Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley says he is not afraid of being voted out because of property tax
Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago – March 2024 – Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has affirmed his government’s commitment to proceeding with the implementation of property tax, even if it risks impacting the next general election. He made these assertive comments during the debate on the Property Tax (Amendment) Bill 2024 in Parliament last evening.
Dr. Rowley strongly asserted to Parliament that property tax is the only viable mechanism to sufficiently fund local government and enable it to meet the diverse needs of its burgesses. He elaborated that the central government currently faces limitations in properly funding local government, underscoring the necessity of this revenue stream for essential services and community development.
The Prime Minister also criticized Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for complaining about the timeframe provided to prepare for the debate on the motion. She had stated that Parliamentarians were only notified on Friday, which she argued did not afford them sufficient time to thoroughly evaluate the complex legislation.
Despite the Opposition’s objections and concerns, the Property Tax (Amendment) Bill 2024 was passed, a key outcome being the reduction of the residential property tax rate from 3% to 2% of the annual rental valuation. This legislative step marks a significant moment in Trinidad and Tobago’s ongoing fiscal reform.
