by Linda Straker
- Ceremonial opening of 2nd Session of 11th Parliament was on Tuesday, 26 September 2023
- Traditional Throne Speech laid foundation for 2024 budget
- Legislative agenda for 2024 will seek approval from Members of Parliament to enact several new legislations
Besides the rollout of a new tax system, Grenada has announced that the legislative agenda for 2024 will be seeking approval from the Members of Parliament in both the Lower and Upper Houses to enact several new legislations including a Freedom of Information Act, a Fiscal Resilience Act, a Mental Health Act as well as amend several legislations.
Governor–General Dame Cécile La Grenade made the announcement while presenting the Throne Speech during the ceremonial opening of the 2nd Session of the 11th Parliament on Tuesday, 26 September 2023.
“My Government will pursue an ambitious legislative agenda to support our need… Priorities for this session of parliament will include the Energy Efficiency Act, Fiscal Resilience Act, Labour Code and Employment Amendment Bill, the Mental Health Bill; the Film Commission Bill; the Freedom of Information Bill; the Firearms Act, and the Crown Lands Act to name a few,” she said.
In a wide-ranging speech which provided a review of the achievement of the 1st session of the 11th Parliament which was prorogued on 4 September, the Head of State used the occasion to call on all citizens to work together for the success of the country. She also announced that some specific interventions from the Government will include, the rollout of the new tax system (GTAX) in the first quarter of 2024 which will focus on value-added tax; personal income tax and corporate tax instalments.
“Registered taxpayers for these categories of taxes will be able to conveniently file and pay their taxes through a web-based form, eliminating the need for field visits, thereby enhancing the taxpayer experience,” said the Governor-General, who disclosed other initiatives for the Government will include establishing free internet wireless points and digitalisation of passport services including online payments.
Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall, in an interview with the Government Information Service (GIS) immediately after the Governor General delivered the traditional Throne Speech, said that the speech laid the foundation for the 2024 budget. When asked about the tax administration of the country and the possibilities for 2024, he said, “I don’t want to jump the gun to say there will be new taxes on board.”
Grenada will be observing 50 years as an independent nation on 7 February 2024, and the theme for the parliamentary year is “Forward to 50, reflecting on our past, solidifying our future.”
I hope they are also putting into consideration tax returns as well for the person’s who are qualified fir same.