Jagdeo “tempted” to take Sharma before Privileges Committee

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo says he is tempted to take Minister within the Finance Ministry, Jaipaul Sharma before the Privileges Committee for repeating the false statement that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) granted some $55B in tax breaks to “family and friends.”

Jagdeo today debunked this accusation, which he said was first stated by Finance Minister Winston Jordan in his Budget speech.

Making reference to a list, he said the $55B in tax breaks went to Churches, remigrants and Charitable Organizations, among other categories illegible for this concession.

The Opposition Leader instead accused the Government of removing some $5B in tax breaks from businesses. He said Tax breaks to Churches and Charitable Organizations was reduced from $2B to $1.4B and other reductions for remigrants.

However, according to Jagdeo Government Ministries continue to receive huge tax breaks, which allows the Prime Minister to bring in vehicles for personal use tax free, while Value Added Tax is added to baby supplies and other critical products.