The duty-free list put in place by government shortly after Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017 has been extended to March 2018. Photo: VINO/File

Many persons had complained that they were unable to benefit from the duty free exemption list due to delays in getting monies from insurance companies and banks, prompting Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) to further extend the list. Photo: VINO/File

The announcement was made by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) during the final hours of the Twelfth Sitting of the Second Session of the Third House of Assembly on December 20, 2017.

While no mention was made of any changes on the list of exempted items, Premier Smith said, "We do recognise that many persons would not have gotten their finances in time and therefore it is important that everybody benefits from this exemption and that we should extend it for another three months."

He added, "What we plan to do Madam Speaker is to extend the duty free execemption on building materials for another three months, household furniture for another three months, vehicles for another three months, and parts for another three months."

Other items exempted are food, water, plumbing, generators, cleaning supplies, appliance and pharmaceuticals.

Residents get their wish

Many persons had complained that they were unable to benefit from the duty free exemption due to delays in getting monies from insurance companies.

The exemption was scheduled to end on December 31, 2017 but during a live radio programme on ZBVI 780 A.M. on November 19, 2017 residents called into the programme to ask the Premier for an extension on the duty-free exemption.

“I did say that we would review it in a timely manner, so chances are there will be an extension. I am not sure what areas, but we will be reviewing it shortly and then we will be able to make a statement,” the Premier had responded.

The Head of Government had also mentioned that persons who are calling for the extensions are those who have not yet received money from their insurance.

The Premier explained, “There are several reasons people are suggesting we renew it; for example, because of the delay in getting the payment from insurance companies it will take a little longer for them to order the materials. In fact, some people have not been paid as yet because it’s a lot of work for the insurance companies and so they will not be able to receive their supplies at the end of the year.”