Call for Progressive Implementation of Property Tax

Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago – While the government and opposition continue their debate over the implementation of property tax, the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) is questioning the prioritization of certain property types. Political Leader David Abdullah has specifically criticized the government’s decision to target residential properties in the initial phase of implementing the property tax.

Abdullah argues that the stamp duty paid on properties should suffice as compensation for the land and believes that imposing an additional property tax, particularly on homeowners, amounts to taxing the population twice for their lands. He expressed his belief that industrial and commercial properties should have been targeted first, given their often higher economic activity and potential for revenue generation.

The MSJ’s stance highlights a call for a more progressive implementation of the property tax, urging the government to reconsider its phased approach to ensure greater equity and lessen the burden on residential property owners.

Kandace Jackson has more details on this report, including David Abdullah’s full critique of the current property tax policy in Trinidad and Tobago.