Dorian exigency order extended for rest of year

Dorian exigency order extended for rest of year
Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis.

NASSAU,BAHAMAS – Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday announced the Hurricane Dorian exigency order has been extended until the end of the year.

Dr Minnis made the revelation during his wrap-up of the debate on the Disaster Preparedness and Response Bill, 2019.

“When I spoke last week I said that the exigency order would be extended to  December 2nd. Then we had a Cabinet meeting this morning and I am happy to announce that the exigency order will be extend to the end of December,” said Minnis.

The Exigency Order means that individuals who are directly impacted by the Hurricane in the affected areas can import approved goods duty free and VAT free based on the conditions outlined in the Order.

The tax breaks under the Exigency Order only apply to the approved islands of Abaco and the Abaco Cays, Grand Bahama Island, Sweetings Cay, Deep Water Cay and Water Cay.

Minnis during his address noted that persons particularly in the Abacos have had to ultize generators incurring fuel costs in addition to Value-Added Tax (VAT) on fuel.

“We will remove VAT off the fuel during these particular times so that those individuals will receive some relief,” said Minnis.

Minnis added: “The exigency order terminates December 31. What this would allow is a rebate of business license fees, a waiver, refund or reduction of VAT or zero rating on the importation of goods specified therein; exemption of any excise tax payable on the importation of goods specified therein; exemption of any tariff or tax of any kind on the importation of goods specified therein; and a waiver of any other fee, levy tax or duty payable under any other law.”