Contact: John Emmanuel

November 12, 1998 - The Government of St. Lucia today announced that it would be repeating an initiative, which it began last year, in granting concessions to the general public on the importation of Christmas Barrels.

The concessions are in keeping with an undertaking by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Dr. Kenny Anthony, in his statement to the House of Assembly back in November of 1997.

According to Dr. Anthony, the public had expressed satisfaction with the concessions provided last year and was calling for their renewal.

The concessions allow for the waiving of import duty and consumption tax on unsolicited personal items, food, clothing and other gift items contained in barrels imported during the Christmas season.

The number of barrels that would qualify for the concessions is limited to three per household, with an upper limit of EC $1,500 per barrel on the value of the items. The items would have to be for personal use and not for commercial application, with the usual fines being imposed if the goods are for commercial purposes.