and highlighted that it will assist in providing optimal service in Grenada thus making Grenada competitive in that respect.
Mr. Cletus St. Paul, Chairman of the Grenada Taxi Council, said that today is an historic day for Taxi Owners/Operators in Grenada since the concessions provide the opportunity for them to own better vehicles. He ensured that there will be an improvement in the service being provided in Grenada. He further explained that whereas not all of the Taxi Associations are currently part of the Council, it is expected that the remaining Taxi Associations will be incorporated into the Council in the near future so that they too can enjoy the benefits of the said concessions.
Ministry of Finance.
