Meyers proposes development tax and wider tax reform in budget debate
MP Franklin Meyers urged new revenue measures, including a development and environmental impact tax, during Parliament’s 2027 budget debate.
MP Franklin Meyers proposed a development and environmental impact tax and called for tax reform during the continuation of Parliament’s 2027 national budget debate on Wednesday 4 November. Meyers said government needs new revenue sources to address roads, garbage collection and infrastructure demands.
Meyers said an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 residents are supporting infrastructure used by nearly two million visitors a year. He argued that tourism and private development place added demands on roads, utilities, public services and the environment, and said developers should contribute towards the infrastructure needed for their projects.
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Using a hypothetical 100-unit condominium development, Meyers said such projects can add demand for transportation, schools, roads and other public services. He also questioned whether government adequately assesses the quality of road contractors’ work and the materials used in road repairs.
Meyers called for a review of the tax system, saying pressure on businesses can affect salary increases, employee benefits and jobs. He also suggested that government review vehicle import duties with the French side in light of traffic congestion.
He said he intends to bring a motion concerning GEBE and possible solutions for the utility. Meyers also proposed that the Council of Ministers establish a committee or working group to assess investment needs for roads, public health, infrastructure and tourism marketing.
Meyers congratulated Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs on presenting the 2027 budget to Parliament on time. He said timely budget presentation should be followed by financial and policy decisions.
File photo: Niceley / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped, SXM Today mark added
