December 9th 2009: Former Minister for Finance and former Prime Minister of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell says Opposition members are still greatly disturbed over the taxation policy of the NDC Government. Referring to the last sitting of the House of Representatives, Dr. Mitchell said the opposition was presented with documents proposing an increase in certain taxes, only minutes before the session started. He said although the Opposition requested more time to discuss the proposed increases with their constituents and the various sectors to be affected, the Government refused to grant additional time and proceeded to pass the bills through all their stages that day. He said the taxes which were passed in Parliament will only add a greater burden on the backs of Grenadians who are already severely affected by the current economic crisis. Referring to the new tax on cell phones calls, Opposition members says they could not support the Government’s decision to increase this tax from 0% to 20% as this will not only affect domestic users of cell phones but also a number of businesses. This will now result in higher prices to the customers as businesses will pass on any additional cost. The Opposition believes that because of the Government’s inability to manage the economy, it is arbitrarily imposing those taxes without any serious economic basis or consultation. The Opposition is therefore calling on the Government to change its taxation policy and to find more creative ways to raise revenues. The Opposition leader further calls on Government to get the wheels of Commerce going in the country and to take decisive actions to move Grenada out of the current crisis which the NDC created after assuming office. FROM: OFFICE OF THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION