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National Alliance Manifesto – Financial Program

nalogo24062014PHILIPSBURG:--- The National Alliance in its one year as a part of government with the Finance portfolio proposed a new tax structure taking us from direct to indirect taxes, and leaving our citizens with more money in their pockets to spend and circulate within the community and the businesses with more money to invest in their business. This proposal was well on its way, but was soon dead in the water when the NA was put out of Government.
The NA also focused on compliance of businesses in order to meet our financial obligations and be able to provide the necessary services required in the community. A compliance level of 30% indicates that many businesses on St. Maarten are not contributing their fair share leaving the burden on just a few businesses. If every business pays its fair share, the total individual contribution of every business will be significantly reduced (lower taxes).
The following points includes many of our goals from the NA 2010 party program as we have not had the opportunity to govern for four years and follow through on these plans to bring financial accountability, effective and efficient use of human resources, facilities and services to the benefit of the general public of St. Maarten. The tax burden on individuals and businesses must be lowered, which will induce a reduction in prices of goods and thus in the cost of living on St. Maarten.

  •  Create a New & Simple Tax Structure which will ensure higher rates of compliance while phasing out the old tax system over a period of five (5) years.
    •  Eliminate Profit Tax and replace with a more transparent tax levy
    •  Deductions can be only requested if business fits in special criteria e. g. promotion of a particular business sector
    •  Categorization of businesses in five categories based on the outcome of a study by a firm specializing in Tax Reforms.
    •  All direct taxes to be phased out, no wage and income taxes will be levied on salaries.
    • All businesses must implement a 'Point of Sale' system to track new indirect tax.
    •  Simple tax system will allow Government to modernize collection procedures to make payments easier via internet banking.
    •  Increase compliance via a mandate that payments be made by the fifteenth (15th) of each month or face the automatic levying of fines.
  • • Promote the following to ensure that government generates revenues between 500 – 550 million yearly to be able to meet the financial needs of St. Maarten.
    •  A closed Civil Aviation Registry, Restoration of SXM's CAT 1 status (SXM Airport), Enhance SXM Airport as number 1 hub in aviation of the Caribbean
    •  Look into investing in a National Carrier serving regional and international destinations based on our strategic position
    •  A closed Maritime Registry with the Maritime Department focused on the promotion of regulation within the growing Maritime industry
    •  A National Lottery for St. Maarten
    •  An efficient Public Registration of Motor Vehicles Division for the public monitoring of vehicular activities – including Inspection, Number plates etc.
    • Set Policies for Concession fees for income generating Government-Owned Companies and Foundations to contribute a standard percentage of profits after taxes to go directly into Funding Agencies and/or Educational, Health, Sports, Art and Cultural Programs within the community.
    •  Increase Public/Private partnerships for the building, upgrading and maintenance of: Garbage Incinerator (Waste to Energy Plant), Sewage Plant, Utilities, Road Construction, Fuel Tank Farm and Agriculture
    •  Stimulate and regulate E-Zone Commerce
    •  Implement/Enforce Laws and Manage the registration, monitoring and control of Intellectual Properties, copyrights, patents etc.
  •  Convert Tourism from Seasonal to Year Round on St. Maarten:
    •  Optimizing/Enhancing SXM's geographical and strategic location
    • Expanding Market base outside of North America and Europe to Latin America and other regions
    •  Utilizing our strategic geographical position to expand on our Caribbean visitors by offering specials in cooperation with hotels and guesthouses.
  • Reduce Government expenditures where possible
    •  Reduce the misuse/disuse of Government facilities, vehicles and amenities
    •  Implement the use of green energy at Government Facilities, including schools and sports facilities
    • Implement water saving techniques at all Government Facilities, Schools and Sports facilities
    •  Improve the transparency of the bidding process to secure best price for Government projects
    •  Improve on timely payments to third parties to build confidence in the business community thereby stimulating small business
    • Promote small businesses' ability to offer services to government
  •  Ensure governments cash reserves remain at a level to guarantee ability to qualify for Capital Loans for the execution of large projects such as Hospital, Schools, Road Networks, Sports and Arts Facilities.

NA Press Release

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