Shame on NDP! Breaks laws on NHI, SS & Inland Revenue payments
Well the ruling NDP continues to provide their own evidence and at today's December 19, 2016 Third Sitting of the Second Session of the Third House of Assembly, Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith confirmed that one of his state-owned agency, Prospect Reef Hotel, is breaking the laws of the Virgin Islands (VI) by not complying with National Health Insurance (NHI), Social Security (SS) or Inland Revenue contributions.
It was in response to a question posed by Opposition Leader Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) about Prospect Reef and if they were complying with the laws to pay their NHI, SS and Inland Revenue.
SS, NHI & Payroll taxes for you not for me
However, Premier Smith this morning made an earth shattering disclosure that the state-owned Prospect Reef Hotel and Resort has not been paying its employees’ income tax, as well as Social Security and NHI contributions.
This is a contravention of the laws of the VI. In other words, the Government itself is breaking the laws it makes.
The Premier, whose portfolio includes Prospect Reef Hotel and Resort, said “it has been brought to my attention that Prospect Reef’s contribution to the BVI Social Security Board on behalf of its staff is outstanding from December 2012…"
In addition, Dr Smith- the Minister of Finance- also stated in the HoA that “it also has been brought to my attention that the contributions for the NHI have not been paid for the year..... Prospect Reef Resort is also delinquent in paying its payroll tax to Inland Revenue,” he told the public.
In demonstrating how embarrassed Premier Smith was and uncomfortable with the answers given to residents, he attempted to throw the state-owned hotel under the bus by claiming "my government does not have direct control over the affairs of Prospect Reef Resort."
More untruths by Dr Smith
This is another lie as the Board organised to oversee Prospect Reef was appointed by him in Cabinet and from time to time reports to his Permanent Secretary.
Meanwhile, the Opposition Leader Hon Fraser quickly rose to his feet in a rebuttal and said “I don’t see the relevance in pointing out to me that Prospect Reef is an independent company but 100 percent of the shares are owned by Government .....so I don’t know the point the Premier was making here,” Hon Fraser lectured.
Little man cut off but NDP goes free
It was about two weeks ago that the state-owned Social Security Board cut off many local and small businesses who have not paid in their NHI contributions. The SS Board continues to threaten to take small business owners to court to pay in their employees’ NHI and Social Security.
Meanwhile, many residents continue to be tired of the hypocrisy and double standards whereby government alone can get away with breaking the laws with no penalties while the ordinary resident must face the law if in violation.
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25 Responses to “Shame on NDP! Breaks laws on NHI, SS & Inland Revenue payments”
So, live with it... Given the chance in a few years, the same will happen. A vote is easily bought.
What the primer need to look into is the .....who is not from here. That is not ensuring the all taxes are being paid to the government. At the end of the day they can always packet up and leave. Why hire non locals for key positions when they have no interest in the well been of the country.
Lil man quick to get letter if the 21st of the month come and you don't submitt your paper work.