Second thoughts

Article by GERALYN EDWARD

THE FREUNDEL STUART ADMINISTRATION is preparing to take another look at the most controversial aspects of the May 31 Budget, with a possible adjustment to the ten per cent levy on imports.

The 400 per cent increase in the National Social Responsibility Levy (NSRL) is likely to be the main target. The ten per cent imposition, which comes into force on July 1, is being blamed for across-the-board increases in most products, from cars to cheddar cheese.

And under heavy criticism by some trade unionists and the private sector, Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler yesterday summoned key executives to his Government Headquarters office for a confab.

The MIDWEEK NATION was informed the session, which included top officials from the Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA), Barbados Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) and the Barbados Bankers’ Association (BBA), was “robust”, with Sinckler getting an earful from the private sector and the minister being “forthright” with the executives. (GE)

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